On this 10-day tour, immerse in the vibrant culture and history of Bolivia as travelers explore the city of La Paz. Upon arrival, join a half-day tour of the city. Visit the main square, and admire the government palace and the National Congress. Step inside the San Francisco Church and be awed by its architectural beauty. Witness the incredible panoramic views of the entire city from the Killi Killi viewpoint. Travel south and be transported to another world at the Moon Valley, and be captivated by the unique stony formations and the backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Go back to the city, and hop on a ride on the Teleferico, a state-of-the-art cable car system that will take travelers to the top of the city for breathtaking views. Conclude the tour at the lively Witches' Market in the heart of La Paz.
Highlights
Explore the city of La Paz on a half-day tour, visiting main attractions
Try your wits with local vendors at the Tarabuco Market
Explore the streets and mines of Potosi, a World Heritage Site
Journey through canyons and villages to the Salt Desert of Uyuni
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival in La Paz, travelers are greeted at the airport and transferred to their hotel. Later in the afternoon, during the half-day tour of the city, key landmarks are explored. This includes a visit to the main square, which houses the government palace and the National Congress, as well as the San Francisco Church. The tour also includes an ascent to the Killi Killi viewpoint to admire the panoramic vistas of the entire city. Journeying southward, the tour passes through residential areas en route to the renowned Moon Valley, a captivating geological site characterized by remarkable rocky formations that evoke the feeling of being on the lunar surface, all while enjoying views of the Andes Mountains.
Upon returning to the city, participants partake in a novel experience: a thrilling ride on the first-class cable car system known as the Teleferico, offering magnificent views from the city's summit. The tour concludes at the lively Witches' Market, situated in the heart of the city.
The journey begins with an airport transfer, leading to a flight to Sucre. Sucre, acknowledged as the historical capital of Bolivia and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earns its moniker as the White City because of the abundance of whitewashed colonial buildings in its city center. The tour itinerary includes visits to noteworthy landmarks like the House of Liberty, La Recoleta Museum, San Lázaro Church, the courtyard of Universidad Mayor de San Francisco Xavier, and the Convent of San Felipe Nery. From the terraces of the convent, travelers can observe the city and more.
Join a short journey to the Jatun Yampara Indigenous Center, just 23 km from Sucre, to explore the rich customs of the ancestral Yampara culture. Enjoy a stroll through traditional homes, taste traditional local bread, explore various aspects of Yampara culture, including native constructions, and visit a chichería for a taste of chicha. Discover the Native Sanctuary, museums, and workshops, with opportunities to purchase textiles directly from local artisans, for a captivating immersion into Yampara culture.
As part of the tour, travelers explore the Costumbrista Museum, which showcases recreations of small urban and residential areas depicting popular life. Additionally, they will visit the Farmer Market and the Central Market to observe informal trade activities, sample seasonal fruits, and experience a traditional "chichería" bar serving drinks made from old family recipes.
Private transportation to Potosi will be arranged in the afternoon (approx. 3 hour journey).
At over 13,000 feet above sea level, Potosi is the highest city of its size in the world. After the discovery of silver in Cerro Rico (Rich Hill), Potosi grew into the largest and most opulent city in the Americas.
In Potosí, explore the silver mines and gain insights into the working conditions of the city's mineral extraction industry. They will trek up to the base of Cerro Rico Mountain, where millions of tons of silver were mined and sent to Spain during the 17th century, allowing them to experience the vibrant myths and laborious efforts of the local people.
Alternatively, instead of the Mines excursion, there's the option for a city tour in Potosí, which includes a visit to the renowned Mint House, a star attraction of the city.
In the afternoon, private transportation will be arranged for the 200-km journey to Uyuni, passing through breathtaking landscapes along the way.
Undoubtedly, the Uyuni Salt Lake is a surreal landscape and the largest salt flat, visible even from space. Exploring this vast, empty white expanse is an extraordinary must-do experience in Bolivia.
During the first-day tour, travelers begin in Colchani, observing salt factories and the rustic salt production process. Highlights include the salt pyramids, salt eyes, and a visit to the old salt hotel, with opportunities for amusing photographs on the flats. Visit Inca Huasi Island to explore caves and towering cacti.
After a captivating sunset, return to the hotel before the stargazing activity. The expansive night sky, with stars twinkling over the salt flats, makes this location one of the world's premier stargazing destinations.
Following an early breakfast, travelers set off in their 4WD vehicle towards Volcan Ollague, then proceed to visit the Cañapa, Hedionda, Chaircota, and Honda lagoons. These lagoons serve as habitats for various pink flamingos and bird species. Continuing the journey, they will enter the Siloli desert to see the Stone Tree before reaching the Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada), a highlight of the day.
After breakfast, travelers proceed to a geothermal area known as "Sol de Mañana" (Morning Sun), where geysers abound, and they marvel at the sight of sulfur vapors, thermal water emanations, and mini fumaroles. Continuing their journey, they reach a thermal water pond where they can enjoy a relaxing open-air bath. Later, they venture into the Dali desert, offering a mysterious landscape. At the Green Lake (Laguna Verde), they witness its color changes against the backdrop of the majestic Licancabur volcano. On their return journey to Uyuni, they visit the Valley of Rocks.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
The Adventure Life staff, for me it's Franny, always listens to what I say about what kind of travel my wife and I want and expect. It never goes wrong. The motto at AL seems to be I will get back to you right away if not sooner. Requested changes and special requests are encouraged and acted on ASAP.
Dick Philpot
1 week ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
1 week ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
1 week ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
1 week ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.