This tour encompasses
some of Bolivia's most stunning high altitude scenery, featuring
three dramatically different parts of the Bolivian highlands.
Joining the tour
On booking, you will be
sent the following information: name and address of La Paz hotel,
advice on how to get there, time of rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: If circumstances
dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from
those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1 Join tour in La
Paz. This is one of the world's most dramatically located cities,
situated in a deep canyon at the foot of the giant snow-covered
mountain of Illimani (6,440m). The city has a high proportion of
indigenous Indians and is a fascinating place to wander about, with
many street markets, museums and plenty of opportunity for shopping.
At 3,600m you'll notice the altitude in La Paz, so take it easy and
drink plenty of water while you acclimatise. (1 night hostel)
Day 2 Leaving La Paz
early in the morning we travel by bus southwards to the mining town
of Oruro where we connect with the train to Uyuni. An eight hour
journey takes us across the high altitude plain known as the
altiplano, home to Bolivia's Aymara speaking Indians, who scrape a
living from farming small plots or herding their flocks of sheep,
alpaca and llamas. (1 night hostel)
Day 3-6 We embark on our
4 day jeep expedition through the starkly beautiful landscapes of
southern Bolivia. This is Bolivia's poorest region where the land is
inhospitable and sparsely settled, survival for the few inhabitants
is a daily battle. The scenery is wild and dramatic with salt lakes,
volcanic peaks and windswept high desert landscapes.
On the first day we cross
the world's largest salt lake, the Salar de Uyuni. The salt lake of
Uyuni is immense, covering an area of 11,000km2 at 3,650m. It
stretches in a blinding white haze as far as the eye can see, with
shimmering seemingly floating islands and in the far distance,
conical volcanoes.
We may stop at Colchani
to see salt being processed. The whole town survives on this small
industry. Out on the Salar itself you may see local people digging
up the salt and packing it into large sacks to take back to be
processed. The first night is spent in one of the scattered adobe
villages on the altiplano. Accommodation is either camping or in
small local houses in bunk beds with basic facilities, such as
running water and blankets provided.
The following day we
drive on through the beautiful desert landscape, stopping to look at
salty lagoons full of flamingoes, past the still active volcano of
Ollagua to Laguna Colorada, situated inside the Reserva Eduardo
Avaroa. The contrast of the red-coloured laguna filled with feeding
birds, the banks of sharp white salts around the water and hazy
mountains behind is unique.
The typical, though
sparse, vegetation of the reserve is the very slow-growing yareta in
distinctive bright green hard clumps, and the red-barked queñua
tree. Both of these plants have been endangered because of over use
by miners of borax. The plants are burnt to dry out the borax.
The local birdlife is
also threatened by people stealing eggs and feathers to sell. If
we're lucky we may catch sight of viscachas, vicuña and ñandu,
native fauna of this high altitude desert.
On the third day of the
tour we reach Sol de la Mañana, spouting geysers and steaming,
bubbling mud pools, continuing to Laguna Verde backed by the volcano
of Llicanbur on the Chilean border. On the fourth and final day of
the jeep tour we drive back to Uyuni. We then travel back to La Paz.
(3 nights camping or simple huts all meals included, hostel in La
Paz)
Day 7 We have a free day
in La Paz, with the option of a city tour. (1 night hostel)
Day 8 We travel by bus
across the altiplano to Copacabana and Lake Titicaca, the
snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real a dramatic backdrop to our
journey.
Lake Titicaca is a truly
amazing sight, a huge inland sea covering an area of over 8,500
square kilometres, 176km from end to end and on average 50km from
one side to the other. Set at 3,810m in the Peruvian and Bolivian
altiplano lake Titicaca is divided by a narrow strait into two
bodies of water.
The smaller in the
southeast called Lago Huiñaimarca and the larger in the northwest is
Lago Chucuito. From the northeast shore of the lake some of the
highest peaks of the Andes, the Cordillera Real, rise to over
6,000m. The lake averages 100m in depth, the bottom tips sharply
towards the Bolivian side. More than 25 rivers empty into the Lake
but only one small river flows out at the southern end, the
Desaguadero.
