Terrasol Apartamentos

My sons (11 and 14 years old) recently stayed at Terrasol for the entire month of July and I strongly recommend staying here. Danilo (the owner) picked us up from the airport himself, called for taxis when needed (even for a 6am flight), sent one of his employees with me to purchase a local phone, and arranged for the exchange of some of USD to Bolivianos while I was away with my sons. He and his friendly staff are available 24 hours/day to help with whatever is needed. The apartment itself was spacious and clean and housekeeping cleans and changes linens regularly. The full kitchen was invaluable with two growing boys (cereal and milk are a snack staple for us). Laundry service is available for a few $/kilo and is returned ironed and folded within a day or two. Hot showers are reliable as is the free wi-fi (both not always the case in Bolivia). We'd been warned off the location as unsafe, but we never had an incident or even a moment when we felt unsafe. The city center is a lively, vibrant spot -- full of restaurants and stores and Terrasol is down the street from a huge outdoor market where locals shop for everything they (and you) might need. There is a Tia supermarket a few blocks away that carries a great assortment of standard grocery items and a bakery around the corner with ridiculously affordable saltinas and bread. The Plaza is a lovely, interesting place to walk around during the day and evening -- full of families and children, seniors playing chess, etc. The Cathedral is a beautiful community place with people going in and out all of the time. Santa Cruz isn't as tourist-heavy as other parts of Bolivia and although we stood out as non-locals, we never felt endangered or even uncomfortable. If you come to Santa Cruz, know that Danilo and his staff at Terrasol will make you feel welcome and cared for and that the inner-ring should be explored and enjoyed rather than feared and avoided.