Experience some of the finest sights of Bolivia with a compact 7 day tour, including it's exuberant capital La Paz and the neighbouring Moon Valley, the true wonder of Lake Titicaca, and an essential visit to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
The unworldly Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are the largest on earth, comprising miles and miles of dazzling white nothingness. Active volcanoes, hot springs and a palette of colour-splashed lakes populated by hardy flamingos punctuate these landscapes of blindingly bright salt plains and stunning desert. The noise of silence makes the heart beat faster and the surreal pentagons of crystalline salt will make you feel that there is no place like this in the whole world. What better way to experience the stunning beauty of this unique place, than in a highly innovative, modern and fully equipped airstream camper, frequently used by NASA to transport astronauts to launch pads.
Trip Code: BOTSACU
Travel Style: Small-Group Tour
Location: Bolivia
Discover the incredible stark beauty of the salt flats, the largest in all the world.
Discover the wonders of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the unique ancient ruins that are found here.
Explore the bustling administrative capital of La Paz, explore a blend of old cobblestone and modern concrete urbanisation all of which is surrounded by impressive views of snow-capped peaks.
You will arrive to La Paz and transfer from the airport. Private transfer, assistance upon arrival and porter tips at the airport are included. Overnight at Hotel Presidente
La Paz has a spectacular setting in a deep bowl surrounded by snow-capped mountains of the Altiplano. It lies in the shadow of the towering 6,438m high Mt. Illimani, always snow-covered and visible from many parts of the city. The city (from the main square) is 3,636 metres above sea level but the neighbouring city of El Alto where La Paz International Airport is located lies at over 4,000 metres.
Some of the highlights of La Paz itself include Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church and the ’’Witches Market’’ where vendors sell dried llama foetuses and frogs, dried llama dung, herbs, remedies and other ingredients used in Aymara traditions and rituals.
In the morning you will have a tour of the city of La Paz and its surroundings, where it can transport you to a mysterious past where any corner of any street is a hidden treasure. The Native, colonial and modern areas, Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market & breathtaking panoramas are all framed by the majestic Illimani" mountain. You will then visit the Moon Valley, a clay formation resembling the face of the Moon.
By afternoon you will rrive at Huatajata to experience the Andean Roots Eco Village and The Altiplano Museum where you will be told of the cultural heritage of the Aymaras and the Incas. You can go shopping for local handicrafts and visit fishing villages; then meet the Limachi family; builders of the RA II and Tigris for Thor Heyerdhal, epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean. You can spend some time at the Kallawaya Natural Spa where we use thousand years' old methods and treatments for stress and cosmetology.
Later an audiovisual and night visit to "The Mystic World of the Kallawayas, natural healers of Bolivia is planned. They believe that you first have to heal the soul in order to heal your body. Tata Benjo, our Kallawaya, will bless visitors and answer questions by casting his sacred coca leaves. Candlelight dinner follows.
Night visit to the Native Observatory Alajpacha; learn from the Aymaras cosmovision & Southern constellations. Overnight at the unique Inca Utama Hotel & Spa.
Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Titicaca Lake. Take a hydrofoil cruise to Sun Island to visit the Inca Stairways and the Sacred Fountain believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Lunch at the archaeological and panoramic Uma Kollo restaurant whose interior wall is a ''Takana'', the name of the breathtaking view of Sacred Lake Titicaca and the Royal Range of the Andes. Next you will board a hydrofoil to Moon Island. Visit the “Iñak Uyu” Sun Virgins temple, where the most beautiful virgins of the Incas were conserving a sacred fire dedicated to their Gods. This temple is considered to be one of the most important ruins on the Lake. Hydrofoil cruise to Copacabana. Visit the shrine and the local market, continue to Huatajata and land transfer to La Paz. Overnight at Hotel Presidente.
After breakfast you will travel to the airport. Take a flight to Uyuni – tickets are included. Arrive to Uyuni and transfer from the airport. Lunch at your hotel.
