MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · BOLIVIA
Bolivia Motorcycle Trip: The Jesuit Mission
The “Bolivia Motorcycle Journey: The Jesuit Mission by Motorcycle” is a compact motorcycle tour through the breathtaking lowlands of Bolivia (Chiquitania), combining driving fun with cultural and natural experiences.
The Journey
The Jesuit Mission Motorcycle Tour
This tour is perfect for motorcyclists seeking an adventure trip through Bolivia, especially those who appreciate photography and cultural highlights. The difficulty level is "Easy", ideal for participants with little to no experience on gravel roads who still want to venture on an exciting off-road Bolivia tour. The "Mission" tour leads to the impressive, 300-year-old Jesuit missions, the only ones still preserved in South America. These seven fascinating mission churches, which have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991, are a highlight for any culture enthusiast. Highest riding summit: 1,650m (Samaipata). In addition to the cultural aspects, the Chiquitania region offers a variety of natural attractions that can be perfectly integrated into a motorcycle trip through Bolivia. For adventurers aged 30 to 60, this is an ideal opportunity to experience a motorcycle holiday in Bolivia while discovering the scenic and historical highlights of the country. A motorcycle expedition in South America is always a special experience. With our experienced tour guide, this journey will also be safe and well-organized despite the challenges on-site - such as fuel shortages or unforeseen changes. Such expeditions combine the appeal of an adventure holiday for adults with the opportunity to experience Bolivia's breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. Flexibility is key to make the most of this South America motorcycle adventure.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Pickup at the airport in Viru viru, Santa Cruz
Your motorcycle trip through Bolivia to the Jesuit missions begins today. We will pick you up at the airport in Santa Cruz/Bolivia and then drive to the small town of Samaipata (120 km, 2.5 hours). There we will check into a comfortable hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring. If your flight arrives late, you will need to spend the night in Santa Cruz. In this case, the following day will be counted as Day 1.
Samaipata
We begin with an introduction in which we learn more about safe driving, our route, local traffic regulations, and each other. To get accustomed to our motorcycles, we ride to the archaeological site "El Fuerte". This ancient Inca city, which has developed around the much older largest stone sculpture in the Americas, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some believe it to be an ancient alien landing field!
To San Javier (elevation 540 m)
Early in the morning, we start our tour on a winding asphalt road towards Santa Cruz. After leaving the traffic behind, we cross the Rio Grande over a huge modern bridge that runs parallel to the old railway/road bridge from 1959 in Puerto Paila. After two hours of relaxed driving, we stop to admire the impressive mission church of San Javier.
To San Ignacio de Velasco (altitude 410 m)
In San Javier we visit the first Jesuit mission church with a museum from 1752, then Concepcion, the capital of the missions, where we visit the majestic church. After lunch, we drive through farming communities and take a special gravel road that leads to a mysterious black rock in the jungle. The next stop is the fully restored mission church in San Ignacio. For the rest of the afternoon, we can swim in a nearby lake or observe local life in the main plaza.
To San José de Chiquitos
After breakfast, the gravel road part of the tour begins, and with a bit of luck, we might see some capybaras (large rodents) on our way to the small village of San Miguel, where time passes more leisurely. We visit a wood art workshop and of course the mission church. The next destination on our route is the impressive mission church of San Rafael, whose contents have been preserved for 300 years. After a photo stop, we continue our journey to the hidden Santa Anna mission (optional excursion, depending on group agreement). For lunch, we stop at a Mennonite religious center's inn. In the late afternoon, we reach our destination: San José de Chiquitos. A photo of the mission church is a must.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Santiago de Chiquitos (Altitude 620 m)
In the morning we drive on the highway towards Brazil on a well-developed asphalt road to the small village of Chochis. No excursion would be complete without a view of the huge 180 m high rock that stands alone and dominates the landscape. After a short visit to the sanctuary, we reach our hotel in Santiago de Chiquitos, the last mission church of the tour. This last church is architecturally different from the others, but just as spectacular to photograph. In the afternoon we drive to the "Aguas Calientes," a hot river with magical powers. Here we are nibbled by hundreds of little fish, which many visitors perceive as a massage.
To San José de Chiquitos
In the morning we drive to the viewpoint Cumbre de Santiago. Here we are presented with the sharp transition into the Amazon basin, surrounded by mysterious phallic rock formations - a panorama that should not be missed. After lunch, we return to San José de Chiquitos.
Samaipata
We are driving back on the highway towards Brazil, crossing the Rio Grande and heading towards the metropolis of Santa Cruz. One last special ride awaits us: a very narrow suspension bridge. Caution, it sways! On a winding mountain road, accompanied by wonderful memories and experiences, we head back to Samaipata. The hotel pool is already waiting for us …
After Santa Cruz
Late in the morning, we make our way to Santa Cruz, where we can spend the day relaxing in the plaza and buying souvenirs. In the evening, we enjoy our farewell dinner.
To the airport
It is always sad to say goodbye. But who knows? You wouldn't be the first to come back.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
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Trip includes
- Rental motorcycle: Suzuki DR650SE including SOAT insurance and fuel
- 3 meals per day
- All accommodation in double rooms
- Airport transfers
- Multilingual guide on the motorcycle (The guide speaks five languages)
- Support vehicle (also for luggage transport starting from 3 participants)
- Admission fees
- Medically trained guide according to IERCC
- Travel security certificate (bankruptcy protection according to BGB §651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
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Specially prepared new Suzuki DR650SE Dual Sport motorcycles (models 2018/2024) are used.
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It lasts a total of 10 days.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
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