An Insider's Guide To Samaipata Bolivia

Nestled in the hills above one of Bolivia’s captivating national parks is a quaint little town that has, over the years, evolved into the region’s favorite tourist destination. With a perfect year-round climate, a myriad of stunning nearby attractions, and plenty of chic hotels and restaurants, Samaipata is a must for those exploring Bolivia’s under-appreciated eastern lowlands.

Transport

From Santa Cruz: Expresso Samaipata runs trufis (shared taxis) for the three-hour trip between Santa Cruz and Samaipata. Cars leave when they are full and charge 30 BOB (US$3.80) each way. For the return journey, they leave from the highway just outside town.

Expresso Samaipata, Av. Omar Chavez Ortiz 1147 esquina Soliz de Olguin, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, +591 (3) 335067

Accommodation

Budget: Andoriña Hostal is the best of budget options in Samaipata, boasting clean and well-maintained rooms, balconies with a view and some useful tourist advice for exploring the region. Prices start at 60 BOB (US$8.50) for a shared room.
Hostal Andoriña, Bolivar, Samaipata, Bolivia
Mid range: La Vida es Bella is an awesome four-room boutique hotel on the edge of town. Modern, stylish and with a beautiful balcony and garden, it’s a bargain at just 350 BOB (US$50) per double.

High end: Not just Samaipata’s swankiest dig, El Pueblito Resort Hotel is among the best boutiques in the whole of Bolivia. The luxury 11-room eco-resort is designed to resemble a quaint 18th century Bolivian town, complete with houses, a central plaza, a town hall, and chapel. Prices start at 565 BOB (US$80).

Eating and Drinking

La Cocina is among the best budget eateries in the country, thanks to their awesome homemade bread, which is baked fresh daily. The gourmet fast-food restaurant serves up awesome burgers and wraps for just 20 BOB ($US 3), and they have some amazingly authentic shawarmas.
La Cocina, Sucre, Samaipata, Bolivia

Tierra Libre is an excellent mid-range restaurant specializing in hearty Bolivian dishes with an international twist. Their sunny patio is a great place to spend the afternoon with a coffee and a good book.
Tierra Libre, Sucre 70, Samaipata, Bolivia
Aside from being the town’s best hotel, El Pueblito also boasts the best restaurant. It’s not cheap by Bolivian standards, but it’s well worth the splurge for the quality of food on offer.
El Pueblito Resort, Carr a Valle Abajo, Samaipata, Bolivia

Samaipata’s best watering hole is definitely La Boheme, conveniently located right on the main plaza. Kitted out with some refreshingly bohemian decor, the place is a hit for its relaxed atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails and the occasional live band.
La Boheme, Plaza Principal, Samaipata, Bolivia

See and Do

Some destinations can be reached by bike. Bicycles can be hired from Samaipata Tours.

Samaipata Tours, Calle Bolivar, Samaipata, Bolivia

El Fuerte: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Fuerte (the Fort) has been the scene of a number of battles between the Spanish and the indigenous peoples, due to its strategic vantage point on top of a hill. Although only mildly visually impressive, it does have an interesting history and affords breathtaking views of the valley below. Entry costs 50 BOB ($US7) and access is via taxi (100 BOB/$US14 return, including wait time), a two-hour hike or an easy bike ride.

Las Cuevas: Don’t let the name fool you, because there aren’t any caves in sight. Instead, travelers are treated to a series of waterfalls, a refreshingly cool swimming hole and a nice sandy beach, all of which make it the perfect spot to hang out on a hot summer’s afternoon. Get there by taxi (40 BOB/US$5.80 each way) or hire a bike for the 12-mile (20-kilometer) trip. Entry costs 15 BOB (US$2).

Amboro National Park: As one of Bolivia’s most diverse parklands, Amboro hosts a plethora of fascinating wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, and the spectacled bear. There’s plenty of opportunity for birdwatching too, with over 900 species calling it home. Visiting is only possible through a guided tour, which can be organized in town for between 100 and 175 BOB (US$14–25) depending on group size.

Condor Nest: Those looking to get up close and personal with the world’s largest flying bird are in luck in Samaipata. Full-day condor spotting tours start at 6 a.m. and unlike some other tours on the continent (we’re looking at you, Colca Canyon), you’ll be the only tourists there as these majestic birds soar right over your head. Tours include a stop at the impressive La Pacha waterfall on the way back.

Refugio Zoológico: A pleasant half-hour stroll out of town leads to Samaipata’s local animal refuge, a small but pleasant facility run by a team of passionate volunteers. A number of rescued monkeys patrol the grounds and seem to love nothing more than playing with tourists. Entry costs 20 BOB (US$3)

Bella Vista Mountains: Fancy a rigorous day trek through the mountains with plenty of waterfalls and rivers along the way? Full-day Bella Vista Mountain hikes are offered by all local travel agents for as little as 150 BOB (US$21.50) depending on the size of the group.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.