Bolivia Sojourn

Nestled high in the Andes at over 11,000 feet above sea level, La Paz is a city like no other—where dramatic mountain landscapes, rich indigenous culture, and colonial charm come together in an unforgettable blend.  Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and escorted to the luxurious Casa Grande Hotel in the hear of the city’s upscale Zona Sur. 

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey through Bolivia’s stunning highlands, where snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real rise beyond Aymara villages nestled in sweeping Andean landscapes. Arriving at the serene shores of Lake Titicaca, board a hydrofoil to begin your exploration of this sacred body of water—the highest navigable lake on Earth.  Sail first to Isla de la Luna (Moon Island), where the Temple of the Sun Virgins stands in quiet solitude. This ancient Inca sanctuary, once home to chosen maidens, still echoes with spiritual tradition and timeless stone artistry. Continue to legendary Isla del Sol (Sun Island), believed to be the birthplace of the Inca sun god. Climb the Grand Inca Stairs to the Sacred Fountain, said to bestow youth and vitality through its mineral-rich waters. Enjoy a traditional lakeside lunch, then cruise onward to Copacabana, a charming lakeside town graced by the Shrine of the Dark Virgin and a lively local market filled with color and culture. As twilight settles, cross the Tiquina Strait and step into the mystical realm of the Kallawayas—ancestral healers of the Andes. A ritual coca leaf reading by Tata Benjo offers a window into ancient wisdom, followed by dinner and celestial stargazing at the Alajpacha Native Observatory.  Meals B+L+D

Start your morning with a peaceful breakfast by the glistening shores of Lake Titicaca, where the still waters reflect the sky and snow-draped peaks. Then step into the Andean Roots Eco Village. With its recreated dwellings and mortuary towers of the indigenous Chipaya and a chance to see skilled artisans at work, this indoor + outdoor museum is the perfect introduction to the history, people and cultures of Bolivia’s Altiplano region. You’ll also meet members of the Limachi family, best known for building the reed boats that the Norwegian ethnologist Thor Heyerdahl used in his celebrated ocean crossings. Return to La Paz for a locally inspired lunch at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants. In the afternoon, just six miles from bustling downtown La Paz, you’ll discover the ethereal landscapes of Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon). This maze of canyons and spires was formed over eons by the gradual erosion of the region’s clay and sandstone mountains. Return to the contemporary and welcoming Hotel Casa Grande. Meals B+L.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Uyuni—the gateway to Bolivia’s breathtaking southwest, where some of the planet’s most surreal landscapes await. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and set out on an unforgettable adventure across the dreamlike expanse of the Altiplano.  Outside of town, the unusual Train Graveyard is filled with the rusted, hollowed-out remains of early 20th-century locomotives and train cars. Spread across the high-altitude desert, they bear witness to a grand 19th-century scheme to transform Uyuni into a major South American rail hub. The plans, however, were abandoned owing to technical obstacles and political tensions with neighboring countries.
 
In the small town of Colchani, you’ll observe and learn about ancient methods that are still in use today to harvest salt from the region’s vast deposits. This community sits at the edge of the famed Uyuni salt flats, and from here you’ll continue deeper into these extraordinary landscapes. Spread across a vast expanse of more than 4,000 square miles, this is the largest salt bed on Earth – the remains of prehistoric seas that evaporated long ago. When nearby lakes overflow, a thin layer of water can spread across the flats to create a breathtaking mirror-like reflection of the sky.
 
Stop at the quirky Salt Museum and the bubbling “Ojos de Agua” springs, where subterranean waters break through the salt crust.  Continue to Isla Incawasi, a cactus-covered island that rises unexpectedly from the flats. Surrounded by silence and shimmering light, stroll among giant cacti and ancient coral formations while taking in the awe-inspiring 360° views.  As the sun sinks low, casting the Salar in shades of gold and rose, you’ll head to your extraordinary accommodation at Luna Salada Salt Hotel—crafted entirely from salt and perched on the edge of this magical landscape. Enjoy a candlelit dinner and, if skies are clear, gaze up at a dazzling canopy of stars for a truly unforgettable end to the day.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day journey into the remote and rugged beauty of the Cordillera de los Frailes, a seldom-visited mountain range in the Bolivian Andes. This high-altitude region offers a striking blend of volcanic ridges, open sky, and vast puna plains, revealing a side of Bolivia few travelers ever see.
 
As you ascend through this evolving landscape, the arid terrain gives way to a collection of volcanic lagoons, nestled in the hills near the colonial village of Tomave. Each lagoon is uniquely colored—ranging from jade green to milky turquoise—their hues created by the mineral-rich earth that surrounds them. Isolated and pristine, these lagoons offer peaceful contrast to the stark white of the nearby Salar de Uyuni.
 
Travel onward through the Andean wetlands, where the open plains are alive with movement. Here you’ll encounter llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing freely beneath the watchful eyes of Andean condors and other native bird species. This thriving ecosystem is vital to both local wildlife and centuries-old cultural practices.  Reach the vividly colored Green Lagoon, glowing emerald under the shifting light, followed by the serene Baby Blue Lagoon, a freshwater lake home to trout and seasonal flamingos. These peaceful waters offer both natural beauty and essential resources for nearby communities.  Continue to the Juramari Desert, at over 14,000 feet, where wind and time have sculpted surreal rock formations in shades of red and ochre. Before returning, stop at the Little Red Lagoon, its deep rust color a final visual highlight.  Return to the Luna Salada Salt Hotel for dinner, where panoramic windows and starlit skies frame a perfect close to a spectacular day of high-altitude discovery.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, embark on a private overland journey from Uyuni to Potosí (WHS), a historic Andean city perched at over 13,000 feet above sea level, and one of the world’s highest towns. The drive winds through the starkly beautiful landscapes of Bolivia’s southern highlands—where rolling plains and rugged mountain ridges define the route. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of remote mining settlements and expansive Andean vistas.  Upon arrival in Potosí, begin a half-day guided city tour of one of the most legendary cities in the Americas. Known as the “Colonial City of Silver,” Potosí rose to fame in the 16th century as the richest city in the New World. Towering above it is the fabled Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain), once believed to have produced enough silver to build a bridge all the way from Potosí to Madrid.
 
Explore the city’s well-preserved colonial architecture and learn about its global significance during the Spanish Empire. Visit La Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint), an extraordinary museum housed in a sprawling stone building. Here, you’ll see original wooden coin-stamping machinery used to mint silver coins for the Spanish Crown—offering a sobering look into the exploitation of mineral wealth and labor during colonial rule.
 
Following your tour, depart for Sucre (WHS), Bolivia’s elegant constitutional capital. The descends through increasingly temperate valleys, with rolling green hills replacing the stark highlands—signaling your arrival in a city of whitewashed facades and colonial grace.  Upon arrival, check in to the Parador Santa María La Real, a charming boutique hotel that reflects the refined colonial ambiance of Sucre’s historic heart.  Meals B

After breakfast, meet your expert local private guide for a full-day cultural exploration of this charming and history-rich city. Begin your tour with a visit to the Museo de Arte Indígena, dedicated to the textile traditions of two Quechua-speaking indigenous groups who live in the surrounding mountains Admire the intricate Andean textiles and observe local weavers at work, preserving centuries-old techniques that reflect the region’s living cultural heritage.
 
Continue to La Recoleta, a 400-year-old Franciscan monastery set on a hilltop plaza with fine views over Sucre. This serene spot provides the perfect backdrop to understand the city’s colonial past and spiritual traditions.  Next, stroll down the city’s main streets, where whitewashed facades, elegant balconies, and blooming courtyards create a graceful atmosphere unique to Sucre. Your guide will share stories of independence, colonial architecture, and daily life as you pass key landmarks like Plaza 25 de Mayo and the historic Casa de la Libertad.  Visit the San Felipe de Neri Monastery, an 18th-century architectural gem. Climb up to its rooftop for a remarkable panoramic view over the city, where church domes and spires punctuate the skyline. Learn about the monastery’s religious significance and admire its blend of Baroque and neoclassical styles. Return to your boutique hotel in the late afternoon, where you’ll have the evening at leisure to relax or explore more of the city at your own pace.  Meals B

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the Sucre Airport for your morning flight to La Paz, where you’ll be warmly met and escorted to your hotel.  Later in the day, set out with your expert resident guide for a captivating half-day city tour and museum experience. La Paz offers a striking blend of past and present—where pre-Hispanic heritage, colonial grandeur, and modern innovation intersect in a truly unique urban tapestry. Begin your walking and driving exploration through the city’s most vibrant districts, including the Indigenous and Colonial Quarters, and visit the colorful Indian Market and the mystical Witch Doctor’s Market, where age-old Andean healing traditions continue to thrive.  Marvel at the views as you board the Teleférico—La Paz’s innovative cable car system—and soar above the city for a stunning aerial perspective of its dramatic topography and daily life below, framed by the majestic Mount Illimani.
 
Your cultural journey continues with visits to the Gold Museum, home to a dazzling collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, and the Mamani Mamani Art Gallery, where vibrant works of Aymara symbolism and Andean cosmology come to life.
 
Enjoy dinner this evening at Gustu, one of Latin America’s most acclaimed restaurants. Founded by Claus Meyer, co-founder of Noma, Gustu highlights Bolivia’s culinary diversity and native ingredients through artfully presented tasting menus. With a focus on sustainability, local sourcing, and culinary innovation, your meal here is both a gastronomic journey and a celebration of Bolivia’s rich food heritage.
 
Meals: B+D

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for your onward flight. Meals B