Bolivia Essentials

Departure to the Tiwanaku site located 75 kilometers from the city of La Paz. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was the major civilization of the central Andes between the 5th and 11th centuries. We find there in particular the Akapana pyramid, the famous Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya temple and the monoliths "Benett" and "Ponce". We also visit the small museum before lunch (on your own) on site.

In the afternoon, we take the road to the city of Copacabana, where we settle into our hotel.

Departure by private boat from Copacabana port to the Lourdes Grotto. This is an opportunity to take a walk on the peninsula along the shores of Lake Titicaca to reach the village of Yampupata. We discover rural Bolivie and fully enjoy the landscapes, the snow-capped peaks of the Royal Cordillera and the surrounding islands. Possibility to pass through the authentic Zampaya stone village located at 4000m altitude.

Walking time: approximately 5 hours
Elevation gain: +600m/-425m

Navigation to the Yumani landing dock located south of the Island of the Sun. Finally, hiking to reach the accommodation located on the heights of the island.

We continue our discovery of Lake Titicaca with a visit to the impressive Inca Staircase and the fountain with three water sources that symbolize the three Inca laws: Ama Sua (do not steal), Ama llulla (do not lie), Ama Kella (do not be lazy). We descend to the pier to rejoin our boat.

Departure by boat to reach the Island of the Moon. Also nicknamed Koati Island, it was a sacred place inhabited exclusively by women. Some of them (the most beautiful) were potential candidates to become the wife of the Inca emperor. Before leaving, we visit the Temple of the Nustas (the Virgins of the Sun).

Return to Copacabana port.

After lunch, travel to the city of La Paz.

Private vehicle transfer to El Alto airport. La Paz - Uyuni flight (variable schedules).

4x4 vehicle expedition. To start, we visit the Train Cemetery located on the outskirts of the city. Most of the trains in this cemetery date back to the early twentieth century and were imported from England to transport ore to Chile. Crossing of San Cristobal, a village relocated following the arrival of a mining company. Discovery of the Valley of Rocks where erosion has created strange shapes several meters tall. Some more notable than others, we can play at finding the similarities! One of the rocks may perhaps have the shape of a football World Cup or a camel.

Dinner and night at the Mallku Cueva ecolodge.

Our expedition of the day, in 4x4, will take us to discover the most beautiful Lagunas of the region. Journey to the Polques hot springs (4,000 m) where we have the possibility to bathe with beautiful views of the Laguna Chalviri. Along the way, discovery of the famous "Dali Desert" with its supernatural landscapes in light ochre tones. Finally, we reach the Laguna Blanca and especially the Laguna Verde (4,300 m) with its emerald color and the Licancabur volcano as a backdrop. We return by the same route before stopping at the "Sol de Mañana" site (4,850 m alt.), an area characterized by numerous geysers, fumaroles and mud pools. Arrival at the Laguna Colorada which hosts numerous colonies of pink flamingos parading before our eyes.

Arrival at the Desert Hotel in late afternoon. Dinner and night.

Head north along the Route des joyaux, a series of several magnificent lagoons (Honda, Ch'arkota, Hedionda and Cañapa) some of which are home to colonies of pink flamingos. This is the ideal time for a selfie with a flamingo! A short break is in order to admire the Ollaguë and Tomasamil volcanoes. We reach the Salar de Chiguana which closes out this beautiful day.

Arrival at the Tayka de Piedra hotel in late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.

We set off today towards the mythical Salar de Uyuni. On the way, we visit the small Galaxies Cave, quite a unique place… The Salar de Uyuni is for many the most beautiful salt desert in the world. Crossing this immense immaculate surface, one of the most memorable experiences of this journey that we will remember for a long time. This paradise on earth with its infinitely white landscape is simply magical. An island in a sea of salt, Incahuasi Island or Casa del Inca, is stunning with its many cacti so tall they seem to touch the sky.

We settle in Colchani for the night. Sunset over the Salar.

Route towards the imperial city of Potosí. Along the way, visit to Pulacayo, a mining site dating from the 19th century which was the second largest silver mine in the world. Arrival at the imperial city in late morning. Lunch is on your own.

Visit to the Casa de la Moneda, a museum that traces the history of the city through silver coins that were produced there during Spanish times.

A little anecdote: the mask of the main patio was sculpted in 1850 by the Frenchman Eugenio Martínez Mulón. For some, it represents Diego Hualpa, the native who, according to legend, discovered the Cerro Rico vein. For others, it symbolizes Bacchus, the Greek god of wine and abundance. This is due to the bunches of grapes on his head.

First, we go to the miners' market to buy coca leaves, cigarettes and alcohol that we will offer to the miners. Then we start the actual visit to the Cerro Rico Mines where the world's largest silver deposit was located.

Lunch on your own and drive to the colonial city of Sucre.

Transfer to Alcantari airport for the Sucre - La Paz flight (times vary). Welcome by our driver at El Alto airport, transfer and hotel check-in.