Reinvented Bolivia: a grand tour between culture and immensity

From colonial cities to the lagoons of South Lipez

Culture Nature Safari

Reinvented Bolivia: a grand tour between culture and immensity - Main photo of the trip

Reinvented Bolivia: a grand tour between culture and immensity - Photo 2 of the trip

Reinvented Bolivia: a grand tour between culture and immensity - Photo 3 of the trip

Reinvented Bolivia: a grand tour between culture and immensity - Photo 4 of the trip

Reinvented Bolivia: a grand tour between culture and immensity - Photo 5 of the trip

A reinvented version of Bolivia’s grand circuit: an itinerary accessible to everyone, from colonial cities to Andean landscapes, accompanied by a French-speaking guide present throughout the trip. The in-depth immersion in South Lipez reveals colorful lagoons, volcanoes and isolated villages, for a rare crossing that unveils Andean Bolivia in all its richness.

Trip Description

This great journey in Bolivia is the result of several years of scouting in the Andes. It was designed to offer a complete and authentic discovery of the country, combining must-see sites with original itineraries and moments of immersion far from the crowds. We begin in La Paz, a spectacular city that stretches along the slopes of the Illimani glacier. After a two-day trek on Isla del Sol, in the heart of Lake Titicaca, we explore the Cordillera Real before heading to Sucre, the “white city,” and the Maragua crater, where traditional villages and dinosaur tracks bear witness to a millennia-old history. Two days of excursions and hiking in the still little-known El Palmar reserve complete this immersion in the valleys of Chuquisaca. The journey continues to Potosí, former capital of colonial silver, then to Tupiza, whose red canyons evoke the Far West. From there begins a rare six-day 4x4 expedition in the South Lipez and the Salar de Uyuni. This longer version of the excursion allows an in-depth discovery of the region and gives us more time walking at several emblematic sites: colored lagoons, mineral deserts, volcanoes, and isolated villages. The ascent of the Uturuncu volcano and the sunrise over the Salar de Uyuni are among the highlights of this crossing. The itinerary alternates charming hotels, simple accommodations, and refuges, in order to combine immersion, authenticity, and suitable comfort. Thanks to gradual acclimatization and accessible hikes, this trip is aimed at any traveler in search of adventure and culture. A rare experience: traveling through Bolivia on foot, between high plateaus, colonial cities, and desert immensities, with the time needed to grasp all its richness.

Accomodation

Charming hotels, simpler accommodations and refuges, in order to combine immersion, authenticity and a level of comfort suited to each stage of the trip.

