Bolivia Tours and Travel

Best of Bolivia / La Paz / Lake Titicaca / Sucre-Potosi / Fixed Departure Tours
Uyuni Salt Lake / Bolivian Pantanal / Madidi National Park / Amazon cruise

CULTURE AND ADVENTURE BOLIVIA EXPRESS

Day 1 (F). Santa Cruz - BOLIVIA, REAL PLACES STILL EXISTS
Arrival at Santa Cruz for a meet and greet transfer, without a guide, to the hotel. Free day. Cortez Hotel 4*.

Day 2 (S). Santa Cruz - Sucre. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY
Transfer with a guide to the airport for a short flight to Sucre. Accommodations at the hotel. In the afternoon we´ll visit the Casa de la Libertad Museum (Freedom House Museum), cradle to Bolivia, we´ll learn about the colonial and republican history of Bolivia. The Church of San Lazaro was the second built in the territory of Upper Peru and is both the first cathedral and now acts as the Indigenous museum ASUR, unique in its style, we´ll appreciate the textile art of Jalk´a and Tarabuco communities that lay near Sucre. We´ll end the evening with a visit to the Church of San Felipe Neri, the last church to be built during the colony and the only one with neo-classical characteristics in the city of Sucre. From the churches terrace we´ll enjoy the sunset over the city. Hostal Sucre (D).

Day 3 (D). Sucre - Tarabuco - Sucre. ANCIENT INDIAN FAIR
Visit the Tarabuco community located 60 km from Sucre, a colonial town in which you can see human cultural values of interest. On Sunday we`ll be a part of an ancestral indigenous fair, attended by members of neighboring communities, it still shows a remarkable state of ethnographic purity: customs, languages, clothing, music. We´ll be able to appreciate and purchase the sale of textiles and other handicrafts. Hostal Sucre (B, L).

Day 4 (L). Sucre - Potosí. MINING HISTORY OF THE COLONY
In the morning we´ll pick up our clients from their hotel and transfer them by a private taxi to Potosí. Three hours later we`ll arrive in Potosi. Accommodations at a local hotel. Afternoon at leisure (we recommend rest for acclimatization to the altitude). Libertador Hotel 3 * (D).

Day 5 (M). Potosí. CASA DE LA MONEDA
In the morning we`ll visit the mines of Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) of Potosí, which sustained the global economy during the colonial period; additionally, this mine was the tomb of thousands of Indigenous people who gave their lives to extract the riches of its bowels. Precisely during the trip into the depths of the mine we may appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of the miners who continue to exploit the seams of Sumaj Orko (Cerro Rico). Afternoon visit to the Casa de la Moneda (house of currency). Continue with the visit of the Torre de la Compañía de Jesús, the main religious monument of the eighteenth century in Bolivia. This tower was built as a triumphal arch and an offering to the majesty of God, with 5 arches, 32 columns and three half domes. Then we´ll visit the Church of San Lázaro, built between 1728 and 1744, with baroque style. We will then finish the evening with a visit to the handicraft market. Hotel Libertador (B).

Day 6 (W). Potosí - Uyuni
We`ll leave Potosì towards Uyuni on a regular bus that shows an interesting perspective of the Andes, its depressions and abysses, green valleys, its ever changing colors (aprox. 5 hour trip by a highway which is currently being paved). We`ll arrive in Uyuni to our local accommodations. Tambo Aymara hotel (B).

Day 7 (TH). Uyuni - Tahua. UNDERSTANDING THE UYUNI SALT PLAINS. (Shared 4x4, up to 6 people by car, with driver-guide)
Today we´ll have an unforgettable journey through 12 000 km ² of fantastic landscapes of salt. Prepare your camera! The dazzling white mantle of the Uyuni Salt Plains resembles an immense glacier. In winter (dry season from May to October), when the surface hardens, almost geometric figures are formed by the salt particles agglomerated into polygons. In summer (rainy season from November to February), the salt desert is transformed into a giant mirror that blends the pure heaven of America.

We will enter the salt plains by Colchani, where we can find the salt factories. We will visit one of these and receive an explanation of the family economy of the salt which governs the life of the people on the basis of a cooperative organization. Once we end this part of the trip we will visit the salt plains in the part in which the mounds of salt are recollected, from here we will head towards the Incahuasi Island, the tourist center that has a path to climb to the summit which acts as a special vantage point of 360 degrees. We´ll have lunch at the island and then continue our journey towards Tahua where the Tayka Salt Hotel is located. Accommodation at the hotel.

