Samaipata Fort Tour: Ancient Ruins in 1 Full Day
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Samaipata Fort Tour: Ancient Ruins in 1 Full Day

Active
(4 reviews)
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

While generic tours limit you with rigid and non-negotiable schedules, in our unique experience the protagonist is you. We invite you to an intimate and deeply personalized dive where you not only visit, but live Samaipata at your own pace. Discover the Fort (UNESCO Heritage Site), the world’s largest sculpted rock, through its ancient legends and the wisdom of a local archaeological guide. Explore its unspoilt landscapes and reveal its best-kept secrets in a peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. This tour promises luxury in every detail, ensuring deep assimilation of history and a genuine connection with this ancestral site, transforming a simple excursion into an unforgettable personal and cultural adventure.

Available options

Samaipata Fort Tour: Ancient Ruins in 1 Full Day

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Admission fee
Bottled water
Lunch
Breakfast

Detailed itinerary

1

Samaipata Fort is a fascinating archaeological site, and a 3- to 4-hour tour will allow you to explore it calmly and enjoy its breathtaking views and historical richness. During this time, travelers will immerse themselves in a scenic trek that ascends the mountain skirts, surrounded by the biodiversity of the cross valleys, until reaching the top where the largest carved stone in the world is located. Along the way, you will discover not only the artistic value of the zoomorphic and geometric engravings on the sandstone rock, but also the heritage of the Chané and Inca cultures that made this place a strategic ceremonial center.

2

Get ready for time travel! By booking your experience at the Samaipata Archaeological Museum, you’ll make sure you understand every secret before setting foot on the sacred mountain.

What you will see: As you enter, you will come face to face with the legacy of the cultures that inhabited these valleys more than a thousand years ago. You’ll see the famous artificially distorted skulls up close, a striking insight that will reveal how ancient elites sought a spiritual connection with the gods. You will be able to observe pieces of original ceramics with incredible details and stone tools that will make you wonder how it was possible to carve an entire mountain. In addition, you will have a giant model of the Fort in front of you; this is the only way to appreciate, from a bird’s eye view, the designs of snakes and cougars that the jungle and erosion sometimes hide flush.

3

Escape the routine in the city and live an epic adventure that you will remember forever! Your journey begins in vibrant Santa Cruz de la Sierra, from where you will undertake a scenic ascent into the mountains, leaving behind the heat of the plain to embrace the fresh air and green landscapes of the cross valleys.

On this round trip, you will be the protagonist of a day full of contrasts. First, we will arrive in the town of Samaipata to visit its Archaeological Museum, where you will discover the secrets of the deformed skulls and the ancient pieces that will give you the key to understand what you will see next. With fresh history on your mind, we will head to the majestic Fort of Samaipata. There, you’ll enjoy a 4-hour trek breathing the pure air of the Andes and exploring the world’s largest carved rock, a place charged with an energy that is only felt by standing in front of its engravings of cougars and snakes.

What's not included

Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0
1 reviews
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1★
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Tripadvisor 3.3
3 reviews
5★
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4★
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3★
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2★
1
1★
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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

About Vallegrande

Vallegrande is a charming colonial town in Bolivia known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. It served as a significant hub during the Spanish colonial period and is famous as the final resting place of Che Guevara.

Top Attractions

Casa de Che Guevara

This is the house where Che Guevara's body was displayed after his capture and execution. It's now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (entry fee around 30 Bs)

Parque Nacional El Palmar

A beautiful national park featuring diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Iglesia de San Francisco

A historic church dating back to the colonial period, known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations appreciated)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salteñas

A type of Bolivian empanada filled with meat, vegetables, and sometimes fruit, wrapped in a flaky pastry.

Snack Contains meat and sometimes seafood

Silpancho

A traditional Bolivian dish consisting of a breaded and fried beef cutlet, served with rice, boiled potatoes, and a fried egg on top.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and eggs

Chuño

A freeze-dried potato that is a staple in Bolivian cuisine, often used in soups and stews.

Side Dish Vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in Parque Nacional El Palmar Exploring local caves Visiting local cafes Strolling through the town center Visiting historical sites Attending local festivals Exploring the Casa de Che Guevara Experiencing local Chiquitano culture

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, with sunny days and cool nights. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the town's historical sites.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: Chiquitano
  • English: Limited

Currency

Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)

Time Zone

GMT-4

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vallegrande is generally safe for travelers, but common sense precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious of your surroundings
  • • Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air
  • Virgilio Paz Romero Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus

Vallegrande Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Barrio San Roque

Day trips

Parque Nacional El Palmar
10 km • Half day to full day

A beautiful national park featuring diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Comarca de los Indios Chiquitanos
30 km • Full day

A region known for its indigenous Chiquitano culture, featuring traditional villages and crafts.

Festivals

Fiesta de San Roque • August Carnaval de Vallegrande • February or March

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
  • Visit the Casa de Che Guevara early in the morning to avoid crowds
  • Try local dishes like salteñas and silpancho for an authentic culinary experience
  • Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it with filtered water to reduce plastic waste
  • Respect local customs and traditions, and always ask before taking photographs of people
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-60
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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