Luxury Travel Bolivia | Urbane Nomads | Sample Itinerary Bolivia

Magical Realist South America

In an itinerary that spans the
extremes of South America- taking in the
landscapes of the Andean Altiplano and
Patagonia, covering the highest navigable
lake in the world, the largest salt pans in
the world and the driest desert in the
world. You'll also be in the best place for
stargazing- the clearest skies with the least
light pollution, geysers with the highest
settings in the world and all-round
enchanted scenery.
Day 1 Lima: Arrival in Hugo Chavez Airport. Be met and
transferred to hotel. Based at the Miraflores Park Hotel, the finest in the city, this forms an ideal base for your independent exploration of the city on the first day.
Day 2 Cuzco: Transfer to the Lima airport for a flight with destination Cuzco, heart of the Incan Empire. Be met and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to allow for acclimatization to the altitude.
Afternoon dedicated to visit one of the most
beautiful towns of the Peruvian Sierra:
Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and the four ruins: Tambomachay, Pukapucara, Sacsayhuaman and Q’enko. Lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Please note: visitors are not accompanied by a guide on this flight.
Flight details to be communicated to visitors
upon arrival in Peru.
Day 3 Machu Picchu: Departure from Cuzco to Poroy, departure
point of the very luxurious Hiram Bingham
train, at 9:00 a.m. A brunch is served on
board. Arrival at Aguascalientes train station
at around 12:20 p.m. From there, we take a
bus to the site of Machu Picchu. Afternoon
dedicated to the visit of the site. Tea break at
the Sanctuary Lodge hotel, in close
proximity of the site.
Night at the hotel. Meals included.
Please note: the Hiram Bingham train does
not operate on Sundays.
Day 4 Cuzco: Second day dedicated to the visit of the site of Machu Picchu. Lunch included at the hotel.
At the end of the afternoon, connection with
the train at Aguascalientes station.
Dinner on board included. Reception at
Poroy and transfer to the hotel in Cuzco.
Day 5-6 Titicaca: In the morning, departure in a private vehicle
to Puno, town located on the shores of Lake
Titicaca.
Wonderful landscapes along the road. We go over the Raya Pass, at an altitude of 4320 meters.
Visits of the Pukara Museum, of the
archaeological site of Raqchi and of the
“Sistine Chapel” of the Andes in
Andahuaylillas. Transfer to the hotel in Puno at the end of the
afternoon.
This evening you'd have the option of
sundowners on a private island or you could
choose to enjoy the surroundings of the
hotel- one of the few places in the world
amazingly good for the soul.
Day 6
Dedicated to the discovery of the Titicaca
Lake. Visit the Uros floating islands and
Taquile(if you feel yourself sufficiently
acclimatized). You'd be amazed by the
sprightly inhabitants of Taquile islands who
climb hundreds of steep steps to bring in
their domestic supplies that are transferred to
them via the lake. The culture and traditions
of the inhabitants of Taquile island are also a
point of discussion by the fascinating guide
that will accompany you on your private
tour. Should you go on a full-day excursion,
combining the Uros and Taquile Islands in a
day, you will be having a picnic lunch on a
strip of beach unfrequented by most tourists.
Please note that extra costs are applicable for
this excursion.
Day 7-8: La Paz
Departure in a private vehicle for
Copacabana. On the road that skirts the lake,visit of the Chucuito site: temple dedicated to fertility, and stop in typical Aymara villages.
Reception at 11:30 a.m. (Peruvian time) at
the border post of Kasani by our Bolivian
team and transfer to Copacabana. Open visit
of the most interesting sites of the town:
Horca del Inca, the Cathedral…
Arrival in La Paz in private vehicle at the end of the afternoon. Hotel.
Day 8
9am meeting in the hotel lobby, before
transfer in private vehicle of the most
spectacular viewpoint of the city,
unbelievably located at the bottom of
Choqueyapu river canyon.
This tour, particularly designed for
photography enthusiasts, first takes us to the Jach´a Apacheta Mirador, on the edge of the precipice of the city of El Alto. Then we go to the K´Illi K´Illi Mirador and to the
Laykakota Park (closed on Mondays), on the
Northwestern side of the city.
Afterwards, we cross the Americas Bridge to
go to the “Plaza de España” Mirador, in the
colonial neighborhood of Sopocachi. From
there, an abrupt descent leads us to the
“South Zone”, passing through Llojeta and
the “Garden Cemetery”, and finally to the
Valley of the Moon, a place where we will
be able to walk between psychedelic looking
limestone formations.
In the afternoon our vehicle brings us back to
the City Center and drops us off in the heart
of the colorful and animated Andean market
of La Paz. Return to the hotel on foot,
accompanied by the guide.

