Giant ferns
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The giant ferns near Amboro park
They are also known as “scaly tree ferns” (because they have scales on the rhizome, petioles, and sometimes on the leaves) to differentiate them from Dicksoniaceae, which are known as “hairy tree ferns.” They are the tallest of all ferns (also called “giant tree ferns”), with stems that can reach up to 20 meters in height.
Traditionally, the family included three more or less widespread tree-like genera (Alsophila, Cyathea, and Nephelea, now nested within Alsophila), but DNA molecular analyses required the inclusion of several other genera (see taxobox) in order for the family to remain monophyletic. This situation has made it difficult to describe general characteristics: while some genera match the expected image of large tree ferns with tall stipes (up to 20 meters), others, like Hymenophyllopsis, are smaller plants with a delicate appearance.
The sporangia are grouped in sori on the abaxial (underside) surface of the fronds. The position of the sori and the presence of scales are the two most conspicuous traits used to distinguish them from the other major tree fern family, the Dicksoniaceae. Like all Cyatheales, they possess pneumatodes (a possible synapomorphy, Pryer et al. 1995), and the morphology of the pneumatodes in Cyatheaceae can be a helpful identification feature.
Cyatheaceae are found in humid tropical climates, generally in montane forests in both the New and Old Worlds. Some species extend into more temperate regions in the north and south, and endemic species are common.
Important Details
Tour: Giant Ferns and the Samaipata Fort
Itinerary
Museum - El FuerteGiant Ferns
Full Day – Samaipata – El Fuerte
Departure from the city of Santa Cruz
Pickup at 7:00 AM and the journey to Samaipata, the giant ferns, and El Fuerte begins.
Please make sure to have your breakfast in advance. We head to the town of Samaipata, which is approximately a 3-hour drive. It’s about 75 miles or 120 km from Santa Cruz, which lies at around 1,200 feet or 370 meters above sea level.
Samaipata is located at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level.
Please remember to bring your original passport or a valid form of identification accepted in Bolivia.
Once outside Santa Cruz, the road to Samaipata begins to change from urban plains to a narrower highway climbing along mountains on one side and the Piraí River on the other, with the landscape shifting to sandstone formations and lush green mountains.
If weather and time permit, we may stop at “Cuevas” (currently closed). After a short 15-minute walk, you can enjoy a few scenic waterfalls there.
The entire road to Samaipata is paved, except for some sections damaged by landslides or under maintenance. We’ll stop wherever visitors wish to take photos.
Samaipata enjoys mild weather during the day and tends to be a bit chilly at night.
Once in Samaipata, we’ll continue by vehicle for 45 minutes to 1 hour on a dirt road uphill to a forest at around 2,000 meters above sea level. This nearby forest is home to the giant tree ferns (Cyatheaceae), found in their natural native forest. We will take a 2–3-hour hike through trails where you’ll be able to admire these majestic ferns up close and enjoy spectacular mountain views.
After the hike, we return to Samaipata town for lunch and a visit to the local museum. There, you’ll find various artifacts and ceramics left behind by different cultures that once inhabited the area or came from other regions of Bolivia.
The museum also features exhibits and imagery that explain the presence of multiple cultures which left their mark on the famous carved rock known as El Fuerte, believed to be the largest carved rock in the world. The museum even houses a small model of this impressive archaeological site.
After the museum visit, we continue directly to the mountain where El Fuerte is located.
The entrance to the side road leading to El Fuerte is located 2.5 miles or 4 kilometers from Samaipata on the paved road heading back toward Santa Cruz. From this point, we take a secondary road uphill by vehicle to the mountaintop where El Fuerte sits, and from where the trail begins.
Once there, a specialized guide will join us for a walking tour around the large carved rock, explaining the potential purposes of the carvings, the strategic importance of this site in ancient times, and the cultural clashes that occurred due to its location. (Bring a sweater!)
During the walk, it is fascinating to imagine the experiences of the various cultures that once passed through this remarkable place.
Once the tour of El Fuerte is complete, we return via the same road to the city of Santa Cruz.
Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your location.
End of the Giant Ferns and El Fuerte of Samaipata tour.
Please read the terms and conditions of our services.
Amboró Tours is the sole original source of this itinerary.
Important Details Tour:
Giant Ferns and
the Samaipata El Fuerte
The Price Includes:
– Pick-up / Drop-off in the city of Santa Cruz
– Private transportation according to the itinerary
– Entrance fees as per the itinerary
– Local guide (Spanish-speaking; translator available at additional cost)
– Bottled water
– Meals according to the itinerary
Not included:
– Special medications
– Bilingual guide
– Alcoholic beverages
– Accident insurance during the hikes
What to Bring:
– Passport (original) or valid identification documents in Bolivia
– Sunscreen
– A cap or hat (do not wear it under trees or branches)
– Sunglasses
– A warm sweater
– Rain jacket or poncho
– Insect repellent
– Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
– Plastic bags to keep your belongings dry
– Proper shoes for the tour
– Your own personal medication
– Any personal items you may need
Recomendaciones
– Follow the guide’s instructions
– Do not touch insects or reptiles
– Keep your dry items in plastic bags
– Be careful not to slip or fall when crossing rivers or streams
– Avoid jumping from one place to another
– Do not throw away non-biodegradable waste, including cigarette butts
– Avoid bringing strong-smelling deodorants or other scented products
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Tour:Giant Ferns -Samaipata El Fuerte
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Tour: Giant Ferns -Samaipata El Fuerte
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