Cidade Turismo
Bolivia

Before you go

Your trip to Samaipata.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Samaipata – Santa Cruz Destination Santa Cruz and Samaipata about 120 km from Santa Cruz de la Sierra

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto Internacional Viru Viru (VVI) Santa Cruz de la Sierra · 135 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. The nearest airport is Viru Viru, in Santa Cruz. From Santa Cruz it is about 120 km along the old road to Cochabamba, a 2½ to 3 hour drive, by shared taxis that depart when full, or by bus.

How many days

Two days: one for El Fuerte and the village, another for a hike in Parque Nacional Amboró, such as the giant ferns trail. With more time, the village is a place to relax, with trips to waterfalls and valley viewpoints.

When to go

All year round. From April to October it is usually drier, with sunny days and cool nights, good for hiking. From December to March it rains more and Amboró trails become muddy. The climate is cooler than in Santa Cruz.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The village is explored on foot, and taxis take you to El Fuerte, about 9 km away. For Amboró, the trails are done with a guide hired at the village agencies, which include transportation.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Samaipata
  1. Morning
    El Fuerte

    Take a taxi up to El Fuerte de Samaipata and walk the trail around the carved rock, with viewpoints over the valleys.

  2. Afternoon
    Village and museum

    Return to the village, have lunch near the plaza and visit the archaeological museum, with pieces from El Fuerte.

  3. Late afternoon
    Village viewpoint

    Walk to one of the viewpoints on the outskirts for the sunset over the valleys.

  4. Evening
    Square

    Have dinner in the square, at the village cafés and restaurants.

2 days in Samaipata

Day 1

  1. Morning
    El Fuerte

    El Fuerte de Samaipata in the morning, with the light on the rock.

  2. Afternoon
    Museum and village

    Archaeological museum and walk through the village.

  3. Late afternoon
    Viewpoint

    Sunset at a viewpoint over the valleys.

  4. Evening
    Dinner

    Dinner in the square.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Amboró

    Go out with a guide for a hike in Parque Nacional Amboró, in the cloud forest of giant ferns.

  2. Afternoon
    Hike and return

    Continue the trail and have lunch in the countryside before returning to the village.

  3. Late afternoon
    Rest

    Rest in the village after the hike.

  4. Evening
    Departure

    Dinner and preparation to return to Santa Cruz.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the altitude of Samaipata?

About 1,650 meters, with a mild climate. The altitude usually isn't as much of a problem as in the high Andes.

How to get from Santa Cruz to Samaipata?

By shared taxi, which leaves when full, or by bus; about 2.5 to 3 hours via the old road to Cochabamba.

Do I need a guide for Amboró?

Yes. Park trails are done with a guide, hired from Samaipata agencies, which usually include transport.

What to do in Samaipata besides El Fuerte?

Trails in Parque Nacional Amboró, visits to nearby waterfalls and valley viewpoints, plus the village with its plaza, cafés and museum.

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