Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz

Today we get together for a quick briefing on our spectacular tour to Sucre-Potosi and Salar de Uyuni, at the lobby of our Hotel at 19:00 hours.

Day 2: La Paz - Sucre

In the morning we will check out of the hotel in La Paz, and then be transported to the airport for a flight to the city of Sucre. After checking in at the hotel we will go for lunch. In the afternoon we will tour the most beautiful city in Bolivia. Among its many attractions, the Recoleta Convent-- which is compelling-- and also offers a great view of Sucre and the hills surrounding. Later in the day, we will visit the historic “House of Liberty” where Simon Bolivar signed Bolivia’s Act of Independence in 1825, creating a free republic. Then our tour will take us to the Colonial Museum to learn more about Bolivia’s fascinating colonial history. We will also have the chance to view Bolivia’s best examples of indigenous textile art (weavings) at the Textile museum’s unique and colorful exhibit. (B, L)

Day 3: Sucre - Potosi

After breakfast in Sucre, we will take a morning ride --approximately three hour trip-- to Potosi, once considered the largest and richest city in the Americas, founded during the 16th century. We will travel from the warm Andean subtropical valleys where Sucre is nestled, to the high Puna grasslands and the Altiplano located over 13,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival in Potosi, we will discuss amazing facts about the city. With its narrow streets and mix of baroque, gothic and indigenous architecture - Potosi is considered a “World Heritage” site. A visit to the impressive Royal Mint House* is a must since 400 years of history are preserved within the museum. Other attractions including the main Cathedral, and churches. After our extensive tour we will enjoy dinner and an overnight at a local hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Potosí-Uyuni

This morning at 9:00 hours, visit to the Mercado Minero (the Miner’s Market) to buy gifts for the “Pachamama” (Mother Earth), “El Tio” (the Devil or mine’s guardian) and the miners. The gifts consist of: coca leaves, tobacco, candy and alcohol. At arrival to the mine entrance of Cerro Rico, we are given a special outfit which includes a coat, rubber boots and a helmet. Before entering the mine, we have to first give an offering to the Pachamama and then to “El Tio”, as local miners do. Having done our offerings we move further into the mine, through tunnels that take us to different levels. On our way we will see groups of miners working. After lunch, we depart to the Salar de Uyuni; this ride through the Altiplano will take about 4 hours. Along the journey, we will stop at Pulacayo town and at other viewpoints to take pictures. At the end of the day we arrive in Uyuni and we check in hotel/hostel(B, L, D)

Day 5: Uyuni-Colchani – Isla Incahuasi – Tahua

At 10:30 we will depart to Colchani to see how locals extract and process the salt. Also we will observe the “ojos de sal”, where ice cold healing water bubbles through the salt. This water originates in an underground river from the Tunupa Volcano. The tour crosses the salt lake to Isla Incahuasi to have lunch in this rocky volcanic that host thousands of huge cacti and have an impressive unique 360 degree view of the salt lake. In the afternoon we will head north towards the Tunupa Volcano, arriving to Tahua to the Hotel Tayka de Sal, a nice hotel made from salt blocks with great views to the Tunupa Volcano, also good location for amazing sunsets that color the Uyuni Salt Lake. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Tahua – Ojo Perdiz

Do not miss a spectacular sunrise!. After breakfast, the tour will cross another section of the UyuniSalt Lake towards south to visit the Cueva Galaxias. Later drive to the Chinguana Salt Lake, see the Ollague Volcano, which is currently mildly active. We will stop at several lagoons, such as Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda and Ramaditas which offer views of 3 flamingo species: the James, Andean and Chilean. After crossing the Siloli Desert, we will arrive to Ojo de Perdiz to the Hotel Tayka del Desierto, another comfortable lodging equipped with including hot water and solar energy. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Ojo Perdiz – Arbol de Piedra- Laguna Colorada – Laguna Verde – Uyuni( Or Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama)

Start with an early breakfast and then visit Arbol de Piedra, lots of flamingos in Laguna Colorada, other natural attractions of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, such as the impressive shooting geysers. We come to a natural hot springs with safe bathing temperatures, where we are welcome to soak for awhile. Then we stop at Salvador Dali desert, Laguna Verde at the base of the Licancabur Volcano, Laguna Blanca and have lunch. Later we make our return trip to Uyuni. (B, L)