80-Metre Waterfall · Swimming · Guided Forest Treks · Bird & Wildlife Watching · Full Day
About this experience
Just 70 kilometres from Santa Cruz, hidden in the forests that border the southern edge of Amboró National Park, lies one of Bolivia’s most spectacular and least-visited natural sites: the Jardín de las Delicias waterfalls. Three cascades — the tallest exceeding 80 metres — plunge through dense subtropical forest into pools clear enough to swim in. Most visitors to Bolivia never know this place exists.
The drive from Santa Cruz takes approximately two hours, passing through the foothills of the Andes as the landscape transitions from flat lowland plains to the more rugged terrain of the Amboró buffer zone. Upon arrival, a short forest walk brings you to the base of the first and largest waterfall — a setting that consistently surprises visitors who expected something more modest.
The full day includes guided forest treks, swimming in the natural pools, a picnic lunch, and afternoon explorations. Bird life along the forest trails is excellent — the transitional zone between lowland and cloud forest supports a wide variety of species. Monkeys are occasionally sighted. This is a genuinely off-the-beaten-track experience available to those who take the time to find it.
Unlike many of Bolivia’s best nature destinations, Jardín de las Delicias can be visited comfortably in a single day from Santa Cruz — while still feeling wild, natural, and far away from the city.
Tour Highlights
Visit Jardín de las Delicias — 3 cascades, the main fall exceeding 80 metres, in the Amboró region
Swim in natural pools fed by the falls — depending on weather and water safety conditions
Forest trail hike — around 45 minutes to the main waterfalls with steep downhill sections
Excellent birding and possible sightings of Military Macaws, toucans, tropical birds, and butterflies
Chance to see sloths and monkeys in the Amboró buffer zone forest
Outstanding photography opportunities — waterfalls, mist zones, forest light, and wildlife
Picnic lunch served in the forest near the falls — a genuinely peaceful escape from the city
Private tour with hotel pickup, AC transport, bilingual guide, and flexible timing
Tour Details
price includes
price excludes
Packing List
Destination Type
what to bring
Your guide and driver pick you up from your hotel, hostel, or agreed meeting point in Santa Cruz de la Sierra at 08:30. From here, the journey heads towards the Amboró region — passing through rural landscapes, agricultural areas, and the foothills of the Andes. The guide narrates the ecology of the Amboró National Park buffer zone and the geological forces that created the waterfall system.
The drive takes approximately two hours, with good roadside birding through the forest edge. We arrive at the park registration point at approximately 10:30 AM, register locally, and begin the forest walk.
A short walk through forest brings us to the base of the first and largest cascade — an 80-metre fall that creates a permanent mist zone at its base and a substantial swimming pool fed by the overflow. The guide explains the geology, ecology, and hydrology of the system while guests explore the area, swim where conditions allow, photograph, and experience the atmosphere of this remote forest setting.
After time at the main falls, the guide leads a trek to the second and third cascades, each with its own character and swimming opportunities. The surrounding forest is excellent for birding, with a running commentary on species observed. The morning is flexible — if guests prefer to spend all the time at one waterfall, that is entirely possible.
A fresh picnic lunch is served at approximately 12:30 at a scenic spot in the forest near the waterfalls — a genuinely peaceful escape, far removed from the city. This is a relaxed moment to rest, recharge, and take in the surroundings.
After lunch, the afternoon is available for continued exploration, additional trekking, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, or simply relaxing by the water. The return hike from the falls usually takes around 45 minutes to one hour — this section is uphill and can feel more challenging in warm or humid conditions, but is manageable for most travellers with a moderate fitness level.
We depart the Jardín de las Delicias area at approximately 17:00 for the return drive to Santa Cruz, arriving at your hotel at approximately 19:00. End of service.
~45 minutes
Steep downhill · Uphill return · Can be muddy
The descent to the waterfalls includes steep sections. The return journey is uphill and can feel more demanding in hot or humid weather, but is manageable for most travellers with moderate fitness. Good footwear with grip is strongly recommended. This tour is not recommended for travellers with serious knee, mobility, or balance problems.
Nature & Wildlife
Jardín de las Delicias is primarily known for its waterfalls, swimming areas, and forest scenery — but the surrounding Amboró region is also one of Bolivia’s most biodiverse zones. The transition between lowland tropical forest and the foothills of the Andes creates an exceptional habitat range, supporting a wide variety of species.
