Lake Titicaca, La Paz & Uyuni Salt Flats Bolivia Tour
8 Days - 7 Nights
- Based on Double Occupancy
From Puno, cross Lake Titicaca to La Paz and on to the Uyuni Salt Flats for 8D/7N starting at $3,254.00 per person.
Embark on an extraordinary eight-day adventure through the heart of Bolivia, a land where ancient cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant traditions converge.
This meticulously crafted itinerary promises an immersive journey, beginning amidst the serene azure waters of Lake Titicaca and culminating in the otherworldly expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Prepare to be captivated by diverse ecosystems, delve into the mysteries of pre-Inca civilizations, and experience the warm hospitality of the Andean people.
Your expedition commences with a scenic transfer from Puno to Copacabana, the gateway to the sacred Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca. Here, amidst stunning lake views and ancient Inca ruins, you’ll uncover the rich heritage of the region, spending a night at an eco-lodge that harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings. The journey then takes you to the bustling metropolis of La Paz, a city unlike any other, where modern life thrives amidst a backdrop of indigenous traditions and colonial charm. Explore its vibrant markets, historical sites, and unique geography, including the fascinating Valley of the Moon.
The adventure continues as you venture into the stark beauty of the Bolivian altiplano, a landscape of dramatic contrasts and unparalleled natural wonders. From the eerie train cemetery in Uyuni to the vibrant hues of the “Lagunas de Colores” teeming with flamingos, each day promises a new spectacle.
The highlight of this leg is undoubtedly the legendary Uyuni Salt Flats, an expansive white canvas that stretches to the horizon, offering surreal vistas and unforgettable experiences.
Concluding your tour with a return to La Paz, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the enigmatic Tiwanaku ruins, a testament to a highly advanced pre-Inca civilization, before your departure. This journey offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical discovery, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1 : Puno – Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca
You will be met at your Puno hotel and transferred overland to Copacabana, Bolivia, passing through border formalities en route (see below*). From Copacabana you will take a boat to the southern part of the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun). Upon landing, you will visit the Inca monuments of Pilkokaina.
After visiting the site walk uphill enjoying beautiful views over the lake and the surrounding area, with its agricultural terraces, passing through the Indian community of Yumani. The climb covers 355 feet over a distance of 1 mile.
Then follow a more gentle slope over the ridge of the hillside to the Ecolodge “La Estancia” (a climb of 129 feet over a distance of 0.6 miles). Total duration: 1 hour or more, depending on your pace.
*Important note:
To enter and depart Bolivia, American citizens are required to have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months from the date of your proposed entry into Bolivia. U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia as tourists must obtain an entry visa.
Albergue Ecologico La Estancia
The Ecolodge La Estancia is located in an ideal spot in harmony with the nature of the Island of the Sun and Lake Titicaca, conserving the cultural traditions of the local Aymaras in one of the most mystical places of the Andean regions.
The use of traditional Andean architecture from the area has been maintained in the design of the ecolodge by utilizing stone, adobe bricks, thatch roofs and by the p/fusion_alert]reservation of the existing terraces. The ecolodge was built on the principles of sustainable tourism.
From an economic and social point of view it supports the local Aymara community by providing them with permanent and temporary jobs, after appropriate training. Solar energy is used to heat the water and passive solar heating in the cottages.
Facilities include 15 cottages built in the local Andean architectural style, with adobe bricks and thatch roofs. All rooms have private bathrooms and spectacular views of the lake and the Cordillera Real. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, with a great view of the lake and snow-capped mountains.
Activities include: hiking in the surrounding area, kayaking on the lake, cross-cultural exchange with the Aymara communities, mystical ceremonies, photography, interactive community projects with seminars and workshops, archaeological trips to nearby ruins, agricultural terraces, local museums and the Sacred Stone.
Dinner and breakfast included at the ecolodge.
Day 2 : Isla la Luna – La Paz
Hike down through Yumani visiting the Inca stairs and the Water of the Eternal Youth. Then one hour by boat north to visit Chincana ruins and the Sacred Rock. Continue one hour by boat to the Island of the Moon and the Inca ruins of Iñak Uyu temple.
Continue to Copacabana. Private transportation to La Paz (3 ½ hours) with very nice views of the Andes Royal Range.
Cable car (Teleférico) from El Alto city to La Paz with excellent and beautiful views of La Paz. Lunch is included.
Overnight Hotel Europa, breakfast included – 2 nights. The Hotel Europa has 110 rooms, two renowned restaurants – Eurocafé Bistro and Le Gourmet, two bars – Punto de Encuentro and Le Balcon Sushi Bar, Finn Club fitness and health spa (with indoor heated swimming pool, dry and steam sauna, Jacuzzi, gym and massage rooms).
Day 3 : La Paz City Tour & the Valley of the Moon
You will be met at your hotel this morning and set off on a full-day tour of La Paz and the Valley of the Moon. You will start with a visit to downtown La Paz.
There is no other city like La Paz in South America where more than one culture blends. Learn about history and politics; take the pulse of the city and its people.
This interesting tour passes through traditional neighborhoods such as Mercado de Brujas (Witches’ Market), San Francisco Church, Jaen Street, Museo de Metales Preciosos (Precious Metals Museum) and Plaza Murillo (Congress and Palacio de Gobierno).
This afternoon after lunch you will visit the Zona Sur and Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), both located in the lowest and warmer parts of the valley. Strangely eroded clay formations have created an eerie landscape in the Valley of the Moon. If you are interested in books, fine jewellery and alpaca shops, the San Miguel neighborhood, located in the Zona Sur, offers some of the best shopping in La Paz.
Lunch is included.
Day 4 : La Paz – Uyuni
Hotel pickup and transfer to the La Paz Airport for your flight to Uyuni. You will be met at the Uyuni Airport by your guide and begin the trip with a visit to the cemetery of old trains.
Then continue across the highlands, passing the villages of San Cristobal, Culpina K to the high and rich valley of Alota with great stone formations. Continue through high valleys to the village of Villamar.
Overnight Mallku Cueva Hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.
Day 5 : Villamar – Lagunas de Colores – Ojo de Perdiz
Depart early this morning for the REA (National Reserve Eduardo Abaroa), visiting Laguna Colorada, declared a RAMSAR site due to the nesting of over 30,000 flamingos at 4,278 m. Then up to the “Sol de Mañana” geysers. Pass the Challviri lagoon, with its hot spring in the shores of Polques.
Cross through the high desert of Pampas de Dali, with amazing views, to finally reach Laguna Verde, in the foothills of the Licancabur Mountain. Continue to Laguna Colorada, enter the high deserts of Siloli, visiting Arbol de Piedra to finally reach Ojos de Perdiz (4,531m. / 14,865 ft.)
Overnight Tayka del Desierto Hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.
Day 6 : Uyuni Salt Flats
Morning trip north through the minor lagoons and continue east to the valley of Alota, north through the highlands passing the villages of San Agustin and San Juan, entering Chuvica to the great Uyuni Salt Flat crossing to “Isla Incahuasi”, a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus.
Continue east to the village of Colchani, where the locals produce salt. Enjoy a great sunset.
Overnight Palacio de Sal (salt hotel). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.
Day 7 : Uyuni – La Paz
Transfer to the Uyuni Airport for your flight to La Paz.
Tiwanaku Ruins – Half-Day
You will depart La Paz Airport by private vehicle for Tiwanaku, a 1.5 hour drive from La Paz (72 km/45 miles), passing across the highlands where the Aymaran way of life can be seen.
Upon arrival, you will set off with your private guide for a tour of the ruins. Tiwanaku dates from 1580BC – 1200AC and was one of the most important pre-Inca civilizations and considered to be among the most developed at the time. The Tiwanaku civilization has barely been excavated.
A temple site with imagery and structural features like those of Tiwanaku was recently discovered 100 feet under the surface of Lago Titicaca.
The Incas, a later arriving civilization in the region, integrated much of Tiwanaku culture, science, and cosmology. Sacred Inca totems, such as the condor, puma and fish, comprise the most ancient iconography. The main constructions visited during this tour are: the Kalasasaya temple and the Gate of the Sun constructed out of stone, Ponce and Fraile monoliths; the Akapana pyramid and the semi-underground temple.
Two local museums to view pottery, stone work and learn about the culture are also included on this trip.
Overnight Hotel Europa, breakfast included.
Day 8 : Int’l Departure
Transfer to the La Paz Airport. Int’l departure.
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Packing Suggestions
A rule of thumb - if you cannot carry all of your luggage by yourself with ease, then you have probably packed too much. It is best to fit everything into a single piece of checked luggage and a carry-on.
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