There are forty-one
islands, some of which, like the Island of the Sun, are densely
populated. Archaeological remains around the shores attest to the
many ancient civilisations that have thrived here. The ancient tribe
of the Uros, the influential Tiahuanaco, Pucaras, and Kollas, and
their desendents who live their lives around the lake today.
The Aymara Indians still
practice their ancient farming methods on the stepped terraces that
pre-date the Incas. They grow quinoa and the potato, endemic crops,
and graze llamas and alpaca. Lake Titicaca itself is still highly
respected and worshipped as the giver of life, the sacred mother,
Mama Qota, the provider of fish and birds.
After lunch a small boat
takes us to Pilcokaina on the Island of the Sun, legendary
birthplace of the first Incas, Manco Capac son of the sun, and Mama
Oclla daughter of the moon. (1 night camping or basic hut, all
meals)
Day 9 We explore the
island, hiking past the Inca Garden and the Inca Spring, to the
village of Challa. In the afternoon we walk to the most impressive
ruins on the island, Chincana and the Labyrinth, returning to Challa
for the night. (1 night camping or basic hut, all meals)
Day 10 Leaving the Island
of the Sun, we stop off on the Island of the Moon before returning
to Copacabana and on to La Paz for the night. for the night. (1 night hostel)
Llama trek
This four day trek takes us through the heart of the Cordillera Real. We walk beneath the 13 dramatic peaks of the Condoriri massif, peaks between 5,100m and 5648m, the highest of which is Cabeza del Condor. As its name suggests this peak has a condor like form and is a prominent feature on the Cordillera Real skyline.
The highlights of the trek are the remote Aymara speaking highland communities, herds of grazing llamas, awe-inspiring mountain scenery, mountain lakes often with flamingos feeding and stunning Andean views. There is also a possibility of seeing soaring Andean condors and the rabbit like viscachas. We use llamas to carry all our camping equipment.
Day 11 Leaving La Paz we head to Qhothya in the Cordillera Real, to start our trek. Today we’ll walk for around 4 hours, 10 km, starting at 4,150m and climbing to 4,650 metres. We leave the Kharakhota Valley and, after a few hours, enter the Suriquiña Valley, then continue on above the Garganta de Kullucachi. Our destination is Lake Ajwani (4,650m), on whose shores we camp. There is often abundant bird life around the lake, humming birds, Andean gulls, flamingos and various species of ducks. Hopefully we’ll see condors soaring above us. (1 night camp, all meals)
Day 12 After the initial climb from camp, we walk into Janchallani Valley, then climb over a ridge to the Jurikhota Valley. We walk for 6 hours, 12 kms approximately. Camp next to the beautiful Jurikhota lake. (1 night camp, all meals)
Day 13 Today’s trek is strenuous as we climb to a 5000m pass, from where we have superb views of the whole of the Condoriri massif. The route takes us across a boulder field and then we descend steeply to Laguna Chiarkhota (4,600 m). Our camp is on the lake shore. 6 hours walking, 11 kms approximately. (1 night camp, all meals)
Day 14 Today we see some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Bolivia. We cross the last 2 passes of our trek (5,100m and 4,800m), both located on the north eastern flanks of Huayna Potosí. The views of the jagged peaks from the passes are unsurpassable. We then trek to Lago Liviñosa (3850 m). After some 7 hours of walking, we reach Ancoma, where it is a pleasure to be back amongst lush valley vegetation after the stark high mountain scenery. We continue to the hydroelectric plant of Botijlaca, where we rendezvous with our vehicle for the drive back to La Paz and a welcome hot shower and cold beer. 8 hours walking, 20 km approximately. (1 night hotel, breakfast and lunch)
Day 15 Tour ends La Paz. Fly home.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Practical information
Small groups mean
flexibility and informality. Your tour leader will be on hand to
iron out any problems and give informed advice on things to do,
where to eat etc. In towns we use clean, comfortable hotels. In
little-visited wilderness areas, accommodation is more simple. When
camping we use two person tents. On trek, all equipment is
transported for us and meals are prepared by our local cook.
