Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra sprawls, and that's exactly what makes it worth exploring on two wheels. Ride out past the second ring to the Cristo Redentor to get your bearings, then let the streets pull you toward Plaza 24 de Septiembre, where the cathedral bells set the pace of the old town below. On weekends, locals point their bikes south to the sand dunes of Lomas de Arena, and further out, the road toward Samaipata climbs into the Andean foothills — a ride that trades city noise for switchbacks and cloud forest air.

This is a flat, ring-shaped city built for distance, not for walking. A taxi gets stuck in the same traffic you're trying to avoid, and public transport rarely goes exactly where you want. A motorcycle cuts straight across the rings, gets you to Biocentro Güembé or the botanical garden without a detour, and turns the half-day run out to Samaipata and Amboró — with its curves and viewpoints like Laguna Volcán — into the highlight of the trip rather than a logistical headache.

Top 10 things to see in Santa Cruz de la Sierra by motorcycle

1. Cristo Redentor — the city's landmark statue on the second ring, an easy first stop to orient yourself.
2. Plaza 24 de Septiembre — the historic central square, a natural start or finish for a loop through downtown.
3. Catedral Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo — right on the plaza, with a rooftop viewpoint over the old town.
4. Parque Urbano Lomas de Arena — sand dunes and a lagoon a short ride south, a favorite weekend destination.
5. Jardín Botánico Municipal — a big green space on the edge of town with pleasant roads circling it.
6. Biocentro Güembé — a resort just outside the city with pools and wildlife, a classic scenic ride.
7. Samaipata — a mountain town about two hours west on Ruta 7, one of the region's best-known motorcycle routes.
8. El Fuerte de Samaipata — a pre-Columbian archaeological site near town, easy to combine with the ride out.
9. Parque Nacional Amboró — cloud forest reachable off the Samaipata road, popular with riders chasing curves and nature.
10. Laguna Volcán — a scenic lagoon and viewpoint near Bermejo, a favorite stop on the way to Samaipata.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

You'll need a licence that covers motorcycles; most rental shops accept your home-country licence, though carrying an International Driving Permit alongside it is strongly recommended. The general minimum driving age in Bolivia is 18, but many operators set their own higher minimum, so it's worth checking with the shop when you book. Expect to leave a deposit, usually in cash or against your passport, with the exact amount varying by operator and by bike.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

Average rental prices run around 170-190 BOB per day in low season, rising to roughly 230-280 BOB per day in high season. Larger-displacement or newer bikes, better suited to the Samaipata run, cost more — typically 300-400+ BOB per day.

• Prices climb during June-August, the dry season and peak tourism months.
• Carnival season (February-March) also pushes demand and prices up.
• November-January, and the quieter rainy months outside Carnival, are the cheapest time to book.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

High season runs roughly May to October, with June-August as the busiest and priciest stretch. If you want lower rates and more availability, aim for November to January or the shoulder rainy months, just steer clear of Carnival week if you're chasing a bargain. Booking a few days ahead during the dry season is a good habit, since the best bikes for longer rides like Samaipata tend to go first.

Local traffic rules in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Bolivia drives on the right, and helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger — expect this to be enforced visibly around the city. Speed limits are posted in km/h and are lower within the rings than on the highways out toward Samaipata, so ride to the signs rather than to habit. Drink-driving is illegal and checkpoints are common on weekend nights, so treat riding after any alcohol as off the table. Keep your licence, IDP and proof of insurance on you at all times — police checks are routine, especially heading out of town.

If you're planning to rent a motorcycle in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!