Luxury Bolivia
Bolivia is a nation of immense beauty and culture. This holiday trip is perfect for anyone who wants to experience this in complete luxury. You will stay in incredible hotels, take part in unique activities, and have the opportunity to tailor your trip to your desires. Whether you wish to view the wildlife, learn more about the nation’s deep history and culture, or even if you’re looking for adventure, you are sure to enjoy this luxury trip.
- Biocentro Guembé
- Concepción
- La Paz
- Alcaya
- Jirira
- Colchani
Santa Cruz
The Department of Santa Cruz is in the eastern region of Bolivia and offers a variety of natural landscapes of great biodiversity. Its architectural heritage is in its historical monuments; their cultural features are expressed in their customs and traditions. Its artistic manifestations, handicrafts, living peoples and its people, turn it into authentic destinations, where diversity and adventure promise the visitor an unforgettable experience.
La Paz
The first thing encountered by many visitors to Bolivia is the immense Titicaca Lake, straddling the border with Peru. Many traditional communities live around it and boat tours run daily. Not far away is the sprawling capital of La Paz, contained at an altitude of 3,650 m.a.s.l. within a bowl surrounded by Altiplano mountains (the most impressive being the imposing, triple-peaked Mount Illimani).
Uyuni
The largest Salt Desert in the world, with an area of 10,548 km2, the Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world.
Upon your arrival at Viru Viru International Airport, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel in Santa Cruz. Please stay aware and look for the sign with your name on it.
Biocentro Güembé
Departing at 9:00 a.m, this tour will allow you to visit the Biocentro Guembé, where there is a wildlife park with diverse areas and the Museum of evolution.
Visits to places such as: Mariposario – Aviary – Tortugario – Island of Monkeys – Horses – Carriages – Island of rabbits – Evolumuseum walk through Ecological Trails.
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Santa Cruz or the airport. You will then leave Santa Cruz and start driving to the North-East, towards San Javier. On the first day, you will visit the church of San Javier. There is then time to see the rest of the village. Lunch is taken along the way. Later in the afternoon, you will drive North to Concepción. At the end of the day, you will enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Concepción.
Today you will be taken to the church of Concepcion and see the rest of the village.
Concepcion Tour
Driving into astonishing nature, you will explore more of this interesting area. Separately from their religion, the Jesuits also brought other things to their local culture. One of the main things they were taught was how to make and play musical instruments. Musical instruments such as harps and violins were carved out of wood. Even after many centuries, many musical instruments are still manufactured with this technique in the region. You will visit the workshops to see the instruments and learn about this process. In the afternoon, you will start making your way back to Santa Cruz and will stay there for the night.
Private transfer from your hotel to Viru Viru International Airport. Today you will fly from Santa Cruz to La Paz. The air ticket is not included. Upon arrival at El Alto International Airport, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel in La Paz for 2 nights. This is one of the highest airports in the world with an altitude at 4060 meters above the seal level (13,323 feet), situated above the Bolivian capital the city of La Paz.
City Tour La Paz
“Nuesta Señora de La Paz” is a city and municipality in Western Bolivia, capital of the department of La Paz, Bolivia’s seat of Government and the legislatures and executives. The city was founded in 1548 and the centre of the city is located on an altitude of approximately 3600 meters.
Pick up is at your accommodation in La Paz, then you will visit the city centre and the most important sights. One of the first sights is “Plaza Murillo”, where the Bolivian Government is based. Here, you will visit the immense Cathedral and Presidential Palace known as the Burnt Palace due to its near destruction in 1875 during an uprising. After leaving the square you will head to the next stop.
Continuing to the famous Witches Market, where you can be intrigued by the fascinating products on sale. Then, visit the famous colonial street “Calle Jaén” where a few interesting museums are clustered together: the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Precious Metals and the Museum of Customs. Entrance to the museums are included, although they are Closed on Mondays and not available on Saturdays & Sundays by the afternoons.
You will also be driven to Killi Killi viewpoint, which gives you the opportunity to see the city 360 degrees around. Afterwards, drive to the cable car station (teleferico) an innovative cable car system from where you will enjoy breath taking views of the city. You will then have lunch at Oberland restaurant.
The last stop on the tour is Moon Valley, a place where the erosion has caused stony forms, giving the sensation to be in a real lunar environment. A truly spectacular sight!
Private transfer from your hotel to El Alto International Airport. Today you will fly from La Paz to Uyuni. The air ticket is not included. There are many options to make the best out of your experience on the Salar. Most activities are classed as half day activities; however, many can be combined to make a full day exploring the local area. Over these two days you will have free time to do as many or as few of the activities as you wish. They are listed below and more information can be found in the ‘Additional Information’ section:
Archaelogical Site of Alcaya (Half-Day)
The communities around the Northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni are a mix of the indigenous Quechua and Aymara cultures, meaning their history and traditions are often combined. The impressively preserved burial site of Alcaya is a good example of this, and located at the foot of the spiritual peak that is the Thunupa volcano, makes for a magical setting.
