Samaipata's two anchors are the pre-Columbian site of El Fuerte and the cloud forest of Amboró National Park. Both require half-day commitments at minimum; combining them makes a very full visit.
Within town, the small archaeology museum provides useful context for El Fuerte before you visit the site itself. The central plaza, market, and the restaurants and cafes that have grown up to serve the backpacker circuit give the town a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that encourages staying longer than planned.