Experience Bolivia differently on 21 days tour all in comfort, luxury and authenticity. We have carefully selected some of our finest discoveries in Bolivia. Discover the riches of Chiquitanía, a magnificent tropical region in the heart of the Jesuit missions. Enjoy an unforgettable human experience as you meet the region’s local artisans. Then set off for the sunny wine-growing region of Tarija, with its Andalusian flair. Stroll through traditional “bodegas” and taste these high-altitude wines with their unique aroma. Discover the surprising and endearing Bolivian capital of La Paz in a whole new way. The highlight of the trip will be the breathtaking, unique landscapes of the southern Lipez region, the impressive colors of the high-altitude lagoons and the immensity and splendor of the Salar d’Uyuni. An intense and magical journey in Bolivia awaits you.
Indicative price, excluding international flights. All nights, meals, guides and transfers included.
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Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel (available upon arrival). Rest of the day free.
Departure for the village of Samaipata. Discovery of the "Fort of Samaipata", a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an archeological site combining the architecture of the Chanés, Inca and Spanish cultures... This enormous carved rock is a unique testimony to pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs, unrivalled on the entire American continent...a must for archeology enthusiasts. After the visit, it's a 20-kilometre drive to the Cascadas de Cuevas park. A refreshing stroll along the landscaped trails, culminating in three magnificent waterfalls. Return to Samaipata in the late afternoon.
Departure at 8:30 a.m. for the Forest of Amboro Park, where we can observe a few species of giant ferns found nowhere else in the world (Dicksonia Sellowiana and Alsophila Incana) as well as many wild orchids varieties. Excursion on foot to the Volcano Shelter / animal spotting. Option of a swim in the waterfalls near the refuge before returning to Samaipata.Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Night in 3-star lodge.
Morning stroll around the refuge and enjoy its unique and exceptional setting. After lunch, return by private vehicle to Santa Cruz.
Departure for the mission of San José de Chiquitos, lunch and check-in at Hotel La Villa Chiquitana (4h30 to 5h drive). Arrival at Hotel Villa Chiquitana. A lovely, pleasant hotel with a Provencal air! It features a terrace restaurant and a magnificent garden with swimming pool. During your stay, you will visit various cultural pascanas along the SaboreArte Chiquitos route, workshops and meetings with artisans and artists from Bolivian Chiquitania. You will learn different craft techniques and taste local gastronomy.After lunch on the terrace, at around 3 p.m. you will head off to the pascana "La Siesta del Posoka" to meet Juanita and her wood-burning stove. She will teach you how to bake rice bread, how to grind rice grains to obtain rice flour, and then how to make traditional breads from this flour. At the same time, you will learn about the customs and daily life of the locals. You will learn how to cook maté in the traditional way and enjoy it with "Pan de arroz".We then set off for a short hike in the Serranía El Riquío mountain range. A short stroll to discover the Chiquitana dry forest and admire the sunset from the Montañeta viewpoint (easy, very accessible walk). Magnificent views of the Chiquitana forest, the town of San José and Cerro Turubó. Overnight at Hotel La Villa Chiquitana.
In the morning, we set off for the village of Chochis (1 hr drive). This village is famous for the Davide Tower, a red rock formation of 800 m in circumference. The tower is in a tooth-shaped form and is known as the Muela del Diablo. At the foot of this imposing tower stands the sanctuary of the Virgin Mariano de la Torre or Sanctuary of Chochis, adorned with extraordinary wood carvings. A haven of peace at the foot of the Chiquitos mountain range.This is where devotees of the "Virgen de Asunta" (Virgin of Assumption) faithfully venerate the Portón Tower, built at the foot of the Portón in memory of those who disappeared in the devastating floods and landslides of 1979. Inside the sanctuary you can see a collection of carved woodwork that shows the great legacy left by the Jesuits, who taught some of this art to the natives of this city, as well as evangelizing them. It was built in 1988 under the direction of architect Hans Roth. It is considered a sample of the Chiquitano art of woodcarving. It was inaugurated on August 15, 1992.After that, we go back on the road to Parc Tucabaca (1h00), a nature reserve surrounded by greenery and mountains. We hike up to the Antesala del Cielo viewpoint. Magnificent view over the whole region (1h30 hike, accessible to all).We then head to the small town of Santiago de Chiquitos (20 minutes) for lunch. You will visit the church of Santiago de Chiquitos, part of the Misiones Jésuitas, with a brief explanation of the history of this place and the festivities celebrated. To finish off the day we will head to the healing thermal waters of Aguas Calientes or Los Hervores. These waters have medicinal properties due to their mineral concentration and are composed of water spurts or bubbling springs. The water temperature is between 41º and 45ºC. Underwater, you will notice the formation of holes, like quicksand. You can sit down and venture in it with the impression that the earth begins to swallow you up, but there's no risk - on the contrary, you will enjoy a soothing natural massage.At the end of the tour, we return to the hotel (2h30) where you can enjoy the magnificent swimming pool.