Farming Activities in Jirira (2-3 hours)
The main subsistence activities of the local communities (apart from salt harvesting) are llama farming and quinoa plantations. Here you will be able to learn with the locals what this means in reality.
Visit Coquesa (1-2 hours)
A short drive from the lodge, Coquesa is a beautifully preserved village, with impressive colonial constructions. Visit the local church, museum and enjoy the peaceful charm of the community.
Adventure Activities (3 hours)
For the adventure seeker, this is one of the more extreme activities on offer. Driving up to nearly 5,000m, the view of the Salar from up high is your first treat. From here, it really is downhill all the way, and you can enjoy the challenging twists and turns on the dirt roads back down to “Salar Level” at 3,600m.
It is recommended that participants in this activity are confident off road on a mountain bike, however your guide will be there to help give instruction and advice.
Volcano Crater of Thunupa (Half-Day)
The volcano Thunupa is considered one of the energy centres for the local communities, and what better way to experience its magnificence than reaching the edge of the crater at 5,000m. A challenging 4×4 track on the Western side of the peak can take you most of the way, with a 1 1⁄2 hour trek to the crater itself sure to take your breath away.
4X4 Across the Salar (Half-Day)
This will generally be your first activity on arrival into Uyuni, since driving across the Salar is the way to access Kachi Lodge. On route however, you may take some detours to visit some of the less frequented “islands” found in the middle of the Salar.
Trek to Peak of Kachi Island (1 Hour)
People may have heard of the “Incahuasi Island” in the middle of the Salar. It is a beautiful setting, however has become extremely busy with visitors in recent years. Fortunately, at Kachi Lodge they have have their own “mini Incahuasi” just 500m from the lodge. Just 80m of ascent on a zig zag trail, it is the perfect spot to enjoy sunrise or sunset, or just to stretch your legs at any point.
Astronomy Experience
With telescopes and expert guides on hand to bring this to life for you, a clear night sky on the Salar is a common occurrence, and the lack of artificial light means you can enjoy the constellations more fully than almost anywhere on the planet. As well as the constellations, you can learn about the Andean cosmology, and the different belief that the ancient cultures had about the night sky.
After breakfast, you have a little time to rest until check out (10 am). You will then take a transfer, and fly from Uyuni to La Paz. The air ticket is not included. Upon arrival at El Alto International Airport, private transfer to your selected hotel in La Paz.
Private transfer from your hotel to El Alto International Airport. You will then wait and board your returning flight home.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Archaelogical Site of Alcaya (Half-Day)
Exploring the different burial sites and impressive stone constructions, together with your Kachi guide and one of the local villagers, you will be able to see preserved individuals buried hundreds and thousands of years ago, together with their possessions, so that they wouldn’t enter the next life empty handed. Alongside this, you will have the opportunity to visit a local villager’s home and share in their daily life for a short while.
Farming Activities in Jirira (2-3 hours)
Join Carlos for his daily routine of herding and tending to the llamas, with opportunity to get as stuck in as you would like. Learn the local process of creating llama jerky, and of course give it a try. Alongside this, Berta’s quinoa plantation will help demonstrate the origin of one of world’s current super foods. Bolivia is one of the biggest producers of quinoa, and this region of the altiplano is one of the ideal environments for its production. Depending on the season, get involved in the planting, harvesting or processing of the quinoa grain.
Volcano Crater of Thunupa (Half-Day)
The summit itself, at 5,300m is a much more technical climb, but your vantage point on the crater’s edge is more accessible, and equally rewarding with the view it will give you. Descend via the same route, and then return via the Salar to the Lodge for a well earned lunch (or dinner).
4X4 Across the Salar (Half-Day)
While the Salar itself is only flooded at certain times of the year, you will always find the impressive “Ojos de Sal”, natural pools of water which often create beautiful large salt crystal formations. A private picnic lunch on the Salar itself is a special experience, with Gustu Restaurant’s gastronomy adding to the magic of your meal. The Salar is also a photographer’s dream for many, with unique tricks of perspective taking place due to the clean air and high altitude. Your guide will be on hand to help bring this to life for you. Finally, a visit to the Salinas to learn about the salt extraction process with help demonstrate the financial as well as ecological importance of this zone, and the difficult balance that exists to maintain both.
- Accommodation based on standard double/twin room including breakfast
- English-speaking Guide and Spanish-speaking Driver in mentioned days
- Excursions, visits as mentioned in the program
- AIG Insurance (liability insurance)
- Excursions and meals not mentioned in the program
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses.International & Domestic flights
- All Flights