La Ruta del Che (the Che Guevara Trail)

Location:
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Cultural Tour

By Daniel T. Johnson

Santa Cruz is an important kicking-off point for the recently founded Che Guevara Trail, which follows the route of Che’s 1967 Bolivian Campaign that resulted in his capture and execution. The trail itself, marked with painted signs posted along country roads, has two main sections covering more than 100 square miles. The most popular section heads from Santa Cruz to La Higuera—the site of Che’s capture and eventual death—where a large white bust of Che stands over the town where his corporal life came to an end. Every year, pilgrims traverse this section of the trail to pay homage to one of Latin America’s known figures. For those interested in the full experience, head first from Santa Cruz to Lagunillas, the site of Che's original base camp, and make your way toward La Higuera. You can hire a tour operator in Santa Cruz (most companies offer three-day packages) or do the tour by yourself by either renting a vehicle or traveling by bus and taxi.

Getting There
Look for a tour operator in Santa Cruz or hire a car and do it yourself.