In the morning, we head to the pascana "La Tranquera", the home of Pythagoras Luis, whose real name is Pythagoras. He will tell you how he learned to cook as a child, and how it became a passion. You will understand why he is nicknamed Pythagoras! In fact, he still has a little street stall where he sells his traditional dishes. But his main passion is making Abuelo masks, derived from the Abuelos Chiquitanos dance, in which they mock the "white men". It's a ritual that reflects the cultural syncretism of the region and these characters show the cultural richness of the communities of San José and Santiago de Chiquitos. He will show you step by step how to make this traditional mask, typical of the region, and made from the roots of the Toco tree. You will also taste the famous chicha. It's made from corn, peanuts, manioc or rice, with the occasional addition of fruit. Fermentation can last from a few days to two months before it becomes alcoholic. Afterwards, you will visit the church of San José de Chiquitos, in the company of Friné Torric, a restorer by profession. Experience a guided tour of the stone church and mission museum with its unique murals. It's the only building made of stone and limestone. The mission houses paintings date back over 300 years. Over 2,000 square meters of restored paintings. This is also where you can learn about the Jesuit organization.Enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring local specialties. Afternoon free to enjoy a stroll around the village or simply relax by the pool.
After breakfast, we will take you to the last pascana, "Las Hamacas", where you will meet Marialuz. She will show you all the stages of production from the cotton flower to a hammock, handbag, etc. She learned this ancestral technique of horizontal weaving from her grandmother who raised her on her own after being abandoned by her parents. You will also taste cuñapé and a typical Chirimoya-based drink. At the end of the visit, departure for the Santa Cruz airport (Saturday direct flight 6.30-7.30pm, otherwise direct flight 8.00-9.00pm daily). Once you arrived in the city of smiles, Tarija, you will have a free evening to enjoy the beautiful swimming pool at the Hotel Los Parrales.
Departure for an excursion around the town of Tarija. A favorable climate and well-exposed highlands (1800 m alt.) enable the production of excellent wines and the renowned Singani.Visit of the Jamones Ulloa factory: explanation of all the stages in the production of Serrano hams made in this magnificent finca. Tasting of their hams, cheeses and wine. We continue with a visit to Bodega Daroca, the best place to learn about the traditional methods of making wine and Singani. Tasting of their best wines with a variety of hams, cheeses and "locoto" jam, a perfect match guaranteed! Lunch at the bodega.We continue with a visit to Bodega Magnus, discovering their factory rich in history and tasting their wines. Free afternoon to enjoy the "Chura Tarija", the garden and the swimming pool at Hotel Los Parrales.
We continue our visits of the bodegas and vineyards. We start the day at Hacienda Cahumalu, specialized in horse breeding and reproduction. You will have the chance to ride a horse and taste their homemade Singani. We then head off to the Jardin de Lajas. A magnificent, wooded park. Lunch in the estate garden.After lunch, we will go a guided tour of the "Jardins de Lajas" vineyard, led by our passionate oenologist. You will meet Mr. Jurgen, who has meticulously and passionately designed his garden - a masterpiece! Each plant has been carefully selected and placed to create a harmonious balance within the ecosystem. Discover his small meditation and production area, as well as his beautiful terrace. Taste the unique aroma of these high-altitude wines. Return to Tarija for dinner at the "La Casona del Molino" restaurant, a perfect spot for grilled meat or fish. Then off to Bolivia's National Astronomical Observatory! Enjoy a beautiful projection and explanation that will take you up to the sky and observe the stars for yourself, only visible from our southern hemisphere!
Morning visit to the "La Ruta Los Encantos de la Victoria" project, starting with a tour of the Hacienda "El Bien te Fue". This is Don Eusebio Añazgo's farm, where you can taste ambrosia and milk-derived products. Enjoy a country-style breakfast with Creole milk. Discover the many animals that live on the farm. We then head to Don Lorenzo's, where you can learn more about "corn chicha" and taste corn-derived products such as "Anchi" and "Arropé". To round off the morning, we head off to the Potager Biodinámica La Abrita, where you will learn all about blueberries and enjoy juices and infusions made from medicinal plants. This tour is also spiritual, and you will be accompanied by Álvaro and Rosmery. On site, you will enjoy a country-style lunch, cooked in small clay pots. You will enjoy typical dishes prepared over a wood fire in small clay pots.After lunch, departure for the town of Tupiza (approx. 4/5 hours' drive). Overnight stay in Tupiza.
Departure on horseback for Quebrada de Palmira. Pass through the Devil's Gate before reaching Quebrada Seca and its beautiful, colorful canyons. Continue to the Toroyo site on the banks of the San Juan de Oro river. Return to Tupiza via La Torre, Entre Ríos and the famous Angosto site.
Departure by private 4x4 vehicle to Uyuni. Discover the train cemetery on the outskirts of town.
Morning departure for the Lipez region. Drive through the village of San Cristobal, relocated following the arrival of a mining company. On the way we discover the Valley of the Rocks where erosion has created strange shapes of several meters high, magically placed on the sandy ground. Before reaching our destination, we stop to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the Cascada canyon. Arrival in the village of Villamar in the late afternoon.
The ride continues to the thermal baths of Polques (4000m/13123ft). The bravest can take a bath and swim with the backdrop views of Chalviri Lagoon.Continue towards the crossing border with Chile. On the road, we can see the famous "Dali Desert" with its supernatural landscapes colored in light ocher tones scattered with isolated rocks.Finally, we reach the end of Bolivia. We will see the White Lagoon but especially the Green Lagoon (4300 m/14107ft) characterized by its emerald color at the foot of the volcano Licancabur... (very windy area).Crossing through a pass at around 5000m/16404ft, before reaching the site "Sol de Mañana" located at 4.850m/15912ft. This is an area characterized by bubbling mud pot, fumaroles and the smell of sulphureous vapors. Ride to reach the Red Lagoon, an extended break is necessary to contemplate this exceptional lagoon. It hosts pink flamingo colonies that strutted in front of our eyes.Continue through the way to the Siloli Desert, this one is composed of many geomorphologic formations including the famous "stone tree". The surrounding landscape is plenty of multicolored mountains.A few more kilometers are necessary before joining « Hotel del Desierto ».
The route continues northwards, along the border with Chile by the route "1001 Lagoons". A succession of several splendid lagoons (Honda, Ch'arkota, Hedionda and Cañapa), some of which are home to colonies of pink flamingos...mind-blowing. The surrounding landscape combines with multicolored mountains. Each place brings different facets with eclectic landscapes. We take a rest to stretch the legs and contemplate the Ollaguë and Tomasamil volcanoes. Crossing above the Chiguana salt flat will close this wonderful day. Arrival in the village of San Pedro de Quemez in the late afternoon.
Small detour necessary to go to the small Galaxy cave, which is an unique place...Arrival to Uyuni Salt Flat, which despite of having seen it before in images or photos, we will feel glimpse beyond our imagination. Its immaculate surface make us dream, the atmosphere is special: the horizon seems to not have any limits and the immensity is overwhelming. Splattered by several islands, where we can take pictures, have a picnic... but above all we will meditate on the greatness natural beauty of the world.Short hike (45 minutes) to discover Incahuasi (Fish Island)through a small path. This island is the home to giant cacti magically placed... it is simply indescribable. In the afternoon, ride to the village of Colchani. Opportunity to visit a small salt farm in the village. Sunset on the salt flat.
Departure by private vehicle for Uyuni airport. Flight from Uyuni to La Paz (daily morning flights except Saturday). Reception at La Paz airport and transfer to hotel.Rest of the day free.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the historic city center of La Paz. The tour starts at the central station of the red cable car. In addition to our English-speaking guide, a "special" guide will show us around the city in his own way. A "shoeshiner" will accompany us throughout the morning. After a cable car ride, we set off to visit various markets. Our first stop is the potato market, where we discover the dehydrated potato variety, las tuntas and los chuños, a local variety with a very special taste and smell. Next, we enter the fish market, where we mainly find trout, straight from Lake Titicaca. The fish arrives every morning between 3.30 and 5.00 a.m., and the cholitas start setting up their stalls. Then we head off to the neighborhood where you will find all the stores where the cholita paceña buys her uniform: fabrics, clothes, hats and jewelry. Very coquettish, the cholitas go so far as to match their jewelry to the color of their contact lenses. Once you get to know this world, you will understand why it's more profitable for a cholita to pay a bodyguard than risk having an earring stolen. A vicuña jacket, for example, can fetch up to 15,000 dollars. Take a break for a Bolivian culinary experience at the Ali Pacha restaurant. Its fine, refined cuisine will surely surprise you.Afternoon devoted to a walking tour of La Paz to soak up the atmosphere of this surprising and endearing city. Discover the colorful traditional markets, the colonial quarter, Plaza Murillo or Calle Jaen, La Paz's most beautiful colonial street. To round off this wonderful day, dinner at Gustu, one of South America's finest restaurants. It offers both national and international gourmet cuisine. Its "tasting" menu will delight your taste buds, with a sophisticated yet authentic menu, using the ancestral knowledge of traditional cuisine and the products offered by the Bolivian soil.
Meet your guide at 09:00 in your hotel lobby. You will head off to El Alto to visit the Manq'a gastronomy school.For several years now, the MANQ'A gastronomy school in El Alto has been training young men and women from underprivileged backgrounds and with school difficulties to gastronomy professions: work with local producers to set up short distribution circuits, traceability and hygiene, nutrition and fight against overweight, valorization of traditional products and recipes, management and promotion of an establishment, technical training in cooking... You will discover traditional cuisine revisited with a gourmet twist! After lunch, meet Glenda Yañez, cholita, artist, designer and model. Glenda will present a Cholitas fashion show. We will discover the traditional clothing of Bolivian women: colorful fabrics, skirts and petticoats, hats and jewelry. All this in magical surroundings such as the Montículo viewpoint. At the end of the parade we will be able to dress up in traditional clothes and take some unforgettable photos.
From your hotel in La Paz, you will be driven to Alto, a suburb of La Paz.You will discover a natural dye workshop run by a community of women. You will receive a warm welcome.After an introduction to different types of plants and their virtues, you will join the women of the community in the preparation of natural dyes.A hearty lunch will be prepared and served in a convivial atmosphere.Afterwards, you will take part in the results of the dyeing process and discover the weaving workshop and its various machines.A small exhibition upstairs will give you a chance to discover the collections made from natural dyes, and perhaps take home some of the finest balls of alpaca wool. Lunch with the women of the workshop. Then we are off to another Alto district to discover the toy library, La Casita, and whose name was chosen by the children. The French international solidarity association C.I.E.L.O. is an NGO created in 1995, which manages numerous solidarity projects around the world, like the toy library.Since 2001, the association has been working on the outskirts of La Paz in Alto. The population there is considered to be the youngest on the South American continent.Its aim? To help improve the living conditions of the most underprivileged children and families by offering them a friendly place to relax and play. In Bolivia, three toy libraries were set up in 2001 and 2006 in the towns of El Alto (a suburb of La Paz).Here, you will meet Maria Teresa Alvarez, a Bolivian woman in charge of the toy library which opened its doors in 2001. Maria, who lives alone with her two daughters, administers this beautiful play area with great energy and enthusiasm.
Departure from the hotel by private vehicle for a transfer to La Paz airport (3 hours before international departure time).
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