During the tour, there is a real chance to see tropical birds, butterflies, lizards, and occasionally mammals. Military Macaws may also be observed, especially when active and moving through the forested valleys. As with all wildlife in natural environments, sightings depend on season, weather, timing, and luck.
For travellers interested in dedicated wildlife or birdwatching, Nick’s Adventures Bolivia offers specialist wildlife, birdwatching, and mammal-watching tours in other areas of Santa Cruz and Bolivia. This tour is primarily focused on waterfalls, swimming, and nature scenery.
wildlife possible in the area
Best Time to Visit
The tour is available year-round, but conditions vary considerably between seasons. The dry season — generally July to November — offers the most comfortable hiking, clearest water, and most reliable access. During the wet season, the waterfalls can be more dramatic and powerful, but heavy rain may affect trail conditions, swimming safety, and road access.
Quick Reference
| Duration | Full day (approx. 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM) |
|---|---|
| Departure | ~8:30 AM from Santa Cruz |
| Arrival at Falls | ~10:30 AM |
| Departure from Falls | ~5:00 PM |
| Return to Santa Cruz | ~7:00 PM |
| Tour Type | Private day tour · Nature · Waterfall · Hiking |
| Region | El Torno · Amboró Region · Santa Cruz Department |
| Difficulty | Moderate — steep downhill to falls, uphill return (~45 min – 1 hr) |
| Best Season | July to November (dry season) |
| Suitable For | Families, couples, photographers, nature lovers, soft-adventure travellers |
Is This Tour Right For You?
⚠ Important Notes
Jardín de las Delicias is a natural area — the tour depends on weather, water levels, road access, and local trail conditions. Heavy rain can affect access, swimming safety, water clarity, and the route used on the day.
For safety reasons, the guide may adjust the itinerary before or during the tour. Swimming is only possible when conditions are confirmed safe by the guide on the day.
Wildlife sightings (sloths, monkeys, Military Macaws, birds) are possible but never guaranteed. The focus of this tour is waterfalls, swimming, scenery, photography, and hiking near Santa Cruz.
Our team replies within a few hours. We also speak Spanish and English.
Yes. Jardín de las Delicias is one of the best private day trips from Santa Cruz for travellers who want waterfalls, swimming, forest scenery, photography, and a relaxed nature experience close to the city. The drive takes around two hours each way, making it very accessible as a full-day excursion.
This is a full-day tour. We usually leave Santa Cruz at around 8:30 AM, arrive at the falls at approximately 10:30 AM, depart the area around 5:00 PM, and arrive back in Santa Cruz around 7:00 PM — depending on road and weather conditions.
The hike to the main waterfalls usually takes around 45 minutes and includes some steep downhill sections. The return hike is uphill and usually takes around 45 minutes to one hour. It is suitable for most travellers with a moderate fitness level, but good walking shoes with strong grip are strongly recommended. The tour is not recommended for travellers with serious knee, mobility, or balance problems.
Swimming is often possible in the natural pools, but it depends on water levels, weather, and safety conditions on the day. Your guide will advise where it is safe to swim. Bring swimwear and a towel regardless, as conditions are frequently suitable during the dry season.
There is a chance to see birds, butterflies, lizards, sloths, monkeys, and Military Macaws in the area, but sightings are not guaranteed. This is mainly a waterfall and nature tour rather than a specialist wildlife safari. The Amboró buffer zone is genuinely biodiverse, and wildlife encounters are a real bonus of visiting this area.
Yes. This tour can be suitable for families, especially those who enjoy nature, swimming, and hiking. Families with young children should contact us in advance about current trail and river conditions before booking, as the trail includes some steep sections.
Jardín de las Delicias is located in the Amboró region near the protected area's buffer zone. It is commonly visited as part of the wider Amboró waterfall and nature circuit from Santa Cruz, and the surrounding forest shares the same extraordinary biodiversity of the national park.
The tour is usually best from July to November during the dry season, when trails are more stable, water is clear, and swimming is most reliable. However, the site can be visited year-round — during the wet season the waterfalls are more powerful and dramatic, though heavy rain can affect access and trail conditions.