Concepcion

By Karen Hartburn

just a four hour skip away from santa cruz, along a good paved road with beautiful views, concepción is often touted as the prettiest town on the jesuit missions circuit. the lush surrounding countryside is also a big draw and it’s the perfect place to chill out for a few days and soak up some local culture and stunning scenery.heading north from santa cruz, concepción is the second town on the jesuit mission circuit, situated 60 kilometers east of san xavier and about 160 kilometers west of san ignacio de velasco.the town was founded under the name la inmaculada concepción in 1699, but the settlement was short lived and was re-founded in 1709 by friars francisco lucas caballero and francisco hervás, only to be moved again to its current location in 1722. friar francisco lucas caballero was killed just two years after his arrival by the local puyzoca tribe, one of the few instances of violence during the jesuits’ influx to the region. the mission complex was built just over 30 years later; it includes the church, convent and mission museum and is regarded by many as the most beautiful missionary complex in the chiquitos. it was restored in the late 1970’s and early 1980s and is the most colorful of all the jesuit mission churches. the surrounding buildings are built in a similar style and provide a picturesque border to the flora filled plaza.there are a couple of interesting museums in the centre, including the museo antropológico de la chiquitania which documents the lives and customs of indigenous groups in the chiquitos. you can also visit one of the artisanias in town to buy some locally produced handicrafts.the beautiful represa concepción, a few kilometres from town, is the perfect place to spend a tranquil afternoon by the waters, soaking up a few rays, having a swim or just taking in the attractive surroundings. you can also visit a number of indigenous communities, found to the south of the town. concepción is also famous for its orchids, which it celebrates with pride in its annual festival internacional de la qrquídea.concepción has plenty of accommodation options, from eco-resorts outside of town to basic digs in the center. there are also a number of eateries in and around the plaza and along calle santa cruz.

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