Bolivia

Bolivia is a complete vacation destination on its own but many people choose to combine it with Peru and sometimes with other countries if time allows. There are many many things to see and do around this wild and entertaining country.

Bolivia may be one of the poorest countries on the continent, but its cultural wealth, the vastly differing Amazonian and Andean landscapes, and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination if you're looking for more than postcards.

This landlocked country is sometimes compared to Tibet - it is the highest and most isolated of the Latin American republics with more than half of the population maintaining their traditional values and beliefs.

Listed below are some of the Bolivian highlights. Feel free to browse our set programs or ask us to produce a tailor-made tour just for you.

For more detailled information on any of the things below please consult us.

La Paz and Tiahuanaku

The incredibly high city of La Paz is spectacular, strange and historical interesting all at the same time. You could enjoy a half-day city tour to get to know the place and visits to the beautiful Valley of the Moon are made from La Paz. From this city you can also visit the highest ski slope in the world at Chacaltaya and the ancient citadel of Tiahuanaku, the most important and beautiful historical site in Bolivia. All of these visits can be made in half day excursions.

The first glimpse of this sky-high city will, literally, take your breath away. The city's buildings cling to the sides of the canyon and spill spectacularly downwards. La Paz is best when you get to know it over time, not only to acclimatize to its well-publicized altitude but to experience its quirky beauty.

Lake Titicaca

You can visit the islands on Lake Titicaca easily from La Paz and en route to/from Puno and Peru. We can offer you excursions for one or two days on the lake traveling in very comfortable catamarans. On the two day trip you sleep on board, moored at the Islaof the Sun, the legendary birthplace of the Inca nation. Visits to this spirtual birthplace, the Islands of the Sun and Moon, are very interesting both historically and for their natural beauty and local culture.

Some quick facts about this stunning lake:

• About half of this huge lake resides in Peru and half in Bolivia
• It is the highest navigable body of water at 3,821 (11,463 feet) meters
• It covers 8,300 square km, sunning 190 km NW to SE & is 80 km across
• It lies in a 60,000 square km basin between the coastal & eastern Andes
• The average depth is over 100 m with deepest point at 281 m
• 25 rivers, mostly from Peru, flow into the lake and a small outlet leaves the lake at Desaguadero on the Bolivia-Peru border, which is only 5% of the inflow with the rest lost in evaporation.
• The lake is the remnant of a vast area of water formed in the Ice Age known as Lake Bolivian
• The traditional totora-reed boats take 3 days to build and last 7-8 months while wooden boats take longer to build but last 7-8 years
• If someone falls into the lake, like a fisherman, it is traditional not to rescue them but to let them drown as an offering to the Earth Goddess Pachamama.

Salar de Uyuni - The Salt Desert

The salt desert in the south of Bolivia is one of the most spectacular things you will ever see. A massive expanse of salt with an oasis of cacti, hot springs, volcanoes and bright colored lakes. A full trip around the area takes 3 or 4 days in a 4x4 vehicle, starting and finishing in Uyuni. You can also take this excusion and then continue on across the border to Chile or south to the border with Argentina. There are also one and two day trips that can be taken from Uyuni if you have less time, the town of Uyuni can be reached from La Paz in one day by bus and train.

Potosi

The city of Potosi perched high in the mountains and is the site of the richest silver mine that has ever been found. For 500 years miners have been forced, or more recently choose (being a relative term), to extract silver from its seams by chipping away with hammers and dynamite blasting. The trip down into the mine is not for the faint hearted or claustraphobic, but it is mind bending and you wil never forget it!

Sucre

Sucre is the actual captial of Bolivia and is a very pleasant place to spend some time relaxing after the crazy nature of La Paz. There are plenty of things to do and see among which is our personal favorite, the dinosaur footprints half day tour. You can explore the colonial city center with its lovely old buildings and churches, do some mountain biking, walking and simply relaxing in the nice plazas and bars is always a great thing to do.