How to visit El Fuerte de Samaipata from Santa Cruz?

You can reach El Fuerte de Samaipata from Santa Cruz by taking a shared taxi (trufi) from the Ex-Terminal, or by booking a guided day tour. Expect about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on the day and the pace.

The drive winds in a really beautiful way through the foothills of the Andes, and honestly, it feels like a slow scenery exchange. When you arrive in the laid-back town of Samaipata, you will need to arrange a local taxi for the last 9-kilometre uphill run to get to the archaeological site. It is a good idea to talk about the waiting time with your taxi driver, so you have a confirmed ride back down, without stress.