SAMAIPATA, BOLIVIA
Samaipata (which means “resting in the heights” in the Quechua language) is located 120 kilometers (roughly a two hour drive) from Santa Cruz by way of what used to be the main paved highway to Cochabamba. The climate is temperate due to its altitude of 1,640 meters above sea level and temperatures normally range from 19º to 22º C. Located in the foothills of the Andes, it is a very cozy town. Because of its mountainous landscape and European-style cabins, it has gained the name of “Little Switzerland”. It lies in an area of valleys, and 9 kilometers before reaching the town one can visit the pre-Incan archaeological site of El Fuerte, the largest carved stone in the world. It was declared a Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO. In town one can visit the Archaeological Museum to see the objects uncovered during the excavation of El Fuerte, as well as other findings. The town has almost a mystical air and also offers visits to nurseries, vegetable gardens, including herb gardens, and local artwork including ceramic and ironwork. It is a popular weekend spot among locals, and is especially interesting to visit on New Year’s Eve. The drive to Samaipata itself is beautiful. As you enter the foothills and altitude increases, the temperature cools and is a welcome respite from the humid heat of Santa Cruz. Along the way you may stop at "Las Cuevas" (The Caves) where you can take a short hike to a series of tropical waterfalls. Or, 10 Kms. prior to arriving, you can visit Achira, a small resort with weekend cabins, a pool, dining area, and beautiful grounds. You'll see quaint villages, and can stop to take a picture near "El Portal" (an interesting rock formation), buy fruit from a wayside stand, or cross the river on a hanging bridge. It is paved the entire way. View my
Samaipata Photo Gallery
How to Get to SamaipataGood-ishGo to Calle Omar Chavez near the Ramada Market and first ring (known as Avenida Cañoto or Primer Anillo). About 1 block down from the Tahuichi Aguilera soccer stadium. Ask for the EXPRESO SAMAIPATA taxis. (Phone number 333-5067 locally).These are taxis that go back and forth to Samaipata every day, all day long and usually at night. If the road is in good condition (sometimes there are rockslides) they also travel at night. The trip, on a good day or night, takes 2 and 1/2 hours. If the road is in poor condition, it's foggy, or it's raining, it can take up to 4. The Expreso Samaipata taxis cost Bs. 25 per person, each way. They line up and wait until they've filled a taxi with 4 or 5 passengers, then leave. If you want to take one exclusively, you pay Bs. 100 each way. Taking one exclusively means you can take the cab by yourself and stop anywhere you want to along the way. If you travel with others you cannot stop to take pictures. If you travel exclusively, the driver will stop as many times as you like and also stop at the Fuerte (the ancient fort) and will wait up to one hour. From the Fort to the town of Samaipata the distance is 10 Km. Better!Call the EL FUERTE TAXI company (359-8958 locally). They are located on Calle Arumá. You go up Avenida Grigotá one block past the 2nd ring (Segundo Anillo). At the first corner, you take a right. They will pick you up too - so call first. Depending on where you are in the city, they will add Bs. 10-15 to their price for the pick-up.They also charge Bs. 100 if you pay for them to take you exclusively and Bs. 25 per person if they wait to fill up with 4-5 passengers before taking off. EL FUERTE TAXI COMPANY is recommended by Finca La Vispera, a Dutch-owned herbivorium and one of the nicest places to stay in Samaipata. Owners Pieter and Marga are super nice!!! El Fuerte has good service and their employees are really nice and friendly on the phone. They will stop at Las Cuevas on the way to Samaipata if you want them to as well, and will wait up to one hour there too.
Return from Samaipata to Home Page
          Custom Search
|
