Holiday in Bolivia, Tiahuanaco to Uyuni Salt Lake
| country: | Bolivia |
| departures: | This trip operators on a tailormade basis and can be adapted to suit your budget and requirements as necessary |
| price: | From US $730 (9 days) domestic flights only, as per itinerary, based on 2 people travelling |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Enjoy amazing views along the Andes and the Amazon, to areas where local people still maintain ancient cultural traditions, and where outstanding nature can be found.
Located in the middle of South America, Bolivia is home to the majestic Andes, Mountains, expansive cloud forest, unique salt flats, dry forest, savannahs, and one of the most biodiverse areas of the Amazonian rainforest.
This region boasts a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna just waiting to be explored.
Close to the city of La Paz you can explore the Andes, where you will see condors and herds of llamas and alpacas, explore archeological sites at Tiwanaco, and visit villages on the historic Sun and Moon Islands surrounded by the expansive and amazingly blue Lake Titicaca.
Other highland options include the surreal landscapes of the world's largest salt flats. At the Avaroa Reserve you can enjoy the magic of volcanoes and lakes and marvel at the flamingos and vicuñas passing by. Or learn about dinosaurs that walked the earth millions of years ago, and see their great footprints cast in stone.
You can also take a short 55-minute flight from the city of La Paz and drop down into the verdant rainforest and navigate the Beni and Tuichi Rivers. Experience the Madidi National Park, which offers the joys of spotting tapirs, quetzals, toucans, howler and spider monkeys and much, much more.
In the northeast corner of Bolivia, in the department of Santa Cruz, lies another option: Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, with 3.8 million acres that are rich in diversity of species and spectacular landscapes and waterfalls.
In addition to its physical beauty and astounding wildlife, Bolivia has an amazingly diverse culture, and a unique history. There are two major indigenous peoples, Ayamara and Quechua and several other lowland groups that together account for over half of the Bolivian population. The remainder of Bolivians are "mestizo": of mixed or of European descent. This unique blend of cultures and history can be appreciated throughout the country where traditional festivals, handicrafts, museums, and colonial churches abound.
Bolivia is a country where nature still reigns, and where ecotourism and conservation efforts are generating income to support local economies. Discover Bolivia and have an unforgettable experience!
Located in the middle of South America, Bolivia is home to the majestic Andes, Mountains, expansive cloud forest, unique salt flats, dry forest, savannahs, and one of the most biodiverse areas of the Amazonian rainforest.
This region boasts a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna just waiting to be explored.
Close to the city of La Paz you can explore the Andes, where you will see condors and herds of llamas and alpacas, explore archeological sites at Tiwanaco, and visit villages on the historic Sun and Moon Islands surrounded by the expansive and amazingly blue Lake Titicaca.
Other highland options include the surreal landscapes of the world's largest salt flats. At the Avaroa Reserve you can enjoy the magic of volcanoes and lakes and marvel at the flamingos and vicuñas passing by. Or learn about dinosaurs that walked the earth millions of years ago, and see their great footprints cast in stone.
You can also take a short 55-minute flight from the city of La Paz and drop down into the verdant rainforest and navigate the Beni and Tuichi Rivers. Experience the Madidi National Park, which offers the joys of spotting tapirs, quetzals, toucans, howler and spider monkeys and much, much more.
In the northeast corner of Bolivia, in the department of Santa Cruz, lies another option: Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, with 3.8 million acres that are rich in diversity of species and spectacular landscapes and waterfalls.
In addition to its physical beauty and astounding wildlife, Bolivia has an amazingly diverse culture, and a unique history. There are two major indigenous peoples, Ayamara and Quechua and several other lowland groups that together account for over half of the Bolivian population. The remainder of Bolivians are "mestizo": of mixed or of European descent. This unique blend of cultures and history can be appreciated throughout the country where traditional festivals, handicrafts, museums, and colonial churches abound.
