Overview
The great salt desert of the Salar de Uyuni, vast Lake Titicaca, the colonial towns of Sucre and Potosí, the bowler-hatted Aymara of La Paz—Bolivia is a world of surprise and delight. In this land of mesmerizing beauty and fascinating indigenous cultures, we spend nights on serene Isla del Sol in the middle of Lake Titicaca, meet the artisan-weavers of charming Tarabuco, and explore the lunar landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni, where the sky and horizon merge into a dreamscape of fluorescent lakes, spiky cacti, geysers, and jagged rock formations. Our lodgings include a historic hacienda and a unique “salt” hotel in the desert.
We loved Bolivia and and by the end of this trip felt enriched by all we saw and experienced. Little things, like eating the breakfast soup the miners ate, gave us a real feeling for the life of the average Boliviano.
— Paulette N., Fort Collins, CO
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
La Paz / Tiwanaku
In the highest capital in the world, La Paz, at 11,893 feet, we ride the cable car up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city, then descend for a walk around the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where we can visit the unique curandera stalls of the “witches’ market.” Traditional Aymara culture is well represented here, seen in the iconic bowler hats, long skirts, and multi-colored shawls of Aymara women. The next day finds us at Tiwanaku, the monumental ruin of a pre-Inca culture on the southern shores of Lake Titicaca.
Days 3-6
Sucre / Tarabuco / Potosí / Hacienda de Cayara
After we explore the cobbled streets of Sucre (9,500'), known as the “White City” for its whitewashed colonial walls, we are welcomed at a local family farm for lunch. Our day in the mountain village of Tarabuco, home to the Yampara culture, includes a private lunch with local weavers. In Potosí (13,315'), epicenter of Spanish rule in Bolivia, we’ll explore the colonial glories and spend our nights in a family-owned 16th century hacienda in a countryside setting.
Days 7-10
Explore the Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni (11,800') is the largest salt flat in the world. A remarkable hotel—whose walls are made of salt blocks—is our base for exploring this surreal world of multi-colored lakes, shimmering hot springs, bizarre stone formations, snow-capped volcanoes, and panoramic vistas.
Days 11-14
Lake Titicaca / Isla del Sol
On vast Lake Titicaca, we boat to the legendary Isla del Sol, the Incas’ “birthplace of the sun,” for hikes to mystical Inca sites and walks through the isolated villages of this island lost in time, with overnights in a welcoming ecolodge. Bolivia has a renowned food scene, and our Farewell Dinner in La Paz is at Gustu, the capital’s acclaimed restaurant. Depart on Day 14.
Bolivia!
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Cultural explorations and walking tours at altitudes up to 14,435 feet, some long drives on rugged terrain, high altitude throughout the journey
