El Fuerte · Samaipata Wineries · Amboró National Park · Giant Fern Forest · Codo de los
Andes
Overview
Samaipata is a small mountain town in the foothills of the Andes, approximately 120 km from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Known for its cooler climate, mountain scenery and relaxed atmosphere, it is one of the most interesting destinations in eastern Bolivia.
The region combines archaeology, nature, trekking and wine tourism. Highlights include El Fuerte de Samaipata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amboró National Park, the Giant Fern Forest, Codo de los Andes, and the vineyards and boutique wineries surrounding Samaipata.
The area has also developed into an emerging Bolivian wine destination, with wineries including Vinos 1750 – Uvairenda and Bodegas Landsuá offering locally produced high-altitude wines.
Nick’s Adventures Bolivia offers private and small-group tours from Samaipata and Santa Cruz.
Destination Type
How to Get There
Best Time to Visit
Highlights
Our team replies within a few hours. We also speak Spanish and English.
One of Bolivia’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Fuerte combines pre-Hispanic ceremonial structures with later Inca and colonial history and is one of the principal attractions around Samaipata.
Explore the cool cloud forests of the Amboró region, including areas filled with enormous tree ferns, mosses, orchids and rich birdlife. Guided hikes offer excellent opportunities for nature photography and exploring one of Bolivia’s most unusual forest environments.
A spectacular trekking area of mountain ridges, valleys and panoramic viewpoints. The full-day hike offers some of the best mountain scenery around Samaipata, with a chance of seeing Andean Condors.
Samaipata is becoming increasingly known for boutique, high-altitude wine production. Visitors can explore local vineyards and enjoy wine tastings at wineries including Vinos 1750 – Uvairenda and Bodegas Landsuá.
tour plan
01
TREKKING – ANDEAN VALLEYS – DA TOUR
Hidden in the valleys surrounding Samaipata, the Codo de los Andes is one of Bolivia’s least-visited trekking destinations — a landscape of rolling hills, forested ravines, and sweeping Andean viewpoints. After an early pickup and a scenic drive through forests, rivers and mountain valleys, guests meet their guide for a full day’s hike through the valley, finishing at one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. Keen-eyed visitors may spot an Andean Condor overhead or a Viscacha darting across the rocks, before a picnic lunch and the return drive.
02
wildlife – cloud forest – day tour
Departing directly from Samaipata, this guided trek leads into the Yunga cloud forest of Amboro National Park — one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet. After a short scenic drive to the trailhead, guests enter an ancient stretch of cloud forest where towering Giant Tree Ferns create a primordial atmosphere found in very few places on earth. Guides share the park’s natural history along the trail, with a picnic lunch en route, and a chance — for the fortunate — of spotting tracks or signs of Puma or Spectacled Bear in this remote corner of the park.
03
wine – vineyards – testing – half day or full day
Discover Samaipata’s emerging wine region with visits to boutique vineyards and wineries in the valleys surrounding the town. Our wine experiences can include Vinos 1750 – Uvairenda and Bodegas Landsuá, where visitors can learn about local wine production, explore the vineyards and enjoy tastings of Bolivian wines.
Visit one selected winery for a vineyard and winery experience followed by wine tasting.
Visit two wineries, normally Vinos 1750 and Bodegas Landsuá, with vineyard visits, wine tastings and time for a relaxed lunch.
All winery visits are subject to opening days, advance reservation and availability.
04
Archaeology – Culture · Scenery · Day Tour
Discover the historic town of Samaipata and visit El Fuerte de Samaipata, one of Bolivia’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the archaeological complex with a guide before visiting Samaipata and enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery. This tour can depart from Santa Cruz de la Sierra or Samaipata.
Samaipata can easily be combined with Amboró National Park, Refugio Los Volcanes, the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve, Santa Cruz wildlife tours and other destinations in eastern Bolivia. Custom multi-day itineraries are available.
Yes. El Fuerte and Samaipata can be visited as a private full-day excursion from Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Our team replies within a few hours. We also speak Spanish and English.