During this very extensive journey you will be able to appreciate the diversity and the wealth of Bolivia, of its people and its history as well as its magnificent natural landscapes.
The circuit begins in the warm valleys of the “Oriente”, lands of the Chiquito Indians, with the exploration of the Jesuit Missions. We then visit Sucre, with its pleasant climate, a gem of colonial architecture. The population here is mostly Quechua as a result of historical influences.
We then climb the slopes of the Cordillera to discover Potosi, city rich in history and registered as a World Heritage City by UNESCO. Then direction Uyuni, entry way to the Lipez deserts, with their fabulous multicolored lagunas, and to the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Tunupa (also called Salar de Uyuni).
We then discover La Paz, a city unique and colorful, and mystical Lake Titicaca and its legends. As on the harsh Altiplano, the population here is Aymara.
Our itinerary finishes up with an escapade to the incredible tropical region of the Yungas, where the Andes literally drop into the Amazon Basin. Bolivia is without a doubt the gem of South America!

Pick up at the airport (flight number and arrival time to be confirmed) and transfer to hotel (check in time 12 p.m.; if you wish to have a room upon arrival, it is possible to pay for one extra night, check with us).
We meet in the Hotel at 2 p.m. for the tour of Santa Cruz: Plaza of 24 de Septiembre, cathedral, Casa de la Cultura and museum of contemporary art, zoological park.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Departure from the hotel, in our private vehicle at 8:30 a.m. for San Javier, first stop of our trip (3 hours on a paved road). First Jesuit Mission, founded in 1691, it also hosted the first music school, as well as a workshop dedicated to the fabrication of violins, harps, harpsichord…
After lunch, we get back on the road and head towards the village of Concepción, 70km to the East (1h30).
On the way, we stop at the “Piedras de Paquió”, geological formations or balanced rocks
End of the day open.
Lunch and dinner included. Hotel.

In the morning, visit of the church and the Mission’s museum, located in the house in which was born General Hugo Banzer (dictator then President of Bolivia in the 70th and the 90th). Lunch in Concepción. Then return to San Javier and to Santa Cruz at the end of the afternoon.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel.

Private transfer from the hotel to the airport 2 hours before take off. Flight Santa Cruz – Sucre (time depending on the days of travel, Flight included). Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel. End of day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

9 a.m. departure in a private vehicle for the village of Candelaria (2½-hour drive), in the middle of the “Tarabuco” country, ethnic group renown for its fabrics. This charming village kept its authenticity (most of the inhabitants only speak Quechua). Visit of the small museum in the company of a weaver that will open the doors of her workshop for us. We share lunch with her family and have time for a walk through the surrounding areas before slowly returning to Sucre.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel.

We meet in the hotel hall at 9 a.m. for a guided visit of the colonial city registered as a World Heritage city by UNESCO. Amongst others: ethnographic textile museum (ASUR), Casa de la Libertad (closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays), Recoleta convent, cathedral and San Felipe Nery monastery…
Departure from the hotel at 4 p.m. with our private vehicle. We cross the peculiar Río Pilcomayo Bridge (further south, this river separates Argentina and Paraguay). We then leave the Chuquisaca Valleys for the high plateau of Potosí (el. 4100 m.a.s.l.) where we arrive at the end of the day (3-hour; paved road).
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

We dedicate this day to the discovery of Potosi, nominated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
At 9 a.m., we meet in the hotel lobby to visit the mines of Cerro Rico where we see miners at work. Keep in mind that miners do not work on Sundays and that the activity in the mine is greatly reduced Saturdays and Mondays.
In the afternoon, we visit the Casa de la Moneda (closed Sunday afternoons and Mondays), where the Spanish minted the coins for the crown until the 19th century.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

4WD expedition from Uyuni to Uyuni / Spanish-speaking driver

Departure from the hotel at 9 a.m. in a private 4WD. We cross the Frailes Mountain range to reach the village of Uyuni, a small town lost on the shores of the Salar (5 to 6-hour drive on a dirt track). On the way, we stop in Pulacayo, small town that was the second largest silver mine of the continent, during the 17th and the 18th centuries. Today, it is practically a ghost town, where we can nonetheless visit a museum telling of its glorious past. Arrival in Uyuni at the end of the day.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel.

