Bolivia & Chile's Atacama Desert

Arrive aboard your independent flights to La Paz, Bolivia—in the shadow of the majestic Mt. Illimani—and transfer to the Casa Grande Hotel, where you spend the next two nights.

Accommodation: Casa Grande Hotel or similar.

After breakfast drive to Huatajata or Cocotoni and board our hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island. On this mystical Island are the ruins of the Iñak Uyu, Sun Virgins' Temple. Here the most beautiful maiden of the Incas where chosen to become the wives of the Inca nobles. The Virgins of the Sun were responsible of maintaining an eternal fire in devotion to their sun god, Viracocha. Continue to Sun Island. According to Andean mythology, Viracocha sent his son and daughter, Manco Kapac and Mama Ojllo, to Earth, where they found the Inca Empire. Visit Pilcocaina Sun Temple before taking a hike along an ancient trail. Your afternoon is free to explore the nearby community and savor sunset over Lake Titicaca. Overnight at the Posada del Inca EcoLodge.

Accommodation: Pasada Del Inca EcoLodge or similar.

Fly to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital, and arguably one of the country’s most pleasant cities. Our afternoon tour includes an overview of colonial architecture as well as Liberty House, where the Bolivian declaration of independence was signed. At the ASUR Museum of Indigenous Art, discover the work being done by local anthropologists to maintain and strengthen the cultural integrity and economies of the Jalq’a and Tarabuco communities, by promoting high quality indigenous arts and textiles. Spend the next two nights at Parador Santa Maria la Real.

Accommodation: Parador Santa Maria la Real or similar.

Set out early this morning for Potosi. Once one of the richest cities in the world, Potosi boasts many beautifully-restored buildings, including several ornate religious buildings and colorful winding streets full of charming vendors. Silver put Potosi on the map in the mid-16th century and it quickly became the Americas’ largest city and the world’s largest source of the precious metal. The mines of Cerro Rico unfortunately found their infamy in their inhumane mining practices and have been operating, in various degrees of success, for over 400 years. Tour the mines, which are both fascinating and sobering, and have the opportunity to witness the current state of mining in South America. After savoring a relaxing lunch, visit the Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint). Here, wooden machinery was used to transform silver from the mines into coins for Spain. Continue to Uyuni, where we spend the next two nights at Hotel de Sal Luna.

Accommodation: Hotel de Sal Luna or similar.

Continue our exploration of Bolivia’s westernmost highlands, with stops at the stunning lakes of Canapa, Chiar Kota, Honda and Hedionda. The shores of these glacial lakes are lined with three flamingo species—James, Andean and Chilean. Flamingos thrive here while feeding upon the lagoons’ algae, which would be poisonous to most other wildlife. The landscape is also dotted with llama, alpaca and possibly even vicuña. Continue to Los Flamencos EcoHotel, perched on the shores of Lake Hedionda. Savor a dinner prepared using traditional Bolivian techniques and organic products.

Accommodation: Los Flamencos EcoHotel or similar.

Savor breakfast overlooking the geothermal field of fumaroles and giant cacti at El Tatio Geyser—world’s second highest geyser field. The steam and vapors are all the more impressive with the cold and the light of the early morning. At the geyser field, we also see thermal pools, mud fountains, colorful rock formations and endemic wildlife, including viscacha and nandues. Cap-off our morning taking in the enormous dunes, dramatic rock formations and stark lunar landscape of Moon Valley. The lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques—part of Los Flamencos National Reserve—act as mirrors, reflecting dramatic volcanic peaks. In addition to flamingos, watch for rare horned coot and even culpeo fox. Take advantage of another night to practice your astronomy skills. The Atacama’s remoteness, altitude, lack of light pollution and arid atmosphere make it one of Earth’s best places to stargaze.Accommodation: Desertica Lodge or similar.