From the Lowlands to the High Andes

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Arrive in the atmospheric city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra where you will be met and transferred to your hotel to relax after your flight. In the afternoon begin a city walking tour at the busy main square of 24 de Septiembre, including the main sights such as the church of San Lorenzo, the History Museum, and the handicrafts market of Recova Vieja. Overnight at Hotel Americana or similar. 

Depending on your time of arrival, the activities on this day may differ; if you arrive in the morning a visit to Guembe Biological Centre will be done. 

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra was founded in 1561 by a Spaniard, Nuflo de Chavez, 220km east of its present location to grow a range of products to supply the rest of the colony. The city continues to prosper today and there is a strong desire for the region to be independent of the rest of Bolivia. The best way to appreciate the city is to stroll through its busy cosmopolitan streets joining the locals at any of the many cafes that abound 

Day 2: Samaipata (approx. driving time 2.5 hours)

Today we visit the Fort and village of Samaipata. En route we have spectacular views of the Los Volcanes mountain range, and on arrival we take a 45-minute guided tour of the archaeological site. We discover the pre-Columbian architecture in the ruins of the defensive, religious and esoteric buildings. In addition, we hear the history of Fort Samaipata, which has belonged to the Chané, Inca and Spanish civilizations. After our stroll we visit the Samaipata Archaeological Museum, located just 12 miles from the archaeological complex. This colonial building exhibits the objects discovered during the excavations of the fort in its six rooms. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll start our return journey back to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, making stops along the way at Las Cuevas waterfalls where we take a hike of approx. 1 hour and a half round trip to visit the rain forest and bathe in pools. We return to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Overnight at Hotel Las Americas or similar. (BL) 

Day 3: Sucre

This morning we transfer to the airport to catch the short flight south to “The White City” of Sucre (2.700m). After lunch we visit the impressive paleontological site of Cal Orck’o to see the rock face with its thousands of dinosaur tracks. On our way back to Sucre we visit the Indian market to understand the local folklore. After a short coffee break, we walk up to the roof of the tower of the San Felipe Neri Church. Overnight Hotel De Su Merced or similar (B). 

Sucre

Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia but has long been eclipsed by La Paz as the economic and political hub of the country. However, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is widely considered to contain some of the finest examples of colonial architecture within Latin America. Founded in the 16th century by the conquistadors, Sucre gained prominence and power due to the silver mines, located nearby at Potosi. Growing rivalry with La Paz over the years, led to a civil war in the late 19th century, in which La Paz became the de facto capital of the country. Sucre contains numerous elegant churches dating back to the time of the initial conquest, and strict building regulations have meant that the city has changed little over the last century, giving visitors a great insight into how many other Latin American towns once looked. 

Day 4: Sucre – Potosi (approx. 3 hours driving)

This morning begins with a visit to the Museum Casa de la Libertad, the site of the declaration of independence, for an insight into the history of Bolivia. We then drive to the Recoleta viewpoint for panoramic views across the city, and visit Museo Asur to learn something of the development of textiles in the region. We will continue on foot to enjoy close up, the wonderful colonial buildings and churches. After lunch we depart Sucre for Potosi City driving through beautiful landscapes. Overnight at Hotel Santa Teresa or similar (B) 

Potosi

Potosi became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world during the 16th and 17th centuries, a consequence of the insatiable demand of the Spanish, for silver from the mines nearby. Full of exquisite colonial architecture like its neighbour Sucre, Potosi’s buildings serve as a testament to a lucrative era, and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are now fewer and fewer miners seeking out diminishing reserves of silver in the tunnels dug into Cerro Rico, or ‘Rich Mountain’, overlooking the city. The mines were worked by indigenous and African workers, subjected to appalling conditions which saw them stay underground for up to a week at a time, and in the three centuries that the mine was open an estimated three million people met their deaths there. The mines are now open for tours, guided by former silver miners, who know these labyrinthine tunnels intimately. 

