Samaipata Tour from Santa Cruz

A 2-Day Journey to El Fuerte & Amboró’s Giant Fern Forest

Flexible Booking With Free 48-Hour Cancellation*

“An unforgettable mix of history, nature, and comfort. This was an awesome two-day escape from Santa Cruz.”

Discover Samaipata with Our
Two-Day Tour

From Ancient History to Ancient Forests

Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, Samaipata is a place where ancient history and lush nature meet. From the UNESCO-listed ruins of El Fuerte de Samaipata to the cloud forests of Amboró National Park, this region is one of Bolivia’s true hidden treasures.

Our carefully designed two-day Samaipata tour gives you the best of both worlds: a deep dive into pre-Columbian culture and an immersive hike in the “bosque de helechos gigantes,” home to tree ferns as tall as houses. With comfortable lodging, guided visits, and round-trip transport from Santa Cruz, you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

Join us on this Samaipata tour and experience Bolivia’s rich past and stunning biodiversity in just two days.

Samaipata Tour Highlights

El Fuerte Ruins

Explore UNESCO World Heritage ruins perched high on a ridge.

Amboró National Park

Hike into pristine cloud forests with towering tree ferns.

Charming Samaipata Town

Enjoy cozy cafés, craft shops, and mountain views.

Comfortable Stay

Overnight in a local boutique hotel with dinner included.

Guided Experience

Local guides share stories of culture, history, and ecology.

Round-Trip Transport

Hassle-free departure and return from Santa Cruz.

Two Days in Samaipata
Tour Itinerary & Overview

Our two-day Samaipata tour begins with a direct transfer from Santa Cruz to the peaceful mountain town of Samaipata. After lunch, you’ll step back in time as we explore El Fuerte, one of South America’s most unique archaeological sites. The day ends with a relaxed evening in town, where you’ll enjoy dinner and rest in a comfortable hotel.

Day two takes you deep into Amboró National Park, where we hike among giant ferns in one of the most biodiverse corners of Bolivia. After a packed lunch in the forest, you’ll return to Samaipata for a short rest before heading back to Santa Cruz, arriving by early evening.

Day 1:
Fuerte de Samaipata

Day 2:
Amboró National Park

What You'll See On This Samaipata Tour

This two-day Samaipata tour is designed to immerse you in both history and nature. You’ll stand on sacred ground at one of Bolivia’s most important archaeological sites, walk the cobbled streets of a charming mountain town, and venture deep into Amboró National Park to hike among ancient giant ferns. Each site reveals a different side of Samaipata — cultural, natural, and human — all woven together for a memorable journey.

Town of Samaipata

Known for its laid-back vibe, Samaipata is a small town with a big personality. Colorful houses, cozy cafés, and artisan shops line its streets, creating the perfect setting to relax and experience local hospitality.

El Fuerte de Samaipata

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Fuerte is a massive ceremonial complex carved into the mountaintop. The site blends pre-Columbian traditions with Inca influence, offering panoramic views and a rare glimpse into Bolivia’s layered past.

Amboró National Park: Giant Fern Forest

One of Bolivia’s most biodiverse reserves, Amboró is home to a unique ecosystem of towering tree ferns that can reach up to 10 meters high. On this guided hike, you’ll wander through misty cloud forest trails surrounded by rare plants, birds, and breathtaking scenery.

Customize Your Samaipata Tour!

Want to make this trip your own? We can tailor the Samaipata tour to fit your interests. Add an extra night in town, include a winery visit, or spend more time exploring Amboró National Park. Tell us what you’d like, and we’ll design the perfect itinerary.

What's Included?

Not Included

Testimonials

Know Before You Go On This Tour

To help you prepare, here are some important details about this Samaipata tour:

Duration: This is a two-day trip with an overnight stay in Samaipata.
Activity level: The Amboró hike involves moderate trekking with some uphill paths. A basic level of fitness is recommended.
Altitude: Samaipata sits at about 1,650 m (5,400 ft), making it lower than La Paz and easier for most travelers to adjust to.
Weather: Conditions can change quickly. Bring layers, a light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.
Meals: Lunch and dinner on Day 1, and a packed lunch on Day 2 are included. Breakfast is provided by the hotel.
Transport: Round-trip private transport from Santa Cruz is included in the tour.
Guides: Our expert local guides lead all visits, including El Fuerte and Amboró National Park.

What to Bring?

For the best experience on this Samaipata tour, we recommend packing the following essentials:

Clothing & Gear:

Other Essentials:

FAQs About Our 2-Day Samaipata Tour

Where is Samaipata located?

Samaipata is a small town in the foothills of the Andes, about three hours southwest of Santa Cruz de la Sierra by car.

What makes El Fuerte de Samaipata so special?

El Fuerte is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its massive rock carved with ceremonial structures. It blends pre-Columbian and Inca influences and is one of Bolivia’s most important archaeological sites.

What is the giant fern forest in Amboró National Park?

The “bosque de helechos gigantes” is a unique ecosystem where ancient tree ferns grow up to 10 meters high. It feels like walking through a prehistoric landscape, surrounded by misty cloud forest.

How difficult is the hike in Amboró?

The hike is considered moderate, with some uphill sections. Most travelers with a basic fitness level can complete it comfortably. Good walking shoes are essential. If you prefer to replace the hike with a different experience, please let us know in advance!

What is the town of Samaipata like?

Samaipata is a charming Andean town with cobbled streets, artisan shops, cafés, and a relaxed mountain vibe. It’s a popular weekend escape for locals and a hub for exploring nearby nature reserves.

What's included in the Samaipata tour?

The tour includes round-trip private transport from Santa Cruz, hotel accommodation, guided visits, park entrance fees, and meals as outlined in the itinerary.

Can I customize this tour?

Yes. You can add extra nights in Samaipata, visit local wineries, swim in waterfalls, or include additional hikes in Amboró National Park. We’ll adapt the itinerary to your interests.

Is Samaipata safe to visit?

Yes. Samaipata is considered one of Bolivia’s safest and most welcoming towns, and you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides throughout the tour.

2-Day Samaipata Tour:

Questions?

Ready to Experience Samaipata?

Don’t miss the chance to explore Bolivia’s perfect mix of history, culture, and nature in just two days.

From the ancient ruins of El Fuerte to the misty giant fern forests of Amboró, this Samaipata tour has it all.