We depart at 9:30 a.m. to visit the train cemetery on the outskirt of town. We then head south. On the way, we visit various villages, including the modern urbanization of Culpina K. We have lunch in San Cristobal where we can visit the beautiful colonial church if it is open. We then traverse Rio Grande, area home to numerous vicuñas and ñandus (of the ostrich family) and arrive in Villamar at the end of the day.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host in Villamar (basic comfort).

We head south for Laguna Colorada. . This laguna owes its intense red-brick color to the presence in its water of light sensitive phytoplancton. We keep heading south for an excursion to the Sol de Mañana Geysers (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.) a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. We then stop for breakfast in Polques before skirting Laguna Salada and crossing the Dali Desert (named after the scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings). We reach the Lagunas Blanca and Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) at the end of the afternoon. Curious phenomenon: when the wind picks up, the waters of Laguna Verde change to a spectacular emerald color.
Return to Laguna Colorada at the end of the afternoon.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (basic comfort).

We head north through the magnificent landscapes of the Siloli desert and its famous “Arbol de Piedra” (Stone Tree) where we may be able to spot some viscachas. We then skirt the Chilean border following the “Route of the Jewels”: lagoons Ramaditas, Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda and Canapa, a sanctuary to 3 different types of flamingoes. We stop at the viewpoint of volcano Ollague.  This active volcano hosts the world’s highest sulfur mine.
The track then drops from around 4200 meters above sea level to 3600. We cross the small Salar de Chiguana at the foot of volcano Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) before arriving in the village of San Juan where are located the spectacular mummies of the “Lipez Lords” (1200 A.D.).
Cold lunch. All included. Hotel.

In the morning, departure for the world’s largest salt desert: the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.).
The atmosphere is special: the horizon seems to not have any limits and the immensity is overwhelming. We head north to the island of Incahuasi. This island of volcanic origin is covered with stromatolites (fossilized bacteria representing the first traces of life on earth) and giant cacti. In the afternoon, we head east towards Uyuni. On the way we visit the Salt Hotels (Closed since November 2001) and ultimately, the salt exploitation of Colchani.
We leave Uyuni at 8 p.m. in the bus Todoturismo for this long journey. This very comfortable bus is direct all the way to La Paz. We traverse the whole altiplano and very remote parts of Bolivia rush in front of our eyes. After 5 hours on a swampy track, we find the pavement in the village of Challapata. Two more hours and we reach Oruro, city famous for it’s local carnival, the most important in South America after the one of Rio de Janeiro. We arrive in La Paz at 7 a.m. (3-hour journey on paved road from Oruro). Transfer to the hotel.
Cold lunch. Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel.

Arrival in La Paz. Afternoon open to visit the highest capital city in the world.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Meeting in the hotel hall at 9 a.m. for a discovery, in private transportation, of the most spectacular viewpoint over the city, unbelievably located at the bottom of the Choqueyapu river canyon, with the Royal Mountain Range “Giants” as the background: Huayna Potosi, Mururata and Illimani.
This tour, particularly designed for photo lovers, first takes us to the Jach´a Apacheta Mirador, on the edge of the precipice of the city of El Alto. Then we go to the K´Illi K´Illi Mirador and to the Laykakota Park (closed on Mondays), on the Northwestern side of the city. Afterwards, we cross the Americas Bridge to go to the “Plaza de España” Mirador, in the colonial neighborhood of Sopocachi. From there, an abrupt descent leads us to the “South Zone”, passing through Llojeta and the “Garden Cemetery”, and finally to the Valley of the Moon, a place where we will be able to walk between psychedelic looking limestone formations.
In the afternoon our vehicle brings us back to the City Center and drops us off in the heart of the colorful and animated Andean market of La Paz. Return to the hotel on foot, accompanied by our guide.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Departure at around 8:30 a.m. from La Paz (or Copacabana) towards the Cordillera Real, wall culminating at 6400 meters of elevation and separating the Amazon Basin from the Altiplano. After a 3-hour trip, we arrive at the Aymara village of Tuni; the families of the TUNI-TERRA project (community tourism – valorizing the Andean and Aymara inheritance) await us. We visit the village, settle and then enjoy a very typical Andean lunch.
In the afternoon, a local guide shows us some of the medicinal and very nutritive plants that can be found in the Condoriri mountain range and explain us during a little hike how the local Aymaras use them.
Andean dinner (it is possible for you to help in the preparation of the meal) then traditional Andean evening including local live music. You are then invited to try the local dances and to relax by a fireplace.
All included, night with a local host or in a refuge.

