Samaipata is a wonderful, quiet village, in a beautiful setting in the mountains, at a distance of 120 km from Santa Cruz, where the international Viru Viru airport is situated.
Nestling in the foothills of the Andes at an altitude of about 1,650 m, at the border of the National Park Amboró, it has a delightful climate all year round. The surroundings are green and mountainous. The Incas that lived here, gave it the name of Samaipata. The meaning of this quechua-word is: "rest-in-the-height".
On account of the pleasant climate, the splendid environment and the various possibilities and places of interest, as well as the excellent accommodation available, Samaipata has become a highlight for many travellers. This all makes it an ideal spot to start your travel in Bolivia or to take a rest after your long flight.
For a look at the map of Bolivia, click here: Map of Bolivia,
and for a glance at the weather in Samaipata, click here: Weather survey.
As mentioned, the places of interest are numerous. The impressive archaeological site, El Fuerte, and National Park Amboró are so to speak, just around the corner. Also nearby there is a place where you can -almost- be sure to see condors. A walk in the surroundings of Bella Vista is also recommended to enjoy the magnificent views and the diversity of nature. You can combine a visit to the home of a local family with a rewarding visit to a particularly impressive local waterfall.
You don´t feel like going on a tour or doing a strenuous hike?
Then you can consider a horseback ride in the surroundings. Or have a good rest in a hammock at one of the pleasant hostels or cabañas that are available in Samaipata. You can take Spanish classes with an excellent teacher.
Hungry after all your efforts? You should be!
In Samaipata are several restaurants. And of course we invite you to visit our own pleasant Café/Restaurant "La Oveja Negra" where we love to serve you a good meal or provide you with a drink and a snack. On our menu you can also find various delicious vegetarian dishes.
"La Oveja Negra" is a homey place where you can meet other travellers.
You can read you´re book, but also play a game because we´ve got a couple of them available, such as: playing cards, Rummikub, chess, Master Mind. You can play darts as well.
Attention: Until now Samaipata does not have an ATM!
You can travel to Samaipata from Santa Cruz easily by bus, shared taxi or by express taxi. Bus´s leave from Plaza Oruro, Avenida Grigota at around 16.00 - 16.15 PM and the taxis leave from Avenida Omar Chávez Ortiz, corner Soliz de Olguin. The ride from Santa Cruz to Samaipata takes about 2½ hrs by taxi or 3 hrs by bus. From the moment the asphalted road winds upwards in the direction of Samaipata you will enjoy a fine view of the mountains covered with forest. About halfway on the route, you can see beautiful red rock formations peculiar to the area.
Well, we live here now and we love it! Let us show you why!
