Yaku - Samaipata

Compared to other restaurants in Samaipata, Yaku is a short walk (about 5 blocks) from the main square and its previous location near the fruit and vegetable market (now four blocks west along Calle Arenales). Despite the distance, it is definitely worth the walk! The daily set menu offers a delicious three-course meal (soup, salad, and main course) at a great price of 18 Bolivianos. We enjoyed a flavorful quinoa soup, a fresh salad, and a tasty lentil and vegetable stew with rice. Even with hearty appetites, we struggled to finish all the delicious food. The host was hospitable and fluent in English, and there is indoor seating for chilly nights when the outdoor area is too cool. Friendly dogs and a cat add to the welcoming atmosphere, which is typical of Samaipata where the locals, both two-legged and four-legged, are friendly and welcoming.

Compared to Samaipata standards, Yaku is located a bit far away (about 5 blocks from the main square). However, it is worth the short walk to get there! The daily set menu offers a delicious three-course meal (soup, salad, and main course) for a great price. We only paid 18 Bolivianos for a mouth-watering quinoa soup (the best we had in Bolivia), a fresh and satisfying salad, and a hearty lentil and vegetable stew with rice. Despite having a healthy appetite, we struggled to finish all the delicious food. The chef/host was very welcoming and spoke excellent English. There is also indoor seating for cold winter nights when the outdoor seating is too chilly. Friendly dogs and a cat are also present, which is common in Samaipata where the animals are as friendly as the locals. (Review last updated on 2019-07-08)