Highlights of Bolivia

We gather our group in Santa Cruz this morning and drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to our hotel on the border of Amboró National Park.



The road to the hotel entrance is unpaved and we take a 4x4 ride for the last stretch (approximately 30 minutes). After check in, we have lunch and an afternoon at leisure. For those wanting to stretch their legs, we have optional walks available.



Accommodation: Refugio de los Volcanes (or similar)

We start early and set out on foot for a day walk (approximately four to six hours). We see giant tree ferns, which reach up to 42ft (13m) tall, and visit a viewpoint for a panorama of sheer sandstone cliffs rising high above an expanse of tropical jungle.



Amboró National Park is vast, containing some 830 bird species, including cock-of-the-rocks, blue-horned curassows, hummingbirds, toucans and macaws. We may see a few of these with the help of our local guides who will also identify endemic plants. Elusive mammals (ocelots, spectacled bears, tapirs, jaguars and pumas to name a few) also reside within Amboró, but we are unlikely to see them, especially in the daytime.



Afterwards, we can shower and have lunch before we transfer to the little-visited laidback town of Samaipata (approximately 1hr 30min) and check into our hotel for the next two nights. En route, we visit Las Cuevas Waterfalls, where it is possible to take a quick swim in the clear water if you wish. The evening is free for you to explore town or rest after this morning’s walk.



Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Piray (or similar)

This morning, we visit El Fuerte de Samaipata (Samaipata Fort), a pre-Columbian archaeological site with Unesco World Heritage status, about 6mi (10km) outside town. The hilltop ruins form an excellent vantage point over the picturesque valley and although no standing structures remain, excavations (which continue today) have revealed more than 500 dwellings. It incorporates buildings from three cultures: Chanè, Inca and Spanish. The main site is a gigantic stone slab (more than 330ft/100m long), covered in Inca and pre-Inca carvings of geometric shapes and animal figures, thought to have been of religious/ceremonial significance. We also visit the museum, which contains artefacts from El Fuerte.



Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Piray (or similar)

After breakfast, we return to Santa Cruz Airport (approximately 4hr 30min drive). In the afternoon, we fly to Sucre (approximately 45-minute flight), the Unesco-listed capital of Bolivia and often called the most beautiful city in the country, with narrow streets and colonial white-washed buildings.



Accommodation: De Su Merced Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of the sights, including La Recoleta viewpoint, monastery, and museum of indigenous art, situated at the base of Churuquella Mountain overlooking the city. We’ll visit the main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and adjacent historic Casa de la Libertad (House of Liberty) where Simon Bolivar signed the Act of Independence in 1825. Following on from this, we come to the San Francisco Basilica, complete with its freedom bell (which was was allegedly rung so hard to mark Bolivian independence that it broke). A stroll through the manicured Bolivar Park and cemetery are also part of the tour.



Accommodation: De Su Merced Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast, we drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to Potosí; you will notice the increase in elevation as Potosí lies at 13,320ft (4,060m) above sea level. This afternoon, we visit the entrance of the Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) mine, where we hear from a former miner about its history and tragic legacy.



Back in town, we have a walking orientation tour of Potosí, which was the centre of the silver rush in the 16th century, resulting in thousands of colonial buildings.



Accommodation: Hotel Santa Teresa (or similar)

We depart from Potosí at 7am and transfer to Uyuni (approximately four hours). In Uyuni, we enjoy a break and switch to our 4x4 vehicle. Our journey takes us to a variety of sites, including the Train Cemetery and San Cristobal town (one of the largest silver mining facilities in Bolivia). We will not enter the mine but have a quick explanation of its history. Afterwards, we drive to Turkiri Lagoon to see a variety of local flora and fauna, there are many bird species in this area. We continue heading south with beautiful sights including the Ollagüe Volcano, until we arrive at the lakes of Cañapa, Hedionda and Honda.



These are flamingo breeding grounds and we’re certain to see flocks here, and maybe vicunas and Andean geese. Before we arrive at our hotel, we drive to the Siloli desert and view the Mountain of Seven Colours at Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.  The altitude will vary during our time exploring the Salar de Uyuni (ranging between 11,975ft/3,650m and 15,910ft/4,850m).



