Bolivia, A Fascinating Rainbow - 12D/11N

photo courtesy of Bolivian Tourist BoardEmbrace both cultures an geographical areas of Bolivia; from the mysticism of the Highplateau and Lake Titicaca with its 5.000 years of culture which formed the Andes life, passing by classy Sucre & historical Potosi; to end this fabulous joumey at the “Madidi National Park”, one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. Experience its astonishing flora and fauna, whitst staying at a paradisiacal Conservation International: “Chalalan Eco-Lodge’ or Mapajo Lodge.

La Paz offers visitors a curious blend of its splendid tradition, local color and charm. Situated in a valley in the Cordillera de los Andes at an altitude of 11,100 feet, the city is protected from the cold winds that blow in the higher elevations. Tourists can be highly affected by the altitude and are advised to take everything at a slower pace than usual.

Sucre is the official capitial of Bolivia and is an active and important culural center. The city is well known for its white buildings with red tiled roofs. This small city is easy to navigate by foot and the local people are friendly and willing to help. Handicrafts of Alpaca wool and cotton can be puchased in the Chuquisaca.

Potosi is a famous Colonial City and the sourse of silver during the colonial times. The rich moutain towers over the city, and according to legend, it has produced enough silver to build a solid silver bridge from Potosi to Madrid! The Cathedral, the curch of San Francisco and the Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint), with its wooden machinery used to make silver coins for Spain during the colonial times, and a visit to the mine are the main local attractions. Potosi was declared by UNESCO as The Historical and Cultural Legacy of Mankind.

photo courtesy of Bolivian Tourist BoardLate Titicaca is considered the highest navigabale lake in the world and forms a natural boundary between Bolivia and Peru. The inhabitants are mostly Aymara and Quchua Indians. Cocacaban is a tiny resort town on the shores. The Isles of the Sun and Moon are the two largest islands on the lake. Isla del Sol has crystalline lagunas, white sandy beaches, and cliffs, while Isla de la Luna has the urins of a temple built in honor of “Mother Moon”. Legend tells that Manco Kapac and Mama Ocllo rose with staff in hand to found the capital of the Inca Empire at Cuzco. The Inca called Titicaca the “womb of the world”. Huatajata is an oasis of modern facilities on the still primitive Bolivian high-plateau. The harbor overlooks the lake and is surrounded by native adobe brick homes. The Tiwanacu Ruins are called “The Cradle of American Man” and once capital of a powerful civilization which flourished around 700 AD.

Madidi National Park offers everything available in the more well-traveled areas and more. This region has been descirbed as the archetype of what the Amazon used to be like and it has it all; dense rainforest, vast open savanas, winding tropical rivers, large numbers of birds and mammals, and the seldom seen indigenous people of the tropical rainforest.

Included: All transfers include meeting and assistance service, transportation, bilingual guide and porters. Sightseeing and tours according to program by private car or bus, bilingual guide and entrance fees when required. Hotels with pre-requested meal plans, lunch, box lunch or Aptapi (Native Picnic) where mentioned, or Meal Plans as stated. Transportation by train, car, bus, Hydrofoil, or air where stated.

Not Included: International airfares and airport fees. Passport or visa fees. Any meals not mentioned in the program. Any personal expenses or gratuities.

Accommodations:
La Paz - Hotel Rosario or similar
Potosi - Hotel Santa Teresa or similar
Lake Titicaca - Inca Utama Hotel & Spa or similar
Madidi National Park - Chalatan Eco-Lodge or similar

Departures: Daily.

photo courtesy of Bolivian Tourist BoardItinerary:

  • Day 1 La Paz - Arrive in La Paz and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 2 La Paz to Sucre - Transfer to airport for flight to Sucre. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of Sucre.
  • Day 3 Potosi - Full day tour of Potosi.
  • Day 4 Sucre to La Paz - Transfer to airport for return flight to La Paz. Afternoon half day tour of La Paz and Moon Valley.
  • Day 5 Lake Titicaca - Bus transfer to Huatajata and hydrofoil cruise to Urus Iruitos Floating Islands and Moon & Sun Islands.
  • Day 6 Lake Titicaca - Hydrofoil cruise to Copacabana. Continue to Huatajata.
  • Day 7 Lake Titicaca to La Paz - Transfer to La Paz via Huatajata and the Tiwanacu Ruins.
  • Day 8 La Paz - Transfer into Madidi National Park and hotel.
  • Day 9 & 10 Madidi National Park - Two days exploring the untouched Amazon wilderness of the National Park.
  • Day 11 Madidi National Park to La Paz - Transfer from Madidi National Park to La Paz hotel.
  • Day 12 La Paz - Transfer to airport for return flight home

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Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, South America, Archaeology, Bolivia, Educational, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Bird Watching, Art / Architecture, Amazon, Join-In Tour, Photography


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