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 BOLIVIA  
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From the moment you touch down at El Alto International Airport just outside of La Paz, the Republic of Bolivia becomes an incredible travel experience. For those seeking cultural enrichment, beautiful Andean countryside, colourful and breathtaking natural scenery, Bolivia has it all. Bolivia is truly a country yet to be discovered. Photographers, sociologists and archaeologists are amazed at the untouched cultural ways and the unspoiled beauty of the land. Here, in what the Bolivians themselves call the "Roof of the World", visitors will experience the world's highest airport, highest capital, highest navigable lake, highest ski run and highest hotel. Bolivia is where the sight of a bowler hatted Indian lady walking side by side with a businessman in a 3 piece suit is not uncommon. The cool, pure, crisp mountain environment of La Paz and the Andean highlands is exhilarating. From La Paz the visitor will usually explore the intriguing pre Inca cultures claimed to be the oldest known civilisation in the Americas. View the Royal Range and Lake Titicaca, situated between Bolivia and Peru. This is a rare mixture of magnificent beauty filled with rich folkloric history dating back to the beginning of the Inca civilisation. For the adventurer, Bolivia holds unsurpassed natural beauty and captivating glimpses of rural society. There are countless Indian markets throughout Bolivia, and it is at these markets that the visitor can discover the treasures of Vicuna and Alpaca wool, gold and silver ornaments, etc. Today, Shangrila may well be Bolivia. |
LA PAZLa Paz, the highest capital city in the world, is located in a cauldron 300 metres below the surrounding Altiplano. During your stay you may wish to take the optional sightseeing tours to Chacaltaya Ski Field, Suriki or Sun Islands, or visit the Yungas-Coroico subtropical region to appreciate the different vegetation. 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS |
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Day 1: La PazOn arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. Day 2: La PazYour morning tour will show you the colonial sector, witchcraft market, residential zones and the weird landscape of the Moon Valley. The afternoon is free for strolling along El Prado or taking an optional tour to Inca ruins at Tiawanaku. (B) Day 3: La PazTransfer for onward travel. (B)
LAKE TITICACAEXPRESS ONE DAY CROSSINGDay 1: La Paz-PunoThis morning your coach takes you to Huatajata to join your cruiser to Sun Island, to visit the legendary birth place of the Incas, prior to continuing onto Copacabana. After lunch, you will continue by coach through Pomata and Juli to reach Puno late in the afternoon. On arrival in Puno you will be transferred to your hotel. (B,L)
LIVING MUSEUM PROGRAMLA PAZ - PUNO2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT Day 1: La Paz-CopacabanaThis morning your coach takes you to Huatajata to join your cruiser to Sun Island, to visit the legendary birth place of the Incas, prior to continuing onto Copacabana, which is an attractive little red roofed town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and is virtually a living museum. After lunch, you visit the local church which contains the famous 16th Century miracle-working Dark Virgin of the Lake, also known as the Virgin of Candelaria, who is the Patron Saint of Bolivia. Then visit the "Horca del Inca" and "Ban~o del Inca". This evening enjoy dinner and a welcome drink and panoramic views in the hotel's restaurant, whilst being treated to a local folkloric show. (L,D) Day 2: Copacabana-PunoEarly wake up call to see the most beautiful sunrise this side of the Andes. After experiencing some of the tradition, religion and mysticism of the region and perhaps even having your fortunes told by a local Callawaya (Witch Doctor), continue after lunch by coach through Pomata and Juli to reach Puno late in the afternoon. On arrival in Puno you will be transferred to your hotel. (B,L) For Puno to La Paz, please reverse itinerary. SANTA CRUZ3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS Day 1: Santa CruzOn arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon city tour which combines a collection of modern and colonial architecture, historical sites, churches and other places of interest. Day 2: Santa CruzFull day excursion to the mysterious ruins of El Fortin de Samaipata to view the carvings that inspired Eric von Daniken to visualise the ancient launching sites. (B) Day 3: Santa CruzTransfer for onward travel. (B)
SUCRE - POTOSI5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Day 1: SucreOn arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Day 2: Sucre-PotosiLocated in a lovely valley at the foot of Churuquella and Sica-Sica Hills, and surrounded by mountains, Sucre has been listed by UNESCO as a cultural monument. On your city tour this morning, you will appreciate the charm and local lore of Sucre, with its distinctive architechture of white buildings and red tiled roofs. This afternoon, travel by road to Potosi. Day 3: PotosiAlso listed by UNESCO, Potosi was the largest city in the Americas in 1650 with a population of 160,000. As such, Potosi was one of the most important urban centres in the world, renowned for its silver mine and magnificent colonial architecture. The morning's tour of the Pailaviri Mine is an unforgettable experience. Potosi grew with the influence of mining: so much silver was extracted from the mine that a silver bridge could have been built between Potosi and Spain. Your afternoon city tour will show you the elaborate facades, private homes and museums (among them Casa de la Moneda, the former mint). Day 4 & 5: Potosi-La PazIncredible journey to the Uyuni Salt Field situated at 3,656 metres above sea level and 10,582 sq. kms in area. In the summer the water has a depth of 60 cms, and in winter the water evaporates leaving a snowy blanket of salt. This total area contains one of the largest beds of lithium in the world. The aggressive landscape is beautiful in its own right with protrusions of wind eroded rock forming bizarre features beside the lake. One can view flocks of flamingos prior to returning to Juni to board the Expreso del Sur train to La Paz. |