Bolivia Travel Ideas

Itinerary:

Day 1. Lima

After your arrival into Lima airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel of choice.

As most flights arrive late in the evening tonight there are no activities planned.

Day 2. Lima

Lima was one of the fist cities established in South America by the conquistadors and holds many amazing colonial jewels to be discovered. "The Checkerboard of Pizarro", founded by this conqueror in 1535. The city was organized until the beginning of this century as the center of life and economy. It was the Peruvian capital where the conquerors and the viceroy lived with people like "Perricholi". It was the City of the Kings. Witness of thousands of tales, The Historic Center occupies the oldest part of the city and is a cultural legacy of Peru.

It covers the original Spanish layout - known as Pizarro's Checkerboard, the old gardens and haciendas by the Rimac river and the Barrios Altos section. Its buildings reflect the wealth of Lima architecture through the centuries, combined with modern buildings and shopping areas. Walking its streets and observing her churches, mansions, fountains, monuments, walks, boulevards and homes, the visitor notes different styles existing side by side, and feels as though he has traveled briefly through time, each different from the other.

The balconies that Lima displays, singly or in long rows, are unique in Latin America and constitute one of the most picturesque aspects of the streets of old Lima. The architecture of French influence (18th century) enhanced the charm of houses and churches with the freshness given to them by the mestizo builders who gracefully used materials like clay and plaster.

The most important squares and parks got a face-lift and look attractive these days. The mayor of Lima "Andrade" recently has been reelected and will continue the good work. He and his staff designed an action plan to turn Lima in the tourist capital of Latin America.

New residential areas, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco, have grown up on the shore, sheltered by Lima's old spas. Through these streets with long and noisy strides there is commercial activity, banks, shows, art galleries. Surfing is practiced on its beaches. A new city is developing and growing among the gay bougainvillea of Miraflores, and the patriarchal olive trees of San Isidro. The city overlooks the sea, and a long rosary of beaches at Costa Verde, Chorrillos and La Herradura.

Peru has lots of excellent archaeological material of any kind (ceramics, cloths, gold and silver objects money, etc.) which belong to numerous prestigious cultures: Chavin, Huari, Chimu, Mochica, Nazca, Paracas, Moxeque, Vicus, Inca, etc. Everybody can admire these fine objects of highly developed cultures in several museums in and around Lima, where these treasures are exposed. B

Day 3. Lima - Cusco

Today you are transferred back to Lima airport to connect with your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival at the airport a Goway representative will meet you and assist you in transferring to your hotel.

Today is free to explore the mystical ancient Incan capital of Cusco. B

Day 4. Cusco

A half day excursion of and around Cusco.

Cusco, located in southern Peru, is a city with perhaps the most beautiful views in the world. It is surrounded by six mountains, some more than 6, 000 meters high, as well as being the oldest city in the western hemisphere and the cradle of the ancient Inca civilization. And, of course, it is known all over the world for its proximity to the amazing archaeological ruins of Machu Picchu.

Often referred to as the 'Archaeological Capital of the Americas' Cusco is a beautiful city riddled with contrasts between the indigenous styles and the modern western world. It is these contrasts that have given Cusco its rare beauty.

Most visitors are keen to get to Machu Picchu, either by trekking for 4 days along the Inca Trail, or by 4 hours in the train, but Cusco itself has a lot to offer the visitor and most travelers usually end up seduced with this vibrant city and stay longer than first planned.

The first thing that hits the newly arrived visitor to Cusco are the Inca walls; enormous granite blocks carved to fit together perfectly without the aid of mortar beds. Many of the walls were simply built upon during the construction of a new Spanish city. Its a tribute to the Incas that their anti seismic design has survived the test of time while the Spanish colonial architecture has been rebuilt several times following a wave of earthquakes that have hit the city.

Located at an altitude of 3, 360m above sea level, Cusco was referred to as the 'Navel of the World'. Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco's Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha "The Temple of the Sun".

This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture. B

Day 5. Cusco - Machu Picchu

Today we board our train (Choice of Backpacker - 3 , Vista Dome- 4 or Hiram Bingham - 5 services) for the ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu.

Perched 8, 200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival.

The ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. While the Inca people certainly used the Andean mountain top, erecting many hundreds of stone structures from the early 1400's, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu (meaning 'Old Peak' in the Quechua language) was revered as a sacred place from a far earlier time.

Whatever its origins, the Inca turned the site into a small (5 square miles) but extraordinary city. Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population, and watered by natural springs, Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city.

Two thousand feet above the rumbling Urubamba river, the cloud shrouded ruins have palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation. These structures, carved from the grey granite of the mountain top are wonders of both architectural and aesthetic genius.

Many of the building blocks weigh 50 tons or more yet are so precisely sculpted and fitted together with such exactitude that the mortar less joints will not permit the insertion of even a thin knife blade. B

Day 6. Machu Picchu - Cusco

Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study these magnificent ruins, hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site, or stroll to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca's army or walk toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Intipunku or Sun Gate.

We return to Cusco in the late afternoon where you are free to explore the many restaurants of this magical city. B

Day 7. Cusco - Puno

Today we board the luxury all day train from Cusco to Puno* (Please note: the train only operates on certain days a week, there is a bus alternative on the other days - see below). This classic Orient Express train journey, recently voted "one of the top ten railway journeys of the world" cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano, whose high plains are rich with llama herds, green Ibises and mountain villages where life is harsh but the resilient locals keep their communities with pride and good humor.

