Major city · Bolivia
Samaipata
Go for 2 nights: El Fuerte ruins in the morning, one cloud-forest or waterfall day, then back down to Santa Cruz. Skip if you only have 3 days in Bolivia.
Samaipata is a 1,600 m valley town 2.5–3 h by road from Santa Cruz, cool enough to sleep well and small enough to walk in 15 minutes. It works as a 2-night break between the lowland heat and the altiplano: one day for the UNESCO-listed carved rock at El Fuerte, one for a hike or waterfall, and evenings on the plaza. Almost every trail outside town needs a guide, and the rainy season closes some of them.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BOB
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (dry season)
- avoid Dec–Feb (rain, landslides on the Santa Cruz road)
- Airport
- VVI
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Bolivia ↗Visa rules depend on your passport (some nationalities need a visa in advance): check with Bolivia's migration authority or a Bolivian consulate.
- Bolivia ↗Most of the tourist route is above 3,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on arrival, and see a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
- Bolivia ↗Protests and road blockades (bloqueos) are frequent and can close routes and cities for days; watch local news and keep plans flexible.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Samaipata110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Samaipata, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the boliviano (BOB, Bs).Bolivia-wide
- SIM or eSIMEntel, Tigo and Viva sell SIMs with passport registration in their own shops.Bolivia-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Bolivia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Round up; about 10% in tourist restaurants.Bolivia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Bolivia-wide
- SafetySamaipata is calm and walkable; the real risks are the mountain road after rain, unguided trails and thin cash options.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPay a boliviano or two; bring paper.Bolivia-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 118 ambulance · 119 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBlockades and strikes close shops and roads; Sunday is quiet.Bolivia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportVVI Viru Viru International, Santa Cruz (The nearest airport; 2.5–3 h by road to Samaipata, longer after rain or a landslide.).
- Getting aroundOn foot inside town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealSet lunch at the municipal marketBs 15–25
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Local taxi ride in townabout Bs 10
- Museum or sight ticketMuseo Arqueológico de Samaipata entryabout Bs 5
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personBOB 40
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomBOB 250
- High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomBOB 500
A day, not counting the bed: Budget BOB 150 · Mid BOB 300 · High BOB 550
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- VVI Viru Viru International, Santa Cruz (The nearest airport; 2.5–3 h by road to Samaipata, longer after rain or a landslide.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Avoid
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Mar
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Oct (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jul (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Jun (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Samaipata: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
15 rd
Feb
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
13 rd
Mar
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot inside town. Taxis and mototaxis for El Fuerte, Cuevas and trailheads — agree the fare before you get in. Motorbike rental is available locally for a day trip; ask at your hostel for the current renter.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
El Fuerte de Samaipata
goDoor to door: Half day by car, most of a day on foot
Taxi or mototaxi from town, or walk 3 km (1.9 mi) east on the highway then 6 km (3.7 mi) uphillTaxi or mototaxi from town, or walk 1.9 mi (3 km) east on the highway then 3.7 mi (6 km) uphill
Entry Bs 50. The carved ceremonial rock is the point; read the signs or hire a guide.
Cuevas waterfalls
goDoor to door: Half day
Taxi with waiting time, or motorbike
Return taxi with waiting time around Bs 80. Easy walking, no guide needed.
Amboró cloud forest
goDoor to door: Full day
Guided tour from a town agency, plus mototaxi to the trailhead
Guide rates run about Bs 210 pp in a group of 4, Bs 320 pp for 2.
Cerro Condor and La Pajcha waterfall
cautionDoor to door: Full day, 4 h driving and 4–6 h walking
Vehicle plus guided hike
Only on clear days; condors usually show around midday and are not guaranteed.
Vallegrande, Pucará and La Higuera
overnightDoor to door: Long day or overnight
Road south, own vehicle or tour
Che Guevara route; too far to rush back the same evening.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around the Plaza Principal
Walk to everything: market, cafés, bus pick-ups. Best for a short stay without a car.
Calle Campero and Calle Bolívar
Hostels and small guesthouses 2–3 blocks from the plaza; quiet at night.
Valle Abajo road (edge of town)
Cabins and garden guesthouses 1 km (0.6 mi) out; a 10–15 min walk or Bs 10–15 taxi to the plaza.Cabins and garden guesthouses 0.6 mi (1 km) out; a 10–15 min walk or Bs 10–15 taxi to the plaza.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Bs 120–200 excl. bed
- Mid
- Bs 250–400 excl. bed
- High
- Bs 500+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double room1 × 2 nights × BOB 250 | BOB 500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × BOB 300 | BOB 1,200 |
| Shared taxi Santa Cruz → Samaipata, one way2 × BOB 30 | BOB 60 |
| Private taxi Santa Cruz → Samaipata, one way1 × BOB 130 | BOB 130 |
| El Fuerte entry2 × BOB 50 | BOB 100 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × BOB 100 | BOB 200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | BOB 219 |
| Trip total≈ BOB 602 per person per day, bed included | BOB 2,409 |
2026 estimate in bolivianos; long-distance buses and tours excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Set lunch at the municipal market | Bs 15–25 |
| Vegetarian set lunch at the market | about Bs 22 |
| Restaurant main dish | Bs 30–40 |
| Bread and pastries from the bakery by the plaza | Bs 2–10 |
| Local taxi ride in town | about Bs 10 |
| Museo Arqueológico de Samaipata entry | about Bs 5 |
| Animal refuge entry | about Bs 20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Santa Cruz road can close for hours after heavy rain or a landslide: build a buffer before a flight.
- Trails outside town mostly need a guide; do not start a canyon route in the rainy season (Dec–Feb).
- There is no bus terminal: tickets are sold through shops and hostels and you are dropped at the roadside.
- ATMs are limited — one bank ATM on Campero; bring cash from Santa Cruz.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118
- Fire
- 119
Pocket card
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SamaipataSamaipata
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Ambulance118
- Fire119
Embassy
No embassies in Samaipata; most countries keep embassies in La Paz and consulates in Santa Cruz. Check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Shared taxi Santa Cruz → Samaipata: about Bs 30 per person, 2.5–3 h
- Private taxi Santa Cruz → Samaipata: about Bs 120–130 per car
- Taxi to Cuevas with waiting time: about Bs 80 return
- Bus Samaipata → Sucre: about Bs 70–120, often a full day
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- Quiero este — I would like this one (KYEH-ro ES-te)
- ¿Dónde está la parada? — Where is the bus stop? (DON-de es-TA la pa-RA-da)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
- Necesito un guía — I need a guide (ne-se-SI-to un GI-a)
- ¿Está abierto el camino? — Is the road open? (es-TA a-BYER-to el ka-MI-no)
Cash is king: bring bolivianos from Santa Cruz. One ATM on Campero.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Samaipata. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (dry season) · avoid Dec–Feb (rain, landslides on the Santa Cruz road) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for VVI: road-closure buffer, shared-taxi and private-transfer rungs, late-arrival fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: plaza and market, Campero and Bolívar, El Fuerte road, Valle Abajo.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (El Fuerte, Museo Arqueológico, Cuevas, Amboró trailheads) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rainy-season and landslide fixtures so gates A–D can go green.