Day 9-10: Colchani, San Pedro de Quemez, Siloli Desert
Photo courtesy of Getye

Departure from the hotel at 8 a.m. in a
private 4WD for a long ride south.
We cross the whole Altiplano and see very
remote parts of Bolivia- Bolivia is still
relatively undeveloped for luxury tourism.
We have however, chosen the best hotels en
route and the charm of these hotels is in its
true remoteness- literally in the middle of
nowhere. The Salar Uyuni trail is a
spectacular trek and this marks the beginning
of your journey in Bolivia. We skirt lake
PooPo and Uru-Uru and arrive in
Oruro (3 hours on a paved road). The town is
famous for its indigenous carnival, the most
important in South America after the one in
Rio de Janeiro. One and a half hour later, we
hit the dirt road in the village of Challapata.
We arrive in Uyuni, a small town located on
the shores of the Salar, at the end of the day,
later proceeding towards Colchani. You will
be based in the Luna Salada, a fascinating
Salt Hotel tonight.
Day 10:
9 a.m. departure from the Hotel in a 4WD for
the Salar de Uyuni , the world’s largest salt
desert. On the way, we visit the salt
exploitation of Colchani and the Salt
Hotels (closed since November 2001). We
then stop in the heart of the Salar on the
Island of Incahuasi. This island is of volcanic
origin and covered with stromatolites and
giant cacti. In the afternoon, we head south
towards the village of San Pedro de Quemez.
Day 11:
After leaving San Pedro de Quemez, we
cross the Salar de Chiguana. From there, the
dirt road climbs from 3600 m to about 4200
m of altitude. We pass at the foot of
volcanoes Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) and
Ollague (still active), on the Chilean border.
We stop at the mirador of volcano
Ollague, still active and sheltering one of the
world’s highest sulfur mines. We then skirt
the
Chilean border going south following the
“Road of the jewels”: lagunas Cañapa,
Hedionda, Ch’arkota, Honda, sanctuary to
three varieties of Flamingoes. The track
continue through the beautiful landscapes of
the Siloli Desert where our hotel is located.
Day 12-16: San Pedro de Atacama

We head south through the stark landscapes
of the Siloli Desert and its famous “Arbol de
Piedra” where we it is possible to spot
viscachas, to Laguna Colorada. The view
from the Mirador is breath taking. We then
visit the Sol de Mañana Geysers, a volcanic
crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and
heavy water. We stop at the Polques thermals
before skirting Laguna Salada and crossing
the Dali Desert (named after the scenery
reminiscent of one of his paintings).
We reach Laguna Verde, at the foot of
volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960
m.a.s.l.) before noon, to witness a curious
phenomenon: the wind picks up and the
waters of Laguna Verde change to a
spectacular emerald color.
In the early afternoon, we cross the Bolivian
border at the Hito Cajon post. We arrive in
San Pedro , refreshing oasis in the scorching
Atacama Desert. We will be staying in the
San Pedro de Atacama for the next 4 days.
Your time in Atacama will be dedicated to
the discovery of the Atacama salt flats and
their surrounding attractions.
The Toconao village, Jerez valley, Chaxa,
Miscanti and Miñiques lagunas with their
volcanoes, village walks, horserides(do
check out the Quebrada del Diablo trek- one
of the toughest, but most fun, horse treks this
part of the world), visiting the Tatio Geysers
and the incredible, unforgettable scenery en
route to Puritama. Visits to pre-Inca
fortresses, followed by spectacular
sundowners (and possibly an impromptu
stargazing
session), exploring of remote valleys with
nary a visitor- all part of exploring the
Atacama desert, surely one of the most
beautiful parts of the world!
Day 16
Possible early morning excursion depending
on time of flight before transfer to Calama
airport.
Pick up at the Santiago airport and transfer to
the W hotel.
Day 17: Santiago
In the morning, transfer to the airport of
Santiago for your flight to the Patagonia.
Reception at the Punta Arenas’ airport and
transfer to the Torres del Paine National Park
in private vehicle. There are 3 hours first
until Puerto Natales and then you’ll go on
until the park with many stop for pictures.
Arrived at the Explora Hotel for a 4-days allinclusive
stay. Cordillera Paine room. All
included.
Day 18-21: Torres del Paine
Discovery of the park in small groups. Based
at the Explora hotel, you will be
experiencing Chilean Patagonia at its most
rarified. With an excellent assortment of
Patagonian horses and trekking equipment,
you will be spending your days seeing
Patagonia the way it's best seen- on
horseback, or trekking through ice caves.
Day 21
Early morning departure in a private van to
come back to civilization.
Return to Punta Arenas airport to take your
return flight to Santiago
Reception at the airport and transfer to the W
hotel.
Meals not included.
Day 22
Departure from Santiago.
This itinerary can be shortened to exclude Patagonia at the end or otherwise tweaked to suit your needs. USD18,700 pp on double occupancy basis. Prices are only indicative

In an itinerary that spans the extremes of South America- taking in the landscapes of the Andean Altiplano and Patagonia, covering the highest navigable lake in the world, the largest salt pans in the world and the driest desert in the world. You'll also be in the best place for stargazing- the clearest skies with the least light pollution, geysers with the highest settings in the world and all-round enchanted scenery.

