maddinb2014
Of course you will like it when you go out of Santa Cruz, for us it was the first nature we saw in Bolivia but if you travel around you will see that there are many roads like this, nothing that special ... Samaipata is a nice place for sure!
DulceBolivia
You can see a lot of pretty sights on it but its not the best road and it can be a bit scary or some as it goes around a mountan. We did see some peacocks crossing the road on it which was really neat, they are such pretty birds and just took there time as if they were the owners of the road. We also stopped to play in a little mountan brook and watch a waterfall which was great fun in the heat of the day.
lmari535
Sure, come to Bolivia and have a rustic experience, go on the road to Samaipata, and say that it's cool. But really, the road is miserable! The sights along the way are great. But the road itself is a disgrace!
gguidetti56
The road is almost fully paved and accessible all year around. The new bridges not only helped reducing your travel time, but give a nice touch of modern architecture compare with incredible scenery. unfortunately the holes and washed road areas that every year undoubtedly appear, are not being fixed fast enough. and a 600 meters stretch called Petacas is the only part of the road that has never been paved and not sure what they are planning to do with it. In general is a safe road and again, the scenery is unparalleled.
frequent1
We went to samaipata for the weekend. The best thing about it is the little village flavor and the fact that the ruins are at the junction between three different eco climates that you can see with the plain eye. The amazon humidity, the aridity of the high desert and a view towards the andes. And not high enough for the humidity to affect you. It was a great weekend.
hjnicols
Don't hesitate GO! If you can read up on it first because you will want to spend even more time. To stand in the shadow of ancient people who watched and plotted Halley's Comet felt so special. You will be impressed. Try to spend the night. It is a long but worth it drive.
RicardoLeon
we went on rented car and once you go beyond the surroundings of Santa cruz the landscape is great. Road in regular condition but traffic not dangerous.
fernandol169
This a place with soul. You need to visit Samaipata, great landscapes, good food, fresh fruit, wonderful weather, friendly people, an incredible place still cheap and with good deals. Many Europeans are discovering and selecting Samaipata for retiring. Is good to have this in mind.
Tortuga1953
Have been there many times. Samaipata the village where tourists are very welcome as hosts in what they call "Alojamientos" are not far from the ruins. Most taxi drivers will take you there for a reasonable price. My brother Jack who lived one year in Santa Cruz de la Sierra rented a horse to go up the mountains to the pre-columbian ruins of "El Fuerte", name of the sight. A must for fans of the Inca culture....I have seen Machu Pichu in Peru, a completely different concept, cannot be compared.
colincclark
Catching a bus in Bolivia is like catching a virus - uncomfortable, a little scary and seems a like it lasts a lot longer than it probably does. Coincidentally, it is a likely place to also catch a virus. With oversold tickets, the bus soon becomes an extremely uncomfortable journey for anyone without a window seat, although the smell of Bolivian BO and bitter coca pervades every space on the bus. This journey is pretty, even though the road is a typical windy and bumpy Bolivian road - better than some, worse than others. There is really no other way to Samaipata though, unless you are coming from Sucre or Cochabamba, of course. The proximity to Amboro Park makes the rocky tree-covered hillsides that you can see very pleasant, but the typical sight of Bolivians throwing trash out of the window in front of your very eyes spoils the occasion somewhat. As does the sight and smell of the trash by the side of the road - especially when close to any dwellings, anywhere along this 3 hour stretch. It would be a lovely country if the people could just stop leaving their trash all over it - but that is South America for ya'!
haleschneider
the road is a wreck, but the scenery is beautiful and the destination is well worth it. if you are trying to save time, hire a private taxi. the bus took an hour and a half longer than a taxi
TLauchenauer
Situated quite close to Santa Cruz (it's about a 2-3h drive depending on traffic) it's a very nice place to visit.We can recommend Laguna Volcan Resort. It's expensive to stay there, but you can visit it during the day for a small fee which is often waived if you eat at the restaurant there.Another place is Las Cuevas, we didn't find the actual caves, but the place features access to a small river with lots of natural pools and several waterfalls that are great to cool down on a hot day or after a hike.
570mil
After riding through the infested, crazy, filthy road to Cotoca the road to Samaipata was a delightful surprise. Largely well-maintained and clean, it goes through a variety of little towns with some individual character and none of the favela/shanty town feeling of other parts of Santa Cruz.. There are plenty of good restaurants along the way catering to tourists, several Quintas and many local eateries. Driving the road to Samaipata, or taking a cab for about Bs 300 round trip, is a delightful experience through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the mountains and valleys, some beautiful homes and signs of expats setting up residence along the way Las Cuevas is one of the highlights of the road with beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking treks. For Bohemian and nature-lover's Samaipata is paradise-found.
CarloFcoCabrera
What to say?This is the place for bohemians and persons that like the outdoors, the tranquility of a restingplace up in the mountains. Has great fruits and vegetables that you can get from the principal market downtown.Places for resting are a wide variety to choose from, so there's no inconvience there.El Fuerte, Cuevas, are some of the most frequent attractions. By the way there are some tour agencies in town so you could be updated of the latest activities.Nice weather almost all year round.
NicoleG995
If you want fresh air, Samaipata is the place to be... PERFECT weather for a layback, relax weekend. There are many " cabañas" and " hostals" around town. Must try the " chancho al palo" old school roasted pork. I was there this past wknd and stayed @ cabañas Gloria II, walking distance to town and very comfortable, it had it's own gated entrance, it had cleaning service every day. Must visit El Fuerte.