Samaipata is a cosmopolitan little town in central Bolivia. Its population includes people from more than 30 nationalities that moved here to enjoy a quiet life and the vibe feels hippie, artistic and bohemian. It’s also one of the gateways to the dense Amboro National Park – a mix of Andean, Amazonian and Chalco landscapes.

How to get to Samaipata

Samaipata is a 3 to 4 hours drive west of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia’s second city. The most common and simple way to get to Samaipata is to get to Santa Cruz and then hop on a “trufi” – a minivan that leaves when full. To find the trufis just look for “Trufis to Samaipata” on Google Maps. It costs 30 BOV one way.

How to get from Santa Cruz de La Sierra to the city centre

Hop on one of the line 135 buses in front of the main airport entrance for 6,5 Bolivianos. Request the driver to stop wherever suits you best. From the city centre to the airport check the bus stops on Google maps.

What to do in Samaipata and Amboro National Park

It’s mostly about 3 things:

⁃ Relaxing and enjoying the artsy mood: the town has some nice stores, restaurants and cafes – we recommend La Pizzeria, La Artística (where we were gifted a private blues concern by the owners) and trying the “Chanco al Palo” (roasted pork) on weekends

⁃ Exploring the lush green of the surrounding nature: Parque National Amboro is close and has to be visited with a guide. Tour operators do mostly 2 tours – “Bosque de los Helechos Gigantes” (gorgeous 10km walk through a dense fern wood) and “Coto de los Andes” (in search of condors). Other nature highlights include some waterfalls and can be visited by taking a taxi from the main plaza. Be mindful that although Amboro is full of amazing wildlife you will likely see only some birds, insects and slugs – the most interesting animals live in the dense and almost inaccessible centre of the park.

⁃ Going nerd on a visit to the pre inca El Fuerte Ruins: Unesco protected site that consists of a huge carved rock. Visit the museum in town first (50 BOV will get you into the museum and ruins) to understand what you will be looking at. To get to the ruins you will need to take a taxi (100 BOV) from the main plaza.