Remote Bolivian border town where nature meets cultural crossroads
Sunsas is a small, remote settlement located in the Santa Cruz Department of eastern Bolivia, near the border with Brazil. It sits within the broader Chiquitania region, a landscape defined by savanna, dry forests, and wetlands that blend into the Pantanal ecosystem. The town is little-visited by international tourists, giving it an authentic, unhurried character.
The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity and forms part of a corridor connecting protected natural areas. Travelers who make the effort to reach Sunsas are rewarded with wildlife encounters, dramatic open landscapes, and a glimpse into the daily life of Chiquitano communities who have inhabited this region for centuries.
- •Serranía de Sunsas — ancient rocky hills offering panoramic views and hiking
- •Pantanal wetland edges — seasonal wildlife including capybaras, caimans, and exotic birds
- •Chiquitano dry forests — rare ecosystem with endemic flora and fauna
- •Bolivia-Brazil border crossing — a quiet, culturally blended frontier experience
- •Local Chiquitano communities — traditional crafts, music, and indigenous heritage
Getting around: Sunsas is accessible primarily by road from San Ignacio de Velasco or Puerto Suárez, with rough unpaved tracks requiring a 4WD vehicle during the wet season. Local minibuses and shared taxis connect nearby towns on irregular schedules. There is no rail service or rideshare app coverage in this remote area, so hiring a private vehicle or joining an organized tour is strongly recommended.
Best time: Visit during the dry season from May to September when roads are passable and wildlife concentrates around water sources.
Local food: Try locro de gallina (chicken stew), majao (dried beef with rice and plantain), and fresh tropical fruits sold by local vendors.
This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.