Bolivia: Landscapes and Culture

As its un-official capital, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is home to the wealthiest society and most modern facilities in Bolivia. Located in lush green lowlands, the growing city is organized into a series of 'rings' centered upon the traditional colonial-style plaza featuring a dazzling wood-ceiling cathedral, art-deco movie theatre and neo-classic government buildings. The surrounding region features lovely national reserves and also is home to a series of beautiful and historical Jesuit churches and missions dating from the 16th century and boasting UNESCO World Heritage status.

Situated amongst the rolling sierras of the eastern altiplano is Sucre, Bolivia's prettiest and most charming city and historical capital. Rightfully deemed 'the White City,' Sucre features impeccably preserved and maintained white-washed colonial buildings with terra cotta tiled roofs and a skyline dotted with dozens of church domes and steeples. The city boasts a sunny climate and crisp blue sky and has an aura of tranquility and luminescence as well as important historical significance. Sucre is also the gateway to Bolivia's most fascinating indigenous groups, the Aymara and Tarabuco, known for their intricate and beautiful hand-woven textiles.

Enjoy an enlightening three day discovery beginning in Sucre with a lunch in the traditional style of the Chuquisaca region. Tour the Colonial past of beautiful Sucre, the White City visiting places of historical and cultural importance such as the House of Liberty, the Museum of the Recoleta, various churches, markets and panoramic view points. The following day travel to Potosí, one of the highest cities in the world whose name is literally translated as fortune. A natural treasure chest that once funded the Spanish colonists, Potosí holds Cerro Rico (the rich mountain) formerly brimming with silver ore and mines. Ascend Cerro Rico to visit the mines with your private guide. Later visit the UNESCO World Heritage 'Casa de la Moneda', where the national mint was once made. Learn the stories of Potosí as you explore its churches and important colonial buildings. The following day return to Sucre or continue to venture further into the Bolivian highlands, depending on your planned itinerary.

Lying in the shadow of Cerro de Potosí (other wise known as Cerro Rico) the town of Potosi owes it's existence to this 'Rich mountain' which has provided the towns wealth since its foundation in 1546 as a mining town. In its heyday when it was mined for primarily for silver, Potosi was one of the largest cities in the Americas and the world, with a population exceeding 200,000 people. During your stay here, make sure to visit the mine, meet the miners who still work here and learn about the town's fascinating history.

Surely one of the most ghostly towns you are ever likely to visit, Uyuni's primary reason for existence is to serve as the gateway to the world' s largest and truly impressive salt flats - the Salar de Uyuni. Other-worldly and bizarre, yet mesmerizingly beautiful, the Salar is virtually devoid of any wild life and vegetation except for its islands of millenary cacti and bright turquoise lakes filled with pink flamingos. The Salar de Uyuni is one of the most unique landscapes you will encounter on the planet, its mind-blowing vastness at once inspiring and eerily mystifying.

Experience the mystique of the world's largest salt flat. This other-worldly landscape that is visible from space can be dazzled at directly. Across the salt crust that extends over 10,000 square kilometers you can witness the mesmerizing and eternal white surface surrounded by regal mountains fading in the distance. Pass through pyramidal salt mounds, ground-gaping eyes (lagoons) and perspective-bending horizons. A visit to an island in the middle of the salt flat provides an absolutely magnificent panoramic view as you explore its trails lined with 1,000 year old cacti. Here on the island you will rest and enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties. Head back onto the salt surface to further deepen your experience and enjoy the changing horizon as the light shifts before returning to your hotel in Uyuni at the end of the day. (Duration 7 hours, to begin directly after your arrival in Uyuni. Private Activity. Lunch Included).

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve lies in the desert of southern Bolivia, close to its border with Chile. The rugged landscape of this remote region is dotted with dramatic rock formations, active volcanoes, and hot springs. Accessed via bumpy mountain roads, the reserve is located at an altitude of 13,800 feet. It encompasses the Laguna Colorada National Wildlife Sanctuary, archeological sites, and an abundance of geysers and fumaroles. Other highlights here are Laguna Colorada where the water changes colors depending on time of day, and the standalone Arbol de Piedra rock formation that resembles a stunted tree. The area is home to a diverse population of flora and fauna including three endemic species of flamingos, vicuna, and the velvety yareta plant. Hiking the undulating terrain and capturing gorgeous photographs are some ways of making the most of your surroundings.

Leaving Uyuni in the morning venture out to explore the remote and beautiful desert on your way to Ojo de Perdiz. Along the way you will see many spectacular sights and natural attractions; although, the order and the route may be changed slightly due to conditions of the desert and the weather. You will pass through the small local communities of San Cristobal and Alota and then explore the Rock Valley famous for its unique rock formations. View the impressive Ollague Volcano and travel through the Siloli Desert, known as the ‘Salvador Dali’ desert for its stunning colors and morphing forms. In the late afternoon arrive at Ojo de Perdiz. (08:30 to 17:00, approximant timings. Private Activity, Lunch Included).

Surely one of the most ghostly towns you are ever likely to visit, Uyuni's primary reason for existence is to serve as the gateway to the world' s largest and truly impressive salt flats - the Salar de Uyuni. Other-worldly and bizarre, yet mesmerizingly beautiful, the Salar is virtually devoid of any wild life and vegetation except for its islands of millenary cacti and bright turquoise lakes filled with pink flamingos. The Salar de Uyuni is one of the most unique landscapes you will encounter on the planet, its mind-blowing vastness at once inspiring and eerily mystifying.

As one of the highest cities in the world at 3,650m, La Paz is sure to take your breath away in more ways than one! Set into a canyon and surrounded by snow capped peaks, Bolivia's de facto capital makes quite the impression on any visitor; a cultural cauldron of tradition where you can wander the through the Witches markets, visit the colonial San Francisco Cathedral and Metropolitan Cathedral and explore the numerous museums on Jaén Street, whose design has been preserved from the Spanish days.

The glittering azure waters of Lake Titicaca await you on this in-depth privately guided 2 day tour of the lake and its most magical sites. Depart from La Paz with your private driver and guide on a journey resplendent with spectacular mountain vistas. Arrive in Copacabana on the shores of the Lake and visit its 16th Century shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a Catholic holy pilgrimage site famous for its miraculous mestizo Madonna. Enjoy the beautiful sunset over the lake from your comfortable accommodations in town. The following day navigate by private boat to the mystical Incan island 'Isla del Sol.' On the island explore the Yumani Steps and the Source of Eternal Youth as well as observing the Andean agricultural systems, the cordillera of the Andes and the majesty of deep blue Lake Titikaka.

Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, Copacabana is the jumping off point to discover the sacred Incan island of the Isla del Sol, whilst the town itself is known for its traditional festivals and processions that take place throughout the year starting from its famous 16th Century shrine - the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. During your stay, be sure to enjoy the trout that the town has become famous for and walk up the Cerro Calvario (Calvary Hill) to watch the sunset over the lake.

As one of the highest cities in the world at 3,650m, La Paz is sure to take your breath away in more ways than one! Set into a canyon and surrounded by snow capped peaks, Bolivia's de facto capital makes quite the impression on any visitor; a cultural cauldron of tradition where you can wander the through the Witches markets, visit the colonial San Francisco Cathedral and Metropolitan Cathedral and explore the numerous museums on Jaén Street, whose design has been preserved from the Spanish days.