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Photo of El Fuerte de Samaipata
Pin El Fuerte de SamaipataEl Fuerte de Samaipata
BoliviaCountry
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El Fuerte de Samaipata is an archaeological site in Bolivia located in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, about 120 km (75 miles) from the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It is a unique and impressive complex of ruins that consists of a huge rock sculpture, several buildings, water channels, plazas, and terraces that were created by the pre-Columbian cultures of Bolivia.

The rock sculpture, which is the most prominent feature of the site, is a massive, carved rock that measures 220 meters (722 feet) long and 60 meters (197 feet) wide. It features various symbols and figures that were created by the Inca and pre-Inca cultures of Bolivia, including the Chané, Guarani, and Quechua people. The most famous feature of the sculpture is the "stairway to heaven," which is a series of steps that lead up to a platform at the top of the rock.

The site is believed to have been an important religious and ceremonial center for the people who lived in the region from about 500 AD to 1550 AD. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, and it is now a popular tourist destination in Bolivia. Visitors can explore the ruins, take guided tours, and learn about the history and culture of the pre-Columbian people who built the site.