La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni Salt Flats, Lagunas de Colores and Isla del Sol
12 Days / 11 Nights - Per person on a double basis - Code BMA017
Day 1. Transfer Airport - Hotel (Night)
El Alto airport is currently the highest International airport in the world at 4,080m/13.115 ft above sea level. Transfer from airport to hotel, via a short highway, from which there is a nice evening view of the city lights.
Night: Rosario Hotel
Day 2. Tiwanaku ruins (Half Day) - City Tour and Valley of the Moon (Half Day)
Tiwanaku is a 1½ hours drive from La Paz (72 km/45 miles), throughout which the highlands are passed and the Aymaran way of life can be seen. Tiwanaku dating back to 1580BC - 1200AC, was one of the most important pre-Inca civilizations and considered to be among the most developed at the time. The main constructions visited during this tour are: Kalasasaya temple and the Gate of the Sun constructed out of stone, Ponce and Fraile monoliths; the Akapana pyramid and the semi-underground temple. Two local museums to view pottery, stone work and learn about the culture are also included on this trip.
In the afternoon, take a four hours city tour through La Paz, elected as one of the 7 wonder cities in the world. It is located in a valley at the foothills of the Andes Range, situated at 3,632m / 11942 ft. above sea level. The tour goes through the street markets rich in handicrafts, weavings and witchcraft items, followed by a visit to the colonial section of the city, San Francisco Church, Gold Museum, Murillo Square also visit to the viewpoint ""Mirador de Killi Killi""; and the outdoor replica of Tiwanaku temple. Then descending to the more modern, southern part of La Paz to reach and visit the Valley of the Moon, where a clay mountain has been impressively shaped by erosion.
Included: Breakfast and lunch
Night: Rosario Hotel
Day 3. La Paz – Sucre
Transfer to the airport for taking flight to Sucre. On arrival transfer to the hotel.
Included: Breakfast
Night: Casa Kolpìng
Day 4. City Tour (Half day)
Sucre is the capital of Bolivia; this charming colonial city lies at the head of the valley at 2700 meters high. It's a very interesting tour which includes the visit of Casa de la Libertad, where the Act of Independence of Bolivia was signed in 1825; Bolivar Park, to see examples of the aristocratic tradition in Sucre with small replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc of Triumph of Paris; the church and museum of La Recoleta, and the museum of Indian Textiles ASUR.
Included: Breakfast
Night: Casa Kolpìng
Day 5. Sucre - Potosi (by private car) - City Tour (Half day)
Early departure from Sucre by private transport, in a 3 hours trip by an amazing road starting in the valleys at 2,759 masl / 9.020 ft. reach Pilcomayo river and see Puente Arce (a pending bridge used in past), go up to the to the highlands at 4,060 masl /13.320 ft, and reach the famous colonial mining city of Potosi.
P.M. Visiting Potosí is a journey back in time through traditional colonial streets and the artisan market; the famous Mint House, San Francisco church and the front of San Lorenzo church that has one of the greatest examples of stone carvings of the baroque-mestizo style.
Included: Breakfast
Night: Hostal Colonial
Day 6. Mine in Cerro Rico (Half day) - Potosi - Uyuni (Private car)
This unique excursion allows the visitors to experience an unforgettable trip hundreds of meters underground, to see the living and working conditions of the Bolivian miners (protective clothing and helmets are provided). The silver mine is in the famous Cerro Rico, once the richest of the world.
An amazing trip starting in Potosí passing through great branches of the Andes range, with lots of colors, erosion and cactus, near the villages of Chaquilla and Tika Tika, and the famous Pulacayo tin mine. It ends in the village of Uyuni (3 to 4 hours), before a big train maintenance and workshop center, now growing a lot due to tourism of Uyuni salt flats and the region.
Included: Breakfast and dinner
Night: Los Jardines de Uyuni hotel
Day 7. Uyuni – Villamar – Tomás Lakjas
Trip south visiting first the cemetery of old trains, then through the highlands, passing the villages of San Cristobal, Culpina K until the high and rich valley of Alota (3 hours), then areas with great stone formations done by the erosion. Continue through high valleys until the village of Villamar (1 hour).
Visit to the Cave Paintings and Thomas Lakjas Necropolis.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Night: Mallku Cueva Hotel
Day 8. Villamar – Colorful Lagoons (REA) – Ojo de Perdiz
LONG DAY! Early morning trip entering the REA (National Reserve Eduardo Abaroa), going thtough and visiting Laguna Colorada (2 hours), declared a RAMSAR site due to the nesting of over 30,000 flamingos at 4,278 m. Then up to geysers “Sol de Mañana"", pass alongside Challviri lagoon, with its hot spring in the shores of Polques. Cross through the high desert of Pampas de Dali, with amazing views, to finally reach Laguna Verde (3 hours), in the foothills of the Licancabur Mountain. Trip back to Laguna Colorada, enter the high deserts of Siloli, visiting Arbol de Piedra to finally reach Ojos de Perdiz (4 hours - 4,531m.a.s.l. / 14,865 ft)
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Night: Tayka del Desierto Hotel
Day 9: Ojo de Perdiz – Small Lagoons – Uyuni salt flats – Colchani
Morning trip north through the minor lagoons: Hedionda and Cañapa, continue east through branches of the range, reaching the valley of Alota (3 hours). North through the highlands passing the villages of San Agustin and San Juan (2 hours), entering in Chuvica to the great Uyuni salt flat crossing to ""Isla Incahuasi"" (1 hour), a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus. Continue east to the village of Colchani (2 hours), where the locals produce salt. Enjoy a great sunset.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Night: Palacio de Sal – Salt hotel
Day 10. Colchani – Uyuni – La Paz – Copacabana – Sun Island
Transfer from Colchani to Uyuni’s airport to take a flight back. On arrival to La Paz meeting at the airport to starts an enjoyable nice trip by private transportation going north through the highlands, then along Titicaca Lake and parallel to the Andes Royal Range until Copacabana (3 ½ hours), a pleasant town in the shores of Lake. Visit to its church and the famous ""Virgen Morena"". Trip by boat crossing the Lake to the Island of the Sun (1 hour) until Huacani to have an Aptapi (typical lunch in the highlands), this trip continues by boat up till to the ruins of Pilkokaina Inca temple. Finally hike to La Estancia with a wonderful view of Lake Titicaca (1 hour approximately).
Included: Breakfast, lunch (typical aptapi) and Dinner
Night: Ecolodge La Estancia
Day 11. La Chincana – Moon Island – Copacabana – La Paz
DON’T MISS A GREAT SUNRISE! Boat to La Chincana (1 hour), to see this great Inca ruins, continue in boat to the Moon Island, visit the Iñak Uyu ruins (1 ½ hours), boat to Copacabana (1 hours). Transportation to La Paz (3 ½ hours). Cable car (Teleférico) from El Alto city to La Paz one, the ride is a good choice to discover an excellent and beautiful view of La Paz. This trip is a must for everyone!
Included: Breakfast and lunch
Night: Rosario Hotel
Day 12. Transfer to the airport
Pick-up from hotel and transfer to the airport. Ascending to El Alto, there will be a nice view of La Paz.
Included: Breakfast