The topography varies from mountains and hills to valleys. The climate is humid and temperate in the northwest, to cold and dry in the southeast, with an average temperature of 20°C.

This area was inhabited by the Chané indigenous people and later by the Chiriguanos. The local culture is called the Samaipateña culture. The most valuable tourist attractions are El Fuerte, an archeological site declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. And there are also ceramic pot remains and old carved rocks. There is an archeological museum on the site.

How to get to Samaipata?

Samaipata is located at 120 Km from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The road from Santa Cruz to Samaipata is very picturesque; from Km 65 onwards the road starts to go down and the climate becomes fresher and more pleasant. The view from the road is beautiful. Various bus companies take you there in 2 to 3 hours’ time. And there is a shared taxi service, which is much faster and more frequent.

“El Fuerte” Archeological Park

El Fuerte is a Pre-Hispanic archeological site that was declared Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is the ancient administrative, political and ceremonial center of different cultures in the area. The “El Fuerte” archeological park is divided into two areas: the Ceremonial area and the Administrative area.

The Ceremonial area is made up of a huge rock of 220 x 60 meters, carved with geometric and zoomorphic drawings. It is said to be the biggest carved rock in the world. The “El Fuerte” Archeological Park is 8 Km away from the center of Samaipata. The devotion for sacred animals and the study of astronomy are represented in the characters on the rock. The administrative sector is made up of different constructions that were used as houses, storerooms, aqueducts etc. Archeologists are astonished at the use of the rock and its aesthetics in balance with the landscape.

The following cultures inhabited "El Fuerte":

• Period: years 800 – 1300: Mojocoyas and Chanés del Gran Grigotá
• Period: years 1300: Transit place of the Guaraníes
• Period: years 1350 – 1450: Incas
• Period: Colonial: Use as a Spanish fort

Amboró National Park

The Amboró National Park covers 500,000 hectares where three very varied ecosystems come together: the Andes, the Amazon and the Chaco. The Amboró park has an enormous biodiversity with more than 2,659 plant species, 127 mammals, 105 reptiles, 73 amphibians and 842 bird species. The Amboró National Park can be reached easily from Samaipata; it is a paradise for hiking and observing nature in all its splendor. A highly recommended tour.

Other visits from Samaipata

The Cascadas de Cuevas waterfalls are located at 20 Km from Samaipata in the middle of a very beautiful natural scenery. A popular and ideal destination for swimming in the waterfalls and streams.

The Mataral caves are a true geological and anthropological treasure; inside the caves, there are cave paintings and petroglyphs of prehistoric man, which are believed to be from around 4000 BC. The Mataral caves are located at 65 Km from Samaipata (on the road to Cochabamba). Another unforgettable place is the Mataral desert with its interesting geological formations and a great variety of cacti.

The Pajcha waterfalls at 46 Km from Samaipata are ideal for a swim; the surrounding nature is very well preserved.