Exploring Bolivia: Getting To Samaipata

Samaipata is a small town in the Santa Cruz Department of Bolivia, located in the foothills of the Andes. It is a popular tourist destination due to its year-round temperate climate, nearby attractions, and charming town filled with colonial buildings and cobblestone streets.

To get to Samaipata, you can take a bus or taxi from nearby cities such as Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, or Sucre. From Santa Cruz, it is a three-hour trip by shared taxi or trufi, costing around 30 BOB (US$3.80) each way. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cochabamba via the old road, which is cheaper but bumpier, or via the new road, which is more expensive but safer. From Sucre, you can take an overnight bus to Santa Cruz and ask the driver to drop you off in Samaipata.

From Santa Cruz: Shared taxis for 30 BOB

One of the best ways to get to Samaipata from Santa Cruz is by taking a shared taxi or 'trufi'. Trufis are 7-seater shared taxis that charge around 30 BOB (about $3.80) per person for the journey. The trufis leave from the corner of Avenida Omar Chavez Ortiz and Soliz de Olguin in Santa Cruz and drop passengers off at the main square in Samaipata. The journey takes approximately three hours and the cars leave when they are full.

For the return journey, you can take a trufi from the highway just outside Samaipata. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Terminal Bimodal in Santa Cruz, which will drop you off on the main road, a short walk from Samaipata.

From Cochabamba: A 13-hour bus for 50 BOB

If you're looking to get from Cochabamba to Samaipata, Bolivia, you can opt for a single, very long bus journey along the ''old road' to Santa Cruz. This route takes around 13 hours and costs 50 BOB (approximately US$7). The bus leaves from the corner of Avenida 6 de Agosto and Calle Moxos, which is not the main bus terminal. It's recommended to arrive early, as buses tend to fill up quickly. The first bus typically departs at 7 am, and there may be another at 8:30 am.

The 'old road' is bumpier and can be quite a lengthy journey, with possible delays due to road works and landslides. However, it's a direct option that allows you to avoid multiple bus changes. You can simply sleep through the journey and enjoy the countryside views along the way.

What to Expect on the Bus Journey

The bus ride from Cochabamba to Samaipata can be a comfortable and scenic experience if you come prepared. Here are some tips to make your journey more enjoyable:

• Bring layers: The temperature can drop significantly during the journey, especially at night. While the bus may have heating, it's not always reliable, so bring warm clothing just in case.
• Snacks and water: It's a good idea to bring your own snacks and water, as the journey is long, and stops for food may be infrequent.
• Entertainment: Pack a book, magazine, or some music to keep yourself entertained during the trip.
• Seat preference: If you're prone to motion sickness, choose a seat in the front or middle of the bus, as the back can be bumpier.
• Toiletries: Carry toilet paper and hand sanitiser, as some rest stops may not have adequate facilities.

Alternative Route via Santa Cruz

If you prefer a smoother ride, there is an alternative route to Samaipata that involves taking a bus to Santa Cruz via the 'new road' and then transferring to a shared taxi or 'trufi'. This option is more expensive, costing around 90 BOB (US$12), and requires a change in Santa Cruz. However, the 'new road' is a newer and safer bitumen road.

Other Transportation Options

While the bus is the most common way to get to Samaipata, there are also shared cabs and vans available from Santa Cruz. These options are more frequent and flexible but may involve longer waiting times as they depart only when they are full.

Final Thoughts

The journey from Cochabamba to Samaipata can be a lengthy but rewarding experience. By choosing the direct bus option, you can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and arrive in Samaipata ready to explore its charming streets, natural wonders, and cultural delights.

From Sucre: A 10-hour bus for 100 BOB

To get to Samaipata, Bolivia from Sucre, you can take a 10-hour bus ride for 100 BOB (approximately USD 14). The bus departs around 5 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. from the Sucre Bus Terminal and travels along a bumpy, mostly paved highway. The journey covers a distance of about 364 km.

El Mexicano is the bus company that operates this route, and tickets can be purchased directly from them or online in advance. Buying tickets ahead of time is recommended, especially during high season or peak travel periods. The bus makes bathroom stops along the way, and snacks or light meals may be included with your ticket.

This bus ride is currently the only direct transportation option available between Sucre and Samaipata. However, it offers a comfortable and budget-friendly way to travel between these two destinations.

Local bus and taxi services

Samaipata is located 120 km southwest of the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which is the ideal starting point to get to Samaipata. The best way to get from Santa Cruz to Samaipata is by bus, taxi or car.

There are three ways to get from Santa Cruz to Samaipata by bus, taxi or car. The distance between Santa Cruz and Samaipata is 75 miles and the road distance is 75.2 miles.

Bus

The cheapest way to get from Santa Cruz to Samaipata is by bus, which costs $5 and takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. The bus from Santa Cruz to Samaipata is operated by Trufi Expreso Samaipata and departs every three hours. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. The bus from Santa Cruz to Samaipata is a direct bus that departs from Santa Cruz station and arrives at Samaipata station.

Taxi

The fastest way to get from Santa Cruz to Samaipata is by taxi, which takes 1 hour and 46 minutes and costs $130-$160. The taxi from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Samaipata is a direct taxi that takes 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Car

It is also possible to drive from Santa Cruz to Samaipata. The driving distance between Santa Cruz and Samaipata is 75 miles, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes to drive from Santa Cruz to Samaipata.

In addition to the bus and taxi services from Santa Cruz, it is also possible to get to Samaipata by bus from other cities in Bolivia such as La Paz, Sucre and Cochabamba. The most direct way to travel to Samaipata from La Paz is to take a bus to Sucre, and from there, take another bus that departs from the Sucre Bus Terminal and arrives in Samaipata. The trip from La Paz to Sucre takes between 10 and 12 hours, and the bus from Sucre to Samaipata takes around 10 hours.

From Cochabamba, the most direct way to travel by bus to Samaipata is to take a bus to Santa Cruz via the old road, and then take a trufi (shared taxi) from Santa Cruz to Samaipata. Alternatively, it is possible to take a bus from Cochabamba to Santa Cruz and then travel to Samaipata by shared cab or minibus.

Fly to Santa Cruz and take a taxi or bus

Samaipata is a small town in Bolivia, nestled in the foothills of the Andes. The town is about 120 kilometres from Santa Cruz, which is served by the Mineta San Jose International Airport.

To get to Samaipata from Santa Cruz, you can take a bus or taxi. The bus is the cheaper option, costing around 30 Bolivianos, whereas a taxi will cost around 30 Bolivianos per person or 300 Bolivianos for the vehicle.

If you opt for the bus, you can take a colectivo or a regular bus. The colectivo takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Samaipata, while the regular bus takes slightly longer. Both options depart from the Terminal Bimodal in Santa Cruz.

If you prefer a taxi, you can take a shared taxi, or "trufi," which will pick you up from the corner of Avenida Omar Chavez Ortiz and Soliz de Olguin in Santa Cruz. These taxis charge around 30 Bolivianos per person and depart when they are full.

The journey from Santa Cruz to Samaipata will take you through scenic countryside and offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Whether you choose the bus or taxi, you'll be treated to a unique and memorable travel experience as you make your way to this charming Bolivian town.

Frequently asked questions