Magnificent Bolivia

After breakfast, transfer to the archaeological site of Tiwanaku. This excursion offers a journey into the past and an introduction to the history and traditions of the Andean world. Dating back to around 3,000 BC, Tiwanaku is considered one of the oldest civilisations in
South America, and is located approximately 11⁄2 hours from La Paz via paved road.
 
During the visit, explore the museum, the Kalasasaya Temple, the Semi-Subterranean Temple with its carved stone tenon heads set into the walls, and the iconic Sun Gate. Continue to Puma Punku, a temple complex situated just outside the main archaeological area. Originally a Terraced earthen mound clad in massive megalithic stone blocks (some weighing several dozen tons), Puma Punku is renowned for its remarkable precision, with joints so exact that not even a razor blade can fit between the stones.

Some blocks display an almost machine-like finish, complete with perfectly drilled holes. 

After the tour, return to La Paz (private service with an English-speaking guide). The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. At 9:00 a.m., depart for the Purple cable car station and begin the ride, connecting to the Silver line for an eight-minute journey running parallel between the two cities. After another transfer, board the Yellow line, stopping first at a scenic viewpoint for photos before soaring once again above La Paz toward the lowest area of this Andean metropolis. Then switch to the Green line to enjoy more panoramic views of the city.

Continue to the Valley of the Moon, a striking natural landscape shaped by wind and erosion. The tour proceeds through the residential neighbourhoods in the southern district, followed by a stop at the Killi Killi viewpoint, which offers sweeping views over much of La Paz.
Next, visit the historic Jaén Street and Plaza Murillo, home to key landmarks such as the Government Palace, the Senate, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The excursion concludes at the Indian Market and the Witches’ Market, where you may browse for souvenirs or traditional good-luck charms.

Private transfer back to the hotel with an English-speaking guide. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Uyuni. Upon arrival, transfer into town to begin your Salar de Uyuni excursion (private 4x4 service with an English-speaking guide). Travel to the village of San Cristóbal, which was entirely relocated (including its church) to accommodate one of the largest mines in the world. Continue southwest across the desert landscapes of Río Grande and Villa Mar toward the Red Lagoon, entering the protected Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Along the way, there are good opportunities to spot elegant wild vicuñas, foxes, and other native Andean wildlife.

Proceed to the Sol de Mañana geysers at their peak activity, illuminated by the first morning light. This is the highest point of the journey, reaching 5,000 meters above sea level. Then visit the “Ladies of the Desert,” remarkable rock formations sculpted by wind erosion.
Head north into the Siloli Desert and return to the Red Lagoon, the main nesting site for flamingos. The lagoon’s vivid red hue and the pink tones of the flamingos are produced by the interaction of sunlight and wind with the algae and plankton in the water. After a brief photo stop, continue to the Stone Tree formation and observe yaretas and vizcachas (Andean desert hares).

Arrive at Ojo de Perdiz in the late afternoon. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your desert hotel and overnight at one of the highest locations on the Altiplano (private 4x4 service with an English-speaking guide). Overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we travel north across a vast desert expanse with no defined roads or tracks. These remarkable landscapes display an ever-changing palette of browns, reds, oranges, copper, coffee, and beige tones, revealed at every turn along the way. We enter the chain of lagoons Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda, and Ramaditas, where large numbers of the three species of flamingos can be seen, along with Andean gulls and wild ducks. These birds inhabit the lagoons set against a dramatic backdrop of volcanoes crowned with eternal snow and slopes tinted green and other hues created by borax and sulfur deposits.

Continuing through San Juan, we approach the Salar from the southern side and visit Incahuasi Island, one of its main highlights. Follow a short trail to the summit for breathtaking 360° views across the salt flats. Enjoy an outdoor lunch and free time to take in the scenery. You will also observe the bubbling springs known as the “Ojos del Salar, ” fed by underground waters from the Tunupa Volcano.

Later, drive to the village of Colchani to visit the salt-processing facilities and browse the local handicraft market. As the sun sets, cross the salt flats to reach your hotel. Ranked among the world’s top ten most unique hotels, it offers exceptional comfort and is constructed entirely of salt, with stunning views over the white expanse. After check-in, enjoy time to explore and relax before dinner at the hotel restaurant (private 4x4 service with an English-speaking guide). Overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Uyuni.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Followed by a transfer to the airport.

Meal Plan: Breakfast