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Quintessential Bolivia
Be ready for an incredible journey uncovering Bolivia's incredible geology, colonial history, indigenous culture. From the highest capital city in the world to the crest of the Andes and the surreal and unworldly landscapes of the Uyuni salt flats and the altiplano. This is an adventure of a lifetime you won't regret.
HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy an experiential stay in a Deluxe Airstream camper under the stars
Experience the colonial cities of Potosi and Sucre
Savour fine and exquisite gastronomy
Experience from a local insider's perspective
ITINERARY
DAY 1: LA PAZ
We begin our exploration of La Paz, the highest capital city in the world at over 3,600m above sea level. Unravel the fascinating Bolivian capital as we begin from the 16th-century San Francisco Church and the colossal Metropolitan Cathedral. Delve into the colonial history of La Paz as you visit the buildings that throng Jaén Street (Calle Jáen) and absorb the convivial ambience of the city’s principle square, Plaza Murillo. Witness local Andean life at the intriguing Witches Market, a commercial hub in which traditional remedies and exotic herbs are sold. Thereafter, we have time to venture out of the city perimeters to see one of the country’s most impressive natural wonders; marvel at the lunar-like landscape of Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) and capture photographs of the crater-pocked surface similar to that of the moon. Finally, return to La Paz where we arrive at the futuristic design hotel, Hotel Atix.
Overnight: Hotel Atix, La Paz
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: LA PAZ (EXCURSION TO TIWANAKU)
Today, we uncover the ancient mysteries of the UNESCO-listed Tiwanaku, a vast archeological site on the shores of Lake Titicaca, on a private half-day tour from La Paz. Accompanied by an expert guide, visit the majestic pyramids and sacred temples of the site while enriching your knowledge of Tiwanaku civilization. Hear of the empire’s mysterious disappearance after thriving for a millennium. Enrich your knowledge of one of the most significant civilizations in the Americas as you discover ancient structures like Puerta del Sol (Gateway of the Sun) and the mystifying Kalasasaya temple. Hear of the city’s 200 BC origin and delve into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the empire’s disappearance while admiring the stone faces and anthropomorphic relics of various pyramids and platforms.
This evening, enjoy an exceptional dinner at Restaurant Gustu, one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, helmed by Noma co-founder Claus Meyer while we tuck into the gastronomic offerings by Chef Kamilla Seidler, named the Danish dame of Latin America culinary and voted the top Latin American female chef.
Overnight: Hotel Atix, La Paz
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: LA PAZ / SALAR DE UYUNI
This morning, board a pleasant short flight from La Paz to Uyuni where on arrival, we begin a full day excursion to the salt lake of Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, on Bolivia's Andean plateau, and covers an area of 12 000 square kilometres. The deep silence makes your heart beat faster and plunges you into a surreal landscape where the sky is reflected by the land, playing with your sense of perspective and imagination. In the afternoon, excursion to the small village of Coquesa at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. Stroll through the village and walk to the cave of the Coquesa mummies. We then enjoy a stay at the Hotel de Sal Luna Salada.
Overnight: Hotel de Sal Luna Salada, Salar de Uyuni
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: SALAR DE UYUNI
After breakfast, we make a visit to Inkawasi, an oasis surrounded by islands with formations of algae and fossils. It is covered by thousands of giant cacti, some more than a hundred years old, growing more than 12 metres high. The landscape of Uyuni merges into the horizon, making this an ideal place for serious photographers. This evening, enjoy a cocktail at sunset when the colours of the sky are reflected in the white desert as we enjoy a mesmerizing stay tonight under the stars in a Deluxe Airstream camper.
