Day 01: Arrive La Paz

Welcome to Bolivia! We are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in time starts from 3:00 PM. The remainder of the day is free to relax and get accustomed to the altitude.

Overnight: Hotel Boutique Stannum, La Paz (3 nights)

Day 02: La Paz

This morning, we head for the epic city of Tiwanaku*, the capital of an ancient civilization. Located 72 kilometers away from the city of La Paz, these ruins are near the south-eastern shores of Lake Titicaca. During its greatest times, the capital of Tiwanaku was the largest in the world and considered to be the cradle of all American civilizations. The most recent radiocarbon 14 tests show that these pre-Inca ruins date back to 1580 B.C. In this ancient, breathtaking city, we will visit the Kalasasaya (Sun) temple, semi subterranean (Earth) temple, Akapana Pyramid and the legendary Sun Gate. At the Museums of Tiwanaku, we’ll explore the Ceramic Museum’s artifacts, including a mummy wrapped in reeds, and the Lithic Museum’s monumental Bennett monolith depicting a priest with ceremonial items.

Afternoon, explore the highest capital city in the world, La Paz.  Explore Plaza Murillo, where the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the National Congress buildings are located. We will also explore the famous “Mercado de las Brujas” or Witch’s Market, where community healers offer an array of medicinal plants, potions, powders, incense and amulets. Here, we may see locals practicing traditional rituals such as reading their fortune in coca leaves. (B)

Day 03: La Paz/Copacabana (Drive)/Sun Island/Inti Wata Complex (Cruise)/La Paz (Drive)

Early morning, we are transferred to Copacabana to visit its sanctuary. All services on this are on seat-in-coach/share basis. Then head to Titicaca Lake and board a catamaran cruise ship to Sun Island, the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. On this legendary island, visit the garden, stairs and Inca fountain. Continue on to the private Inti Wata cultural complex, including the Ekako Underground Museum, the traditional medicine and the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders display centers, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft center and the Intica lounge. At the Manco Kapac, look out for the largest variety of Andean camelids. We end our visit with a fantastic sailing experience aboard a huge Titicaca traditional reed vessel and opportunity to visit the Inca palace of Pilkokaina. Buffet lunch will be on board. Afterwards, we will transfer back to La Paz city and arrive at our hotel in the evening. (B, L)

Day 04: La Paz/Uyuni (Flight)/Colchani (Drive)

This morning, check out and transfer to the airport in time for our flight to Uyuni (at additional cost).
Upon arrival, we embark on our tour to see one of the highlights of Bolivia—the Uyuni Salt Flats!
We start our adventure at Uyuni’s haunting train cemetary, where 100-year-old trains sit in the sun. Continue on to the community of Colchani to visit their artisanal salt factory, where salt is processed. We then enter the majestic salt flats, where we will see the first salt hotel, Playa Blanca, and Dakar monument, as well as learn how the salt is collected. See as the flats stretch out in a white mass for miles on end. We have a photo stop where we can take some of the famous optical illusion and perspective photos the flats are known for!

We journey on to Incahuasi Island, an island that rises mysteriously out of the middle of the flats, populated with gigantic cacti. After taking in the views, we have our last step on the salt flats to take in one of the world’s most unique sunsets, accompanied by a toast with Andean liqueurs. We spend our night in one of the area’s incredible hotels made out of salt.

Overnight: Hotel Luna Salada, Colchani (1 night) (B, L, D)

Note: Itinerary subject to variation due to weather conditions and other factors.

Day 05: Colchani/Ojo de Perdiz (Drive)

We start our day with a visit to the church of the community of San Cristobal, a colonial church built by the Jesuits 350 years ago. Next, enjoy the dramatic scenery from the viewpoint of the still-active Ollague Volcano. Continue on to Laguna Cañapa and Laguna Hedionda, both home to a variety of birds, including flamingos. The final stop of the day is Laguna Honda, yet another scenic saltwater lake.

Overnight: Hotel Tayka del Desierto, Ojo de Perdiz (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Ojo de Perdiz/Uyuni/Colchani (Drive)

Today, savour the spectacular landscapes of the 4,500-meter-high Sioli Desert. We start at the impressive Stone Tree, a tree-shaped stone formation caused by erosion over thousands of years. We will also observe the famous llamas and vicuñas, as well as a unique rodent known as viscacha. Later, enter the National Reserve of Andean Fauna Eduardo Avaroa and visit the Red Lagoon. This lagoon has an impressive red color due to a fine reddish sediment accumulation on the surface, as well as the pigmentation of the algae found in the lake. This lagoon is also home to thousands of flamingos! The trip continues towards Sol de Mañana Geyser and the Polques hot springs. Check out the colourful geysers and volcanic holes before enjoying a restorative bath in the hot springs pools.  The final part of our descent leads us to the Green Lagoon, an impressive lake that resembles a giant emerald, with a particular brightness in the mornings and afternoons. Its color is due to the high magnesium content in the water. Close by, the Licancahur Volcano sits 5,868 meters above sea level. Finally, return to the city of Uyuni, visiting the Lost Italy rock formation, community of Villa Mar, and Vinto Lagoon.

Overnight: Hotel Luna Salada, Colchani (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 07: Colchani/Potosi (Drive)

Today we drive to the City of Potosi*, with a stop to visit a private mine on the Cerro Rico. This mine is currently managed by the miners, who bought it from the State. We will be able to see the miners performing their job, often using the same techniques as when miners worked under the Spanish colonies. After a box lunch, we continue to Potosi. In the 16th century, this area was regarded as the world’s largest industrial complex. The extraction of silver ore relied on a series of hydraulic mills. The site consists of the industrial monuments of the Cerro Rico, where water is provided by an intricate system of aqueducts and artificial lakes. Potosi is one of the highest cities in the world by elevation at 4,090 metres (13,420 ft). Founded in 1546 as a mining town, it soon produced fabulous wealth, becoming one of the largest cities in the Americas and the world, with a population exceeding 200,000 people.

Overnight: Hotel Coloso, Potosi (1 night) (B, L)

Day 08: Potosi/Sucre (Drive)

This morning, a visit to the Casa Nacional de la Moneda, the former mint for pressing silver into coins, offers a deep dive into Bolivian art and history, with captivating exhibits dedicated to the city’s heritage. Considered one of Bolivia’s most important museums, Casa de la Moneda offers an insightful glimpse into the past, showcasing the origins of coin minting in Potosí and the evolution of Bolivia’s history. The National Mint of Bolivia is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, the Plaza 10 de Noviembre is a central square lined with ornate colonial buildings, including the impressive cathedral adorned with statues and gardens.In the afternoon, we drive to the Historic City of Sucre, the first capital of Bolivia, founded by the Spanish in the first half of the 16th century. Its many well-preserved 16th-century religious buildings illustrate the blending of local architectural traditions with styles imported from Europe.

Overnight: Parador Santa Maria Hotel, Sucre (2 nights) (B)

Day 09: Sucre

Today, explore the Historic City of Sucre*. We experience the Convent of La Recoleta Museum and its viewpoint, the Asur Textile Museum, the facades of the churches of San Lazaro and Santo Domingo, the University's Museum, the Cemetery and other main historical monuments. After our lunch break, we continue our tour, visiting the House of Freedom Historical Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Museum of the Treasure, which has a high level display of Bolivian precious and semiprecious stones, the Historical courtyard of the San Francisco Xavier University, Santa Monica's Church exterior, San Francisco's Church and the Convent of San Felipe de Nery. (B, L)

Day 10: Sucre/Santa Cruz (Flight)

We are transferred to the airport for our short flight to Santa Cruz (cost not included). Remainder of the day free, or take part in an optional half-day city tour of Santa Cruz.

Optional: Half-day City Tour of Santa Cruz (at additional cost)

Our first visit takes us to the old town of the city, with its eaves and columns offering a colonial touch. We’ll ride through the rings that divide the city, passing beautiful squares and historical monuments. Following the program, we’ll explore the city’s modern areas and taste Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s characteristic El Café Tipico, accompanied by regional pastries. Finally, we’ll visit an interesting museum of the city.

Overnight: Hotel Los Tajibos, Santa Cruz (1 night) (B)

Day 11: Santa Cruz/San Javier/Concepcion (Drive)

This morning, embark on a journey to the Chiquitania region for our exploration of the Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos*. Between 1696 and 1760, six ensembles of reducciones (settlements of Christianized Indians) inspired by the ‘ideal cities’ of the 16th-century philosophers were founded by the Jesuits in a style that married Catholic architecture with local traditions. on the way to Concepción, we will pass through several towns in the lower east, including Puerto, Pailón, and San Rambón. Upon arrival in San Javier, we will enjoy lunch, followed by the Misiona tour in the afternoon. During the tour, we will visit the San Javier Church, known for its great artistic beauty and built in mestizo baroque style between 1749 and 1752, located 230 km from Santa Cruz. We will also explore the Missionary Museum before being transferred to the city of Concepción.

Next, we will visit the Piedras de Paquío, a buffalo farm offering a paradisiacal landscape with a Chiquitano lagoon surrounded by volcanic rocks. Finally, we will return to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Chiquitos, Concepcion (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Concepcion/Santa Cruz (Drive)

We visit the church of Concepción, built in 1725 by Father Martin Schmidt. We also visit the Museo Misional to see different wood sculptures before our return drive to Santa Cruz.

Overnight: Hotel Los Tajibos, Santa Cruz (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 13: Santa Cruz

We take a full day excursion to Fuerte de Samaipata*, the largest carved stone in the world. The archaeological site of Samaipata consists of two parts: the hill with its many carvings, believed to have been the ceremonial centre of the old town (14th–16th centuries), and the area to the south of the hill, which formed the administrative and residential district. The huge sculptured rock, dominating the town below, is a unique testimony to pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs, and has no parallel anywhere in the Americas. After lunch in the village of Samaipata, we’ll have a tour of the town square and its surroundings in the afternoon. En route back to Santa Cruz, we will either enjoy a stop at a coffee plantation (Wednesday to Saturday) or a vineyard (Monday and Tuesday). (B, L)

Day 14: Depart Santa Cruz

After our incredible journey of marveling at Bolivia's cultural and natural heritage, we are transferred to the airport. Or continue our adventure with Bestway tours to other parts of South America, including Peru and Chile. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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