Bolivia is a country where nature still reigns, and where ecotourism and conservation efforts are generating income to support local economies. Discover Bolivia and have an unforgettable experience!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | La Paz. Flight arrives at Kennedy International Airport in La Paz. Welcome to Bolivia! Transfer to hotel, register, then take a quick tour of this beautiful and historic city located high in the Andes. |
| Day 2: | Tihuanacu, Copacabana. A morning departure will take us to the ancient and amazing ruins of Tihuanaco. During our drive we will overlook the magnificent Lake Titicaca. At the midpoint of our trip, the group will board a ferryboat to journey through the Strait of Tiquina. After reaching Copacabana in three hours, we will register at the hotel then take a walking tour of historic Copacabana. Our stroll through the city will take us to the main plaza, the cathedral and the “Horca del Inca” (The Incan Gallows). |
| Day 3: | Isla Del Sol. From Copacabana, we´ll travel by boat to the northern section of Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) where we´ll begin an adventurous 4.5-hour hike to the southern part of the island. A local hotel will provide accommodatios for the night. But, prior to “calling it a day”, we will venture out to a scenic point on the island that provides a perfect view of the sun setting over gorgeous Lake Titicaca. |
| Day 4: | Copacabana, La Paz. Have breakfast, pack and board a boat for a return trip to Copacabana. After lunch we´ll take scenic roads on our return to a night´s stay in La Paz. |
| Day 5: | Sucre. In the morning our group will check out of the hotel in La Paz, then be transported to the airport for a flight to the city of Sucre. After checking in at the hotel we will tour the most beautiful city in Bolivia. Among its many attractions is the Recoleta Convent, which is compelling and also offers a great view of Sucre and the hills surrounding the city. Later in the day, we will visit the historic “House of Liberty” where Simon Bolivar signed Bolivia´s Act of Independence in 1825, creating a free republic. After lunch, our tour will take us to the Colonial Museum to learn more about Bolivia´s fascinating colonial history. We will also have the chance to view Bolivia´s best examples of indigenous textile art (weavings) at the ASUR museum´s unique and colorful exhibit. |
| Day 6: | Potosi. After breakfast in Sucre, our group will take a morning bus ride (approximately three hour trip) to Potosi, once considered the largest and richest city in the Americas, founded during the 16th century. We will travel from the warm Andean subtropical valleys where Sucre is nestled, to the high puna grasslands and the Altiplano located over 13,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival in Potosi, we will discuss amazing facts about the city. With its narrow streets and mix of baroque, gothic and indigenous architecture - Potosi is considered a “World Heritage” site. A visit to the impressive Royal Mint House is a must since 400 years of history are preserved within the museum. Other attractions include the Santa Teresa Convent, the main Cathedral and churches, and Cerro Rico´s mineshafts. After our extensive tour we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a local hotel. |
| Day 7: | Uyuni. Our morning departure from Potosi to Uyuni, will take place at 9 am. The extraordinarily scenic bus ride will take about 6 hours. Along the journey, we will stop to sight to sight see, stretch and take a lunch break. After arrival in Uyuni, registration and dinner at the hotel will complete the day. |
| Day 8: | Uyuni. Following breakfast, the group will board smaller vehicles to journey to the Salt Lake. Our first stop will be Isla Pescado (Fish Island) where adventurers can enjoy unique landscape features and enjoy lunch, perhaps…fish, imagine that. In the afternoon a visit to the small town of Jirira, will be the perfect setting for us to learn more about the fascinating nature, geology, and history of human occupation within the salt lakes region. By mid-afternoon, we must leave the incredible sights and make our way back to the hotel to prepare for an early dinner. We will then travel within the comforts of a train with sleeper accommodations, to the city of Oruro. |
| Day 9: | La Paz. An early morning arrival in Oruro, allow us to board a bus to return to La Paz. After a reception in La Paz we´ll transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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We have been working with tourists for 28 years. Our staff has five years of experience and active participation in the development of Ecotourism in different areas of Bolivia. We are committed to providing excellent services and avoiding any negative impact on natural or cultural environments. We believe we can use Ecotourism to help protect and save spectacular parts of Bolivia, to support conservation efforts, and to generate income for local people.
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Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |