RCGS: Highlights of Bolivia with George Kourounis

This morning we have an early start and we set out on foot for a day walk (approx. 4 - 6 hours). We will see Giant tree ferns which reach up to an impressive thirteen metres tall and visit a viewpoint which unveils a panorama of sheer sandstone cliffs rising high above an endless expanse of tropical jungle.

Amboró National Park is vast, containing some 830 bird species (including Cock of the rocks, Blue horned curassows, hummingbirds, toucans and macaws) - we may see a few of these with the help of our local guides who will also identify some of the endemic plants. Elusive mammals (ocelots, Spectacled bears, tapirs, jaguars and pumas to name a few) also reside within Amboró but we are not likely to see them, especially in the daytime.

Afterwards we have an opportunity to shower and have lunch before we transfer to the little-visited laidback town of Samaipata (approx. 1.5 hours) and check into our hotel for the next 2 nights. On route we will visit Las Cuevas Waterfalls, where it is possible to take a quick swim in the clear water if you wish. The evening is free for you to explore the town or rest after this morning’s walk.

Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Piray, Samaipata (or similar)

After breakfast we make our way back to Santa Cruz airport (approx. 4.5hrs drive). In the afternoon we fly to Bolivia’s capital, Sucre (approx. 45min flight) which, with its narrow streets and fine colonial white-washed buildings, is often said to be Bolivia’s most beautiful city; protected by its UNESCO status.

Accommodation: De Su Merced Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast we drive (approx. 3.5 hours) to Potosí. You will notice the increase in elevation as Potosí lies at 4,060m. This afternoon we have a tour of the city, which was the centre of the silver rush in the 16th century. The silver was mined from nearby Cerro Rico (‘rich mountain’) and was predominantly used to make coins but also other objects as it was so plentiful. Potosí developed into a large and prosperous city with thousands of colonial buildings. The consequences for the indigenous miners and African slaves, however, were tragic – some estimates speculate that there were as many as nine million casualties.

Accommodation: Hostal Patrimonio (or similar)

We spend today on the salt flats. Pyramids of salt are mounded up and in the dry season the ground is desiccated and hexagonal tiles of salt form as far as the eye can see. There are wonderful photo opportunities and we'll have time today to create some fun pictures. In the middle of the salt flats we come to Incahuasi Island, known for its giant cacti and unusual fossils. This small island on the middle of the salt flats is an amazing sight and we have the chance to walk across it for 360 views from the top. After more photo opportunities, we'll make our way to a spot to watch the sun come down and watch the light cast shadows and reflections on the water. 

Today's driving time is approx. 5-6 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)

A different highlight awaits today as our 4WD adventure brings us into Eduardo Avaroa National Park. Our first stop is at Laguna Colorada, the colours of the lake are a result of algae or the chemical composition. Afterwards we will visit Sol de Mañana geysers (4,926m), meaning 'morning sun'. This sulphur spring field is one of the few places where you can get up close to volcanic (hydrothermal) activity. Across this expanse lie boiling mud lakes and steam pools, and there are several geyser-like features where pressurised steam spouts up to fifty metres into the air! Set against a backdrop of volcanoes and mountains. is Polques Thermal Baths, where those who can brave the cold air temperatures before getting into the warm waters can enjoy a dip. Later we will visit Laguna Verde (green lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (white lagoon).

Today's driving time is approx. 8-9 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel Tayka del Desierto/Mallku Cueva Hotel (or similar)

We drive towards Copacabana, crossing the Tiquina Strait by boat (a short, ten minute ride) and following the shores of Lake Titicaca for much of the journey (the total drive time is approx. 4.5 hours). On arrival at Copacabana we board another boat and travel for an hour to Lake Titicaca’s beautiful Isla del Sol, disembarking at Pillkokaina port where we ascend to the Sun Temple. We will walk (approx. 1.5 hours) to our eco-lodge, which allows us to take in the stunning surroundings; deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca in contrast to the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. From the lodge the setting sun in the west casts a lovely light across the mountains ahead.

Your main luggage will be left on the transport (which we leave at Copacabana) so you need only take an overnight bag to Isla del Sol. We recommend keeping any valuables with you.

Accommodation: Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)

After breakfast we will walk to the Fountain of Eternal Youth before we make the same return journey back (by boat to Copacabana, bus and then a short ferry ride across the Tiquina Strait) and head towards the Pre-Columbian ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx. 3.5hrs driving). Founded around 1500BC, Tiwanaku became the capital of a massive empire that lasted almost a thousand years, developing into a sophisticated urban ceremonial complex. After lunch we have a guided visit of the site. In the late afternoon we drive approximately one hour and a half to the airport in La Paz and then have an evening flight back to Santa Cruz. 

Accommodation: Armonia Hotel (or similar)