Samaipata

Samaipata is a small town in the Santa Cruz Department Bolivia at an altitude of 1,600 m.

Understand
Samaipata is popular with tourists for its mild climate, its diverse landscapes, the pretty houses and small town atmosphere, and for its vicinity to the 'Fuerte de Samaipata' world heritage site. While there are some great hiking opportunities around Samaipata, almost all of them require a guide, either as part of a larger tour, or with a private guide.

By road

 * From Santa Cruz it takes 2.5-3 hr. Shared taxis at : Bs. 30 per person, whole taxi will cost Bs. 120 or 130 with pick up, taking private option is recommended as Bolivians can fit an incredible number of people into the small car.
 * Expresso Samaipata (Av. Omar Chavez Ortiz 1147 esquina Soliz de Olguin - Telf. 333-5067). From the terminal, take bus number 8 for Bs. 1.5 to get there, or a taxi for Bs. 10B. They leave with at least 4 passengers. Takes between 2 hours in most cases, but can be as much as 4 with a landslide or some road works.
 * Cooperativa de Transporte "El Fuerte" (2do Anillo Av. Grgota esq. Aruma - Telf. 359-8958), Mini-Buses for Bs. 30 per passenger, you can get there from the Nuevo Terminal in Santa Cruz taking the bus (Bs. 2) to El Torno / La Guardia at the other end of the tunel under the terminal.

On foot
The easiest way to get around the pueblo is on foot.

By taxi
Most day excursions require a taxi. Agree fare before departing, local ride costs Bs. 10, Cuevas return with 2 wait will set you back for Bs. 80.

By moto rental
Martin, a Dutch guy, rents motorbikes, he lives in direction of Zoo, ask around for his number or pay him a visit. Easy to drive and fun for a day trip to Cuevas or El Fuerte.

See

 * Other destinations are Vallegrande, Pucará and La Higuera (where Che Guevara was killed), as well as Laguna Quirusillas. The highway from Santa Cruz city to Samaipata is very scenic.
 * Other destinations are Vallegrande, Pucará and La Higuera (where Che Guevara was killed), as well as Laguna Quirusillas. The highway from Santa Cruz city to Samaipata is very scenic.
 * Other destinations are Vallegrande, Pucará and La Higuera (where Che Guevara was killed), as well as Laguna Quirusillas. The highway from Santa Cruz city to Samaipata is very scenic.

Do



 * Cuevas, easy to visit waterfalls with a beautiful area to discover on your own.
 * Condor Mountain, best to visit on clear days. The hike will take a long day with 4 hr car driving and 4 to 6 hr of hiking. It's considered an alternative to the Colca Canyon in Peru, though the probability to see condors is slightly lower here. Condors often appear around midday, but don't bet on seeing more than some black dots in the sky.
 * La Pajcha waterfall, close to the condor mountain, great for camping. Is often combined with the condor hike on the same day.
 * There´s some great but simple canyoning through spectacular canyons. It's possible as self guided hikes, if you know what you're doing and where you're going, but not in the rainy season December-February.
 * Museo Arqueologico de Samaipata (Calle Bolivar, near Caff'e Art): small museum, Bs. 5

Drink
La Oveja Negra Owned by a Dutch couple and run by friendly youngsters, this bar has a pub feel to it.

Che Wilson Populated by teenagers and open only on the weekends, this place is still one of the only spots in the sleepy village for 'nightlife'.

Budget

 * Residencial Vargas - simple rooms from Bs. 20, Lovely owners.

Cope
There is a Banco Union on Campero with an ATM.

The Cooperativa la Merced will give cash advance on Visa or Mastercard during working hours, you can also get cash advance in nearby Mairana.

Go next

 * A bus to Sucre is about Bs. 70-120. The road is shakey, and the journey can still take a whole day. However, it's a scenic route, and it's also possible to do it over night. There is no bus terminal in Samaipata. There is a laundry shop in Calle Campero (across the street of hostel Andoriña) that sells bus tickets. It might look a bit dodgy but it's working. The owners of the shop will resell you ticket from bus companies of Santa Cruz and will bring you to the pick-up spot. Don't expect a good bus.
 * Alternatively, flights from Santa Cruz to Sucre take only 30 min, but of course you'd first have to go back to Santa Cruz.


 * You can go to Mairana by Taxi/Truffi for Bs. 7. and then get a Bus at 08:00 to Cochabamba (Bs. 40). It will get there around 18:30. The road is approx. 70% not paved, so expect a bumpy ride.