We´ll leave almost immediately by car to the town of Chillguilla, north, from where we will start a 10 minutes to impressive site of Pucara Chillima. It is an intimate corner of the Uyuni Salt Plains of incomparable beauty, but also a spiritual presence that emanates from the stone buildings of more than thousand years old, that make us think about how ancestral populations once lived. Return to the car.

Then we´ll go towards the dominant figure of the magic Thunhupha Volcano, which we will ascend in the car to visit the Coquesa Mummies to a considerable altitude. From there we have the view of the Monumental Uyuni Salt Plains that opens an endless horizon. We will descend towards Tahua to have dinner at the comfortable Tayka Salt Hotel (B, L, D).

Day 8 (F). Tahua - Villamar (Shared 4x4, up to 6 people by car). LLAMA GRAZING
Today we´ll cross the salt lake from north to south with a first stop at the Fish Island, very rarely visited by tourists, where we will have a brief solo ascent and a renewed contact with the white desert. We´ll continue to Mala Mala Bay, leaving that piece of history and its vestiges. We will go to the Galaxy Cave, a sanctuary of cacti and petrified stromatolite, and a cemetery of chullpas (ancestral graves.) The cave has a strange underwater geological formation of the Lake Michin (300 thousand years ago) and Lake Tauca (40 thousand years ago) era.

We will continue the expedition to San Pedro de Quemes where the Tayka Stone hotel is located;here we´ll have an authentic experience with llamas, participating in a day of grazing in the style of the locals for over an hour. In this effort we have spent the last 3 years and finally we are able to share a trail with a herd of llamas through the Chullpares of Thojota. Lunch at the Stone Hotel.

We will follow the expedition to the bouquet of lagoons: Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda and Ramaditas, in which large numbers of flamingos, of the three species in the area, will be seen and photographed at will. Other birds, like ducks and Andean gulls, accompany the flamingos in these lagoons flanked by snow-capped volcanoes that have green slopes (rough straw, thola, and yareta) to finish in ocher that the winds have been drawing through the millennia, or in the rare colors from borax and sulfur content of these strange lagoons.

We´ll continue to Alota towards Villamar, a small community of about 70 families located in a wetland along a pristine stream. Overnight at the hotel Mallku Villamar with rooms with private bathroom, hot water and heating (B, L, D).

Day 9 (S). Villamar - Uyuni - La Paz EDUARDO AVAROA ANDEAN FLORA AND FAUNA RESERVE. GREEN AND COLORED LAGOONS (It´s a hard day due to the track is extended)
We will continue on to surprise the Morning Sun Geysers at their most active point that coincide with first rays of light. This is the highest point of the route, about 5000 meters. On the way we´ll stop at the Colored Lagoon to observe its large population of flamingos, of the three existing species that sleep in the icy body of water. The cold in the geysers is intense. Noisy fumaroles and pools where the land seems to boil in red, gray and scarlet mud, may be seen by us in their own banks. The desert and salt plains of Chalviri is another scenario that combines beautiful landscape made up of white snow, ocher deserts, blue water and the whiteness of borax. In one corner we´ll take a bath in the Polques hot springs.

When moving away, another large area will be open to our front: the Valley of the Ladies of the Desert, a masterpiece of the wind and the Andean peaks in perfect detailed shapes and colors of rocks that have withstood the wind. And almost as an excess, to leave this desert valley, we´ll discover the other diadem of the reserve, the Green Lagoon, at the foot of the volcano Licancabur. From Laguna Verde we´ll return to the Colored Lagoon and reach her at lunchtime, in time to see how the water goes from red wood to a blood red. Return trough Villamar towards Alota and Culpina K, two villages of the plain of Lipez. We´ll bid farewell to the last llamas and vicuñas that have accompanied us throughout the way from the beginning. We will also continue to seek the suri or Andean rhea, which is not always spotted. Arrival to Uyuni. Leisure time. Transfer to the bus terminal from where we´ll leave in a touristic bus to La Paz at 20:00. Night voyage (B, Bx).

Day 10 (X). La Paz. WITCHES MARKET
We´ll arrive in La Paz at around 7:30 and transfer into a Hotel. Then take a brief rest in the morning. In the afternoon we´ll take a brief glimpse of La Paz. We´ll see the witch market and the main museums, as well as the Valley of the Moon. Hostal Naira. (If the hostel is not full, rooms can be occupied from approx. 10:30.)

Day 11 (M). La Paz - Sun Island - Copacabana (Shared). CRADLE OF THE INCA EMPIRE
After breakfast, shared transfer to the shrine of Copacabana. Arrival at Copacabana to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant called Hotel Rosario del Lago 3*. Crossing by boat to Sun Island. 3 ½ hours visit to the island, including Pilkokaina and Escalinata Sagrada (Holy Steps). Return to Copacabana. In the evening dinner we´ll pick from an assorted menu at the restaurant of the Hotel Rosario Hotel Rosario del lago 3* (B, L, D).

