The Essentials

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  La Paz, arrival.

  

  Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel (available from noon). Please contact us if you would like availability from the morning. Rest of the day free.

• day 2

  La Paz: discovery on foot and by cable car

  

  Meet at 9:00 am in the lobby of your hotel with your guide. He will adapt the day to your wishes, do not hesitate to talk with him as soon as you meet. This day is dedicated to discovering the city of La Paz, so that you can feel the atmosphere of the city. Visit the colorful markets, the colonial district, Murillo Square or Jaen Street. We can take the cable car (the highest in the world) and enjoy an incredible view of the city of La Paz. Note: we recommend that you leave your valuables and papers at the hotel.

• day 3

  La Paz, Tiwanaku, Copacabana

  

  We begin this day with a visit to the Tiwanaku site, located 71 kilometers from the city of La Paz. It is a major civilization of the central Andes, having flourished between the 5th and 11th centuries. We will discover the Akapana pyramid and its famous Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya temple, as well as the “Benett” and “Ponce” monoliths, which some archaeologists compare to the Moai of Easter Island. Visit to the small museum before having lunch on site. In the early afternoon, we head to the city of Copacabana. Arrival at the end of the afternoon.

• day 4

  Copacabana hike from Yampupata to Sun Island - Yumani

  

  In the morning, we leave to reach the port of Copacabana, then travel by motorboat to the Lourdes cave. We will take a walk on the peninsula along the shores of Lake Titicaca to reach the village of Yampupata. A beautiful immersion in rural Bolivia, with the snow-capped peaks of the Royal Cordillera and the surrounding islands as a backdrop. It is possible to make a detour to pass through the authentic stone village of Zampaya (4,000 m alt.). Boat crossing to the Yumani pier, located at the southern tip of the Island of the Sun. Then a walk up to reach the accommodation located on the heights of the Island of the Sun.

• day 5

  Yumani, Island of the Moon - Copacabana - La Paz

  

  We set off to reach the impressive Inca staircase and the fountain of the three water sources, which symbolize the three Inca laws: Ama Sua, Ama Llulla, Ama Kella. Then, we descend to the pier to find our boat. Navigation to reach the Island of the Moon. Also called Koati Island, the latter was inhabited only by women, dedicated to learning various crafts such as weaving or sewing. Some of them (the prettiest) were destined to become concubines of the Inca emperor. We will discover the Temple of the Nustas (the Virgins of the Sun) with its Andean crosses and trapezoidal doors. Navigation to return to Copacabana. Departure after lunch to reach the city of La Paz.

• day 6

  La Paz - Uyuni, valley of rocks - Villamar

  

  Early in the morning, we leave for La Paz airport. Flight La Paz - Uyuni. Reception at Uyuni airport then departure to reach the Lipez region. First, a stop at the train cemetery on the outskirts of the city. Crossing the village of San Cristobal, a village relocated following the arrival of a mining company. On the way, we will discover the Valley of the Rocks where erosion has created strange shapes several meters high, set on the sandy ground as if by magic. Before reaching our destination, a short stop to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the Cascada canyon. Arrival at the village of Villamar at the end of the afternoon.

• day 7

  Villamar - Green Lagoon - Colored Lagoon - Desert Hotel

  

  The track runs along the Salar de Capina, exploited for its borax. We then continue to the Polques hot springs (4,000 m). The bravest can enjoy a bath with a view of the Laguna Chalviri. Heading towards the border with Chile. On the way, we will be able to see the famous "Dali Desert" with its supernatural landscapes in light ochre tones, dotted with isolated rocks. Finally, arrival at the very end of Bolivia with the Laguna Blanca and especially the Laguna Verde (4,300 m), with its emerald color and the Licancabur volcano as a backdrop. We will cross a pass at nearly 5,000 m altitude before stopping at the "Sol de Mañana" site (4,850 m altitude). Discover this area characterized by numerous geysers, fumaroles, and mud pools. We will continue our journey to reach the Laguna Colorada. This lagoon is home to many colonies of pink flamingos parading before our eyes. The track then takes the road through the Siloli desert. The latter is made up of many geomorphological formations, including the "Stone Tree"... the local celebrity. The surrounding landscape is equally impressive with its multicolored mountains. A few more kilometers are needed before reaching the Desert Hotel.

• day 8

  Hotel of the Desert - 1001 Lagoons - San Pedro de Quemez

  

  The path continues north, along the border with Chile, via the "1001 Lagoons" road. A succession of several splendid lagoons (Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda, and Cañapa), some of which are home to colonies of pink flamingos… Magnificent. In the background, the surrounding landscape is equally impressive with multicolored mountains. During this day, each section brings its share of splendid landscapes. Further on, a break to stretch your legs and admire the Ollaguë and Tomasamil volcanoes. Crossing the Salar de Chiguana, which concludes this magnificent day. Arrival at the village of San Pedro de Quemez at the end of the afternoon.

• day 9

  San Pedro de Quemez - Salar de Uyuni - Colchani

  

  First, a small detour is necessary to reach the little Galaxies cave, a rather unusual place... We continue our journey to reach the Salar de Uyuni. Even though it was hoped for, eagerly awaited, even though it had been glimpsed in photos, it surpasses the imagination. Its immaculate surface is a blank canvas for everyone's dreams, dotted with rare islands that will serve as lookouts for observing, photographing, picnicking... and above all, meditating on the beauty of the world. Discovery of Incahuasi Island with a short walk (about 45 minutes) on a marked trail. It is home to many cacti placed there as if by magic. In the afternoon, drive to the village of Colchani. Possibility to visit a small salt operation in the village. Sunset on the Salar.

• day 10

  Colchani - Uyuni - Pulacayo - Potosi - Mint

  

  This morning, we leave for the imperial city of Potosi. On the way, we will visit the museum of the Pulacayo mining site, based around Huanchaca, the second largest silver mine in the world. Arrival in Potosi at the end of the morning. After lunch, we will visit the "Casa de la Moneda" (closed on Sunday afternoons and on Mondays). It is the largest colonial building built by the Spanish in the Americas, an impressive building with a rich history. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

• day 11

  Potosí - Mines of Cerro Rico - Sucre

  

  This morning, we are going to the miners' market. Then, we will discover the mines of Cerro Rico (activity reduced on Saturdays and Mondays). Return to the hotel at the end of the morning. Free lunch and departure at 2:00 pm from your hotel to go to the city of Sucre.

• day 12

  Discovery of the city of Sucre

  

  The day will be devoted to discovering the "White" city on foot, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Your guide will adapt this day of sightseeing according to your wishes. Among the suggested sites: the Recoleta convent and the ethnographic textile museum (ASUR), located in the upper part of the city, the 25 de Mayo square, the Casa de la Libertad (closed on Sunday afternoon and Monday), or the San Felipe Nery monastery. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

• day 13

  Sucre - La Paz

  

  Departure to reach Sucre airport. Flight Sucre - La Paz, reception at La Paz airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to enjoy your last Andean moments...

• day 14

  La Paz, airport for the return flight.

  

  Departure from the hotel for a transfer to La Paz airport (3 hours before the international departure time).