Bolivia’s extreme geography of deserts, mountains, canyons, and jungle hide untold mysteries waiting to be uncovered. In this isolated country we’ll enjoy family hospitality at an old hacienda, visit the delightful colonial city of Sucre, and the homes of some of the finest Andean weavers. Next, it’s off to the historic mining town of Potosi and then a trip through twisting canyons to the largest salt desert in the world. Discover this stunning contrasts of Bolivia and meet the warm people of this uncharted Andean nation.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive La Paz. Altar in Bolivia. Overnight.
Day 2: Fly Sucre
A short flight brings you to the colonial city of Sucre. Today is yours visit several colonial buildling, explore the colorful market, museums and churches while wandering the narrow streets of this pleasant town. For dinosaur buffs, you can take a half-day trip out of town to see 60 million year old tyrannosaurus rex tracks.
Days 3-4: Market and Hacienda Candelaria (B,L,D)
Corn drying at Hacienda Candelaria, Bolivia Sunday is market day in the village of Tarabuco, where farmers and weavers from the countryside join together in a festive atmosphere to trade foodstuffs, fine weavings, and exchange gossip with far away friends and relatives. After trying your wits with the local vendors, you’re off to Hacienda Candelaria. Although well into her golden years, Dona Aby still runs this working hacienda, overseeing the planting and harvesting of corn, potatoes, and chili peppers each year. Grandma Aby and her daughter Elizabeth show you some old fashioned hospitality during your stay.
In the morning you'll awake to help bake the breakfast bread in a traditional adobe oven. Then it’s off to the Quechua village of Ch’illa Apacheta where the women are famous for their fine weavings. You’ll visit several homes to talk with weavers before heading back to the hacienda and a picnic lunch along the way. You return to Sucre in the late afternoon.
Days 5-6: Potosi
At over 13,000 feet above sea level, Potosi is the highest city of it’s size in the world. After the discovery of silver in Cerro Rico (Rich Hill), Potosi grew into the largest and most opulent city in the Americas. The city’s rich colonial architecture and tragic history as a colonial mining town has earned recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Your time here is free to explore the cobblestone streets and possibly visit the working mines of Cerro Rico. With no mechanization in the mines, a visit into the maze of tunnels is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Days 7-9: Salt Desert of Uyuni (2B,3L,2D)
Today it’s off in four wheel drive trucks to the Salt Desert of Uyuni. From Potosi you travel through tortured canyons and past adobe villages where time seems to stand still. You'll cross a pass of over 15,500 feet before arriving to your rustic accommodations in the town of Uyuni. The next morning you'll start your adventure by visiting the train cemetary.
Later you’ll see a historic hotel actually built of salt, and visit Isla de Pescadores, a bizarre island surrounded by salt and studded with 20 foot tall cactus. You’ll also learn about the production of salt bricks in the village of Colchani, and watch graceful flamingos wading through briny water. On your last day you'll visit Volcano Tunupa for a spectacular view of this great expanse of salt. After lunch, it’s back across the salt flat to the town of Uyuni where you’ll have time for a shower and a pleasant meal before boarding the night train to La Paz.
Day 10: La Paz (D)
You'll roll into La Paz in time to watch the sun rise over the snow capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. The day is yours to explore the markets or take an optional tour of the Tiahuanaco ruins or the Valley of the Moon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide.
Day 11: Return Home
Accommodations: 8 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night rustic guesthouses (may be on multi-share basis), 1 night train/bus
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 1 local flight, jeeps, public buses, train
Visit the homes of indigenous weavers, explore an old hacienda, and travel through some of Bolivia’s starkest landscape. If you’re ready for the tough travel conditions and high altitudes, then this is an exciting introductory to Bolivia’s magnificent landscape and timeless life on the Altiplano.
Start Dates 2008: Sept 26, Oct 17, Nov 14
Start Dates 2009: Apr 3, May 1, May 29, Jun 26, Jul 24, Aug 21, Sep 18, Oct 16, Nov 13
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
US$1540 3 travelers or more
Single Supplement: US$225
US$2135 2 travelers
Note: Flight La Paz-Sucre is not included. Please add US$85 (flight cost subject to change).
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$120 for meals not included, US$100 for Bolivian visa, US$25 international departure tax, US$5 local departure taxes, US$60 optional excursions ($30 tour to the salt mines).
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$40, Single US$65
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Bolivia
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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