Stay program

day 1
Arrival in La Paz
Arrival at El Alto International Airport. The city of La Paz is nestled in a valley located at an altitude of 3600 m and dominated by the Illimani glacier (6400 m). Transfer to the hotel, in the historic center of La Paz. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in La Paz (3600 m).
day 2
Tiwanaku - Copacabana
Departure for the archaeological site of Tiwanaku, former capital of one of the greatest Andean civilizations, contemporary with Wari. There we discover its megalithic temples and the famous Gate of the Sun, whose motif of the god Viracocha was taken up by Hergé in Tintin and the Temple of the Sun. After the visit and lunch, we will head to the town of Copacabana, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Copacabana (3810 m). Transport time: about 5 hours
day 3
Copacabana – Isla del Sol
Boat transfer to the south of Isla del Sol. During the crossing, we can observe magnificent landscapes. Arrival on the island, ascent to the village of Yumani and check-in at the hotel. Free time for a walk to the ruins of the archaeological site of Pilkokaina, also called the Temple of the Sun, an ancient Inca palace overlooking the lake. Dinner and overnight in a small hotel with simple comfort in Yumani. Walking time: 2 to 3 h
day 4
Isla del Sol – La Paz
In the morning, time to stroll on the island, with the possibility of going as far as a viewpoint or taking a short walk on the many trails. In the morning, we board for a navigation of about 2 h 30, which takes us back to Copacabana. Then on to La Paz, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in La Paz.
day 5
La Paz
In the morning, we will discover the historic center and its main squares and alleys. We will visit the superb museum of ethnography and folklore. Lunch. We will take advantage of the new urban cable car lines to move quickly to the south of the city, then to El Alto. This plateau bordering the city is populated by nearly a million inhabitants. The cable car will offer us incredible views of the city and its different neighborhoods. In the afternoon, transfer to La Paz airport and flight to Sucre. Check-in at a beautiful character hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Sucre (2 0750 m).
day 6
Sugar
Day dedicated to visiting Sucre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nicknamed the « white city », it charms with its pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere. Visit to the indigenous art museum, which houses a remarkable collection of traditional textiles, then discovery of the historic center: its alleys, its squares and its colonial churches. In the evening, dinner accompanied by a show of folk dances. Night in Sucre.
day 7
Potosi
Morning transfer to Potosi, a mining town located at over 4,000 m altitude, at the foot of Cerro Rico. Lunch, then visit of the Casa Nacional de Moneda, where the coins intended for America and Europe were minted in the 17th and 18th centuries. Walk through the alleys of the colonial town, today listed by UNESCO. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Potosi. Transport time: 3 hours
day 8
Potosi - Tupiza
Early departure heading south of Bolivia, towards the Tupiza region, nicknamed the « Bolivian Far West » because of its landscapes that recall the American West. Arrival in Tupiza at the end of the morning and lunch. In the afternoon, free time to rest at the hotel or possibility of taking a short hike in a canyon in the region (1 to 2 h of walking, optional). Dinner and overnight in Tupiza. Transport time: 4 hours
from day 9 to day 13
4x4 excursion in the Lipez, from Tupiza to the Uyuni Salt Flats
Departure in complete autonomy for a 5-day expedition in a private 4x4, accompanied by our driver and a cook. This itinerary takes us through the exceptional landscapes of South Lipez: colorful lagoons (Colorada, Verde, Hedionda…), geysers, mineral deserts, astonishing geological formations and isolated villages. Along the way, possibility of observing varied wildlife: Andean flamingos, vicuñas, viscachas, Andean foxes, ñandús (Andean ostrich) and perhaps, with a lot of luck, the very discreet Andean cat, one of the rarest felines on the planet. The days include long journeys, punctuated by numerous stops to admire the landscapes, take photos and do a few walks. The itinerary, flexible depending on the season and conditions, makes it possible to avoid tourist crowds as much as possible while including the must-see sites: Colorada, Verde and Hedionda lagoons, geysers, Dali desert, Árbol de Piedra, etc. In this 5-day version, we take the time to explore several little-visited sites, such as Laguna Celeste. Nights are spent in simple dormitories, in accommodations with basic comfort. Meals are prepared by our cook. On the last day, departure before dawn to reach the Salar de Uyuni at sunrise. After this unforgettable moment, visit to Incahuasi Island, covered with giant cacti, then a stop in the heart of the salar to experience the famous photographic perspective games. Continue to Colchani to discover the salt operations. Lunch, then arrival in Uyuni in the early afternoon. Free time. Dinner at your leisure and night in Uyuni.
from day 13 to day 14
Uyuni - La Paz
In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight to La Paz. Transfer to the hotel in the city center. This last day in Bolivia will allow us to stroll around the city and continue discovering this incredible city. We will be able to use the cable cars to go and discover the Sopocachi neighborhood or the southern neighborhoods of the city, or head towards El Alto to go and admire the exuberance of the Cholets, these improbable constructions with Andean baroque architecture. Dinner at leisure and overnight in La Paz. Transport time: 1h flight
from day 14 to day 15
Return flight
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport 3 h before your flight time. End of our services. Meals at your leisure.
day 16
Arrival
Arrived at the destination, with memories full in the eyes.