Bolivia Discovery 23 Bbd

Day 1 Arrive La Paz

This is an arrival day. There are no activities planned, so after checking into the hotel, set out to explore the city. Go to La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) as it is a great place to discover on foot. Arrive in La Paz, but be careful as the altitude, and the resulting lack of oxygen may affect you. It may take a little time to acclimatize to this, but you will probably not even notice it before long. Take it easy for the first day or two, and cut back on alcohol and cigarette consumption to minimize the effects. You may also find that your appetite is reduced. This is no cause for alarm, but simply a reaction to the altitude. Drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day. Founded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is the highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian centre of commerce, finance and industry, and the de facto capital. This is a busy modern city, with its centre at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide and sprawling impromptu housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is at nearly 4000 m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings. Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. Visit the black market and Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. It will not be difficult to find shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods. Try one of the optional activities in La Paz which include museums, excursions to Tiahuanaco ruins (cradle of Inca civilization), or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600 m/18,368 ft). To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.

Day 2-4 Sucre

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Sucre and prepare to meet your G Adventures leader. Sucre is a fascinating, historic town, so take the time to explore the variety of museums and colonial buildings. Often referred to as Bolivia’s White City, the country’s official capital, Sucre, is situated at nearly 2800m (9184 ft) above sea level and offers its visitors and inhabitants a more moderate, comfortable climate than cities at a higher elevation. Before the conquest, military, religious and political leaders of the local indigenous population made their homes on the present day city site. The site became the headquarters for the Spanish Royal Court, which by the late 1700s ruled over colonial Paraguay, parts of Peru, Argentina, Chile, and most of Bolivia. In 1825, in the wake of the Latin American independence movement, the city was renamed Sucre, after Simon Bolívar’s second-in-command, General Antonio Jose de Sucre. The city’s fine museums, colonial buildings and ties to the independence movement make it a city of great historical interest. Optional activities include a visit to dinosaur footprints, an old tin baron’s mansion, a textile cooperative, mountain biking and hiking. La Paz to Sucre Estimate trael time: 45 minutes

Day 5 Potosí

Situated at 4070m (13,350 ft), Potosí is the highest city of its size on earth. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its tragic history in the mining of silver during the time of Spanish colonization. Potosí provided a large share of the silver mined and shipped back to Spain until the early 1800s, when both the supply of silver and world market prices began to decline; it’s said the silver taken out of Cerro Rico (rich hill) propped up the Spanish empire for over 300 years. Working conditions for miners were appalling, and a large portion of the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous people and Africans died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Though sometimes distressing and uncomfortable because of the harsh working conditions, make sure to experience the trip underground into the mines of today. It is not to be missed. Sucre to Potosi Approximate distance: 79.31km Estimate travel time: 3 hours

Day 6-8 Uyuni/Salt Lakes Excursion (2B, 3L, 2D)

Spend three days in the stunning landscapes between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert (Chile), exploring by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Driving across the salt flats is a fantastic experience, particularly for the contrast of piercing blue skies and blinding white salt on the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes, and geysers is like nowhere on earth. Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia’s Favourite Daughter). Most of its hardy residents are either Public Sector workers or salt miners in the dried out lakebeds, with tour operators a close third. The main attraction in town is the Train Cemetery, a collection of rusting railway relics, just southwest of the present train station. It is also the starting point for our 3-night excursion through the spectacular Salar de Uyuni in 4X4 vehicles. Twice submerged by a large, high-altitude lake, the salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and are one of the country’s main salt mining centres. The last large lake dried up about 8000 years ago, leaving the small lakes of Poopó and Ururu, as well as the salt flats of Uyuni. Absorb stunning views of the salt-encrusted lakebed surrounded by golden-hued mountains, snow-capped peaks and an endless azure horizon that will forever engrave itself in your memory. The tour takes us through Laguna Colorada, 4278 m/14,031 ft (a large red lagoon, the colour of which is due to algae & plankton growth in the mineral-rich waters), and Laguna Verde, at 5000 m (16,400 ft), a striking blue-green lake (high concentrations of lead, sulphur, copper and other minerals). The numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, and thermal baths, and Licancabúr volcano 5960 m (19,549 ft), which looms just behind the lagoon, are clear evidence of the region’s association with volcanic activity. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape; this includes vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos (3 varieties), and assorted varieties of cacti. Return to Uyuni from the salt lakes excursion and catch the night bus/train on the night of Day 9 back to the bustling city of La Paz, arriving by midday the following day. Potosi to Uyuni Approximate distance: 149km Estimate travel time: 6 hours

Day 9 Train to La Paz

Return to Uyuni from the salt lakes excursion and catch the night bus/train on the night of Day 9 back to the bustling city of La Paz, arriving by midday the following day.

Day 10 La Paz

Explore or shop in one of the many markets of La Paz during this free day. The city is an especially good place to buy textiles and leather-work. Make sure to visit the Witches’ Market – it’s not everywhere you can buy a dried llama fetus (locals bury them under a new house for good luck, as a stillborn fetus is revered as an offering to Pacha Mama, or Mother Earth). Today is the last day to get your final taste of this unique country. Uyuni to La Paz Approximate distance: 462.97 km Estimate travel time: 10 hours

Day 11 Depart La Paz