Where this tour will take you
Visit the colonial cities of Santa Cruz and Sucre, shop at nearby markets and enjoy the pleasant climate of this area. Find out more about the everyday live of miners in Potosí, visit the famous silver mines and experience the vast Uyuni Salt Flats and their unforgettable beauty and unique surroundings
Spend time in the world’s highest capital, La Paz, admire its dramatic setting amidst snow-capped peaks and haggle at the colourful witches’ market. Stop by at mystical Lake Titicaca where the cradle of the Incan Empire is believed to be found and relax in the hot springs of Sajama National Park, surrounded by the stark landscape of the Altiplano and with view of the highest peak in the country, Nevada Sajama.
Day 1: Santa Cruz
Arrival in Santa Cruz, trf to hotel.
Santa Cruz is located in the huge eastern lowlands of Bolivia. The rapid economic development of the city has not affected the colonial character of the old backstreets nor the famous good humor of the city’s inhabitants. Free day, optional city tour. Hotel Cortez **** or similar.
PLEASE NOTE: this day is not accompanied by the tourleader, but by local guides and representatives. The tourleader joins the tour in Sucre. It is possible for you to join the tour in Sucre, too, if you are not flying into Santa Cruz International airport.
Day 2: From Santa Cruz to Sucre
Today we fly to Sucre, UNESCO world heritage city and constitutional capital of Bolivia. After a half day tour of the city, which leads you to the most important monuments such as Casa de la Libertad, the beautiful baroque cathedral and several other churches in the old city, you have the rest of the day to spend at your heart’s desire. Hostal Sucre *** or similar. (B)
Day 3: Tarabuco Market
The most authentic street fair of the Andes takes place every Sunday 65 km (40 miles) from Sucre. We will drive a couple of hours to visit the Tarabuco Market where locals from several communities come to the market to buy animals, vegetables, fruits, crafts, and textiles. The market provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and you can buy everything from ponchos to conquistador-style leather helmets, musical instruments and other local specialties and souvenirs. The weavings are some of the best in South America and unique to this part of Bolivia. Return to Sucre in the afternoon. Accommodation in Hostal Sucre *** or similar. (B,L)
Day 4: Sucre to Potosí
We take the public bus to Potosi (3 hours). The “Rich Mountain” that overlooks Potosí is the main source of silver in the area. The mines have hardly changed since colonial times and you can learn about the customs and traditions of the workers, their strange relationship with the coca leaf, the Earth Goddess Pachamama and Tio, the god of the underworld. Our half day excursion also takes us to the miners´ market. Hostal Libertador 3*** or similar. (B)
Day 5: Potosí
During its mining heyday in the 17th century, Potosí was the biggest city in the Americas. Silver from Potosí was taken to Spain and used all over Europe. Today it is another town on the UNESCO list and a walk through its streets takes you back to the times of the Spanish conquistadores. Our half day tour includes a visit to the main monuments and churches of the old town, the rest of the day once again is yours to explore the town a little further. Hostal Libertador 3*** or similar. (B,L)
Day 6: From Potosí to Uyuni
Today we board once again the public bus to Uyuni (6 Hours). On arrival we check into our hotel, Hotel La Magia or similar. (B)
Day 7: 4x4 WD expedition on the Salar de Uyuni.
