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This 15 days tour all over Bolivia explores the most beautiful landscapes and picturesque towns
of the Bolivian Highlands. Here is an overview of the highlights of this circuit.
The Tiahuanaco Ruins, remains of one of the greatest and longest
running empires comprising nearly half of Bolivia, southern parts of Peru, sections of Argentina and
half of Chile, and who achieved much in term of civil engineering, architecture, harvesting and arts.
The sapphire-blue waters of mystical Lake Titicaca, with
the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real as backdrop. The world's highest
navigable lake, at 12642 ft/3856 mts, played for 2 millennia a leading role
in Andean beliefs and was at the heart of the most sophisticated Andean civilisations.
The Uyuni Salt Flat, situated in the lowest part of the central high-plateau
(12000 ft/3656 mts above sea level). In the summer the Uyuni Salt marsh is a huge lake about half the size of Belgium with a depth of 60 to 80 cm.
In the winter (ie between May and November) the water evaporates, leaving a snowy blanket of salt. This area contains one of the largest beds of lithium in the
world. When it still has water in it (up to 4 or possibly 6 inches), being in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni is like
being an ant on a gigantic mirror. The blue sky merges into the blue water, the islands are perfectly reflected and since there
is no horizon they appear suspended in the space. Some areas may be dry in which case the salt crust is a binding-white and
featured as the most perfect snow-field.
The wonderful colonial city of Sucre, the official
and constitutional Capital of Bolivia, priding itself on being the cultural
centre of the Americas.
Potosi, the highest city of the world (13770 ft/4200 mts) and once the
richest thanks to its silver mines. Today, the echoes of its fabulous colonial past
can still be seen in its churches bearing elaborate baroque facades or in its private
homes with wooden balconies looking over the narrow winding streets.
Both Potosi and Sucre are classified as "World Heritage Sites" by the Unesco.
Day 1:
Upon arrival in La Paz(3,636 mt-11,930ft), we welcome you and drive you to our hotel.
Guided visit of the city including San Francisco Church, the Handicraft Market, Government Square,
Jaen Street Museum, Residential areas and the impressive Moon Valley.(L)
Overnight in La Paz.
Day 2:
Excursion to Tiahuanaco (pre-Inca civilization) located 44 miles/72 km from La Paz,
enjoying beautiful views of the Cordillera Real. Arrival at Tiahuanaco
and guided tour of the most important pre-Inca ceremonial centre and visit
to the ritual-platform compound of Kalasasaya, the pyramid of Akapana and
the world-famous "Gate of the Sun". Drive to Puerto Perez and lodging in one
of the hotels on the shore of Lake Titicaca. (B L)
Day 3:
Motorboat cruise on Lake Titicaca to Suriqui Islands to visit
a local community. We learn more about their skill, such as the construction of
the papyrus "Balsas" and observe their daily activities.
In the afternoon sail
to the Kalahuta archaeological site lying along one of the most
beautiful bays of the Lake.
Return in the afternoon to Puerto Perez for overnight. (B,L).
Day 4:
Full day excursion to the Royal Andean Mountain Range. Drive in 4x4 to
the stupendous Condoriri Peak Region to hike for 2 hours along beautiful
Andean trails to the lagoon ChiarKhota at 4600 mts/15,080 ft surrounded by
impressive snowy and rocky peaks such as Aguja Negra Peak,
Condoriri Peak, Mount Pequeno Alpamayo, etc. Gentle hike around the site
before lunch. In the afternoon, return to Puerto Perez for overnight (B,L).
Day 5:
Return to La Paz. Afternoon at leisure to visit the markets,
modern art galleries.... Overnight in La Paz. (B).
Day 6:
Transfer from your hotel to the coach terminal and start of your 3
hours overland journey to Oruro. Reception and 4wd drive along
Lake Popoo, Challapata, Huari, Sevaruyo, Rio Mulato, Colchane to finally reach
Jirira Village on the shore of Uyuni Salt Flat (salar de Uyuni) on the footsteps of Tunupa Volcano.
Overnight in inns without private facilities. (B L D)
Day 7:
Visit of the Chullpas Ruins and short hike up to the Tunupa volcano to enjoy
an unique view over the Salar. Then, start of our 50 miles 4wd overland journey across
the Uyuni Salt Flat Desert to Isla de Pescado, a very
special island lost in the middle of the salt flat and covered with
giant cactus . Gentle hike and box lunch. We resume our journey across the
Salt Desert to the picturesque Colchani Village. We visit the salt industry and continue towards
Uyuni where we overnight in hotel (B L).
Day 8:
6 hours 4wd drive through the beautiful mining region of Bolivia across
mountains and fertile little valleys. Arrival in Potosi, the highest city
of the world (4200 mts/ 13,770 ft) declared Historical and Cultural
Patrimony of Mankind by the Unesco.
Afternoon visit of the exceptional historical heritage of Potosi, including
the Casa de la Moneda. Overnight in Potosi (B)
Day 9:
An unforgettable visit to the Cerro Rico, overlooking the city. The silver mine
of the Cerro consecrated Potosi as the richest city on Earth during the
Spanish Colonisation. Nowadays, the silver has gone but mining activities still
go on. Miners excavate in terrible conditions the Cerro in search for lead, mercury and other mineral.
Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Potosi. (B).
Day 10:
3 hour drive in car or public coach through a variety of landscapes to
Sucre, a nice colonial city, also declared Historical and Cultural Patrimony
of Mankind by the Unesco, located at a moderate altitude
(8850 ft/2700 mts) offering a nice contrast with the highlands.
Visit of the Casa de la Libertad, the museum of the Cathedral where
the Virgin of Guadalupe stands, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre dating from the
XVIIth century, the Indian Textile Art Museum and the church and museum
of La Recoleta. Overnight in Sucre. (B)
Day 11:
Transfer to the airport and flight to La Paz. Reception at the airport and transfer
to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure and in the evening farewell dinner
with folk music and dances. Overnight in la Paz. (B D).
Day 12:
Transfer to the airport or continuation of your holidays in Bolivia. (B).
Rated: Easy
Accommodation at selected tourist class hotel (2* comfortable and with private bathroom). Superior and deluxe class available upon request
upon request.
| Tour Tariff - Private Departures | |||||
| N° of Participants | 2 | 3 | 4 | SGL Supp. | |
| USD | $ 1746 | $ 1510 | $ 1447 | $ 356 | |
| EUR | € 1449 | € 1254 | € 1201 | € 296 | |
| GBP | £ 978 | £ 846 | £ 810 | £ 199 | |
| Domestic Flights: USD 86 / GBP 49 / EUR 71 | |||||
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