Meeting Bolivian Culture
From the cholitas of La Paz to the glaciers of the Royal Cordillera, four Bolivian communities open their doors.
Duration
12 days
From
€1,960/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Craving immersion, a change of scenery and wonderful encounters !! This program will take you to four different communities as diverse in their culture as in their ecosystems. You will visit a peninsula on the minor lake of Lake Titicaca (3800m alt.), at Quehuaya more precisely. You will discover its floating islands, its « chullpares » ancestral tombs as well as its archaeological museums among the richest in the country (notably that of Pariti). Your journey will continue in the Royal Cordillera at 4400m altitude. You will experience a moment of life in the heart of the mountains in a small stone refuge named Santos built with the help of a Breton association. Then your path will lead you to the intermediate plateaus at Luribay at 2600 m altitude. You will meet a warm community reflecting the gentleness of the climate, you will visit its orchards, its vineyards and be able to taste their delicious local wines in traditional bodegas. You will finish in the semi-tropical part, the Yungas located at 1525 m altitude. You will end with a visit to a coffee plantation « Finca Shanti ». What a rich and colorful program! The icing on the cake, you will participate in a fashion show of cholitas in La Paz, unprecedented !
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovery of La Paz - Fashion Parade of Cholitas!
Day dedicated to a walking tour of the city that "touches the sky", La Paz. Let's immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of the city. Visit of Andean markets, the colonial district, museums, and also cable car lines! Our guide adapts the day according to your wishes. Not to be missed: Plaza Murillo, Calle Jaen and the cable car (the highest in the world) to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city of La Paz.
After lunch, meeting with Glenda Yañez, cholita, artist, designer and model. Glenda will present us with a fashion show of Cholitas. We will then discover the traditional clothing of Bolivian women: colorful fabrics, skirts and petticoats, hats, jewelry. All of this in a magical setting such as the Montículo viewpoint. At the end of the show, we will be able to dress in traditional clothing and take unforgettable photos.
Discovery of Minor Lake - Pata Patani - Quehuaya and the Floating Islands of Totora
La Paz → Quehuaya
We leave in the morning to reach the Minor Lake Titicaca. Brief stop in the village of Puerto Pérez. This municipality, capital of the surrounding communities, was once an important trading port. The bravest can taste a dish of Wallake, a spicy fish soup served with chuños, a delicious and original breakfast! Then, we will go to the village of Belen Yayes, the unique entry point to the peninsula. We will cross a pre-Hispanic stone bridge several centuries old. Our route will then take us to the small village of Pata Patani whose museum houses a strange mummy with an elongated skull. This mummy was discovered in a Chullpa, a funerary tower typical of pre-Incan peoples.
Late in the morning we arrive at the Quehuaya community lodge, our residence for the night where a hearty Apthapi awaits us, a colorful cloth filled with Andean provisions to share. In the afternoon, we will go aboard a boat on a small Totora island. Totora, a reed endemic to the minor lake (Wiñaymarka by its Aymara name), is the main material for all construction in the lake region. Return to the lodge and free time to enjoy the small Quehuaya museum or go to the summit of the mountain overlooking the village to enjoy a magnificent sunset.
Archaeology between Pariti Island and the Chullpares de Quehuaya - route to Santos Refuge
Quehuaya → Refuge Santos
After breakfast, we will cross by boat through the labyrinth of the Totora islets to reach the island of Pariti. This small island, home to fewer than fifty families, is known throughout the region for its exceptional archaeological collection. You will have the opportunity to admire this superb collection under the guidance of your guide who will then take you to enjoy the superb view from the Pariti viewpoint. On the way back, the boat will drop us on the other side of Quehuaya where we will have the opportunity to discover the ruins of an ancient village of the Tiwanaku peoples. After a short hike to reach the lodge, you will enjoy a final meal prepared by the village inhabitants.
After breakfast, we depart by 4x4 vehicle via the road and then by the passable track to Santos refuge (4400 m altitude) located in the heart of the Royal Cordillera. We climb to Mollo pass (5000 m altitude) at the foot of Wila Lluxita glacier (5244m) before descending to Mina Fabulosa and returning to Santos refuge.
The "Qala Uta" project was born in 2002, at the initiative of several families from the communities of Uma Palca and Challana. Members of Qala Uta put at the service of visitors their knowledge of the mountains, introduce them to their Aymara culture and their communal way of life. In this magnificent valley, the community has built this refuge entirely in stone. Beautiful routes have been equipped on the granite cliffs facing the refuge (grades 5 to 7).
Qala Uta - Community Activity
Day dedicated to activities with the community: introduction to weaving techniques, visit to the Uma Palca school, visit to the Fabulosa mine, traditional cooking…
Hiking Laguna Tres Picos - Orienteering Run
We descend to the river below the refuge before climbing back up into the Wilallojje valley for approximately 1 hour. Then we climb up to the left via a steep path among the rocks to reach a pass at 4740m after an additional hour of effort. A beautiful view opens up over the Tres Picos or Kunuijitinta lagoon (which means snow avalanche in Aymara), located at the foot of the Tres Picos glacier.
