Biocentro Güembé: A 24-Hectare Nature Park Near Santa Cruz

Biocentro Güembé spreads across 24 hectares of tropical forest and gardens just 7 kilometers from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, along the road to Porongo. It opened in 2005 with a single butterfly house and now holds a bird aviary, orchid garden, monkey island, two lagoons, and 15 swimming pools. The park draws about 335 rescued animals, including 37 bird species and three types of monkeys.

What to See and Do Inside the Park

The Butterfly House and Aviary

The mariposario was the park's first attraction, and it still anchors a visit. Blue Morpho butterflies are the showpiece, though their numbers swing with the season — January tends to bring the most, while May and June can be thin. The walk-through aviary is the stronger experience for many visitors: parrots and toucans land close enough to photograph, and a tower at the top gives a canopy-level view over the Urubó greenery. Guides are stationed at both exhibits during peak hours.

Orchids, Monkeys, and the Nature Trails

An orchid garden displays species native to the Santa Cruz lowlands, and the Isla de los Monos puts capuchin and squirrel monkeys on a small island ringed by water. A termite mound, a beehive exhibit, and a working ant colony round out the smaller displays. Ecological trails wind through the property, but they are short and flat — this is a stroll, not a hike. Most people cover the animal and plant exhibits in 90 minutes to two hours.

Pools, Lagoons, and Adventure Activities

Fifteen pools sit on the resort side of the property, and admission is included in the entrance fee — unlike at La Rinconada, where pools cost extra. Kayaks and small boats are available on the two lagoons. The park also runs a zip line, a canopy course, and a mini-golf course; mini-golf requires a 100-boliviano deposit for the clubs, refunded when you return them. Lockers cost 20 bolivianos, plus a 50-boliviano key deposit.

Planning Your Visit

Hours, Tickets, and Booking

Opening hours run roughly 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the park is commonly closed on Mondays — confirm before you go, since schedules shift seasonally. Adult admission has hovered around 140 bolivianos in recent years, with lower rates for children; fees are subject to change, so check the official site or call ahead for current rates. Day tours from Santa Cruz hotels are widely sold, starting around US$62 per adult for a private full-day trip, typically with pickup at 10 a.m. and a 15-minute drive to the gate. Booking direct is cheaper if you have your own transport.

Getting There

The park sits at Km 7 on the Camino a Porongo, in the Urubó district, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the Equipetrol hotel zone. Rideshare apps like Uber and InDrive are the easiest option and cost far less than a hotel taxi. Public buses on lines 43, 32, 29, and 35 stop near the entrance, but the walk from the final stops is long and not well signposted — I would not recommend it for a first visit. Arrange your return ride before you leave in the afternoon; drivers are scarcer out here after 5 p.m.

Best Time to Go and What to Bring

Santa Cruz is hot year-round, and the park's exposed paths make midday brutal from November through February. Aim for a weekday morning arrival, ideally right at opening — weekends bring crowds from the city, and the pools fill by noon. January is the best month for butterfly numbers; the dry, cooler months from May to August are more comfortable for walking but quieter in the butterfly house. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The on-site restaurant serves an international menu and a buffet, but reviews are mixed and prices run high, so many visitors pack snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Biocentro Güembé worth visiting from Santa Cruz?

Yes, if you want a low-effort nature day close to the city. The aviary and butterfly house justify the trip on their own, and the pools make it a full-day outing for families. Travelers looking for serious hiking or wildlife photography should set expectations lower — the trails are short and the animals are in enclosures.

How long should I spend at Biocentro Güembé?

Three hours covers the animal exhibits and gardens at an easy pace. Add two to three more hours if you plan to swim, kayak, or eat on site. Organized day tours run about 7 hours including hotel transfers, which gives a realistic picture of a comfortable visit.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Walk-in tickets are usually available on weekdays. For weekends, holidays, and the December–February high season, reserve online or by phone a day or two ahead — the pools and restaurant get busy. Day tours should be booked at least 48 hours ahead, since most operators offer free cancellation up to that point.

What animals can I see at Biocentro Güembé?

The park houses roughly 335 animals. Expect toucans, parrots, and other tropical birds in the aviary, three monkey species around Monkey Island, and Blue Morpho butterflies in the mariposario. Several animals here were confiscated from illegal wildlife trafficking, so the collection changes as rescues arrive and are released.

Is the park accessible for visitors with limited mobility?

The main paths to the butterfly house, aviary, and restaurant are paved and mostly flat. The nature trails and lagoon areas have uneven ground and are harder with a wheelchair or stroller. Ask staff at the entrance for the shortest route to the aviary, which avoids the longer garden loop.