SAMAIPATA FULL DAY
Samaipata is quaint little colonial town located 120km or 2 hours drive from Santa Cruz. This town is becoming more and more popular to kick back and relax in. Maybe chill in the main Plaza with an Icecream watching the world drift by. The main attraction though is the Fort of Samaipata known locally as ‘El Fuerte’ located 5KM outside the main town.
The site has been of major historical importance for hundreds of years and it covers an enormous area – up to 10 hectares. Likely to have been built by the Chane it was then used by the Inkas and finally taken over by the Spanish. It has recently been added to the UNESCO world heritage list of protected sites. It is also home to the worlds largest carved stone which measures 220m x 60m (720ft x 196ft) Almost twice the length of a football field and one and a half times as wide. The entire surface of the stone is intricately carved with mysterious symbols and zoomorphic figures.
It is not clear what the true purpose of this ruin really was though a fortress appears to be the most excepted theory. However other theories abound such as, Religious Building, Gold Washing factory (explaining the many channels and water tanks) to the more outlandish ‘UFO’ landing site! Whatever camp of thought you fall in ‘El Fuerte’ should be a must see.

SAMAIPATA
Full day
The main town Samaipata 2hours from Santa Cruz
Stunning Views of the Volcano chain.
Visit ‘El Feurte’ Fortress
Visit to the Archeological Museum.

Transport Santa Cruz - Samaipata
Lunch
Snacks