Fitness and experience:
In order to get the most out of the tour you should be in good
physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level
required for the trek, since this is a subjective matter. However,
we have classified this trek as moderate to strenuous. We will be
walking up to eight hours per day, with several long, steep ascents
and descents. Experience of hill walking and camping in remote
places would be beneficial. On the trek all personal belongings
other than a day-pack are carried for us by llamas and meals are
prepared by our local cook.
Altitude: Shortness of
breath is normal when first arriving at altitude. Acclimatisation
time is built into the tour programme. The highest point on the trek
is 5045 metres, but we will be camping below that level.
Climate: Highlands
May to October sunny days
and chilly evenings. Best time for walking in the mountains. Best
time for walking in the mountains. (Average day/night temperature in
La Paz 18C/0C)
(N.B. at higher altitudes temperatures can drop well below freezing
at night, and the sun is very strong).
December to March rainy
season.
Visas: Currently, no visa
is required by British citizens visiting Bolivia, but your passport
must be valid for at least six months after the date of travel.
Non-British passport holders should check visa requirements with the
Bolivian Embassy. All requirements are subject to change and should
be confirmed before departure.
Vaccinations: Please
check with your doctor or travel clinic for latest advice as
requirements are subject to change.
Personal expenses: We
recommend you carry most of your funds in US dollars cash (mixed
denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and some US dollar
travellers cheques, which can be changed in larger towns and
typically incur a 3% commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM
machines are available in La Paz. Credit cards can be used in some
restaurants and for obtaining cash in certain banks.
The cost of the tour
includes all meals while on the jeep expedition, the Island of the
Sun and on trek, and all breakfasts elsewhere. You will need money
to cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately 40-60%
cheaper than Europe); handicrafts; airport tax ($24 international);
optional excursions; extra entrance fees; tips; laundry etc.
International Flights: We
can arrange your international flights at competitive rates through
our ATOL-bonded agency. Approximate prices are shown on the Dates
and Prices sheet sent with the brochure.
Insurance: Your insurance
policy must cover you against medical expenses and repatriation. If
you do not purchase insurance from us, please ensure it covers all
activities you will be participating in, including trekking,
mountain biking and white-water rafting if applicable. Please send
us a copy of your policy as soon as possible after booking.
Luggage & Equipment:
Bring a main piece of lockable luggage to be stored in the La Paz
hotel while you are trekking. For your trek, re-pack into a kit bag,
holdall or rucksack. This will contain your sleeping bag, torch,
toiletries, changes of clothes, spare footwear etc. It will be
transported for you by donkey. You will also require a day-pack of
approximately thirty litre capacity, to carry camera, water,
waterproofs, sun protection, first aid kit, etc.
(Please let us know if
you'd like to be sent a comprehensive equipment list).
Optional extensions: If
you would like to spend more time in Peru or neighbouring countries
we can arrange this for you. Just some of the extensions we offer
are:
-
5 day visit to Cuzco
and the world famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu
-
High altitude train
journey across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca,
Journey down the desert coast to the enigmatic Nazca lines.
-
Spanish and/or Quechua
language courses in Cuzco year-round.
-
4 day Amazon rainforest
expedition into the Tambopata Reserved Zone.
-
5-9 day jungle
expedition into Manu National Park.
Facts and figures:
Bolivia
Population: 7.5 mill (60%
indian, 30% mestizo, 8% white and 2% black).
Capital city: La Paz,
population approximately 1.5 million.
Geography: Bolivia, 5th
largest country in South America, is landlocked. Bordered by Peru,
Chile, Argentina, Paraguay & Brazil.
Economy: The major food
crop is the potato, while the major cash crops are coca , soya,
cotton, sunflower and sugar. Tin, antimony, wolfram, bismuth,
silver, lead, zinc and gold are mined. Petrol, oil and gas products
are important exports.
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