The gateway to the Bolivian Amazon lies at the lively town of Rurrenabaque.
Motorised canoes will take you into the rich and verdant realms of the Madidi National Park, a hub of ecotourism in the Bolivian Amazon basin.
On a network of paths and waterways you can immerse yourself in the hot and humid tropical paradise that is the rainforest.
Wildlife such as howler monkeys and pink river dolphins, as well as a colourful indigenous culture, are a magnet for those who like to experience not only the Andean climates of Bolivia but to venture further into the depths of this fascinating country.
Sajama National park offers fabulous off the beaten track trekking and some easy Andean peaks amid amazing natural beauty.
A few hours from La Paz by four wheel drive brings you to Sajama National Park.
In this beautiful remote high mountain area you have the opportunity to explore a little visited part of southern Bolivia, right on the border with Chile, in the shadow of Bolivia’s highest peak – Nevado Sajama (6,542m/21,463ft).
Snow-capped volcanoes fringe the vast altiplano and lagoons lie only a walk away in the mountains.
Geysers and hot springs await and you can be sure to see a variety of typical Andean wildlife, such as llama, vicuna, alpaca, Andean flamingos and viscachas.
The Cordillera Real of Bolivia is a range of awe-inspiring snowy peaks just south of La Paz.
The towering peaks of this mountain range, dominated by Illimani (6,400m/20,997ft), Illampu (6,368m/20,892ft) and Ancohuma (6,427m/21,086ft), form a magnificent barrier which separates the Altiplano from Bolivia’s extensive rainforest.
The range is criss-crossed by ancient pilgrimage and trading routes and gives avid trekkers plenty of options to escape civilisation into the incredibly dramatic high Bolivian altitudes.
In the Condoriri Range you still won’t meet many fellow hikers but will find yourself in the company of majestic peaks, high altitude passes with stunning views, grazing herds of llamas and alpacas and soaring condors.
Torotoro National Park is a jewel for those seeking to escape the crowds – offering caves, canyons and fossilised dinosaur footprints.
The stunning Torotoro National Park is still an off the beaten track destination in Bolivia and well worth a visit.
Its highlights include some of the best preserved dinosaur footprints in South America, as well as stunning geological formations from an era long gone.
There are day walks across volcanic landscapes and you’ll pass by remote Andean villages, giving an insight into true Andean culture.
The dazzling, white Salt Flats of Uyuni stretch as far as the eye can see. The salt flat is dotted with small islands where only cacti grow.
The sheer expanse of the flats (nearly 11,000 sq km) will leave your mind boggled, and that’s before you’ve even ventured further into the surrounding high desert of the Bolivian Altiplano.
It is there that you will find desert landscapes that transport you into another world.
The desert is home to beautiful lagoons of many hues, home to flocks of elegant flamingos.
In the world of little water there are hot springs to soak in, weird other worldly stone formations and spouting geysers.
All of this set against a backdrop of snow covered volcanoes and vast open skies.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
Rob Lawley, Galapagos Cruise, April 2024 The Galapagos Island Cruise on the Aida Maria was one of the best holidays I've ever had. Right from the start Andean Trails answered every question quickly, efficiently and gave useful information. The yacht itself was fabulous, perfect size, spotlessly clean and looked great. The staff were very friendly, helpful and prepared really good food. Alex, our guide for the week, was superb. Knew everything about the Islands and shared his knowledge in an interesting, engaging, friendly way. The itinerary was excellent, so many interesting places and the animals/fish we saw was just amazing. There were so many highlights but mine was probably snorkeling with Hammerhead Sharks, also the 50/60 strong pod of dolphins we saw who were swimming with the yacht for ages and also the nightly visits from sharks, sea lions, pelicans and a variety of fish at the back of the yacht whilst i was watching, enjoying a glass of red. Just incredible to see. The whole trip was brilliantly organised and its something I'll never forget. I hope to return at some stage to these amazing islands and would definitely recommend Andean Trails and the Aida Maria
Rob Lawley, Galapagos Cruise, April 2024
Kate S., Ecuador and Galapagos, April 2024 I had a fantastic adventure! So many things to thank you for! The highlight was the trip to Galapagos. The combination of the Bonita, the activities (snorkelling and kayaking in particular), the wildlife, the weather, the companions and the crew made it easily the highlight of the trip. I was sorry to leave and could have stayed another week. The low point was when I suffered from vertigo on day 2 of the Highlands walk. We came across a narrow ledge with a steep drop. Pablo, our guide guided me across the ledge confidently. I also found the final ascent to the Ruminahui volcano too steep to attempt. Accommodation was very good. All the staff at every accommodation were excellent, very welcoming, friendly and happy to help us with anything. The food at every accommodation on the trek, on the cruise and at the cloud forest was very good - I loved eating new fruits and fruit juices. The food was always freshly made and of good quality. The only 'satisfactory ' food was at the hotel in Quito! Guides were excellent, a particular shout out for Pablo on our trek. He was very knowledgeable, good company and good fun. Excellent organization, we were looked after every step of the way. It would be helpful to say in your information that some sections of the walk are very steep (the Ruminahui volcano) and there are some narrow ledges which may not be suitable for people with any kind of vertigo. We had a somewhat frustrating day in Quito as two of the churches and a museum we had planned to visit were closed. Perhaps a note in your information to tell travellers to check websites of churches/museums/places of interest before they set out might be useful. A fantastic adventure! The trip was so well organised and you have been incredibly helpful in sorting out our itinerary. So many experiences and memories, thank you!