The Gringo Trail passes through this quiet town nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Cordillera in eastern Bolivia. Samaipata exudes tranquility with its cobblestone streets weathered by time and its verdant landscape. Nearby, you'll find waterfalls, vineyards and a rich archaeological site full of curiosities.

History

The valley was inhabited by groups of the Chane culture who lived primarily by agriculture (corn, peanuts, etc.), hunting and gathering. Known for their densely populated villages, the Chanes developed particular expertise in ceramics and graphic arts. They deserve credit for building the El Fuerte de Samaipata temple. Many Chane burials remain visible in the hills and plains around Santa Cruz. When the Incas arrived in the region, they reached an agreement with the Chanes for the creation of a city within El Fuerte de Samaipata.

The Chiriguanos from the south, warlike Guarani tribes, conquered the valley in the 16th century. They extended their dominion throughout the region until the 19th century. In 1618, at the initiative of Pedro de Escalante y Mendoza, the town of Samaipata was founded at the place called Castilla to serve as a contact and supply base between Vallegrande and Santa Cruz. It was later relocated to its current position, a short distance to the west.

Samaipata is home to a diverse population. The oldest local families descend from early Spanish colonial lineages or the Guarani people. In the 1880s, foreigners gradually settled in the valley: Arabs, Croats, Italians, and others. Then in the 1960s, migrants arrived in numbers from Sucre, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. In the 1970s, Germans, French, Japanese and Dutch residents also moved to Samaipata.

Discovering Samaipata

A German sausage vendor, English-language signs, cafés and countless pale faces wandering its streets… Samaipata is cosmopolitan, very different from its humble beginnings. Without spoiling the charm of this small Bolivian town, international residents have managed to contribute to tourism progress in a region long overlooked by travelers.

In Samaipata, the streets are cobbled and colorful, with a vibe straight out of the Old West. Hipsters will love it. The traditional market is the beating heart of the town. Here you can sample a hearty meal or buy ingredients for your hiking lunch. Don't miss the main square either, where you can watch the sunrise. Settle into a sidewalk table and enjoy your coffee while observing the world go by.

Must-See Attractions Around Samaipata

Just 8 km from town, discover the El Fuerte de Samaipata archaeological site. Dating from the pre-Columbian era, this fortress witnessed many battles. It passed through the hands of the Chanes, Incas and Spanish. The Samaipata Archaeological and Anthropological Research Center houses a rare collection of bowls and other vessels from before the colonial period. You can also see exhibits demonstrating the building's connection to the Kollasuyo empire.

About twenty kilometers away, water-based pleasures await you at Las Cuevas. It's lovely to swim or relax on fine sand beaches surrounded by cascading waterfalls, especially on hot summer days. The site is accessible by bike.

Finally, for an immersion into wild and diverse South American nature, head to the Amboro National Park. Three ecosystems meet within the reserve: the Andean foothills, the Amazon basin and the northern Chaco. It's a place rich in rare wildlife and a paradise especially for birdwatching enthusiasts, who can spot over 900 bird species.

Climate in Samaipata

Samaipata enjoys a temperate climate with a mild semi-dry winter, classified as Cfb on the Köppen-Geiger map. The average annual temperature is 19°C. During winter, cold winds called Surazos sweep across the Argentine Pampas and blow through the region's valleys and plains, sometimes causing temperatures to plummet below freezing. Frost days are to be expected. In summer, days are warm and nights are cool.

From Santa Cruz, the bus journey to Samaipata takes three hours. From Cochabamba, buses depart at 7 a.m. and take approximately three hours to reach the valley, traveling along a bumpy road. From Sucre, take a bus heading toward Santa Cruz, then ask the driver to drop you off at Samaipata – departures occur around 5 p.m. for a journey of roughly ten hours.

For visiting the town of Samaipata, you can simply walk around, but it's advisable to have a car to explore the surroundings. You can join group excursions or take taxis, but this will cost considerably more. Buses are fairly hard to find in the region. For nearby destinations, shared minibuses (collectivos) are a helpful option.

What to Do in Samaipata?

• Stroll through the cobblestone streets
• Browse the traditional market
• Visit El Fuerte de Samaipata
• Cool off in the natural pools at Las Cuevas, etc.