Day 1 Lima: Arrival in Hugo Chavez Airport. Be met and transferred to hotel. Based at the Miraflores Park Hotel, the finest in the city, this forms an ideal base for your independent exploration of the city on the first day.

Day 2 Cuzco: Transfer to the Lima airport for a flight with destination Cuzco, heart of the Incan Empire. Be met and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to allow for acclimatization to the altitude. Afternoon dedicated to visit one of the most beautiful towns of the Peruvian Sierra: Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and the four ruins: Tambomachay, Pukapucara, Sacsayhuaman and Q’enko. Lunch and dinner at the hotel. Please note: visitors are not accompanied by a guide on this flight.
Flight details to be communicated to visitors
upon arrival in Peru.

Day 3 Machu Picchu: Departure from Cuzco to Poroy, departure point of the very luxurious Hiram Bingham
train, at 9:00 a.m. A brunch is served on board. Arrival at Aguascalientes train station at around 12:20 p.m. From there, we take a bus to the site of Machu Picchu. Afternoon dedicated to the visit of the site. Tea break at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel, in close proximity of the site. Night at the hotel. Meals included. Please note: the Hiram Bingham train does not operate on Sundays.

Day 4 Cuzco: Second day dedicated to the visit of the site of Machu Picchu. Lunch included at the hotel. At the end of the afternoon, connection with the train at Aguascalientes station. Dinner on board included. Reception at Poroy and transfer to the hotel in Cuzco.

Day 5-6 Titicaca: In the morning, departure in a private vehicle to Puno, town located on the shores of Lake
Titicaca. Wonderful landscapes along the road. We go over the Raya Pass, at an altitude of 4320 meters.
Visits of the Pukara Museum, of the archaeological site of Raqchi and of the “Sistine Chapel” of the Andes in Andahuaylillas. Transfer to the hotel in Puno at the end of the afternoon. This evening you'd have the option of sundowners on a private island or you could choose to enjoy the surroundings of the hotel- one of the few places in the world amazingly good for the soul.

Day 6
Dedicated to the discovery of the Titicaca Lake. Visit the Uros floating islands and Taquile(if you feel yourself sufficiently acclimatized). You'd be amazed by the sprightly inhabitants of Taquile islands who climb hundreds of steep steps to bring in their domestic supplies that are transferred to them via the lake. The culture and traditions of the inhabitants of Taquile island are also a point of discussion by the fascinating guide that will accompany you on your private tour. Should you go on a full-day excursion, combining the Uros and Taquile Islands in a day, you will be having a picnic lunch on a strip of beach unfrequented by most tourists. Please note that extra costs are applicable for this excursion.

Day 7-8: La Paz
Departure in a private vehicle for Copacabana. On the road that skirts the lake,visit of the Chucuito site: temple dedicated to fertility, and stop in typical Aymara villages. Reception at 11:30 a.m. (Peruvian time) at
the border post of Kasani by our Bolivian team and transfer to Copacabana. Open visit
of the most interesting sites of the town: Horca del Inca, the Cathedral… Arrival in La Paz in private vehicle at the end of the afternoon. Hotel.

Day 8
9am meeting in the hotel lobby, before transfer in private vehicle of the most spectacular viewpoint of the city, unbelievably located at the bottom of Choqueyapu river canyon. This tour, particularly designed for
photography enthusiasts, first takes us to the Jach´a Apacheta Mirador, on the edge of the precipice of the city of El Alto. Then we go to the K´Illi K´Illi Mirador and to the Laykakota Park (closed on Mondays), on the
Northwestern side of the city.

Afterwards, we cross the Americas Bridge to go to the “Plaza de España” Mirador, in the colonial neighborhood of Sopocachi. From there, an abrupt descent leads us to the “South Zone”, passing through Llojeta and the “Garden Cemetery”, and finally to the Valley of the Moon, a place where we will be able to walk between psychedelic looking limestone formations. In the afternoon our vehicle brings us back to the City Center and drops us off in the heart of the colorful and animated Andean market of La Paz. Return to the hotel on foot, accompanied by the guide.

