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Bolivia

Samaipata, Bolivia

Pre-Inca temple and Inca city ruins

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

Samaipata is a significant archaeological site located in the Santa Cruz Department of Bolivia, featuring the pre-Inca ruins of El Fuerte de Samaipata. This complex is primarily known for its religious and ritual structure, a temple carved into a large rock by the Chane culture. The Incas later expanded into the area, establishing a city adjacent to the temple as part of their southeastern expansion. The site also includes remains from the Spanish colonial period when the town of Samaipata was founded in 1618 by Pedro de Escalante y Mendoza. El Fuerte de Samaipata stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its historical and cultural significance across different periods, including the Late Iron Age, Late Post-Classical Period, and Early Modern Period. It serves as a testament to the region's dynamic history, marked by cultural convergence and conflict.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Samaipata, Bolivia

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Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples

Agricultural and Land Use Features

Vineyards

Domestic and Habitation Structures

TownsCities

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Bolivia
Source
Wikipedia