We leave on an unforgettable trip through 12,000 km² (4,500 square miles) of fantastic landscapes. The Isla Incahuasi in the center of the Salar is famous for its particular fauna of rodents and birds and its giant cacti. On this island are some small remains from the Inca civilization that ruled for about 150 years from 1350 to 1500BC. It is interesting to look at the corals, remnants of earlier times when Uyuni was under water. We will stop here for lunch before continuing to the Galaxy caves, which were once used as ancestral burial sites caves. Here we can admire bizarre rock formations and petrified cacti. In the late afternoon we arrive in San Pedro de Quemez, where we spend the night. Accommodation in Hotel Tayka de Piedra 4****. (B,L,D)
Day 8: 4x4 WD expedition on the Salar de Uyuni
We will leave early this morning, with our sun glasses tightly held in our hands as we continue to cross this vast expanse of salt – hard to imagine that one can spend several days driving across this huge expanse of salt with absolutely no vegetation! We, however, will leave the salt flats behind eventually and continue to reach Volcano Tunupa where we visit the Coquesa Mummies, which can be found in several caves and date from around 1000 A.D. In the late afternoon we’ll be able to see the sunset from a view point from where you can admire the Salar’s fascinating shapes and colors at dusk. Accommodation in Hotel Tayka de Sal, a hotel built entirely out of salt! 4**** (B,L,D)
Day 9: Return to Uyuni, night bus to La Paz
On our last day in the Salar, we visit the Chillguilla viewpoint for one last breath-taking view and stop at the Pukara Chillima pre-columbian ruins. We will have lunch in the Salar and then unfortunately have to head back to Uyuni, where we board the night bus to La Paz. (B,L)
Day 10: La Paz
We arrive in La Paz around 8am and head to our hotel to check in and for a little rest.
Once rested we will set off on a comprehensive introduction tour of the city of La Paz. Our city tour takes you past historic monuments, churches and museums, as well as visiting the famous witch market where you can stock up on charms and learn about Bolivian superstitions. We will leave La Paz for a short drive to the Valley of the Moon, with its fascinating and remote moon-like landscape. Hotel El Dorado 3*** or similar. (B)
Day 11: Lake Titicaca
We depart to Copacabana by private transport and drive along the road that crosses the central peninsula. We will pass small villages with astonishing views of the Lake Titicaca and of the Royal Range on our way. We will cross the Strait of Tiquina that divides Lake Major (Chucuito) and Lake Minor (Wiñaymarka) and will embark on a scenic boat trip. We travel on a local fishing boat and will be able to chat with our local guide as he takes us across the Sacred Lake. The Island of the Sun appears in front of us after a short journey and we will explore the island and its Incan remains – the Stairway of Yumani and the Sacred Source, the Palace of Pilkokaina. Return to Copacabana. Accommodation in Hotel Rosario del Lago 3*** or similar. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Copacabana, return to La Paz
Today, before returning to La Paz, we will visit the famous basilica of the Black Virgin and its museum and will have time to wander around the little town and its surroundings. The short walk up the nearby Calvary may be tiring but is worth the astonishing views onto the bay.
As we return to La Paz we pass the villages of Huarina and Batallas and have beautiful views of almost all of the Andes Cordillera. Arrival in La Paz in the late afternoon. Accommodation in Hotel El Dorado *** or similar. (B,L)
Day 13: Sajama National Park
An early departure out of La Paz heading south on a paved highway takes us to Patacamaya where we head west on a modern highway heading to Chile. We should arrive at the turnoff to the village of Sajama in approximately 5 hours from La Paz.
Mt. Sajama is Bolivias’ highest mountain and can be seen from across the Altiplano on clear days. It is on the western border of Bolivia with Chile in a volcanic chain known as the Cordillera Occidental. The now dormant volcano sits by itself in the middle of the Altiplano and creates its own weather system with winds sometimes over 80 miles per hour on the summit. At its base lies the world’s highest forest made up of the native tree called Quenua. A beautiful peak and the inspiration for some wonderful legends. A straighforward route brings climbers to the immense summit plateau with the best views of the vast Altiplano region and dozens of volcanoes in the distance. Accommodation in Tomarapi Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Sajama National Park, return to La Paz
After breakfast we’ll take a dip in the hot thermal waters situated a short distance from the town of Sajama with awesome views of the north face of Mt. Sajama. After lunch it is time to return to La Paz . Accommodation in Hotel El Dorado *** or similar. (B,L)
Day 15: Departure day
Transfer to the airport for international flight. Or maybe an Amazon extension? (B)
Included:
Local guides in Santa Cruz and Uyuni, tour leader for rest of tour, transport in publich or private vehicle as mentioned, meals as mentioned. Entry fees for sights/ national parks included in programme.
Not Included:
International and domestic flights (we can arrange these), airport tax, travel insurance, drinks and personal belongings.
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