The Best of Bolivia - 12D/11N

photo courtesy of Bolivian Tourist BoardVisitors can explore BOLIVIA at its must. Starting from tropical Sta. Cruz and the mysterious Samaipata Ruins (14 th-century); The romantic and classy town of Sucre; The mining town of Potosi, which supported Spain as well as England- in its Industrial Revolution process, a story of colonialism and buccaneers; The surrealist “Salar de Uyuni” —Salt Flats, with pentagons of crystalline salt; La Paz, where the “Pacha Mama” -Mother Earth- waits for you at magic Lake Titicaca with
unique cultural night experiences; A Hydrofoil cruise on Lake Titicaca, to explore the Urns Iruitos Floating Islands and the mysterious Sun & Moon Islands, … and the Ruins of Tiwanaku (1580 BC- 1050 DC). Enjoy BOLIVIA, a country to remember all your life time.

Santa Cruz is located on the eastern tropical plains and is a cross between a small colonial town and a modern metropolis. The town was founded in 1561 by Spanish Conquistador Nuflocle Chavez. Because of the rich tropical soil, Santa Cruz has become the main producer of food, oil, precious stones, fine woods, and cattle for the area and world. The locals are warm and friendly people and their love for the land is ever present.

The Samaipata Ruins are 120 km from Santa Cruz and are one of the most enigmatic ancient sites in South America. The site was first discovered by the early Spanish and was believed to have military significance. Now archaeologist belive the site was used more for religious reasons rather than military activities. The ruins consist of 2 parts: a stone hill with many interesting carvings and an administrative or residential district.

photo courtesy of Bolivian Tourist BoardSucre 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.

Late 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.

photo courtesy of Bolivian Tourist BoardLa 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.

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:
Santa Cruz - Los Tajibos or similar
Sucre - Patrimonio Hotel or similar
Potosi - Hotel Santa Teresa or similar
Lake Titicaca - Inca Utama Hotel & Spa or similar
La Paz - Hotel Rosario or similar

photo courtesy of Bolivian Tourist BoardItinerary:

  • Day 1 Santa Cruz - Transfer from aiport to hotel. Afternoon tour of Santa Cruz.
  • Day 2 Santa Cruz - Full day Samaipata Ruins visit.
  • Day 3 Santa Cruz to Sucre - Transfer to airport for flight from Santa Cruz to Sucre. Upon arrival in Sucre, transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of Sucre.
  • Day 4 Sucre to Potosi - Bus transfer (3 hrs) from Sucre to Potosi. Afternoon city tour of Potosi.
  • Day 5 Potosi to Uyuni - Bus transfer from Potosi to Uyuni. Visit the Uyuni Salt Lake.
  • Day 6 Uyuni to Potosi to Sucre - Bus transfer from Uyuni to Sucre through Potosi. Lunch is included.
  • Day 7 Sucre - Full day to explore the Native Tarabuco Market (SUNDAYS ONLY).
  • Day 8 Sucre to La Paz to Lake Titicaca - Transfer to airport for flight to La Paz. Transfer to Lake Titicaca. Participate in the Andean Roots Cross Cultural Program.
  • Day 9 Lake Titicaca - Take a hydrofoil cruise to Urus Iruitos Floating Islands, Sun and Moon Islands, and Copacabana.
  • Day 10 Lake Titicaca to La Paz - Bus transfer through Huatajata and Tiwanacu Ruins to La Paz.
  • Day 11 La Paz - Enjoy a half day city tour and an optional afternoon at the Cotapata National Park (Yungas).
  • 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, Join-In Tour


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.