In the morning, we share the village life and learn about the local activities: The importance of the llamas, the education of the children, beliefs and ceremonies, social organization of an Aymara village.
Andean lunch.
We leave the community at about 2 p.m. with our private vehicle. We skirt Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real until we arrive in Copacabana (about a 3½-hour drive). We climb the hill of the Way of the Cross to watch the sunset.
Lunch included and dinner open. Hotel / view over the lake.

In the morning, a motorboat takes us to the Northern side of the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), at the Inca site of Chincana. We begin the trek that follows the crests and takes us to the south side of the Island and to the village of Yumani (3 to 4-hour walk).
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging at María and Ismael’s house (basic comfort).
Note: During the 2 following days a boat will be at our disposal to transport the group as well as the backpacks during the walks.
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: +450m / -250m

In the morning we descend the 500 steps of the Fuente del Inca to the pier where our boat awaits us to take us first on a short hop to Pilkokaina temple, south of the island. This palace was built by Inca Tupac Yupanqui for its pilgrimages on the island.  We then return to our boat and head towards the peninsula of Yampupata (20 minutes). Trek along the peninsula to the Virgin of Lourdes, by way of the remote village of Zampaya (about 4 to 5-hour hike). We then get back on our boat for the return journey to Copacabana and then to La Paz with a private vehicle (3½ hour).
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: +250m / -250m

Departure at 8:30 a.m. from the hotel in our private 4WD in the direction of the Cordillera Real. After passing La Cumbre, a pass at 4750 m of altitude, the Andes, abruptly drop below our feet. A few hundred kilometers lower as the crow flies, is the Amazonian Basin! Welcome to this incredible intermediate region called the Yungas, named after an ancient pre-Incan tribe that used to live on its steep slopes.
As we drive down the winding road, the scenery becomes more lush, the air more humid, the wind yet warmer... more than 3500 meters of elevation loss to reach Yolosa (el. 1100 m.a.s.l.) in just a few hours!
To end the day, a steep, 7-kilometer uphill (650 m of elevation gain) takes us to the village of Coroico, the “pearl of the Yungas”.
In the afternoon, excursion to the village of Tocaña, where is located of the black african-bolivian communities, with its so particular music and costums. Return to Coroico at the end of the day.
Lunch and dinner open (restaurant El Cafetal recommended). Hotel / swimming pool.

In the morning, 4WD expedition followed by a hike to the Vagante River at the bottom of the Coroico Valley. We find ourselves surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls and icy torrents.
Later on, we continue with our 4WD and cross the Yungas, from north to south, on very steep mountain slopes. Successions of short ascents and descents via a route seldom traveled. Coca terraces, coffee plantations and orchards line our journey to the village of Chulumani (3/4h on a dirt road).
Lunch on the way. All included. Hotel / swimming pool.

In the morning, we head for Apa Apa. Guided visit with a naturalist guide in the Apa-Apa forest. After lunch we star tour journey back to Paz in our private vehicle, following the Unduavi River up-valley. It surely is the most beautiful valley of the area. We spot, perched high up on a promontory, the shadow of a medieval castle. Paraguayan soldiers, held prisoners during the Chaco war (1932), erected this building to satisfy the whim of the Bolivian president.
We pass the waterfall of “Bridal’s Veil”, named after the cloud of steam it produces, the valley becomes narrower and we begin our climb towards the Cordillera. Here we need to trade our sandals and bathing suit for much warmer clothes!
Lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel.

Pick up at our hotel in a private vehicle, 3 hours prior to flight departure time, for transfer to airport / international flight number and time to be confirmed.