Wondersome Bolivia

We will take an early morning flight to Sucre, found at an elevation of 2500 metres above sea level. This colonial city has maintained its state of preservation over the years, represented in its narrow, winding streets and carved wooden balconies. The weather can be described as spring-like and comfortable for most of the year. This tour of Sucre allows us to get to know the most impressive sites of the capital. In the morning the visit begins with the Recoleta Mirador, the Museum of the Recoleta, then the ASUR Textile Museum, which is one of the best collections of textiles in the Bolivian Valley. We will then head on to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the museum of the Merced, the Church of San Lázaro, Santo Domingo, the Casa de la Libertad, the patio of the University of San Francisco Xavier, and the Parque Bolivar where many important monuments are located. After our lunch in a typical Bolivian restaurant, we will visit the Convent of San Felipe Nery, where we will learn about traditional local products such as chocolates and hats, typical of this amazing city. Later in the afternoon, we will head on to the General Cemetery, where we can have a look at the numerous mausoleums containing the remains of many famous Bolivians.  

After breakfast, we will travel to Potosí, Bolivia's Imperial City and most important mining centre which was once the world's largest industrial complex in the 16th century. Stroll down cobbled streets and peer into colonial churches that reflect Potosí's once-wealthy past. Continue back to the outskirts of the city, to our hotel, which is a fine example of Potosí's colonial past; where you will be surrounded by paintings, antiques and other original details, transporting you back in history. 

We will stroll through the main parts of the city, where pedestrianized areas, reflect the importance of this city during colonial times. You will have the chance to visit the craft fair and the San Francisco Church and climb the church tower to see the city's layout and its surrounding areas. Many of the buildings in Potosí host great examples of religious art and you will be able to get a good feel for the baroque mestizo architectural style. You will also visit the Church of San Lorenzo, the Convent of Santa Teresa Museum, and the Casa de la Moneda (The Mint).  

After breakfast, we will travel to Uyuni. 22 km before we arrive at the salt flaTS, we will pass through Pulacayo, which was Bolivia's most important mining centre in the nineteenth century. The first-ever train to arrive in Bolivia is still found in this mining community, which is also where Bolivia's most important revolution was organized. Visit the house of ex-President Aniceto Arce. This little town gives us great insight to understand the influence of the British in Bolivian history. We will then head to the Uyuni Salt Flats, passing by a small settlement called Colchani, where the locals' process salt. We will then continue on to the middle of the Salt Flats to see the lagoons, salt mountains and salt blocks. This singular route takes us into one of the world's most isolated areas with a glittering, white landscape for company. As a complementary service, we offer a "sunset with "delis" in the middle of the Salt Flats. 

Early in the morning, we will drive from Uyuni to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, leaving the salt flats behind us and heading to the region's deserts and lakes. We will pass through the majestic highland area, to look out at spectacular mountains and whimsical landscapes. This is where the native llamas and vicuñas welcome you to winding streams and offer an insight into the daily life of the locals of the area.  

We will then arrive at the Capiña Salt Flat where borax is mined, passing by the distant mountains, that look like cities; the Ciudad de Piedra and Ciudad Italia. We will arrive at Laguna Colorada to sip a delicious hot chocolate while watching three different species of flamingos. As we continue on through the desert to the Stone Tree, we will pass the Blanca, Honda, Hedionda, Chiarcota and Negra Lagoons, to relax and have lunch. We will then drive past the Ollague Volcano on our return to Uyuni.   

We start our day early with a morning transfer from Uyuni Airport to La Paz. On arrival, we will take the Cable Car to the centre, offering a fantastic view over the city of La Paz and taking us into the heart of this magical city, surrounded by mountains and protected by the snow-capped mountain of Illimani.  

La Paz is an eclectic, mind-blowing city. Our full-day tour will take you on a cultural and historical journey around this colourful city, nestled in the mountains and where we can enjoy its fast-paced vibe and its ever-changing energy. Explore colonial streets, squares, The Cathedral, the Witches' Market, the Government Palaces and take in the views from its different viewpoints, as well as the cable car. After lunch, we will visit the Valley of the Moon, a rock formation similar to the moon's surface, in the south of the city.  

After breakfast, we will travel to the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca! We can enjoy stunning views over the Andes and the hillsides dotted with small highland communities. On the shores of this immense lake, lies the small lake-side town of Copacabana, where Bolivians and Peruvians flock to worship the Dark Virgin of Copacabana and where our boat will take us over to the Island of the Sun. 

After breakfast, we will explore the Island of the Sun. The Fountain of Eternal Youth, The Pilkokaina Palace, the Yumani Inca Steps as well as the impressive Inca terracing, still used by the local farmers to this day. We will enjoy a typical Aymara lunch on the Island of the Moon, after which, we will visit the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. We will then return to Copacabana and continue on our return to La Paz. 

Early morning, we will take you to the airport to fly to Rurrenabaque. On arrival, we will be greeted with a "welcome to the Amazon" drink. We will then take a boat trip for 3 hours, enjoying spectacular views of the rivers Beni and river Tuichi, before entering the Madidi National Park and your jungle lodge. On arrival at the eco-lodge around noon, you will receive a refreshing glass of fresh fruit juice, after which, we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will walk along the  "dry creek" trail, where you will see a variety of medicinal plants and learn about their many uses, not only for medicine but a variety of handicrafts and also as construction materials. If we are lucky, we will see some species of monkeys, peccaries, birds and many insects. After dinner, a welcome relaxing evening awaits. 

After breakfast at 7:00 am, we will walk to the Cliff of the Macaws, one of the best places to birdwatch in The Madidi National Park. The hike is not difficult and on the way, we will see massive trees and learn more about their uses. At the Cliff of the Macaws, not only can you birdwatch, but you can also enjoy the spectacular views over the Amazon Basin and its many adjoining rivers. We will walk through the jungle, discovering more wildlife and interact with local communities along the way.  

Very early in the morning, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before returning to Rurrenabaque, arriving around 8.30am. On arrival, we will immediately head off to Santa Rosa. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to see many animals such as sloths, anteaters and a variety of bird species. Around midday, we will take a boat trip of about 15 minutes to the Ecolodge, then in the afternoon, after a well -earned rest, we will head along the River Yacuma by boat to search for caimans, capybaras, turtles and bird species. If possible, we may have the opportunity to swim with the incredible pink river dolphins, native to this phenomenal river. (This is dependent upon the season.) 

Nice and early, we will watch the sunrise, to the backing track of howler monkeys and birds, which herald the awakening of the jungle. We will have breakfast and then go back out on the River Yacuma. Throughout the day, we will discover a variety of birds, capybara, caimans, turtles and anacondas, as well as many other animals. After lunch, we will return to the airport in Rurrenabaque, where we will arrive to La Paz at about 4:30 p.m. We will arrive from the airport to the centre of La Paz, just in time for our farewell dinner.  

Today, is the final day of this Wondersome Bolivia tour. We will collect you from the hotel and take you to the international airport for your flight back home or on to you next exciting destination!