 Bolivia, named after Simón Bolívar, is a landlocked country in central South America, bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. It is the poorest country in South America. Formerly, Bolivian silver mines, particularly Potosi, formerly produced much of the Spanish empire's wealth as well as a steady stream of enslaved natives. Living conditions of the native people, who constituted most of the population, remained deplorable. Forced to work under primitive conditions in the mines and in nearly feudal status on large estates, they were denied access to education, economic opportunity, or political participation. However, the country is rich in natural resources. Apart from famous silver mines, which were known by the Incas and later exploited by the Spaniards, Bolivia owns the second largest natural gas field in South America after Venezuela. Furthermore, Bolivia has 70% of the world's iron and magnesium. Bolivia is about 1.5 times the size of Texas. An enormous diversity of ecological zones is represented within Bolivia's territory including the Andes mountains, the Bolivian Altiplano, and Amazonian rainforests. Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world is located on the border between Bolivia and Peru. The Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, lies in the southwest corner of the country, in the department of Potosí. The history, ecological diversity, and unique geography make Boliva a most interesting country to visit.
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz.
At your arrival at the El Alto airport (highest major airport in the world) in La Paz our english-speaking driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. The day is yours to relax, acclimatize to the high altitude (12,000 ft.), and explore on your own a bit.
Day 2: Flight La Paz - Sucre.
Morning: We will transfer you from your hotel to the airport to catch your plane to Sucre, this beautiful town is "La Cuidad Blanca," due to its impressive white colonial buildings in the center of the city.
Afternoon: You will have a guided visit of the exterior of the San Lazaro Church and the exterior of the Santo Domingo University Museum, then visit the General Cemetery and the Capellanica House to appreciate the textiles from Jalq'a and Tarabuco.
Day 3: Tarabuco.
Today is a day for shpping for beautiful and rare native crafts. We will have a full day excursion to the colorful small town of Tarabuco. The Indians living here belong to a culture that is one of the most ancient indigenous cultures and the market attracts sellers from all over the area who display their colourful wares. This is a a perfect place to buy alpaca sweaters, ceramic pieces, brightly woven rugs and Conquistador style leather helmets.
Day 4: Potosi.
Today you will start the ascent to the Alto Plano highlands as we transfer to the former silver mining town and true jewel among towns in Bolivia: Potosi – a Unesco world heritage site- that sits majestically at 4,000 metres above sea level. On our guided sightseeing we will visit the Royal mint, the cathedral and the “Pasaje de Siete Vueltas” (street of seven turns) whose distinct architectural construction shows how early settlers tried to build their residences and shops to protect them from the lay winds of the Alto Plano. Later this afternoon we will visit a mine and see how the miners carried out rudimentary works.
Day 5: Transfer to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Full day transfer to the Uyuni Salt Flats. In the extreme south west of the country, this is the most remote of the highlands of Bolivia.
Day 6: Uyuni Salt Flats.
Today is time to experience the famous Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest deposit of salt in the world! A fascinating full day excursion takes you out to the gleaming whiteness of this salt desert where at least 10 billion tons of salt stil remain. Stop at Colchani, the salt hotels and Isla de los Pescadores, a small, hilly outpost city covered in cactus in the heart of the salt flat. Watch the locals carve furniture out of pure salt or purchase your own little salt llama as a souvenir.
Day 7: Train journey to Oruro.
Board the local train today to journey north through the south western regions of Bolivia through some of the world’s flattest terrains. You can observe the great salt sea as you travel. Arrive in Oruro. (Train journey time 7 hours).
Day 8: Oruro.
Morning sightseeing of the town of Oruro, famous for its Diablada Celebration, the most colourful of the carnival festivities in the country. It is the Alto Plano’s only real city, known by the inhabitants as the “cradle of Folklore”, where 90% of the inhabitants still have true Indian heritage. Visit the museo etnografico minero (ethnographic mine) which is housed in an old tunnel. Board an afternoon bus that will take you to La Paz. (Coach journey time 3 ½ hours).
Day 9: La Paz Tiawanacu Ruins.
Begin this morning with a short excursion outside of the city to the “Valle de la Luna” (valley of the moon) and incredible natural park set in a canyon; the rock and earth formations will make you feel like you have really left earth and are walking on the moon. Return to the city where a guided sightseeing tour introduces you to the Plaza Murillo, the cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Finish up by visiting the Mercado de Hecheria (witch's market) where you can watch Aymara women selling traditional cures for just about anything that ails you.
Day 10: Full day Lake Titicaca.
This morning you will enjoy a full day excursion to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Take a ferry boat out on the lake to the Island of the Sun where it is believed the first Inca was brought into being and sent out to colonize. Stroll around the Copacabana and visit the impressive Moorish style cathedral. Then return to La Paz.
Day 11: Tiawanacu Ruins. Flight back home.
Early morning: departure from your hotel for a visit to the ruins of Tiawanacu located one and half hour from La Paz. Tiawanacu is best known for the Gate of the Sun and it also includes large ceremonial complexes and an underground temple.
Afternoon: transfer to El Alto Airport for your flight back home.
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