Back to top

Bolivia samaipata local child with llama

In the Footsteps of Che

Bite-sized trip

  • Itinerary:
    Santa Cruz – Samaipata – La Hiquera – Santa Cruz
  • Duration:
    4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
  • Price:
    From £ 683.- per person (excluding flights)
The countryside surrounding Santa Cruz is a relaxing place to spend a night or two before hiking into the hills. You'll stay at an organic farm in Samaipata with a panoramic view of the countryside. Watch the butterflies flutter past as you sip on an ice cold beer in your hammock. Next, follow in the footsteps of Che Guevara as you hike through the area where he hid from the Bolivian army. You can explore the ruins of El Fuerte and enjoy the delicious organic food that is freshly prepared on the farm.
Samaipata, Bolivia accommodation exterior
Decorative torn edge

Day 1 – Santa Cruz – Samaipata

Today you’ll be collected from your hotel in Santa Cruz for the 2-hour drive into the countryside. If you’ve just arrived in Bolivia, this trip will allow you to get used to the altitude at 1650m. We offer accommodation at a local finca (a combined farm and nursery) on an estate of six acres. The finca’s rooms are modest, yet nicely decorated with tapestries, flowers and furniture made from local wood.

Decorative torn edge

Day 2 – Samaipata – free time

Today is free to explore the area under your own steam. You could head to the main plaza and visit the traditional market or head out of town to El Fuerte. These Inca ruins exude a mystical atmosphere and debates continue as to what the site was used for. Alternatively, you might like to take a look around the refuge for rescued animals, for the small entrance fee you can know you’re making a difference.

Decorative torn edge

Day 3 – Samaipata – La Hiquera

After breakfast you’ll board a jeep and head off to the picturesque town of Vallegrande where you’ll have lunch and visit the hospital where the body of Che Guevara was once presented to the public. Then you’ll head on to La Hiquera where you’ll settle into your very unique accommodation for the night: the former post office. You’ll have your own room, but you’ll share the bathroom with other travellers.

Decorative torn edge

Next, you’ll visit the school in La Hiquera where Che was taken prisoner and later executed. Life in the village revolves around the history of Che; you’ll see a memorial at the site where he was first buried (later his body was returned to Cuba). Once you’ve followed Che’s route through the village, you can enjoy a tasty local meal and an early night. The town only has solar energy so expect a candlelit dinner.

Decorative torn edge

Day 4 – La Hiquera – Santa Cruz

This morning you’ll lace up your hiking shoes for a walk to the Quebrada del Churo Creek. This is where Che hid out and was eventually captured. After the 3-hour walk, you’ll probably have quite an appetite so lunch will be waiting for you on your return. Afterwards you’ll head back to Santa Cruz, arriving late afternoon.

Decorative torn edge

Accommodation

torn-edge

In the Footsteps of Che

This bite-sized trip can be combined well with

Sucre capital city Bolivia
Bite-sized trip

Springtime in the White City

  • Sucre
  • 3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
View bite-sized trip
Decorative torn edge
Bolivia wildlife llama
Bite-sized trip

Siesta in Santa Cruz

  • Santa Cruz
  • 2 day / 1 night (flexible)
View bite-sized trip
Decorative torn edge
Bolivia salt flats tourists jumping group photo
Bite-sized trip

A Pinch of Salt

  • Uyuni - Salt Flats - Uyuni
  • 3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
View bite-sized trip
Decorative torn edge
Bolivia Uyuni salt flats landscape
Bite-sized trip

Flamingos and Volcanoes

  • Uyuni - Salt Flats - Atacama - Uyuni
  • 5 days / 4 nights
View bite-sized trip
Decorative torn edge
background-pattern