Bolivia in 8 days
Day 1
Early breakfast at the hotel then we leave Santa Cruz de la Sierra to explore the Amboro nature preserve. Hike over to Samaipata pre-Incan ruins. Picnic style lunch provided along the hike route. We’ll return to the city for dinner at a local restaurant. Take time to explore the city and relax.
Day 2
We fly out of Viru Viru airport to Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia. Enjoy a guided city tour and have lunch in the city center. This is a good time to visit the shops and get acclimated.
Day 3
We head to explore the geologic history of this area, including a visit to the Cretacic Park. This park is the site of one of the largest single tracks of dinosaur footprints in the world.
Day 4
Breakfast at a local restaurant then we set out to Potosi, home of the largest silver mine in the world. El Cerro Rico is but a shadow of what it once held, but the loaded history of Potosi is plenty rich. Potosi is the highest city in Bolivia, so we’ll take it easy for the day. Outings will include a trip to the Casa de la Moneda, where money was minted for the Spanish crown.
Day 5
An early morning to begin our journey to Uyuni and then the salt flat. We head to Colchani to observe the process of extracting the salt. Lunch will be at the Isla Pescado, a surreal island in a sea of salt, covered with cacti that are estimated to be hundreds of years old. After lunch we’ll continue on to a small town for the night and where we’ll be able to have dinner.
Day 6
Wake up to a home cooked breakfast then set out to hike to the Ollague volcano. After the morning hike we begin our trek south to the Eduardo Avaroa Preserve where we’ll see different colored lagoons and various flamingos. Accomodations are very basic due to location, but a must in order ot enjoy the spectacular views. We spend the night at the Laguna Colorada. At night we’ll have sky viewing if weather cooperates.
Day 7
The last day in the salt flat. Time to visit some thermal baths and geysers. After a bit of relaxing, we head back out into the desert where we’ll find rock formations worthy of Dali’s imagination. A long drive back with a stop for lunch will have us back in Uyuni by early evening.
Day 8
Done with our Salt Flat exploration we’ll head back to Sucre and catch a flight to Santa Cruz. Trip extensions are available. Among the possibilities: Explore the Jesuit Missions, venture to the jungle for wildlife viewing or visit La Paz.
Included: In-country transportation and transfers, lodging, guided tours and all meals. Contact us for price.