Enjoy the fascinating landscape at the highest and largest Salt Lake in the world (10,000 Km²) surrounded by an impressive panorama. At sunset, experience a real adventure in a hot air balloon. The noise of silence makes the heart beat faster and the surreal pentagons of crystalline salt and pure sky, will certainly make you feel that there is no place like this in the world. Dinner and overnight at Luna Salada (Hotel made of Salt).
Uyuni, founded in 1889 by Bolivian president Aniceto Arce, is still an important military base. It lies in south-western Bolivia, 3,670 metres above sea level and situated on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. The Salar de Uyuni covers 12,000 square kilometres of the Bolivian Altiplano and is fringed by the mountains of the Andes. Beneath it lies the world’s largest lithium reserve estimated to be about 100 million tons. The salt in the salt flats is over 120 metres deep. The area is remote, arid and cold, stark, yet stunning, boasting extraordinary beauty and a silence that is captivating.
In the morning, after you enjoy breakfast you will visit Colchani where you will see very old methods to extract salt. Visit the Salt Hills and Ojos de Agua. Continue to the Salt Museum.
You will then visit Inka Wasi Island. At a distance this island has the shape of a fish. It is located at the centre of the Uyuni Salt Pan. Nature has bestowed a singular type of flora on this place, whilst the surface rocks contain fossils of marine algae. This is the largest island in the group that forms an isolated oasis-type ecosystem within the salt pan; the landscape against the background of the salt pans that extend to the horizon makes it an ideal place for photography fans. Lunch at the Salt Lake is included.
Enjoy a magnificent sunset at the peaceful and endless Uyuni Salt Lake. Dinner and overnight at Uyuni Salt Lake aboard your deluxe travel trailer.
After breakfast transfer to the airport and take a flight to La Paz – tickets are included. Arrive to La Paz and travel from the airport to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Presidente
After breakfast transfer to the airport. Private transfer, assistance upon departure and porter tips at the airport are included
Amend your Bolivia experience to include the incredible wonders of Peru. This amazing 9-day itinerary will allow you to see the best of Peru. Visit incredible cities such as Lima and Cusco which are buzzing and vibrant with a unique blend of urban modernisation and rural lifestyles. You will also be able to visit and experience the incredible mystery of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and explore the legendary Sacred Valley. Find out more.
Why not add an Argentinian experience to your itinerary? Explore the incredible Salta Valley, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of Argentina. Experience bright red gorges, jagged mountain valleys, salt flats jungle and even arid desert. This is a land of stark contrasts unmatched anywhere in South America. Find out more.
Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Atacama Desert. Undertake a 4-day luxury experience in a spectacular and private location. Tucked in a valley of scenic beauty you may choose to visit salt flats, hot springs, steaming geysers or even climb a volcano. Or simply unwind by visiting local museums or embracing local cultural encounters. Find out more.
Travel Style | Departing | Duration | PRICE FROM | ||||
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Accommodation with breakfast daily
Other meals where stated
Private airport transfers
Internal flights as indicated on itinerary
Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
Exclusions
International fights
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Gratuities for guide/staff
Travel insurance
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Please note that services at Titicaca Lake are shared with other of our clients. Please note that during the Rainy Season (from November to March) some visits at the Salt Lake might be restricted since the Salt Lake gets flooded. Please note that ending 2010, the Government had to abrogate a decree suspending the fuel subsidy. If imposed again, we will be forced to adjust our rates accordingly
Season and availability
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Upmarket properties with above average facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Talk to one of our Destination Specialists to plan your South American adventure and turn your dream into a reality. With exceptional knowledge and first hand experience, our consultants will assist in every way possible to make your journey the most memorable it can be, matching not only the itinerary, but the accommodation and activities to suit your style of travel and budget.
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Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip.
Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry.
We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in.
While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore remain culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.
For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE