Starts | La Paz, Bolivia |
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Ends | La Paz, Bolivia |
Region | South America & Central America |
Duration | 9 days |
Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz
Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia. Your adventure begins on arrival at La Paz's El Alto International Airport where you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city. Please look for your transfer guide at the airport - they'll be holding a sign with your name on it. At around 3,600 metres, La Paz feels like the top of the world. Head out on a guided city tour around 12 pm and then onto visit Moon Valley. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. Why not head out for dinner in the evening during your free time. Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit, especially La Paz, some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. Please see the 'Is This Trip Right For You?' and 'Fitness' sections in the trip notes for detailed information.
Day 2 - Starting: Uyuni & Finishing: Uyuni
Today take a flight from La Paz to Uyuni. The flight time will be advised at your evening meeting on Day 1. The remote town of Uyuni sits on the edge of the high altiplano, which extends towards the border with Argentina and Chile. The town was once a distribution hub for trains carrying minerals on their way to Pacific Ocean ports. In the 1940s the mining industry collapsed and many trains were abandoned. Today you'll head out on an included visit to the Train Cemetery and then later to Pulacayo - famous for the closure of their silver mines.
Day 3 - Starting: Uyuni & Finishing: Uyuni
Uyuni's salt flats are a 12,000-square-kilometre expanse of perfectly flat salt. Spend a full day exploring the lake by 4WD. Make sure you snap some classic perspective-bending photographs with your group. Discover the cacti and coral-like structures on the rocky island of Isla inca wasi and visit the small town of Colchani, where you'll see how the locals farm and process salt from the Salar. Head to the tiny village of Jiria at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano. Here you'll visit the Coquesa Caves, which are home to ancient ceramics and a mysterious family of mummies who have remained untouched for over 1,200 years. At the end of the day, drive to your accommodation on the salt plains. Note: If you are travelling between December and April (the wet season), please see the 'Important Notes' section of the trip notes.
Day 4 - Starting: Potosi & Finishing: Potosi
Continue your journey across the altiplano by private vehicle to the silver-mining town of Potosi, which should take around three hours. Arriving in Potosi, check in to your hotel and then take a short stroll around the main plaza, taking in the colonial architecture of this old city. This colonial mining city sits at the base of Cerro Rico, a mountain rich in silver ore. A tour and brief history of Cerro Rico could be a highlight of your trip here, but due to safety concerns we strongly advise you not to enter the mines (please see notes below). Perhaps visit the Santa Teresa Convent Museum to observe the art and treasures on display inside the convent’s original walls. Notes: We strongly recommend against doing a Potosi Mine Tour, which actually enters the mine. Should you decide to go against our advice, you will do so at your own risk. Please note that our leaders are not able to organise this activity for you due to safety concerns.
Day 5 - Starting: Sucre & Finishing: Sucre
Drive to Bolivia's capital of Sucre today, which should take around three hours along a well-maintained road. Descending more than 1,000 metres to the temperate valleys of Chuquisaca, small rivers, cactus fields, fruit and vegetable plantations dominate the valley. Sucre is a pleasant city set in a valley surrounded by low mountains and has retained the flavour of its colonial heritage in its churches, museums and ancient mansions. On arrival, you'll have plenty of free time to explore the city and get your bearings.
Day 6 - Starting: Sucre & Finishing: Sucre
This morning, head out on an included visit to the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world. There are over 5,000 footprints set into the Cal Orko cliff, which is only five kilometres away from the city centre. In the afternoon, travel back to Sucre for a guided city tour. Bolivia’s World Heritage-listed capital is a hub of progressive culture and Spanish colonial architecture. You might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta in your free time. This 400-year-old convent provides great views over the city and is home to a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings. Your evening is then free to do as you wish.
Day 7 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz
Take a flight back to La Paz from Sucre airport today, which should only take around 30-40 minutes. The rest of your day is free to explore. The city is renowned for its markets, especially the Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches' Market), which sells potions, incantations, stones and artefacts. Ask a local about their significance - most people are happy to explain. Perhaps visit the Coca Museum, which isn’t too far from your hotel in the Rosario district.
Day 8 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz
Your independent journey of Bolivia's highlights comes to an end this morning. As there are no more activities planned, you're free to book your departure flights when you like and you can leave the accommodation at any time.
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