Samaipata

Santa Cruz Department · Nature and hiking

Samaipata is a charming, peaceful village between the Andes and the forest, where many travellers stay longer than planned. You visit El Fuerte, a huge rock carved by pre-Inca peoples, walk among the giant ferns of Amboró and watch condors. Good restaurants, a relaxed vibe and a pleasant climate.

1,650 maltitude

2 to 3 daysto spend there

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Things to do

El Fuerte de Samaipata: a pre-Inca carved rock
Amboró's giant fern forest
Las Cuevas waterfalls
Condors at La Pajcha and Codo de los Andes

What to eat

World food in SamaipataMany foreigners have settled in the village: good restaurants, sourdough bread, artisan cheeses and local wines.
MajaditoRice cooked with charque or chicken, served with a fried egg and fried plantain. The dish of Santa Cruz and the Beni.
Tarija wineHigh-altitude wines (up to 2,000 m): tannat, malbec, muscat. Tastings at the valley's bodegas.

Tip. An ideal stop on the old Cochabamba to Santa Cruz road. Mild climate.

Also here

UNESCO Fuerte de Samaipata

How to get to Samaipata

Amboró 4x4 tour or excursion · 1 h by 4x4
Guided trip from Samaipata.
Laguna Volcán Road (bus, car) · about 1 h 30
Samaipata road.
Santa Cruz Road (bus, car) · 2 h 30 to 3 h
Shared taxis and trufis from Santa Cruz (Avenida Grigotá, 4th ring road).
Vallegrande Road (bus, car) · 3 h
Bus or “Che Route” tour from Samaipata.
Totora Road (bus, car) · 5 to 6 h
Bus on the old road, or car.
Cochabamba Road (bus, car) · 8 to 10 h
Night bus to Santa Cruz on the old road (ask to get off in Samaipata), or car.
Slower than the new road but far more beautiful, and it passes through Samaipata.