- Experience the best of Bolivia: from volcanoes and salt flats to cities and ancient ruins
- Explore Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, on a three-day 4x4 adventure
- Stay in the world’s first hotel made from salt: the Palacio de Sal
- Experience Bolivian culture and history in La Paz and the pre-Columbian sites of El Fuerte and Tiwanaku
- Marvel at the giant ferns and spectacular landscape of Amboró National Park
- Spend two nights on Isla del Sol, with far-reaching views across Lake Titicaca
Highlights of Bolivia
Culture
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Discover immense landscapes, ancient history and colonial cities
Landlocked Bolivia is a quintessential South American country, with immense landscapes and a strong indigenous culture. Discover its many highlights on this wide-ranging adventure.
We visit Amboró National Park, which has almost unparalleled biodiversity, and the charming (albeit rustic) gateway town of Samaipata, which provides access to the pre-Columbian Unesco site of El Fuerte. Nowhere else can you find salt flats of comparable scale to Salar de Uyuni: our comprehensive three-day 4×4 trip reveals multi-coloured lagoons, cacti islands and spouting geysers.
In contrast to these natural wonders are the cities of Sucre, Potosi and La Paz, whose heritage was shaped by the Incas and Spanish Conquistadores. Finally, we wind down with a night in an ecolodge on Isla del Sol, overlooking the deep, tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca, which are fringed by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotel), 11 Classic nights (9 hotel, 2 lodge)
- Travel by private minibus, 4×4, boat and three internal flights
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Bolivia
What's Included
- All breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Depart London
Our flight leaves London for Santa Cruz, the largest city in Bolivia.
Santa Cruz to Amboró National Park
Our flight arrives into Santa Cruz this morning, from here we gather our group and drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to our hotel on the border of Amboró National Park.
The road to the hotel entrance is unpaved and we take a 4×4 ride for the last stretch (approximately 30 minutes). After check in, we have lunch and an afternoon at leisure. For those wanting to stretch their legs, we have optional walks available.
Accommodation: Refugio de los Volcanes (or similar)
Santa Cruz to Amboró National Park
We gather our group in Santa Cruz this morning and drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to our hotel on the border of Amboró National Park.
The road to the hotel entrance is unpaved and we take a 4×4 ride for the last stretch (approximately 30 minutes). After check in, we have lunch and an afternoon at leisure. For those wanting to stretch their legs, we have optional walks available.
Accommodation: Refugio de los Volcanes (or similar)
Amboró trek; drive to Samaipata
We start early and set out on foot for a day walk (approximately 3 hours). We see giant tree ferns, which reach up to 42ft (13m) tall, and visit a viewpoint for a panorama of sheer sandstone cliffs rising high above an 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 endemic plants. Elusive mammals (ocelots, spectacled bears, tapirs, jaguars and pumas to name a few) also reside within Amboró, but we are unlikely to see them, especially in the daytime.
Afterwards, we can shower and have lunch before we transfer to the little-visited laidback town of Samaipata (approximately 1hr 30min) and check into our hotel for the next two nights. En route, we visit the hummingbird sanctuary if you wish. The evening is free for you to explore town or rest after this morning’s walk.
Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Piray (or similar)
Morning guided tour of El Fuerte; afternoon at leisure
This morning, we visit El Fuerte de Samaipata (Samaipata Fort), a pre-Columbian archaeological site with Unesco World Heritage status, about 6mi (10km) outside town. The hilltop ruins form an excellent vantage point over the picturesque valley and although no standing structures remain, excavations (which continue today) have revealed more than 500 dwellings. It incorporates buildings from three cultures: Chanè, Inca and Spanish. The main site is a gigantic stone slab (more than 330ft/100m long), covered in Inca and pre-Inca carvings of geometric shapes and animal figures, thought to have been of religious/ceremonial significance. We also visit the museum, which contains artefacts from El Fuerte.
Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Piray (or similar)
Return to Santa Cruz; short flight to Sucre
After breakfast, we return to Santa Cruz Airport (approximately 4hr 30min drive). In the afternoon, we fly to Sucre (approximately 45-minute flight), the Unesco-listed capital of Bolivia and often called the most beautiful city in the country, with narrow streets and colonial white-washed buildings.
Accommodation: De Su Merced Hotel (or similar)
Morning city tour; afternoon at leisure
After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of the sights, including La Recoleta viewpoint, monastery, and museum of indigenous art, situated at the base of Churuquella Mountain overlooking the city. We’ll visit the main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and adjacent historic Casa de la Libertad (House of Liberty) where Simon Bolivar signed the Act of Independence in 1825. Following on from this, we come to the San Francisco Basilica, complete with its freedom bell (which was was allegedly rung so hard to mark Bolivian independence that it broke). A stroll through the manicured Bolivar Park and cemetery are also part of the tour.
Accommodation: De Su Merced Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Potosí; afternoon visit local mine and walking tour of Potosí to discover the colonial and silver mining heritage
After breakfast, we drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to Potosí; you will notice the increase in elevation as Potosí lies at 13,320ft (4,060m) above sea level. This afternoon, we visit the entrance of the Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) mine, where we hear from a former miner about its history and tragic legacy.
Back in town, we have a walking orientation tour of Potosí, which was the centre of the silver rush in the 16th century, resulting in thousands of colonial buildings.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Teresa (or similar)
Morning tour to Uyuni; afternoon transfer to Siloli desert
We depart from Potosí at 7am and transfer to Uyuni (approximately four hours). In Uyuni, we enjoy a break and switch to our 4×4 vehicle. Our journey takes us to a variety of sites, including the Train Cemetery and San Cristobal town (one of the largest silver mining facilities in Bolivia). We will not enter the mine but have a quick explanation of its history. We continue heading south with beautiful sights including the Ollagüe Volcano.
Before we arrive at our hotel, we drive to the Mountain of Seven Colours at Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. The altitude will vary during our time exploring the Salar de Uyuni (ranging between 11,975ft/3,650m and 15,910ft/4,850m).
Today’s driving time is approximately nine to ten hours.
Accommodation: Mallku Cueva Hotel (or similar)
First day of our 4x4 adventure to discover the incredible landscapes of Salar de Uyuni
Today we hop in our 4×4 and head into Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.
Our first stop is Laguna Colorada, where the waters are tinged a rusty red.
After, we visit the geysers, the highest point on our trip at 15,910ft (4,850m) above sea level .Across this sulfur spring field are boiling mud lakes and steam pools, and there are several geyser-like features where pressurized steam.
Set against a backdrop of volcanoes and mountains is Polques Thermal Baths, where those who can brave the cold air can enjoy a dip in the warm waters. Later, we visit Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon).
Today’s driving time is approximately twelve hours.
Accommodation: Mallku Cueva Hotel (or similar)
Second day to discover more sights of Salar de Uyuni by 4x4
This morning, we visit Turkiri Lagoon to see a variety of local flora and fauna, there are many bird species in this area. Visit lakes of Cañapa, Hedionda and Honda and continue exploring Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, travelling through the otherworldly landscapes of the Valley of Rocks and Stone Tree. We arrive around 5pm at Hotel Palacio de Sal, sure to be a highlight stay of our time in the Salar de Uyuni.
Today’s driving time is approximately seven to eight hours.
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)
Third day to discover more sights of Salar de Uyuni by 4x4
We spend today’s 4×4 adventure on the salt flats. Pyramids of salt are mounded up and, in the dry season, the ground is desiccated and hexagonal salt tiles form as far as the eye can see. There are wonderful photo opportunities, and we have time 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 in the middle of the salt flats is an amazing sight and we can walk across it for 360-degree views from the top. After more photo opportunities, we visit a spot to watch the sun set and the light cast shadows and reflections on the water.
Today’s driving time is approximately five to six hours.
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)
Drive back to Uyuni; fly to La Paz; afternoon city tour
After breakfast, we transfer (30 minutes) to Uyuni airport and fly to La Paz, the highest administrative capital in the world at 11,940ft (3,640m) above sea level. Upon arrival, we transfer to El Alto to ride an innovative cable car system, which takes us to the heart of the city. We are met on the other side and transferred to our hotel.
We then start our walking tour, visiting the main square, Plaza Murillo, which is in the old town, where we also find the Presidential Palace, government congress buildings, and the cathedral. Finally, we enjoy the exterior artistry of the Basilica of San Francisco, which has a mestizo-baroque facade depicting masks, dragons, tropical birds and snakes.
Accommodation: Hotel Qantu (or similar)
Travel to Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca; walk to our ecolodge
We drive towards Copacabana, crossing the Tiquina Strait by boat (a 10-minute ride) and follow the Lake Titicaca shores for much of the journey (total drive time: approximately 4hr 30min). 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 walk (approximately 2hr 30min) to our ecolodge, allowing us to take in the surroundings: the deep blue waters contrasting the snowy 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)
Explore Isla del la Luna or relax on Isla del Sol
Today we take a short boat trip to nearby Isla del la Luna (Moon Island) to explore the ruins and learn about the ancient Inca and pre-Inca legends of Lake Titicaca. Or you can just chill out on Isla del Sol.
Accommodation: Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)
Walk to the Fountain of Eternal Youth; transfer to La Paz; fly back to Santa Cruz
After breakfast, we 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 to the pre-Columbian ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage site (approximately 3hr 30min driving). Founded around 1,500 BCE, Tiwanaku became the capital of a massive empire that lasted almost 1,000 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 1hr 30min) to La Paz Airport for an evening flight to Santa Cruz.
Accommodation: TRYP by Wyndham Santa Cruz (or similar)
End Santa Cruz
The tour comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to continue exploring, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Alternatively, begin your return journey home.
Santa Cruz
The tour ends in Santa Cruz today, but flight inclusive customers have post-tour accommodation booked in Santa Cruz before flights depart tomorrow.
Depart Santa Cruz
The group flight departs today for an overnight flight back to London.
Arrive London
The group flights arrive into London today.
Hotels, salt hotel and lodge
Spend 10 nights in hotels, two nights in a salt hotel and two nights in an lodge – all based on twin-share.
The hotels usually used are listed within the itinerary and below; occasionally these may vary by departure date due to availability. The hotels are generally a three-star local rating and have been carefully selected for their location, quality and character. Accommodation standards in Bolivia are generally lower than their South American counterparts and standards of accommodation on this trip vary from one location to another. Wifi service in remote locations can be slow to non-existent (eg Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca).
Our hotel in Santa Cruz is contemporary in style; rooms have air conditioning and there is an outdoor swimming pool. Accommodation choice within Samaipata is limited and so we stay at Hotel Quinta Piray, located on a hillside with views over the valley, about a few kilometres from town – it’s fairly modest accommodation but has a pool and lovely gardens, so is a very tranquil spot. De Su Merced Hotel is a large converted colonial house with a rooftop terrace and the rooms are furnished with antique furniture. In Potosí, our accommodation is modest but has character and is close to the town centre.
Salar de Uyuni tours have a reputation for being a bit tough (and due to location most are) but we have selected some of the better hotels available. Probably the highlight will be our night at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, a unique property built entirely from salt, from the walls, floors and ceilings to the furniture and sculptures. It has hot water and heating (electric/central depending on the room), a games room, and a viewing room to observe the starry nights, sunsets and sunrises across the salt flats.
In La Paz, we stay in Hotel Qantu, which is located on a busy street but close to the famous Witches Market and around the corner from the Basilica of San Francisco.
Should you wish to extend your stay, your sales representative can also arrange extra nights in Santa Cruz for you before or after the tour. Single supplements should be requested at the time of booking and are subject to availability.
Reviews
Add your own reviewLike Nowhere Else
Bolivia can be challenging with poor infrastructure, unpaved roads and high altitudes, but it is so worth the effort. From the lowlands to the highlands, the scenery shifts, yet it is always impressive and can be like nowhere else. From the historical district in Sucre, the mines in Potosi, the chaos of La Paz and the serenity in Lake Titicaca and especially Salar de Uyuni, it’s just one day of discovery and insight after the other.
Most Inspirational Moment
Experiencing miners hustling outside of their mine in Potosi, and listening to the stories from our guide, was enough to paint a bleak picture of hardship that I knew nothing about. In contrast, the emptiness and vastness of the salt flats was a thing of beauty and wonder and more astonishing than I expected.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was terrific. She knows her stuff, loves showing off her country and clearly cares about the well-being of her group. Everything ran smoothly. The hotels were excellent to adequate, the drivers were careful and her choice of restaurants sometimes surprised with some fabulous meals.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip was in early September and although there could be near freezing temperatures in the very early morning at some locations, by the time we were on the road and outdoors, it had warmed up to springlike temperatures. The hotels provide plenty of blankets. Thermal underwear, gloves and bed socks were never needed. It also never rained except for the last morning before departure in Santa Cruz. Pack lighter. The trip notes also need to be updated. Some parts are repetitive and inaccurate. You're much better off having $100 notes and exchanging them for Bolivianos rather than using an ATM or credit card. The official exchange rate was around 6.87 for $1, but unofficially, you can get 10 Bolivianos for $1.
Highlights of Bolivia
Bolivia is an amazing country, well worth visiting and certainly worth putting near the top of the list of places to go. It exceeded our expectations and delivered an wonderful experience; the landscapes, the history, the culture, everything about the trip was just so good. It is such a shame it is only a two week trip, spending an extra day in the Atacama Desert and additional time in La Paz and Sucre would have been wonderful, we would happily have spent three weeks enjoying just the Highlights of Bolivia.
Most Inspirational Moment
Without doubt the Atacama Desert was the highlight, such an amazing place. We travelled great distances and saw amazing landscapes and magnificent sights in the off-road vehicles. The whole group felt very let down by the fact Exodus wanted to squeeze four adults and a driver into each 4x4 vehicle, especially when the men were all over 6'. We overcame this by clubbing together and hiring an additional vehicle at our own expense. There is no way it would have been comfortable and practical to have three adults in the back seats. Exodus, take note and cost in the right number of vehicles to avoid upsetting your clients, or we won't come back.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia, our group leader, was amazing, such a wonderful, caring and attentive tour leader; nothing was ever too much trouble for her. Her knowledge of her country, its culture and its history was exceptional, so too her knowledge of the flora and fauna of the various places we visited.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't put it off, visit Bolivia, it really is amazing.
A very special trip
Fabulous tour taking in many of the highlights of this wonderful country. Stunning scenery, interesting history, rich culture and great food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Journey to, and arriving at, the Refugio on day one, completely surrounded by extinct volcanoes covered in lush vegetation.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was a wonderful leader. She is a genuine, caring person who connected with everyone in the group. She spotted and resolved any potential issues, often before the group noticed anything was awry. She is passionate about showcasing her country and has a deep knowledge of its history and culture which she shared enthusiastically.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go now! Bolivia still feels relatively unexplored and authentic. If you have time, arrive before the tour and spend a couple of days in Santa Cruz and then stay on in La Paz for three days at the end. There’s plenty to see and do.
Some of the greatest desert scenery in the world
This Bolivia tour includes a fantastic variety of landscapes and experiences but for all of us on the tour the highlight was the desert scenery in particular the salt flats. Go before too many other tourists discover it! There is a lot of travelling and some long days but it is worth it. Julia our guide was quite simply one of the best tour guides I’ve had in around 40 group tours. Bolivia is a poor country but the people are friendly and we had no problems with strikes or roadblocks. Don’t be put off by the trip note warnings about altitude sickness, perhaps we were lucky but in our group no-one had anything worse than a short-lasting slight headache.
Most Inspirational Moment
The desert scenery in general and the salt flats in particular, there is quite simply nothing like them. But La Paz was also a very interesting setting and learning about the hard life of the miners of Potosi from the very entertaining ex-miner was an enjoyable if sobering experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was excellent. She was great at organising us, always told us what to expect and had great knowledge of all the places and sights we visited and the history behind them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In the highlands it is cold in June to August so take plenty of warm clothes in layers as it warms up during the day. Some of the hotels we stayed in didn't have great heating so bear that in mind as well. Be prepared for the long days but it is definitely worth it! A few people in my group left the tour in La Paz so they could have more time there, an option which in hindsight I wished I'd considered as the tour doesn't spend much time there.
Challenging but worth it
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and it showed. Many roads are unpaved. People subsist on a daily budget – don’t work that day, don’t eat. But, although the trip has some challenges – altitude, long, dusty transfers, road blocks and strikes around Santa Cruz, the sites are spectacular and worth a bit of discomfort.
Most Inspirational Moment
The time in the desert and the salt flats. I'd seen images of the salt flats and was not disappointed, but the desert was a revelation - lakes streaked with crimson and white, or a vivid blue. Multi-hued mountains in the 'Salvador Dali' desert, Flocks of flamingos, rocks carved by the wind into fantastic shapes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Melanie was outstanding. She coped so well with the road blocks - often negotiating our way through, or finding ways around. The group trusted her judgement. I owe her a special thank you. When walking in the jungle at Refugio de los Volcanos, I hit my head on a tree branch. I bled so much and the only way out was a 4-wheel drive up a steep and rocky track. Although it was Sunday evening she managed to summon a doctor, who opened up his clinic, cleaned, stitched and dressed the wound and gave me some antibiotics - all for the equivalent of £7! As we moved around, she always located somewhere for my dressing to be changed. Fantastic service. I should also mention our drivers, especially those in the desert who organised a lovely lunch in the middle of the flats and later, sunset drinks and snacks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Being an Exodus group, the attitude to the challenges of the trip was, 'it's all part of the adventure.' Go with a similar approach and you won't be disappointed. The strikes and road blocks around Santa Cruz, and also some of the long road trips, made getting food difficult. As I'm diabetic, the snacks available in shops weren't suitable, so packing some healthier options would have been a good idea. On the plus side, I lost 4kg!
Fantastic trip to Bolivia
It was a really busy but completely rewarding experience. We got a real flavour of the whole country, with its diverse landscapes, welcoming people and ancient culture. Our guide Julia was superb. Her knowledge of the history, diverse peoples, land and nature really enriched the experience and her care in ensuring we weren’t floored by our time at altitude helped greatly. On some days we were often lucky enough to be the only visitors to some sites which added to the amazing atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend visiting now before it gets too busy in the coming years.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some of the landscapes in the Atacama desert are breath-taking, as are the salt flats. We never felt like we were on a well-trodden tourist route which made it feel very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was superb. Flexible, open and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the culture particularly indigenous life. She was also excellent fun!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long journeys and the effects of altitude. But go now!
You have to go!
An exhausting trip as so much travel involved but entirely worth it – Julia our guide was exceptional – we all agreed best guide we have ever had and should surely win guide of the year award! Also, we were blessed to have an amazing group so that made the times and experiences should be shared well with fond memories and laughs along the way. The county itself is diverse and massive – lots of bumpy roads and long drives. But, you will be wowed and rewarded with every new destination. It was a real adventure and not a ‘holiday’ as such – came back knackered but so pleased i went – well worth seeing and so glad we had a exceptional guide and great group!
Most Inspirational Moment
loved the lakes and the salt flats
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional - Julia is the best i have ever had as guide - best ever!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long travel on uneven roads - but you will be rewarded with the destinations that seem to get better as trip progresses
Excellent first experience of South America
This was a really good trip.
Came home with a real sense of having seen the diversity and contrast between the different areas that Bolivia has to offer.
Having quite a few two night stop overs in some of the locations added to the whole trip.
We crammed a lot in, but it didn’t feel too rushed.
Most Inspirational Moment
The amazing landscape just kept giving from start to finish, but I guess standing on the Salt Flats at Uyuni and driving through the spectacular wilderness of Alti Plano had to be the most inspirational moments of the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Melany was just fantastic. She kept us all well organised and well informed at all times. Her general, cultural and historical knowledge of all the different places that we visited was really good, along with her knowledge of South America as a whole.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of layers for the different climates between the low lands and the higher altitudes and you will be fine.
Great Experience but too full on at times
Bolivia is stunning and the salt flats and Lake Titicaca did not disappoint. It was incredibly cold despite thermals and down jacket etc so be prepared. Accommodation was outstanding in some cases (Palace of Salt and Lake Titicaca) and in others the best available eg in the desert it was basic but the only one available. Very rushed with a lot of early starts and not time to get bored! Would have preferred more time to explore La Paz and felt rushed at times. Great food and as a vegetarian I was pleasantly surprised. Melanie was a fantastic guide who worked her socks off to make the trip work with a big group and diverse dietary requirements. Go with a sense of adventure and expect to have flights delayed and itinerary changes which are an inevitable part of travelling in Bolivia. Overall an awesome but exhausting experience. Thanks Melanie and Trehan from Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Salt flats and Lake Titicaca. Do the trek on the island if you can - exhausting at altitude but so rewarding too. Buying a stick of dynamite to give the miners at Potosoi! Seeing vacuna and lamas flamingos and an Andean fox.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional. Melanie was so kind and helpful with our large group of very experienced travellers. Wise head on young shoulders. Mel made the trip for me. Always smiling and laughing even with crises that seem to be inevitable in travelling in Bolivia. She deserves a medal!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do take care regarding the advice on the cold and altitude. This is a totally full on trip rather than a relaxed holiday! Expect to be exhausted at times but repaid with stunning scenery.
A wonderful introduction to Bolivia.
An energetic holiday that packed things in, on a daily basis. We saw all that was promised & much more. Although tiring, as we moved on for most days, but extremely enjoyable, informative and interesting. We learnt a lot about a country we knew little about before we went. Highly recommended, but you need to be able to walk.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many unforgettable events & places - parades, marching bands & street dancing in Sucre, fantastic pre Incan archaeological ruins, impressive Baroque cathedrals & churches, spectacular scenery, places with beautiful jacoranda trees in purple bloom, women in colourful costumes, especially in La Paz, numerous rocks that were a geologists paradise, Lake Titicaca & a trip on a reed boat’ but our three day adventure by jeep, to Iyuni and the salt flats stood out. We saw desert scenery, ’ bubbling mud pools, experienced hot springs and visited the vast salt flats, as well as staying in the splendid Salt Hotel, it was a pity we were only there for one night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco, our group leader was very experienced. He was extremely caring & solicitous & made sure everyone was ok. Several people had tummy upsets & Marco produced medicine where necessary. He was very knowledgeable with an excellent command of English.He was also ably assisted by Linda from the office in La Paz, who was also friendly & very caring, checking every detail. She too spoke excellent English. Our third guide, Ericka was monitoring the trip as it was only the second recent trip.by Exodus. In several places we had local guides’ who were also very knowledgeable & spoke good English. I especially enjoyed Leroy on our trip to Iyuni who giggled at every opportunity & was instrumental in fishing out large quantities of salt crystals from below the salt crust. Also George we had at the end in Lake Titicaca & LaPaz. He too had excellent English & explained everything with enthusiasm. He was very dedicated to his job, & took us and a fellow traveller, to our hotels in La Paz on the last night’ while the rest of the group flew to Santa Cruz for their flight home. They all were superlative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is a considerable amount of walking’ so make sure you have walking boots with a good grip. The was especially important on Isla Del Sol in Lake Titicaca. Walking poles there were also advantageous. We took a travelling kettle, tea & coffee with us. Important if you like early morning teà though milk was not usually available. Don’t pack too many clothes, Like others we took too much.. Strong insect repellent is a must in some places., with sunscreen/ sunblock especially in the Salt Flats with UV sunglasses. Hand gel was also useful on many occasions, though Marco had a supply, as well as toilet paper in toilets where we stopped by the roadside. Don’t forget a light towel if you want to go for a dip in the hot pools. We bought puffa jackets with hoods before we left & these were excellent. They are light, warm, wind proof & waterproof/ showerproof, with the added benefits of scrunching up small. I would recommend packing them into a small plastic bag. A good camera is another must as there is so much to photograph., Jeans were useful when it got cold, thought the bedsocks recommended by Exodus we’re not necessary. I managed with a pair of walking boots and a pair of trainers, though I would have liked a pair of light shoes , especially for the evenings. I also had a pair of slipper socks which were handy for bedrooms. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs as there many lovely things on sale very cheaply. The Witches Market in La Paz was a good place to shop.
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