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
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
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.
Return to La Paz
After breakfast, we reluctantly leave the Santos refuge and our hosts, Return to La Paz. Rest of the day is free.
Route to Luribay - Pena Colorada Vineyard Visit
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
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
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.
Wellness at the Ecolodge Sol y Luna - return to La Paz
Free morning to enjoy this magnificent tree-lined park!
Early afternoon, departure from the Ecolodge to reach La Paz.
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.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Bolivia for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Bolivia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Bolivia.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days per year in Bolivian territory. This duration is calculated on a calendar year basis and generally cannot be exceeded without specific administrative procedures.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Tourist card
Upon arrival in Bolivia, travelers may be asked to complete a tourist card or entry form issued by Bolivian immigration services, particularly when entering by land.
This document allows authorities to collect certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
purpose and duration of stay
address of first accommodation in Bolivia
It is advisable to keep this document throughout your stay, as it may be requested when leaving the territory.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is officially required to enter Bolivia from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada. However, vaccination against yellow fever is strongly recommended for travelers going to tropical lowland regions (Amazon, Beni and Santa Cruz departments).
It is also recommended to inquire about the risks associated with malaria in certain rural areas and to take appropriate precautions. The high altitude of certain Bolivian destinations (La Paz, Potosí, Uyuni) can cause altitude sickness (soroche): a medical consultation before departure is recommended.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. Bolivian authorities may also request documents proving the family relationship or parental authorization.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Bolivia in their country of residence.
To take part in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expenses insurance.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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
