Things to do in Samaipata
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Ben Verhoef Tours
Ben Verhoef Tours, run by Dutch couple Ben and Susanne, can organize a variety of tours around Samaipata, such as a six-hour 'Condor Hike'. It also offers a Ché Guevara tour.
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El Fuerte
Designated in 1998 as a Unesco World Heritage site, El Fuerte occupies a hill-top about 10km from the village and offers breathtaking views across the rugged transition zone between the Andes and low-lying areas further east. There are two observation towers that allow visitors to view the ruins from above. Allow at least two hours to fully explore the complex, and take sunscreen and a hat with you. There is a kiosk with food and water next to the ticket office.
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Tierra Libre
Top-notch dishes from around the globe are served in a bohemian setting at this new place that’s rapidly gained a following among backpackers for its ample and affordable eats. Veggie meals and exotic Indian concoctions are among the treats on offer and you shouldn’t miss the succulent lomito (steak sandwich) or tasty Lake Titicaca trout.
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Zoo el Refugio
This charming and responsible little zoo is actually a refuge for rescued animals. The zoo accepts volunteers who can lodge for free in exchange for their labor, and there is an attractive wooded camping area if you fancy spending a night among the animals. Horses are available for hire for B$25 per hour.
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Latina Café
Samaipata’s most popular bar-restaurant (and rightly so), this place serves the best food in town: juicy steaks, saucy pastas, vegetarian delights and gorgeous brownies. The lighting is intimate and the sunsets beautiful. For a real treat try the steak in coca sauce. Happy hour is from 6pm to 7pm.
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La Chakana
Small and cozy, the long-established Chakana serves reasonably priced breakfasts, sandwiches, vegetarian meals, excellent pizzas, homemade sweets, cocktails and European specialties. There is a ton of information for tourists here, plus a new tour company to help you plan your trips.
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Archaeological Museum
Samaipata’s small archaeological museum makes an interesting visit, but offers little explanation of El Fuerte. It does have a few Tiwanaku artifacts and some local pottery. If you buy your admission to the ruins here you get into the museum for free.
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Garden Café
You can gaze at La Víspera’s organic garden from its sunny, alfresco cafe and see kitchen staff running up and down to pick your salad fresh from the ground. There are good breakfasts and lunches, and special dietary needs are catered for on request.
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Panadería Gerlinde
This place rules when it comes to baked goods, cheese, yogurt, muesli, organic produce, meats, healthy snacks and herbal remedies. It's run by a German woman who swears it's all zehr gut! She also has a stall at the market on Saturday and Sunday.
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ASOPEC
Saturday and Sunday are market days. ASOPEC offers artesanías, produced and sold by Bolivian women from local communities, with all proceeds going to the makers. Wool, ceramics, soap, candles and even ice cream are on offer.
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Osano
Along the road to Finca La Víspera, this Japanese religious sect sells organic vegetables fertilized with divine light. For under B$7 you can be blessed with the ‘energy’ of the Mahikari Luz Divina – go on, don’t be shy.
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Michael Blendinger Tours
Based in Samaipata, biologist Michael Blendinger specializes in tours to the southern Amboró and surrounding region. Also does birding tours as well as trips along the Ché Trail and all around Bolivia. English and German spoken.
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Museo Arqueológico
Samaipata's small archaeological museum makes an interesting visit, but offers little explanation of El Fuerte. It does have a few Tiahuanaco artifacts and some local pottery. Admission to the ruins also covers the cost of the museum.
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Mahikari
Along the road to La Víspera, this Japanese religious sect sells organic vegetables fertilized with divine light. For around US$1 you can be blessed with the 'energy' of the Mahikari Luz Divina - go on, don't be shy.
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Fiambrería Gutfleisch
You’ll find some of Bolivia’s best cheeses, salamis and cold cuts at this factory during the week, and at the market (8am to 4pm) on weekends. Knock on the door for entry.
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La Vaca Loca
This is where Samaipatans go for ice cream, devoured either on the small porch overlooking the square or in the back garden. It’s a popular hangout for lunch and dinner too.
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Landhaus
If you are hankering for a European gourmet-style meal, this is the place to go. The food is superb and they have veggie options and a salad bar. It's at the northern end of town.
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Roadrunners
Visit Olaf and Frank at German and English-speaking Roadrunners for self-guided hikes with GPS, and guided hikes to Amboró's waterfalls and cloud forests, and El Fuerte.
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Boliviajes
In addition to Amboró adventure tours, the recommended Boliviajes offers several exciting hiking, horseback and 4WD trips into wonderfully remote places south of Samaipata.
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Jucumari Tours
Jucumari Tours is an excellent locally run agency; in addition to the local attractions it offers packages to the Ruta del Ché and Mission circuits.
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Don Gilberto
Spanish-speaking Samaipata native Don Gilberto lived inside what is now the national park for many years and runs tours to his own simple encampment inside the park.
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Disco Ché Wilson
A slice of Santa Cruz teenage nightlife is transported to Samaipata each weekend and revived at the popular Disco Ché Wilson.
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Rock-Café-Bar Mosquito
In the northwestern part of town, this is the most happening watering hole, with a full bar and a hell-bent-for-leather theme.
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La Ranita
Inventive breakfast combos and fresh bread and pastries are on offer in this superb, French-style tea house.
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