On arrival at Puno train station we transfer to your hotel. This evening is free to explore. BL

Day 8. Puno to La Paz stopping at Tiahuanaco

You are collected from your hotel in Puno and transferred to the border where you are assisted with border procedures. The road from Puno to La Paz runs along the shores of Lake Titicaca offering amazing views of not only the lake but of the Andean mountains and the many local villages that dot the shore line.

En route we stop at the ruins of Tiahuanaco.

Tiahuanaco, near the shores of Lake Titicaca, was the center of a powerful, self-sustaining empire in the southern Central Andes. The roots of the Tiahuanaco capital can be found in the early village underlying the 1.5-square-mile civic-ceremonial core. The city was settled by 400 B. C. on the Tiahuanaco River, which empties into Lake Titicaca to the north. The small farming village evolved into a regal city of multi-terraced platform pyramids, courts and urban areas, covering a total 2.31 square miles between AD 100 and 1000.

Tiahuanaco is recognized by Andean scholars as one of the most important precursors to the Inca Empire, flourishing as the ritual and administrative capital of a major state power for approximately five hundred years.

At one point you need to cross the lake. At this point you hop off your land transport, hop onto a small vessel while your bus / mini van crosses on a barge as old as the lake itself!

On the other side you reunite with your bus / mini van and continue onto La Paz.

On arrival into La Paz you will be dropped at your hotel. BL Click here for images of Tiahuanaco

Day 9. La Paz - Lake Titicaca

Pick you up at your Hotel in La Paz - Land transportation to Copacabana. In Copacabana visit the Shrine and the Indian Virgin believed to bring peace among the tribes of Lake Titicaca. Also visit the local handicraft market. Board a hydrofoil and star your cruise to the Moon Island. Visit the "Inka Uyu" Sun Virgins temple, where the most beautiful virgins of the Incas were conserved a sacred fire dedicated to their Gods. This temple is considered to be one of the most important ruins on the Lake. Continue to Sun Island.

Visit Pilcocaina Sun Temple on Sun Island and then continue by soft trek with llamas to Posada del Inca Eco friendly Lodge (25/40 min). Lunch at hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the surroundings & enjoy a Cross Cultural Integration with the Native Community. BLD

Day 10. Lake Titicaca - La Paz

This morning we visit the Inca Stairways and the Sacred Fountain believed to give eternal youth and happiness. We enjoy lunch at the archaeological and panoramic "Uma Kollu" restaurant with a interior glass wall allowing a breathtaking view of Lake Titicaca and the Royal Range of the Andes.

We then return to Copacabana by hydrofoil or speed motor boat and by private vehicle back to La Paz.

On route we stop at Huatajata to visit the "Altiplano Museum" where a state of the art audio system presents an in depth recount of Bolivian indigenous and colonial history and Jacque Cousteaus search for Atlantis underneath Lake Titicaca. Also there may be an opportunity to meet members of the Limachi family, builders of the RA II and Tigris reed boats that undertook the epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Islands. B

Day 11. La Paz - Uyuni Salt Flats

An early morning pick up and we are on the road in our Land Rover Jeeps from La Paz to Oruro and onto Uyuni ont he shore of the amazing salt flats.

One of the greatest "natural wonders", the Uyuni salt flats are the biggest salts lakes in the world.
12, 000 km² of salt at an elevation of 12, 000 ft create a truly unforgettable experience as the flats reflect the sapphire-blue Altiplano sky. BLD

Day 12. Uyuni Salt Flats

Today you discover some of Bolivia's most spectacular and most isolated marvels. We cross Chiguana Salt Flats, visit Canapa and Hedionda Lagoons, observe amazing rock formations sculpted by the wind such as Valley of the Toads.

We also skirt we the shores of Laguna Colorada at 4, 300m, the geyser field of Sol de Manana, Pampas de Dali, laguna Blanca and finally the stupendous laguna Verde overlooked by the awesome cone-shaped Licancabur Volcano before returning early evening back to Uyuni. BLD

Day 13. Uyuni Salt Flats - Oruro - La Paz

Return by private Land Rover Jeep to La Paz. B

Day 14. La Paz - Onward Travel

The city that touches the sky is an apt description of La Paz. Located high above sea level, the legislative capital of Bolivia sits in a bowl surrounded by the high altiplano. La Paz as it grows climbs the hills resulting in varying elevations from 3000 to 4100 m. Overlooking the city is towering triple-peaked Illimani, always snow covered and majestic.

La Paz is known as "the City of contrast" and it is a unique blend of cultures and races. Located within breathtaking panoramas the tour will include visits to the Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market and the Moon Valley.

Morning Half Day City Tour of La Paz and Moon Valley
La Paz is known as "the City of contrast" and it is a unique blend of cultures and races. Located within breathtaking panoramas the tour will include visits to the Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market and the Moon Valley.

Departure transfer to the airport for your continuing flight. B

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form.

NOTES:

• Peru international departure tax $30 USD
• Peru domestic departure tax $8 USD
• Local currency is Soles
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
• Dialing Code: 51
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

• Bolivia international departure tax $24 USD
• Local currency is Bolivianos
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4
• Dialing Code: 591
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

DEPARTURE - with TRAIN FROM PUNO TO CUSCO:

Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays

DEPARTURE - with BUS FROM PUNO TO CUSCO:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

• All accommodation
• Guided Lima City Tour
• All transport
• Airport transfers
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Entrance to Machu Picchu ruins
• Bus transfers to and from the ruins
• Train / bus from Machu Picchu to Cusco
• Visit to Lake Titicaca
• Overnight Salar de Uyuni adventure
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Domestic Flights
• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

Package Departures

Please call us to inquire about departure dates

8 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

9 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

10 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD