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As Bolivia’s indigenous peoples have managed to hold onto many of their traditions, this country is often dubbed “the most quintessentially South American country.” While this tour focuses on the essential attractions in the city of La Paz, you will also discover magnificent landscapes in areas around the Bolivian capital. In La Paz itself, you will go on guided tours of the city, learning more about the history and culture of this urban area by visiting the city’s marketplaces, cultural institutions and plazas, while also interacting with the local people. In addition, you will travel to Lake Titicaca — so full of legends and mysteries — to explore the temples, people’s way-of-life, and bucolic landscapes of the various islands in this body of water. We will also explore Palca Canyon and its unique environment in the company of a professional guide. Here, you will find how eons of rain have sculpted the sedimentary rock into surreal geological formations that would make Salvador Dali feel perfectly at home. This well-designed 6-day/5-night tour will allow you to discover the superlative natural beauty of La Paz and its surrounding areas – quintessentially South American!
“We loved the Galapagos Islands. Both of our hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabella islands were excellent. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and directed us to the most interesting sights and wildlife. Thanks Surtrek for organizing an excellent trip.”
Today you will land at the El Alto International Airport, located 14 kilometers southwest of La Paz and situated at an altitude of 4,061 meters, making it one of the world's highest airports. A private English-speaking driver will pick you up at El Alto and drive you to your boutique hotel in La Paz, where you can check in, unpack and relax.
A busy metropolis at the foot of majestic snowcapped summits, La Paz is a city full of contrasts. This busy capital is a mix of both the ancient and the modern, as well as the occidental and the indigenous, which you as a traveler will discover. This city is an eminent center for government, assemblies, culture and religion, with colorful and bustling mercados (markets) that are among the most picturesque in South America.
AM: Your private driver will pick us up in your hotel’s lobby at 09:00 a.m. for a full-day tour of the city and of Moon Valley. La Paz, world’s highest capital and elected in 2014 as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities, is surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes. From many parts of the city, we can admire the white summits of the Cordillera Real Mountains and the imposing summit of Illimani, the “protector of the city.” From the K’Illi K’Illi mirador (observation deck) and Laykakota Park, we will enjoy a panoramic view over the capital. We will also visit Montículo Park, in the bohemian Sopocachi district, which is the traditional place where lovers and newlyweds come for romantic pictures. From there, you can take a ride in one of La Paz’ new aerial “gondolas.” From these cable cars, you can view the city and the mountains, getting a sense of the social gaps while suspended above various neighborhoods. We will then drive to the south side of the city, across the rich "Zona Sur," leaving the city to enter Moon Valley. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility as you wander among lunar-like rock formations.
PM: In the afternoon, we will return to La Paz’ historic district to stroll through its colorful markets.
AM: Lake Titicaca... A name that evokes our childhood dreams, a true symbol of South America. The crossroads of the most ancient of Amerindian civilizations, a site of enormous historical significance, Lake Titicaca has fascinated explorers and conquerors alike through the ages. This morning, departing from the hotel at 9 a.m. via private transportation, we will drive up to the shores of this legendary destination. We will drive to the lake’s shores and along the foothills of the Cordillera Real mountain range until reaching the small and quiet city of Copacabana (3½ hours). All year long it attracts visitors seeking the peace and beauty of Lake Titicaca, as well as pilgrims who travel here to view the “Copacabana Virgin.”
PM: After lunch, you can observe the local tradition in which people “challar” their car (a ceremony that ensures protection to the vehicle and its driver for the rest of the year). We will also walk through the center of town to the market and the port, and visit the cathedral. At the end of the day, we will climb up Calvary Hill to watch the sun set over the magical lake.
AM: In the morning, a motorboat will take us across Lake Titicaca to the northern extremity of the Isla del Sol (“Sun Island”) (2 to 3 hours depending on weather conditions). We will visit of the Inca site of Chinkana and the Sacred Rock of the Incas, where it is believed that Manco Capac — the first Inca — was born.
PM: Returning to our boat, we will head back to the south of the island to see La Fuente del Inca (The Fountain of the Inca) and the ruins of the Pilkokaina Palace. Finally, a short ride will take us to the Isla de la Luna (Moon Island), where we will visit the “Ñustas” temple, or the Temple of the Virgins. Return by boat to Copacabana, we will then return to La Paz in private transportation (about 3½-hours).
AM: We will pick you up at your hotel in a private vehicle at 9:00 a.m., and head out of La Paz to Obejuyo Pass and Animas Valley. On this excursion, you will not only discover the incredible Illimani mountain range, but experience Palca Canyon, where eons of rain have sculpted the sedimentary rock into surreal geological formations that would make Salvador Dali feel perfectly at home.
PM: We will return to La Paz in the afternoon, passing through the small scenic village of Ventilla, while the route back to the capital will also provide an astounding view of the Royal Cordillera mountain range.
AM: This morning, a private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport, bringing to an end this intriguing introduction to Bolivia’s colorful capital city.
| Persons | |
| Double | |
| 2 | US$ 2,931 PP |
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