Overnight: Deluxe Airstream Camper, Salar de Uyuni
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: SALAR DE UYUNI / POTOSI / SUCRE
We leave the inspiring salt flats of Uyuni for our drive to the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Potosi this morning, one of the most famous and important cities of the colonial era. Embark on a visit of the historical center discovering its amazing collection of convents and churches such as the Iglesia de San Lorenzo, San Cristobal and the impressive Mudejar-styled Sanctuario de Copacabana before a visit to the infamous Cerro Rico mine, where precious metals are mined under arduous conditions by native people. Descend into the subterranean depths and learn about how more than two billion ounces of silver was extracted from Cerro Rico and marvel at the chemical formation of unqiue minerals.
We then continue our drive east to Sucre where we arrive and check in at the charming colonial-styled El Hotel de Su Merced.
Overnight: El Hotel de Su Merced
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6: SUCRE
Today, we embark on a tour of the historic UNESCO-listed city of Sucre, the first capital city of Bolivia. For many this is the most pleasant city in the country and has an extremely well-preserved colonial city centre where we start visiting the La Recoleta, located at the feet of the Sica Sica and Churuquella hills, its original name was Plaza Pedro de Anzures, after the founder of the Villa de La Plata that is today Sucre. In front of the square, you will find the city's first convent, the remarkably-beautiful San Francisco Church, where even today the friars congregate. We will also admire the spectacular Convent of San Felipe Neri, built in stunning neoclassical style between 1795 to 1799, by Friar Antonio de San José Alberto using stone from Mount Churuquella, and later covered with a layer of stucco. Originally a monastery, the convent now functions as an all-girls parochial school. We have time later to visit the La Casa de la Libertad "House of Liberty" where the history of this nation was born to republican life on the 6th of August, 1825 where we learn about the story of Juana Azurduy de Padilla, a valiant woman who fought for independence, battling the male chauvinist society of the time.
The second half of the day, consider a visit (OPTIONAL) to the town of Tarabuco (2.5hrs drive) where we witness an authentic atmosphere of the Aymara and Quechua communities, where men and women still wear their traditional clothing where you will be transported back in time into a genuine Bolivia. On sundays, witness the Tarabuco market where Andean culture is at its highest and tourism at its lowest offering a genuine and authentic atmosphere that has not been lost to crowds or souvenir seekers. Here, the farmers come from the most remote villages and gather to buy or sell their products. This market is the reason for their daily hard labour and Sunday is an important tick on the calendar for the family income.
Overnight: El Hotel de Su Merced
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 7: SUCRE / DEPARTURE LA PAZ
This morning, transfer to Sucre Airport for your flight to La Paz where you will then connect to your return flight home or continue your adventures in South America and beyond.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
As the first Design Hotels member in Bolivia, Atix is a luxury hospitality pioneer for art-inclined, design-savvy travelers, set in the breathtaking city of La Paz. Designed to be a live-in art gallery, the 53-room Atix, which means “one who thrives” in Quechua, displays fine-art photography and artwork in the guest corridors, rooms, and common areas by native artist Gastón Ugalde - known as the Andy Warhol of the Andes.
The Hotel de Sal Luna Salada is a hotel entirely made out of salt in Bolivia offering guests the essence of the Andes, on the edge of the world’s largest salt flats where you will experience nature in a completely new way. Step out onto the white salt pans just meters from our hotel doors, to a vast expanse of white as far as the eye can see.
The Deluxe Airstream Camper is the most unique way of experiencing the Salar de Uyuni. Specially designed for the salt flats, the mobile “hotel” is fully equipped for an overnight stay, featuring bedding for two, private bathroom facilities with hot shower, a sofa, wardrobe with luggage space and mini-bar. To ensure extra warmth, there are electric blankets provided in addition to the heater while delicious meals are prepared by a private chef and served on a set table on the vast white expanse.
Deluxe Airstream Camper, Salar de Uyuni
El Hotel de Su Merced is a charming hotel in a colonial-styled house, with terrace views of Sucre and a patio with a water fountain and hand-painted tiles, offering an elegant stay in the white city. Rooms are comfortable with private bathrooms and the restaurant serves local specialties.