Day 12 (T). Copacabana - La Paz (Shared). RELIGIOUS SINCRETISM
After breakfast, visit the Church of the Candelaria and the traditional market. Ascent to Calvary where you can appreciate the religious syncretism between indigenous beliefs, with their priests or Yatiris, and Christianity. At lunch time you are free to choose at your will. Return to La Paz. Hotel Accommodation Hostal Naira (B).

Day 13 (W). La Paz - Airport. GOOD BYE TO AN INDIGENOUS COUNTRY WITH MANY CONTRASTS
Leisure time till transportation to the airport for international departures (B).

EXTENSION BOLIVIAN AMAZON - FLOTEL REINA DE ENIN

Dive into a unique experience... Amazonian rivers, pink dolphins, exotic birds, sandy beaches where turtles lay their eggs, centenary trees, indigenous communities, piranha fishing, caiman watching... and more. The Bolivian Amazon waits.

Till the day 12 equal to the base program above

Day 13 (X). La Paz - Trinidad - Flotel Reina de Enin. BOLIVIAN AMAZON
Flight to Trinidad city (daily flights). After the reception at the airport in Trinidad, we will travel by road to Port Los Puentes (18 km west) in the Ibare-Mamoré Protected Area, embark on the Flotel Reina de Enin and sail along the Mamoré River, Bolivia's largest. During the trip we will observe a variety of animals on the banks. We´ll arrive at Yuracaré community of San Renato, in which we´ll exchange experiences with their inhabitants (Full board at the flotel). The cabins of Fotel have private bathrooms, hot water, ventilation and air conditioning.

Day 14 (TH). Flotel. MAMORE RIVER AFLUENT OF THE AMAZONAS
Search for solitary beaches through the river to find bathing areas with the ambassadors of Beni, the friendly bufeos. We´ll sail to the Stanza El Carmen, where will have a 90 minute trip on horseback through the savanna or pampa mojeña combined with the representative forest of the Mojos Plains, where we´ll observe different species of waterfowl typical of the pampas, for example: manguarís, herons and parabas. At night, after dinner, using a small aluminum boat we´ll depart for a "photo safari" in search of caiman yarcaré or alligator (Full board at the flotel).

Day 15 (F). Flotel. IN COMPANY OF THE BUFEOS OR BOLIVIAN DOLPHINS
In the area we´ll undertake a two-hour walk through the forest allowing the recognition of very representative native flora species, such as the bibosi, the coquino, ochoó, peloto, patujú and others. Hopefully we will observe some mammals like squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys or manechis. We´ll navigate throughout the afternoon to the Villa Victoria, finishing with an abubuya bath (go with the flow of the river using a float and the support of a boat), another way to seek the company of dolphins (Full board in Flotel).

Day 16 (S). Flotel - Trinidad - Santa Cruz. THE LAST BIRDS…
In the morning we´ll sail towards the confluence of the Mamoré and Ibare rivers, the heart of the Protected Area (at times too low level of water only makes this excursion possible by minor boats) where we´ll meet many types of animals because of the difference in water temperature and where once again we´ll take a bath in the river in the company of friendly river dolphins or bufeos. In the afternoon we´ll experience cayax or canoe paddle in one piece of wood. Transfer to the port Los Puentes or Loma Suarez in the Ibare River aboard a speedboat, from where we´ll transport to the airport according to your flight itinerary (3 daily flights, we recommend the last of the evening) (Full board in Flotel). Arrival at Santa Cruz and unguided transfer to Hotel Cortez

Day 17 (X). Santa Cruz - Airport
Free. At the agreed time, transfer to airport to board your international flight (B).

*Note: All prices are per passenger, with the exception of the price of English guide for the sections Uyuni-Uyuni, which is for group.

