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BOLIVIA
SMALL GROUP TRIPS
Beyond the Altiplano
18 days
Ref: BA
A land infinitely contemptuous of man, which dwarfs and elevates
the spirit'. Bolivia's giant salt lakes, towering Andean peaks,
daunting Altiplano inhabited by the hardiest of Indian communities,
and the vast tracts of tropical jungle are a lure and inspiration
for the intrepid traveller.
Astonishing Altiplano Scenery
From La Paz (3636m) we begin our journey through the striking landscapes
of the altiplano, a remote area between two spurs of the Andean
mountains and home to the condor, llamas and only a few villagers.
We pause at the lonely ruins of the once powerful Tiahuanaco empire
to admire the mysterious carvings; then head south to Uyuni. From
here we drive out to the largest salt lake on the planet - a remarkable,
icy-looking pan with distant mountains, crusty volcanoes and strange
cacti, suspended beneath intense blue skies.
Potosi Silver & Indian Markets
At Potosi we'll visit a mine in the 'Silver Mountain' and wander
through the splendid colonial buildings, before tackling a breathtaking
journey down to the sleepy but captivating city of Sucre. From Candelaria
we mingle with the throng at Tarabuco market, where multi-skirted
women with bowler hats, pigtails and infants strapped securely in
crimson ponchos, trade intricate weavings. Men in white tunics barter
freeze dried potatoes or fresh vegetables from the lowlands.
Tropical Jungle & Titicaca
Flying east over the Andes, we emerge into a green world of tropical
jungle. A five-hour canoe ride along the bubbling River Tuichi brings
us to an eco-lodge, lazily grouped around the banks of the lake
and run by indigenous Indians. Toucan, golden macaw, whitefaced
howler monkey, piranha, armadillo and capybara are plentiful. We
spend two nights here to really experience the rainforest. Finally,
we fly back to La Paz, nestling in a basin below Mount Illimani
(6380m), and overnight on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Itinerary
1 Fly London/La Paz.
2 Arrive La Paz.
3 Walking tour; visit Tiahuanaco; bus to Uyuni.
4 Bus to Jijira.
5 Full day visit to Salt Desert and Fish Island.
6 Bus Potosi.
7 Visit mine in 'Cerro Rico' Silver Mountain.
8 Bus to Sucre.
9 In Sucre; orientation tour; bus to Candelaria.
10 Visit Tarabuco Indian market; fly La Paz.
11 Fly Rurrenabeque.
12 By motor-canoe to eco-lodge in Madidi NP.
13 & 14 In Madidi NP; jungle explorations; return to Rurrenabeque.
15 Fly La Paz; drive Puerto Perez on Titicaca.
16 Visit Lake Titicaca; drive La Paz.
17 Fly London.
18 Arrive London.
Dates and Prices
Depart | Return | Price | Fri, 25th Jul 08 | Mon, 11th Aug 08 | £2,179 | Fri, 15th Aug 08 | Mon, 1st Sep 08 | £2,179 | Fri, 3rd Jul 09 | Mon, 20th Jul 09 | £2,225 | updated: 22/07/08 09:09:47. |
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to main Bolivia page
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Group trips usually have between 10 - 18 people, with a good
mix of male and female, singles and couples, with most aged
between 25 - 55. They are run by a number of specialist companies
that we have worked with closely for many years. If you are
travelling by yourself, or enjoy the sociablility of other
like minded travellers, these are the trips for you.
All prices include air fares from London.
Footloose can book these trips for
you, at no extra cost, and give you the benefit of our personal
advice and service. We can also organise different flights
and add-on excursions.
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