We continue along a contour line to reach this beautiful lagoon where we can have lunch. Then descent to the Khota Pata lagoon via a steep and steeply sloping trail, in approximately 1 hour. There we can try to fish for trout. Return to the refuge in 2 hours from the lagoon.
Route to Luribay - Pena Colorada Vineyard Visit
La Paz → Luribay
We are leaving this morning to reach the village of Luribay. Arrival at the « Union La Cabaña » hostel, our residence for the night. Check-in and typical local lunch.
In the afternoon, we set out to visit the Peña Colorada de Don Vladimir, Bolivie's oldest vineyard and we also discover the house that hosted the former Bolivian president; Felipe Segundo Guzman. Wine and Singani tasting and explanations about the production process of these typical Bolivian wines. 30-minute hike to Catavi. This small community belonging to the municipality of Luribay is home to the ruins of the Bodega de José Manuel Pando, hero of the War of the Pacific and also a former president. Return to the hostel.
Hiking to the Calvary of Luribay / Fruit Orchards - return to La Paz
Luribay → La Paz
We set off this morning on a hike to reach the Luribay calvary. Exceptional viewpoint over the entire valley. Visit to the Luribay orchards and their exceptional abundance of fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs. A local guide will teach you the traditional techniques for producing and harvesting Luribay peaches as well as the properties and traditional use of medicinal plants. The orchards are known for hosting a great diversity of exotic fruits such as Pacay, Pear-melons or Pepino Dulce as well as delicious Granadillas. Take advantage of this expedition into a truly thriving botanical garden to taste and discover the rich Andean flavors. We will savor a typical Luribayno picnic at the mountain summit. Return on foot through the valley.
Return to La Paz in the afternoon.
Coroico - Finca Shanti
La Paz → Coroico (1525m)
We leave this morning to reach the village of Coroico located at 1525m altitude. We first head to the place called "la Cumbre" (4,750 m alt.). From there, the arid landscape gradually gives way to lush vegetation. We arrive at the end of the day in the village of Coroico. About twenty minutes is then needed to reach the coffee plantation "Finca Shanti".
After lunch, we visit the coffee fields as well as the greenhouses. We will discover the different stages of coffee processing (sorting, depulping, roasting, etc.). The visit ends with of course a tasting. At the end of the afternoon, drive to reach the Ecolodge Sol y Luna located in a magnificent property.
We will take advantage of this enchanting place to enjoy a delicious lunch on the terrace and taste an excellent coffee.
Have a good trip
Free morning until the time of transfer to the airport for our return international flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Comprehensive insurance assistance-repatriation
- Individual equipment necessary for the smooth running of your stay
- The accommodation supplement on a Single room basis
- International round-trip flight
- Tips for local teams
- Beverages as well as all personal extras
- The domestic flight airport tax ($3 USD per person)
Included
- English-speaking escort guide for the entire stay
- Private transport mentioned in the program
- Hotel accommodation on a double/twin room basis (basic conditions)
- Accommodation in hostels/refuges (basic conditions)
- The meals described in the program
- National park entrances, historic sites, museums, churches, etc...
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Bolivie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Bolivie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Bolivie.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours par an sur le territoire bolivien. Cette durée est comptabilisée sur l'année calendaire et ne peut généralement pas être dépassée sans démarche administrative spécifique.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour.
Carte de tourisme
À l'arrivée en Bolivie, les voyageurs peuvent être invités à remplir une carte de tourisme ou un formulaire d'entrée remis par les services d'immigration boliviens, notamment lors d'une entrée par voie terrestre.
Ce document permet aux autorités de recueillir certaines informations nécessaires à l'entrée sur le territoire :
informations du passeport
motif et durée du séjour
adresse du premier hébergement en Bolivie
Il est conseillé de conserver ce document pendant toute la durée du séjour, car il peut être réclamé lors de la sortie du territoire.
Santé et vaccinations
Aucun vaccin n'est officiellement exigé pour entrer en Bolivie depuis l'EEE, la Suisse ou le Canada. Toutefois, la vaccination contre la fièvre jaune est fortement recommandée pour les voyageurs se rendant dans les régions tropicales de basse altitude (Amazonie, départements de Beni et Santa Cruz).
Il est également conseillé de se renseigner sur les risques liés au paludisme dans certaines zones rurales et de prendre les précautions appropriées. L'altitude élevée de certaines destinations boliviennes (La Paz, Potosí, Uyuni) peut provoquer un mal des montagnes (soroche) : une consultation médicale avant le départ est recommandée.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence. Les autorités boliviennes peuvent également demander des documents attestant du lien de parenté ou de l'autorisation parentale.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Bolivie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Bolivia visa-free with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry. The exact authorized length of stay varies depending on your nationality. Before booking, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Bolivian consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 130 and 220 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (1000-1400 euros return) are additional. Bolivia remains one of the most affordable Andean destinations.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Altiplano
Explorer of the Bolivian Andes, based in La Paz
In Bolivia, the mountain is more than just beautiful: it forces you to slow down, to breathe differently, and to find your true place.
— Anne
