W&E Best of Bolivia

Wild & Exotic best of Bolivia itinerary entering overland from Argentina and exiting through Peru

This itinerary has been designed for the traveller entering Bolivia overland from the north west province of Salta in Argentina, before continuing into Peru via Lake Titicaca in northern Bolivia. This is an excellent way to see a large and important part of central Southern America and is strongly recommended for those with enough time. All our guests will be met on arrival in both Bolivia and Peru by their private guide and assisted with customs and immigration. Visitors entering Bolivia having done a tour of Salta province will already be partially adjusted  to the high altitude that can cause problems if sufficient time is not take to acclimatise. This carefully thought out Bolivian itinerary is the product of Wild and Exotic's "hands on" research and incorporates many of the unmissable sights and destinations of this remote and beautiful country, including the silver mining town of Potosi, the largest salt flats in the world, the magical city of La Paz, the ancient ruins at Tiwanaku, and in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet, where we have sourced a small, charming and perfectly located hotel on Sun Island for your relaxation and pleasure. All our guests will be accompanied during their time in Bolivia by a private, English speaking guide. The programme can be run just as effectively from north to south, which is entering via Peru and leaving via Salta in Argentina, and can also be personalised to suit your own requirements

Day 1: On arrival at the Bolivian border in Villazon city you will be met and transferred to Tupiza, a journey of 2 hours.  This afternoon you will visit Quebrada de Palala. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Mitru (D)

Day 2: Today you will have the chance to go on an excursion to the surroundings of Tupiza, visiting El Sillar and San Vicente. Afterwards you will be transferred to the train station in Tupiza in time for your train to Uyuni (journey time approx 5 ½ hours). On arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel Tambo Aymara or hotel los Girasoles depending on the season.

Day 3: Today will be a full day visit to the Great Uyuni Salt Lake where you will explore the 12,000 square kilometre flats accompanied by your private guide and driver in a 4 x 4 vehicle. These are the largest salt flats in the world, and sight include Cochani, Ojos de Agua, Museo de Sal. Please note the flats may not be accessible during the summer rainy season from November to April. You will have stop to explore the rocky, cactus covered island of Incahuasi on foot before enjoying lunch at Mongo's restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Luna Salada, an extraordinary hotel built entirely of salt and overlooking the vast expanse of the salt lake.  (B, L, D).

Day 4: Today you will be transferred by a private vehicle from Uyuni to Potosí, a journey of approximately 5 hours through stunning wild and rocky scenery that is home to llamas and vicuña with only a handful of small villages encountered during the entire journey. This road is currently being upgraded from dirt to tarmac, which will reduce the journey to around 3 ½ hours. At 4000 metres, this is the second highest town in Bolivia (only El Alto is higher). On arrival in Potosí you will have lunch before visiting Santa Teresa convent and the churches of Potosí. Overnight at Hotel Cima Argentum (B, L)

Day 5: This morning you will visit the Casa de La Moneda coin museum and the  cooperative mine before being transferred in a private vehicle from Potosi to Sucre after lunch, a journey of approximately 3 hours. A visit to the cooperative mine provides a fascinating insight into the miner's livers including their daily purchases of coca leaves (which are chewed for an hour before starting work) sticks of dynamite, cheap cigarettes, and bottles of 96% proof alcohol, the latter offered as a gift to the gods. Other notable places of interest in Potosi include the cathedral and church of San Francisco. Aside from the grim mine workings and the narrow streets and tiny houses of the native half of Potosi, the colonial half is surprisingly elegant and charming. On arrival in the beautiful white city of Sucre you will be transferred to the Hostal De Su Merced for a 2 night stay (B, L),

Day 6: Today is spent relaxing amongst fabulous colonial surrounding, you may like to visit the many churches and museums such as Museum textil Asur, the Museum of La Recoleta and San Felipe de Nery church and explore this famous colonial city from the base of Hostal De Su Merced. (B)

Day 7: Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to check in to your flight to La Paz. On arrival you will be met and transferred on a tour of the city, which is overlooked by the majestic Illimani mountain. The City of La Paz dates from pre Hispanic times with all their traditions and magic rites on its streets. The indigenous, colonial and modern areas, Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market. Overnight at the Hotel Camino Real Suites in Calacoto, which enjoys a fashionable but quiet location with many bars and nice restaurants only a 20 min taxi ride away.

Day 8: This morning you will be transferred to Tiwanaku Ruins (a journey of approximately 3 ½ hours), the most magnificent ruins in Bolivia and one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, which include the Sun Gate, the Temple of Kalasasaya and the Pyramid of Akapan. The Tiwanaku culture was an agrarian based economy with an estimated population of 115,000 inhabitants, who were outstanding in agriculture, architecture and medicine, as well as in social organization. The state controlled agriculture produced surplus wealth to support the urban centre and administrative system, but the Tiwanaku civilization collapsed around 1,000 AD due to an economical crisis caused by prolonged drought. After visiting Tiwanaku ruins you will be transferred back to your hotel in La Paz for an overnight stay.

Day 9: This morning you will be collected from your hotel after an early breakfast and transferred to Huatajata harbor on the shores of Lake Titicaca, a journey of 2 hours. On arrival in Huatajata you will board the boat for the hydrofoil cruise to visit the Urus Iruitos Floating island and Quewaya sustainable project.  You will continue to on to Sun Island to visit "Pilcocaina" or Sun Temple. You will disembark here and follow the path along the contours of the hill above Lake Titicaca to the  pposada del Inca Eco Lodge, which occupies a private hill top location amongst mature trees with panoramic views out across the lake (B, L, D).

Day 10: Today can be spent at your leisure at Sun Island where you can enjoy walking and relaxing beside this beautiful lake. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Chincana ruins if you wish (this is at extra cost and can be paid direct). Overnight Posada del Inca Eco Lodge (B, L, D).

Day 11: Today you will visit the Inca Staircase & Sacred fountain and taste the sacred water believed to give eternal youth & happiness and have lunch at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant before visiting the small handicraft market. You will be transferred by boat to Copacabana, where you will visit the shrine and market before being transferred to Puno passing the churches of Pomata & Juli. On arrival at Puno in Peru you will be transferred to your hotel for the onward leg of your journey. (B, L)

Notes:

Please note this itinerary is a sample itinerary only and can be modified and refined according to client's requirements.

The price of this itinerary is based on double accommodation on bed and breakfast rate except where otherwise described as shown on the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner) and is inclusive of all activities and transfers described. The price does not include items of a personal nature, gratuities, etc.

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.