Samaipata

Samaipata is a small town with numerous colonial buildings and narrow cobbled streets. It is a good mix of locals, expats and global tourists. Though it is not as touristy as the Bolivian sites in the highlands. It is strategically located near several tourist attractions such as El Fuerte de Samaipata, the Amboro National Park, El Codo de los Andes, Cuevas waterfalls, vineyards, rapids and lagoons. The local economy is mainly dedicated to tourism, agriculture (including its many vineyards) and crafts. Local farmers produce organic vegetables such as tomatoes, artichokes, lettuces and green beans. The region is also famous for its production of fruits such as peaches, grapes, plums, chirimoyas, guapurus, strawberries and figs. There is also a significant production of wines, singani, honey, marmalades, cold cuts, herbal infusions, lavender, art pieces and artisan crafts.

Amboro National Park

Amboro National Park is a nature reserve with over 912 species of birds, over 177 mammalian species including puma, ocelot, and the rare spectacled bear. Covering an area of 4,425 km² (1,709 sq mi), it is protected from human settlements, hunting, mining and deforestation, though problems with all these still exist within the park. The Carrasco National Park is placed adjacent to Amboró, and together the two form a larger conservation unit.

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Las Cuevas Waterfall

Las Cuevas Waterfalls is close to Samaipata town and it a relaxing area of several pools and waterfalls.

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May 12, 2017

Epic Rides in Bolivia | Vallegrande to Samaipata

Burnsy Bolivia, Epic Rides Bolivia, Che Guevara, La Higuera, Samaipata, Vallegrande

Epic Rides in Bolivia

Vallegrande to Samaipata, via La Higuera

This Epic Ride is between the High and Low lands of Bolivia. Remote dirt roads, rolling lush green valleys, soaring condors and friendly villages dominate the route.

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Location

Either from Samaipata, Bolivia, or from Vallegrande, Bolivia

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The Ride

As of 2018, loose hard packed gravel. Because it is a mountainous road, it may become impassable during heavy rain. Some river crossing.

When is the best time to Ride?

All year, though avoid after heavy rain

GPS Tracking Map

My tracking from Vallegrande to Samaipata (via La Higuera) . Tracking files can be downloaded here. (GPX/KML)

Elevation Profile

Highlights

La Higuera

La Higuera lies at an elevation of 1950m, with a population of around 100 people. The village became famous in October 8, 1967 when Che Guevara was captured by the CIA-assisted Bolivian Army in the nearby ravine Quebrada del Churo, ending his campaign to create a continental revolution in South America. Che Guevara was held in the schoolhouse, where he was killed the next day. The body was then brought to Vallegrande, where it was placed on display and afterwards secretly buried under an airstrip.

The village is tiny and consists of only a school, main square and now two hostels. The whole village has several statues and monuments to Che.

La Pajcha

La Pajcha is a lovely waterfall just off the road to Samaipata. It’s definitely worth a stop for a break after tackling the crazy roads.

Even if you’re staying in Samipata, it is only a 1hr 30min drive. Based on the time of year, you should have the place to yourself.

The highlight is a sandy beach (amazing site in land locked Bolivia)

Make sure you climb to the top of the waterfall. there is small goat track from the entrance on the left

Here is a TimeLapse of the waterfall

Samaipata is place you’ll quickly fall for. It’s a small town in valley that has a great climate and a good mix or locals and expats. Check this separate post.

Why is it an ‘Epic Ride’

Let’s start with an overview. Like most places outside the cities in Bolivia, this route is remote and the roads are dirt and gravel. You won’t see many other vehicles on the road. This area was my favorite in Bolivia as the climate is mild and the rolling green valleys provide some stunning backdrops as you ride. The scenery is stunning. However, based on the weather, your visibility could be limited to white cloud meters in front of you or lust green valleys as far as you can see. This ride is also part of the “Ruta del Che” (Che Guevara Trail). check out my vBlog of the Route below.

Video Blog of the Route (vBlog)

Time Lapse of a section of the ride

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