Today's driving time is approximately nine to ten hours.



Accommodation: Hotel Tayka del Desierto

Today we hop in our 4x4 and head into Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Our first stop is Laguna Colorada, where the waters are tinged a rusty red. After, we visit Sol de Mañana geysers, the highest point on our trip at 15,910ft (4,850m) above sea level. Across this sulphur spring field are boiling mud lakes and steam pools, and there are several geyser-like features where pressurised steam spouts up to 165ft (50m) high.



Set against a backdrop of volcanoes and mountains is Polques Thermal Baths, where those who can brave the cold air can enjoy a dip in the warm waters. Later, we visit Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon).



Today's driving time is approximately eight to nine hours.



Accommodation: Mallku Cueva Hotel (or similar)

This morning, we visit the cave paintings in Villamar (made by the ancient Aymaras) and continue exploring Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, travelling through the otherworldly landscapes of the Valley of Rocks and Stone Tree. We arrive around 5pm at Hotel Palacio de Sal, sure to be a highlight stay of our time in the Salar de Uyuni.



Today's driving time is approximately seven to eight hours.



Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)

We spend today’s 4x4 adventure on the salt flats. Pyramids of salt are mounded up and, in the dry season, the ground is desiccated and hexagonal salt tiles form as far as the eye can see. There are wonderful photo opportunities, and we have time to create some fun pictures. In the middle of the salt flats, we come to Incahuasi Island, known for its giant cacti and unusual fossils. This small island in the middle of the salt flats is an amazing sight and we can walk across it for 360-degree views from the top. After more photo opportunities, we visit a spot to watch the sun set and the light cast shadows and reflections on the water.



Today's driving time is approximately five to six hours.



Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)

After breakfast, we transfer (30 minutes) to Uyuni airport and fly to La Paz, the highest administrative capital in the world at 11,940ft (3,640m) above sea level. Upon arrival, we transfer to El Alto to ride an innovative cable car system, which takes us to the heart of the city. We are met on the other side and transferred to our hotel.



We then start our walking tour, visiting the main square, Plaza Murillo, which is in the old town, where we also find the Presidential Palace, government congress buildings, and the cathedral. Finally, we enjoy the exterior artistry of the Basilica of San Francisco, which has a mestizo-baroque facade depicting masks, dragons, tropical birds and snakes.



Accommodation: Hotel Qantu (or similar)

We drive towards Copacabana, crossing the Tiquina Strait by boat (a 10-minute ride) and follow the Lake Titicaca shores for much of the journey (total drive time: approximately 4hr 30min). On arrival at Copacabana, we board another boat and travel for an hour to Lake Titicaca’s beautiful Isla del Sol, disembarking at Pillkokaina port where we ascend to the Sun Temple. We walk (approximately 1hr 30min) to our ecolodge, allowing us to take in the surroundings: the deep blue waters contrasting the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real. From the lodge, the setting sun in the west casts a lovely light across the mountains ahead.



Your main luggage will be left on the transport (which we leave at Copacabana) so you need only take an overnight bag to Isla del Sol. We recommend keeping any valuables with you.



Accommodation: Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)

Today we take a short boat trip to nearby Isla del la Luna (Moon Island) to explore the ruins and learn about the ancient Inca and pre-Inca legends of Lake Titicaca. Or you can just chill out on Isla del Sol.



Accommodation: Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)

After breakfast, we walk to the Fountain of Eternal Youth before we make the same return journey back (by boat to Copacabana, bus and then a short ferry ride across the Tiquina Strait) and head to the pre-Columbian ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage site (approximately 3hr 30min driving). Founded around 1,500 BCE, Tiwanaku became the capital of a massive empire that lasted almost 1,000 years, developing into a sophisticated urban ceremonial complex. After lunch, we have a guided visit of the site. In the late afternoon, we drive (approximately 1hr 30min) to La Paz Airport for an evening flight to Santa Cruz.



Accommodation: TRYP by Wyndham Santa Cruz (or similar)

The tour comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to continue exploring, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Alternatively, begin your return journey home.