Day 5: Potosi

This morning we will travel by bus to visit the mines of Potosi. After donning appropriate clothing (helmet, torch etc.) we take a short ride to the Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain). Every day the miners celebrate the ritual of the Challa with offerings to Tio, the demon who is said to own the underground mineral riches. This afternoon we visit the Money Museum with its artefacts of a bygone age including machinery, utensils and coinage. Overnight at Hotel Santa Teresa or similar (B) 

Day 6: Potosi– Uyuni (205 kms, approx. 5 hours)

This morning we depart for Uyuni, stopping en route in the canyons of Porco, Andean wetlands and the Cacti Forest, and after lunch we travel by road to the town of Uyuni. Overnight at Hotel Casa de Sal, Magia de Uyuni or similar (B) 

Uyuni

Founded in 1889 and standing isolated in a desert-like landscape, Uyuni is in the southwestern corner of Bolivia. Despite the harsh conditions, it is a cheerful town and the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni. Uyuni remains an important military base, and mining plays a significant role with the world’s largest lithium reserve – about 100 million tons – lying beneath the nearby salt flat. 

Day 7: Salt Flat of Uyuni – Quemes (approx. 7 hours driving time)

This morning we take a short journey to visit the “graveyard of trains” a collection of historic steam locomotives and railcars, dating back several hundred years. We continue to the village of Colchani and witness how the locals transform the natural salt to edible salt using rustic ovens and tools. Colchani is the entrance to the fabulous salt flat of Uyuni, and we will take an impressive 3 hour cross country drive across the salt flat, with only track ways as points of reference. We stop en route at Incawasi Island to explore an area of giant volcanic ash rocks accompanied by hundreds of giant cactus rising up all around. Our journey across this remote area is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. We finally move out of the salt flat towards the hamlet of Quemes. Overnight at Tayka Hotel de Piedra or similar (BLD) 

Salar de Uyuni

Covering an area of 10,580 sq. km and situated at over 3000m, Salar de Uyuni is the largest and highest salt flat in the world, its white surface resembling an immense glacier. The scenery here, high in the Andes, is out of this world – vast expanses of white desert that stretch as far as the eye can see, bordered by jagged peaks and littered with conical pyramids of salt. With few settlements and only occasional llama herders to be seen, travelling in this landscape feels like travelling in the very farthest reaches of the earth. The surrounding area contains lakes, hot springs and geysers and is home to good populations of birdlife. 

Day 8: Desierto Siloli (approx. 7 hours driving time)

Today we pass by the lava flows of Ollague, and a series of colourful lakes (Chiguana, Hedionda, Honda), which are home to great concentrations of Andean birds. On the approach to the Siloli Desert (Ojo de Perdíz) stand huge Aeolian formations of surreal figures, before the shrubby vegetation disappears completely, giving way to dunes.  After a journey time of around 6 hours we arrive at a country hotel in the middle of the desert where we will sleep at 4600m. Overnight at Tayka Hotel del Desierto or similar (BLD) 

Day 9: Mallku

This morning we drive for around an hour and a half until we arrive at Laguna Colorada which is a burnt orange colour as a result of algae in the water. Generous mineral deposits line the shores and sustain a large concentration of flamingos. We continue to the extreme south west of Bolivia passing by the geysers of Sol de Mañana at 4950m, before arriving at the hot springs of Chalviri for a late breakfast, with some time for bathing. Return to Chalviri for lunch and 4 hours to travel to the Canyons of Mallku passing en route by the Valley of rocks and the Neolithic rupestrian paintings of Mallku. Overnight at Hotel Mallku Cueva or similar (BLD) 

Day 10: Uyuni (approx. 6 hours driving time)

Today we return to Uyuni following a more direct route but passing by the Canyons of Mallu, the Valley of Rocks and the Negra Lagoon and arriving by mid-afternoon where you will have some time at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Casa de Sal or similar (B) 

Day 11: La Paz and Tiwanaku

This morning we catch a flight to La Paz at 8.30am and transfer to the city and on arrival. we will take the 2 hour drive to the archaeological ruins of Tiwanaku to explore the temples and palaces originating from Pre-Inca times. We will return to La Paz in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Bivouac or similar. (BL) 

