Amid the rolling hills surrounding Santa Cruz sits the beautiful, sleepy village of Samaipata. Situated just 2.5 hours from Santa Cruz and with a nice warm climate for the most part of the year, it´s an ideal place to spend a few days either reaching before the colder highlands of Bolivia, or on the way to Brazil.
The village centrepìece is the plaza. Decorated with quirky local art, plaques & benches, it has trees and plants that provide shade, attract birds & make for a good spot to watch the world go by for an hour or two.
The plaza is surrounded by a few nice cafes selling good food & juices. The varied landscapes and microclimates throughout the region makes for an excellent selection of local produce.
The local surroundings also offer excellent opportunities for hiking, hose-back riding and cycling all of which can be arranged in town through local guides and agencies.
The area is surrounded by gorgeous countryside and waterfalls. Highlights include the Yunga Cloud forest, the ruins of El Fuerte, the sandstone mountain ranges and the famous Amboro National Park. Greener than most other areas of Bolivia and at a lower altitude of
1650
metres, it makes for an excellent few days stay!
Please note that there is no ATM in Samaipata. Banks will however change US Dollars and also cash advances on credit cards for a charge is an option.
For those looking for more detailed information on Samaipata and the surroundings, the local events and businesses, click here to visit the town's website.
The Amboro national park is a huge area of beautiful greenery, encompassing waterfalls, fern forest, cloud forest, great walks and amazing natural scenery about 30 mins drive from Samaipata. It is easily accessible, however it is best to go with a guide as they know the area better than anyone often hold the key to some of the locked gates. Chané Tours with guides Saul and Carmelo come recommended for this and various other tours in the area. They can be conatcted through Andoriña Hostel.
Calle Campero
Tel: 03 944 6333
Calle Bolivar 53
Tel: 726 66773
Calle Bolivar
Tel: 3 944 6294
This restaurant run by local guide Saul is a good option for eating in Samaipata. To find it, walk towards the end of Calle Bolivar, past a play park and you'll find La Tukandera around the corner on the left side.
Cultural Center
This is a place which hosts cultural events and Spanish and Quechua classes. There is also a cinema and several restaurants nearby.