Departure from the hotel at 8 a.m. in a private 4WD for a long ride south. We cross the whole Altiplano and see very remote parts of Bolivia- Bolivia is still relatively undeveloped for luxury tourism. We have however, chosen the best hotels en route and the charm of these hotels is in its true remoteness- literally in the middle of nowhere. The Salar Uyuni trail is a spectacular trek and this marks the beginning of your journey in Bolivia. We skirt lake PooPo and Uru-Uru and arrive in Oruro (3 hours on a paved road). The town is famous for its indigenous carnival, the most important in South America after the one in Rio de Janeiro. One and a half hour later, we hit the dirt road in the village of Challapata. We arrive in Uyuni, a small town located on the shores of the Salar, at the end of the day, later proceeding towards Colchani. You will be based in the Luna Salada, a fascinating Salt Hotel tonight.

9 a.m. departure from the Hotel in a 4WD for the Salar de Uyuni , the world’s largest salt desert. On the way, we visit the salt exploitation of Colchani and the Salt Hotels (closed since November 2001). We then stop in the heart of the Salar on the Island of Incahuasi. This island is of volcanic origin and covered with stromatolites and giant cacti. In the afternoon, we head south towards the village of San Pedro de Quemez.

After leaving San Pedro de Quemez, we cross the Salar de Chiguana. From there, the dirt road climbs from 3600 m to about 4200 m of altitude. We pass at the foot of volcanoes Tomasamil (el. 5900 m.a.s.l.) and Ollague (still active), on the Chilean border. We stop at the mirador of volcano Ollague, still active and sheltering one of the world’s highest sulfur mines. We then skirt the Chilean border going south following the “Road of the jewels”: lagunas Cañapa, Hedionda, Ch’arkota, Honda, sanctuary to three varieties of Flamingoes. The track continue through the beautiful landscapes of the Siloli Desert where our hotel is located.

We head south through the stark landscapes of the Siloli Desert and its famous “Arbol de Piedra” where we it is possible to spot viscachas, to Laguna Colorada. The view from the Mirador is breath taking. We then visit the Sol de Mañana Geysers, a volcanic crater from which escape sulfuric fumes and heavy water. We stop at the Polques thermals before skirting Laguna Salada and crossing the Dali Desert (named after the scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings). We reach Laguna Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m.a.s.l.) before noon, to witness a curious phenomenon: the wind picks up and the waters of Laguna Verde change to a spectacular emerald color. In the early afternoon, we cross the Bolivian border at the Hito Cajon post. We arrive in San Pedro , refreshing oasis in the scorching Atacama Desert. We will be staying in the San Pedro de Atacama for the next 4 days. Your time in Atacama will be dedicated to the discovery of the Atacama salt flats and their surrounding attractions. The Toconao village, Jerez valley, Chaxa, Miscanti and Miñiques lagunas with their volcanoes, village walks, horserides(do check out the Quebrada del Diablo trek- one of the toughest, but most fun, horse treks this part of the world), visiting the Tatio Geysers and the incredible, unforgettable scenery en route to Puritama. Visits to pre-Inca fortresses, followed by spectacular sundowners (and possibly an impromptu stargazing session), exploring of remote valleys with nary a visitor- all part of exploring the Atacama desert, surely one of the most beautiful parts of the world! Day 16 Possible early morning excursion depending on time of flight before transfer to Calama airport. Pick up at the Santiago airport and transfer to the W hotel.

Day 17: Santiago
In the morning, transfer to the airport of Santiago for your flight to the Patagonia. Reception at the Punta Arenas’ airport and transfer to the Torres del Paine National Park in private vehicle. There are 3 hours first until Puerto Natales and then you’ll go on until the park with many stop for pictures. Arrived at the Explora Hotel for a 4-days allinclusive stay. Cordillera Paine room. All included.

Day 18-21: Torres del Paine
Discovery of the park in small groups. Based at the Explora hotel, you will be experiencing Chilean Patagonia at its most rarified. With an excellent assortment of Patagonian horses and trekking equipment, you will be spending your days seeing Patagonia the way it's best seen- on horseback, or trekking through ice caves.

Day 21
Early morning departure in a private van to come back to civilization. Return to Punta Arenas airport to take your return flight to Santiago Reception at the airport and transfer to the W hotel. Meals not included.

This itinerary can be shortened to exclude Patagonia at the end or otherwise tweaked to suit your needs. USD18,700 pp on double occupancy basis. Prices are only indicative.

An itinerary that combines the extremes of Latin America- you'll find yourself waking up perched over the highest navigable lake in the world one morning, buying love potions in a witches' market in the highest city in the world the next, journeying through the world's largest salt pans for a couple of days before ending up in the driest desert in the world at the end of your trip. A journey of superlatives with the most surreal landscapes inspired by the magical realist tradition of South America!

Magical Realist South America