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| Samaipata | ||
| Department | Santa Cruz | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | approx. 3500 | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | 1,670 m | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Samaipata is the capital of the province of Florida in Santa Cruz Department in Bolivia. The small town is home to about 4400 inhabitants and is about 120 kilometers west of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
background
The name Samaipata has its origin in the Quechua language and translated means something like "Rest on high". The inhabitants call themselves"Samaipateños". Samaipata is located in the foothills of the eastern Andes (Cordillera Oriental) at about 1640 m. Due to the altitude, the climate is less hot and humid than in the neighboring lowlands. That is why Samaipata is not only a popular excursion and recreation spot for international tourists, but above all for the residents of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Quite a few of the "Cruceños" own weekend houses in the village and shape the cityscape, especially on weekends and public holidays. The place is home to a growing international community of people from Europe, Oceania, North America, Asia and other Latin American countries.
getting there
You can get there by buses (from the terminal) or taxis from Santa Cruz. Shared taxis from the company "Taxi Florida" leave Santa Cruz on Calle Omar Chavez (near the stadium) and usually cost 30 Bolivianos per person (as of 2017). The journey takes about 3 hours (taxi) to 4 hours (bus) and leads through the breathtaking landscape of the foothills of the Cordillera.
TIP: When kindly requested, the taxi drivers usually take their guests directly to the hostal or hotel of their choice.
mobility
In Samaipata itself, nearby destinations are usually easy to walk. If you want to reach destinations outside the city center, you can take a motorcycle taxi as a passenger near the plaza. For trips to the sights outside Samaipata or people with limited walking ability, it is advisable to take an official (collective) taxi: The officially approved taxi companies be called: "Taxi Florida", "Taxi El Fuerte" and "Taxi-Samaipata". The latter two leave near the plaza, while the Taxi Florida taxis leave from the merchant "La Estrellita" on the main street opposite the YPFB petrol station.
TIP: It makes sense to agree on a price with the taxi driver before departure.
Tourist Attractions
- Samaipata is famous not least because of its world cultural heritage Fuerte de Samaipata whose visit is compulsory when staying in Samaipata.
- On the way up to El Fuerte is the Paja Mama - a natural pool that invites you to swim and where not only children can enjoy wonderful refreshment.
- Near Samaipata is the Amboró National Park (Parque Nacional Amboró), with an area of 4,425 km².
- The place is located in Cuevas, 20 minutes by car from Samaipata. There the "Cascadas" - waterfalls up to 20 meters high - attract tourists and locals to go hiking and swimming. If you want to stay in Cuevas for a few days, you can pitch your tent on one of the two campsites in the village.
- 120 km away is Vallegrande and La Higera, places that are famous not least because Che Guevara spent his last days there.
Local activities
- There is an archeological museum in the village; when buying a ticket to visit the "Fuerte de Samaipata", admission to the museum is included.
- Furthermore, there is a small privately operated animal park in Samaipata, "el Refugio" - in which many species of monkeys native to Bolivia but also other animal species can be seen.
kitchen
There are various restaurants, including at least one that only offers vegetarian food.
shop
The local market is called "Mercado de Samaipata" and can be found in the center of the booth, near the plaza. All food available in Bolivia, as well as clothing and other everyday objects, are offered there. On Sundays in particular, the market is bustling with activity from the early hours of the morning, as many campesinos with their families come from the surrounding area to offer their crops for sale.
TIP: On Sundays, shopping is usually cheapest due to the large selection.
accommodation
Hostals
- 1 Andoriña Hostal, Art & Culture, Calle Campero 2 1/2 blocks from the plaza. Tel.: 591 3 944 6333, Email: [email protected]. Check-in: 24 hours (at night: night bell: "Timbre de Noche"). Nice view from the balcony over Samaipata. The price includes a delicious breakfast with bread, jam, fruits and fresh tea or coffee. The owners speak English, Dutch and Spanish and can provide maps for local walks on request.Price: Bed in the dorm costs between 50-60 BS per night.
- 2 El Jardin hostal and campsite, Calle Arenales final s / n (2 cuadras del mercado). Tel.: 591 73119461, Email: [email protected]. Price: Bed in the thorn for 30 B per person. Camping from 15 BS with an open outdoor kitchen, shower / toilet, oven and barbecue. Café and library.
- Jaguar Azul Hostal and Camping Inexpensive but very cozy hostal with shared kitchen and camping facilities. The owners speak French and Spanish. Address: Warnes, Samaipata, Bolivia, Tel: 591 72651903
- Hostal Serena Very cozy and comfortable hostal located on the southern Berghan a little above the city center. Delicious breakfast included. Nice view over the place. The market and the plaza are about 10 minutes walk away. The owners speak Spanish, English and Dutch. Tel .: 591 74923799 Facebook
Hotels
- El Pueblito Resort Hotel and Restaurant. Tel.: 591 7214 7994, Email: [email protected]. The Samaipata accommodation, which is at the higher end of the price range, for those who do not want to forego good comfort and the best service. Very clean, friendly service and cozy, individually furnished accommodations where nothing is missing. The El Pueblito is located on the mountain slope a little above Samaipata and impresses with a breathtaking view of the village, the Cordillera Oriental and the neighboring vineyards.
Excursions and tours
You can go up to the hill from Fuerte de Samaipata hike. Agencies also offer day trips to various destinations around Samaipata. Above all, the Amboró National Park with its giant ferns, the Condor Valley and various waterfalls are worth mentioning.
TIP: Small motorbikes for exploring the area can be found in the "La Cocina"(also near the Plaza) borrow by the day.
Bars and night life
Samaipata has a few bars and pubs. One of the most famous localities is the "LaBohemian"At the plaza, where guests can buy cocktails and Bolivian craft beers, among other things. Curfew is usually from midnight. Many locations are closed on Mondays. Tips are common, but not necessarily expected.
TIP: In LaBohemian In the early evening hours there is usually a happy hour from 5 p.m. (Tue-Sun) in which cocktails are cheaper.
literature
Lonely Planet (2013): South America on a shoestring (Travel Guide), Paperback, 12th edition, Language: English, ISBN-10: 1741798949, ISBN-13: 978-1741798944
Lonley Planet (2016): Bolivia (Travel Guide), Lonely Planet Publications, 9th edition, Language: English, ISBN-10: 174321393X, ISBN-13: 9781743213933
Reise-Know-How (2017): Bolivien (travel guide), publisher: Reise Know-How Verlag Grundmann, 6th edition, language: German, ISBN-10: 3896625888, ISBN-13: 9783896625885