Tiwanaku

In its heyday, Tiwanaku was the centre of an empire that stretched across the region, and was home to 50,000 people. Founded around 1000BC, it expanded to include the whole of the area surrounding Lake Titicaca within its domain, but mysteriously fell into decline and disappeared before the first Europeans came to the area, leaving behind a mystery that has not been definitively solved. The main town is thought to have covered some 11 sq. km, but most of the houses were built of mud so collapsed with time, leaving only the temples and palaces that were built with stones. These include the Kalasasaya temple with its ornamental stonework believed to have been the sacred heart of the city, as well as the semi-subterranean temple, sunk into the ground with its representations of gods and idols. Tiwanaku still holds immense significance for the local Aymara people who come here to perform religious rituals. 

Day 12: La Paz

Today will be spent discovering the sights of La Paz starting with main square Plaza Murillo and the streets around it where we can still find colonial architecture from the 16th century. We will visit the Museum of Magic Instruments and the Indian market. We will also take in the Witches Market known for the potions and magic amulets. We will drive to the cable car for a journey across the city from north to south, and drive to Moon Valley which is actually a maze of canyons and pinnacles formed by erosion. Overnight at Hotel Bivouac or similar (B) 

La Paz

At 3636m in altitude, La Paz, formally known as La Ciudad de Nuestra Senora de La Paz, claims to be the highest capital city in the world, despite the fact that Bolivia’s ‘official’ capital is actually the city of Sucre. Founded in 1548 by Spanish colonialists, it became a centre of colonial power for the Spanish Empire in Latin America and quickly established itself as a major centre of commerce within the region, growing rich from trade in minerals and coca. With a population of over a million people it is Bolivia’s largest city attracting immigrants from around the country, and visitors here will notice the melange of age old indigenous traditions and ever encroaching European influence. Overlooked by the snow-capped Mount Illimani, La Paz is a set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery, and is within easy striking distance of some of Bolivia’s most enigmatic sites including Lake Titicaca and Tiwanaku. The city’s streets are often thronged with market stalls, with the indigenous Aymara population selling food and clothing as well as some intriguing and unrecognisable items used in traditional religions. 

Day 13: La Paz – Copacabana & Lake Titicaca (Overall driving time is approx. 4 hours)

Today we head towards the Titicaca, stopping on the way to visit the museum of Paulino Esteban, the Bolivian Indian that built the boat RA II which crossed successfully the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the fascinating history and learn about how to do this kind of reed boats using the totora reed, endemic to the Andes. Later, at about midday we arrive in Copacabana (3825m / 12546 ft) on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This is a beautiful town and a popular resort and pilgrimage area, with lots to see and several nearby hills, which offer commanding views over the lake and towards the Cordillera Real. At the beach of Copacabana embark on a motor boat and continue the journey for another hour as far as the extreme southern side of the Sun Island (Isla del Sol) where we land near an Inca temple called Pilkokaina to have lunch in a typical restaurant with superb view over the lake to enjoy a traditional late lunch. Then, visit the Pilkokaina temple and walk about one hour to the Lodge Pallakasa. In the late afternoon, depart to walk up to the highest point of the island (4070 m/13350 ft) in time for a colourful sunset over the lake. Return to the lodge for the diner and overnight. Overnight Lodge Pallakasa or similar (BLD) 

Day 14: Copacabana – La Paz

In the morning walk approx. 1 hour to descend to an idyllic Garden with an Inca spring considered by the locals a fountain of youth. We then take a boat to the Moon Island (about 45 minutes driving). Visit the Temple of the Sun virgins Aclla Huasi where the girls were educated to be sacrificed. Walk for another hour to the hamlet Coati to catch our boat and travel to the replicas of floating islands of the Urus people to stop and catch some trout for our lunch. Finally return to Copacabana for a short visit to the Indian markets and the famous Church of Copacabana that shelters to the famous Virgin of La Candelaria before returning to La Paz. Overnight at Hotel Bivouac or similar (BL) 

Day 15: La Paz Departure

At your convenience we transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)