The archaeological site at El Fuerte is unique as it encompasses buildings of three different cultures: Chanè, Inca, and Spanish.

Chané, Inca, and Spanish all suffered raids from Ava Guaraní (Chiriguano) warriors who also settled in the region.

[3] The Spaniards built a settlement at Samaipata fort, and there are remains of buildings of typical Arab Andalusian architecture.

[5] According to a 17th-century Spanish chronicler, Diego Felipe de Alcaya, the Incas, probably late in the reign of Tupac Yupanqui (ruled 1471-1493), began the incorporation of the Samaipata area into the empire.

Guacane established his capital at Samaipata or Sabay Pata on a mountain top at an elevation of 1,900 metres (6,200 ft).

According to Alcaya's account, Guacane and Grigota were killed in an attack by the Eastern Bolivian Guaraní people called Chiriguanos by the Spanish.

Although not the most visually spectacular, the most important part of the ceremonial sector is the "coro de los sacerdotes" (choir of the priests) at the highest point of the rock.

At the bottom of the rock are 21 carved rectangular niches which may have served as residences for priests or for the storage of ceremonial items.

[13] The most prominent feature is a large trapezoidal plaza about 100 metres (330 ft) on each side bordered on the south by a "kallanka," a rectangular building typical of Inca cities and symbolizing Incan political power.

The kallanka at Samaipata is the second largest in Bolivia, but apparently construction was interrupted as the drainage canal and thatched roof were not completed.