Bolivia Family Treasure Hunt

We set off in the morning by private vehicle to the village of Chuquiñapi, nestled in a lovely bay on the banks of Lake Titicaca, far from the beaten tourist paths. We settle in at the José Ferrari monastery, a charming building that overlooks the lake.

After lunch at the monastery, we start a lovely hike to explore the small island of Sunata. Then we head back north along the shores of the lake to the monastery. Dinner on site.

Walking time: approximately 2 to 3 hours (6 km)

After breakfast, we set off in a 4x4 vehicle by road and then by track to the Santos refuge (4400 m alt.) located in the heart of the Cordillera Real. We climb to the Mollo pass (5000 m alt.) at the foot of the Wila Lluxita glacier (5244m) before descending to the Mina Fabulosa and reaching the Santos refuge.

The "Qala Uta" project was born in 2002, on the initiative of several families from the communities of Uma Palca and Challana. The members of Qala Uta put their mountain knowledge at the service of visitors, introducing them to their Aymara culture and their communal way of life. In this magnificent valley, the community has built this stone refuge. Beautiful climbing routes have been equipped on the granite cliffs facing the refuge (grades 5 to 7).

The day will be dedicated to rock climbing initiation. The site is surrounded by granite walls, a climber's paradise. 13 routes are equipped in the sector, ranging from 6 to 69 m in height (up to 3 pitches possible), from level 4 to 7. You will enjoy the different sport climbing sectors, but you can also venture to the summit of the granite massif in traditional climbing. The location is perfect for it!

After lunch, we reluctantly leave the Santos refuge and our hosts. Return to La Paz. Rest of the day is free.

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

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 San Cristobal, a village that was relocated following the arrival of a mining company. Discovery of the Valley of Rocks where erosion has created strange shapes several meters high. Some more notable than others, we can have fun spotting the resemblances! One of the rocks perhaps has the shape of a football World Cup or a camel.

Dinner and night at the Mallku Cueva ecolodge.

Our expedition for 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 opportunity to swim with beautiful views of Laguna Chalviri. Along the way, discover the famous "Dali's Desert" with its supernatural landscapes in light ochre tones. Finally, we reach Laguna Blanca and especially Laguna Verde (4,300 m) with its emerald color and the Licancabur volcano as a backdrop. We return via 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 Laguna Colorada which hosts many colonies of pink flamingos strutting before our eyes.

The track then takes the Siloli desert route. The latter is composed of numerous geomorphological formations including "the stone tree"…the local celebrity. The surrounding landscape is equally impressive with multicolored mountains. A few more kilometers are necessary before reaching the Desert hotel.

Arrival at the Desert hotel in late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.

Discovery of the fifth piece of map and next riddle. Clue hidden in the rocks near the stone tree.

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. It's the perfect time for a selfie with a flamingo! A short break is needed to admire the volcanoes Ollaguë and Tomasamil. We reach the Salar de Chiguana which concludes this beautiful day.

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

We set off today towards the mythical Salar de Uyuni. On the way, visit to 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 pristine surface, one of the most striking experiences of this trip 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, the Incahuasi Island or Casa del Inca, is amazing with its many cacti so tall they seem to touch the sky.

Dinner and night in lodge. Sunset over the Salar.

Morning departure to reach the neighboring village of Coquesa, located at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. Discovery of the pre-Columbian mummy site dating from approximately 700 years A.D. Progressive and peaceful hike to the viewpoint (approximately 02h00 of climbing). Splendid views of the volcano crater as well as the Salar d'Uyuni. Descent by the same path in approximately 1 hour.

Once you have the 6th map piece in hand, search carefully! The treasure is not far away.

After lunch, departure by private vehicle to the city of Uyuni.

Flight Uyuni - La Paz (variable schedules). Welcome by our driver at El Alto airport, transfer and hotel check-in.