Samaipata: Bolivia's Place to “Rest in the Highlands”

“Rest in the Highlands" couldn’t sound better to me. Do just that in Samaipata, whose name in Quechua means just that. The name couldn’t be more appropriate. Foreigners and cruceños come here for relaxation and to feel the mystical energy of the pre-Inca site, El Fuerte. If that doesn’t excite you, then what about waterfalls, a vast cactus desert, cheap Swiss-style cabañas, and the site of Ché Guevara’s last stand. All of this draws people to Samaipata, and on the weekend the town bursts into life when crowds from Santa Cruz come to party and escape the heat. Midweek prices tend to be lower, and you can relax in the warm climate while exploring the area’s gems.



The layout of Samaipata’s central plaza mirrors parts of El Fuerte. For a valuable introduction of the pre-Inca ceremonial site, visit the museum Centro de Investigaciones Arqueológicos y Antropológicas Samaipata. It is no longer to walk on the carved rock at the ancient site, so it is helpful to sse the museum’s model. There is also a collection of pre-Inca lowland ceramics with anthropomorphic designs dating from around AD 300. To reach the real thing, walk 2 hours each way, or take a colectivo taxi. You need at least an hour and a half to explore the vast El Fuerte.



Samaipata is an important gateway into Amboró National Park which has more species of insect, bird, flora and fauna per hectare than anywhere else on earth. A day’s hike will take you to Devil’s Tooth Mountain. Another day will lead you down the Río San Rafael past giant tree ferns over 10 meters high.



To the east of Samaipata, beyond El Fuerte, is the pleasant Cuevas. After you take a taxi, head up a small stream along a path and fifteen minutes later you will be at two stunning waterfalls and pools. You can relax at the small sandy beach or continue onto a third waterfall at the end of the short, steep path. There are few places to stay near the entrance, or you can camp. If you follow the river to the 10 km-long canyon, seek advice first as there is dangerous sinking sand. Further east towards Santa Cruz, just before Bermejo, is the turn to Laguna Volcán.



To the south of Samaipata, is La Pajcha, an impressive 40 m-high waterfall where you can swim and hike. Another 20 km south is Postrervalle, where you can walk and mountain bike while camping or staying at the small hostel in town.





This guide to Samaipata was written by a Bolivia travel expert at Bolivia For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Bolivia vacations.