Price per person in double occupancy for base 13 day program = US$1223
prices per person for additional services:
Additional for a single room $ 290
Plain ticket Santa Cruz-Sucre, subject to change until the ticket is issued) $ 88
PER GROUP, English guide for the section Uyuni-Uyuni 3D/2N (Mín. 2 pax) $ 290

Additional per person for hotels in SUPERIOR category:
In Sucre, to substitute Hostal Sucre for Hostal Parador Santa María La Real 5 * (1 night)
Based yn double occupancy $ 74
Based on simple $ 88
In Potosí, to substitute Hostal Libertador for Hotel Colonial 3* (1 night)
Based on double occupancy $ 45
Based on single $ 52
In La Paz, to substitute Hostal Naira for Hotel Ritz 4* (2 nights)
Based on double occupancy $ 91
Based on single $ 144

Included:
" Logistical support and on call emergency services are available 24hs a day.
" Bilingual local guides (English-Spanish) in all excursions included, with the exception of the section Uyuni / Uyuni. If you need a guide in English the price is quoted separately.
" In the section Uyuni - Uyuni driver who acts as highly specialized Spanish guide for travel in the region.
" In the section La Paz - Copacabana - La Paz, driver + guide.
" Private transport according to the program.
" Shared transport exclusively for tourists, in two sections:
a. In the section Uyuni - Uyuni: Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 with oxygen equipment and satellite phone, maximum 6 pax.
b. In the section La Paz - Copacabana - La Paz.
" Accommodation in double standard room.
" Food assignment (B = breakfast, Bx = Box lunch, D = Dinner).
" Tickets to all places and protected areas (with the exception of the entrance to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve that costs aprox $ 25.00 per person).
" All the services were listed as described in the itinerary.

Not included:
" Drinks and meals not entered in the itinerary.
" Admission to Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, approx. $ 25 per person.
" International and national plain tickets.
" Airport taxes (approx. $ 2.00 for national flights and $ 25.00 for international).
" Travel insurance, gratuities or other expenses of personal nature.
" English speaking guide for section Uyuni-Uyuni 3D/2N (quoted separately).

FOR THE 4 ADITTIONAL DAYS TO THE FLOTEL REINA DE ENIN
Per person in double cabin = $495
Additional for a simple room $ 156
Plain tickets La Paz -Trinidad / Trinidad -Santa Cruz $ 196 (Price subject to change until the ticket is issued)

Includes:
" Flotel bilingual local guide.
" Guidance in French, Dutch, Portuguese and Catalan to request, in Flotel.
" Cabin double occupancy.
" Full board with mineral water in the Flotel (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).
" Entries and payments to local communities visited.
" All tours stated in the program aboard the Flotel, with the support of three smaller vessels.

Does not include:
" Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.
" International and national plain tickets.
" Airport taxes (approx. $ 2.00 for national flights and $ 25.00 for international).
" Travel insurance, gratuities or other expenses of personal nature.

2011 DEPARTURES: July 1, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, Oct. 7

Nº OF PASSENGERS: Minimum 2, Maximum 12

OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The journey to the Uyuni Salt Plains:
This is a circuit of adventure in an area of particular interest, both for its landscape and its ecology, for those who want to enjoy nature which manifests itself in very unique ways, some of them unique in its genre; we must consider that infrastructure is very limited in the area. This expedition through the deserts of southern Bolivia demands an effort but all of these are worthwhile as we guarantee that your memories and photos will not have competition. For our part we will bring the journey from beginning to end, with all the comfort and safety measures at our disposal.

To avoid sorojchi or altitude sickness: We recommend not to do a lot of exercise on the first day, eat light (digestion in altitude is very slow), drink coca infusions and try not smoking and drinking. There are pills called Sorojchipill, available at all pharmacies, which can be useful. In case you have no medical contraindications, Nolotil can be taken as a preventative.

Recommendations for the Puna and the Uyuni Salt Plains:
The salt plains and the puna are very cold, windy and with high solar radiation. The day is usually sunny and the temperature is pleasant. We recommend:
- A warm sweater.
- Thick jacket.
- Wool gloves.
- Wool socks.
- Wool hat.
- Sun cap.
- Boots.
- Towel.
- Lip moisturizer.
- Sunscreen 30 or more.
- Very dark sun glasses with UV filter.
- Flashlight.
- Between December and April we recommended you wear a raincoat or windbreaker.
- Bathing suit (you can swim in the hot springs).

The trip in the Bolivian Amazon (Flotel Reina de Enin)
The program in Flotel is an indicative (subject to changes depending on operating conditions, water levels of rivers, climate and the unique interests of passengers.) This route can also be done in reverse. Air conditioning is by generator and therefore has established schedules.

What to bring to the Amazon
Beni region has a warm and humid weather.
- Light cotton clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and bathing suit.
- For the walks in the forest also recommend a raincoat and comfortable shoes.
- Mosquito repellent and a flashlight.
- Due to the occasional cold fronts from the south, warm clothes could be useful.

Program Conditions:
Reservations should be confirmed with total payment at least 1 month before departure date.
Cancellation fees:
45 to 30 days before departure: 10%
29 to 15 days before departure: 50%
14 to 0 days before departure: 100%