Tailor Made Bolivia: Lake Titicaca & the Uyuni Salt Flats
- Expedition Type [ Tailor Made ]
- Difficulty [ Moderate ]
- Activities [ Camping, Hiking, Hydrofoil, Llama Trekking, Speed Boat ]
- Duration [ 7 Days ]
Expedition Timeline
Bolivia is a country of extremes - from the heights of Lake Titicaca to the blinding-white nothingness of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the country is as breathtaking as it is remote. Sample its culture in La Paz, and then set off for Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Cruise from island to island to hike through pre-Columbian relics and visit local indigenous communities. Then set off for the Uyuni Salt Flats, where you camp on the shores of this stark natural wonder and explore it on foot and 4x4 vehicle under spotless blue skies.
- Day 1
Arrive La Paz, Bolivia
Arrive at La Paz Airport, where you are greeted by an A&K representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your expert guide for a briefing and set off on a city tour to familiarize yourself with La Paz. Meander its colonial streets as well as its more contemporary neighborhoods, making a stop at an Indian handicraft market and a witch doctor’s market. Venture out to the Valley of the Moon, where hillsides have eroded into an unforgettable lunar-like setting. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Hotel Europa [ D ]- Day 2
La Paz/Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, drive alongside the Royal Range of the Andes, absorbing the breathtaking panoramic views. Arrive at the shores of Lake Titicaca, the Inca's “Divine Lake.” At 12,580 feet above sea level, it is the highest navigable waterway in the world. Stop in Copacabana, a town famous for its pilgrimages and shrine of Bolivia’s patron saint, the Morena Virgin. A hydrofoil cruise brings you to Moon Island for an archaeological trek to Iñak Uyu, the Sun Virgin Temple. It is said that the most beautiful Incan maids were sent here to maintain an eternal sacred fire and eventually become the brides of the Inca nobles. The temple is considered to be one of the most important ruins on the lake. Continue on to Sun Island to visit Pilcocaina, the Sun Temple ruins. Embark on a panoramic llama trek to lodge, located at the top of the island. The afternoon is at leisure to spend exploring your surroundings, interacting with the local native community and marveling at the spectacular Andean views.
Posada del Inca Eco-lodge [ B L D ]- Day 3
Lake Titicaca/La Paz
This morning climb the Inca-built staircase to Inca Springs, where you can taste the waters from the “Sacred Fountain.” After lunch, board a hydrofoil to Huatajata Harbor and visit the Andean Roots Eco-Village, a unique cultural experience highlighting the folkloric heritage of the local Indian communities. Return to La Paz later today.
Hotel Europa [ B L D ]- Day 4
La Paz/Uyuni Salt Flats
Today depart the hotel in 4x4 vehicle and drive along asphalt and dirt roads to Oruro and Jirira, your campsite on the border of the salt flats. Known in Spanish as “Salar de Uyuni,” this arid, windswept region lies at 11,995 feet above sea level and covers an area of about 4,085 square miles. About 40,000 years ago, it was part of a lake that covered a large swath of the Andes; nowadays it is the world’s largest salt lake. Your tents will be set up complete with beds, heaters and electric blankets — the salt flats are considered a desert region, so expect extreme weather conditions, from freezing night temperatures to fierce sun. Enjoy a gourmet dinner while watching the sun dip into the horizon.
Camp [ B L D ]- Day 5
Uyuni Salt Flats
The Uyuni Salt Lake is a colossal body of water covered in white salt. Marvel at the vast, disorienting whiteness and expansive desert landscape of this calm and tranquil place, contrasted against mountain peaks, colorful flamingos and bright blue sky. Continue by jeep to wildlife-rich Isla Pescado for a top-to-bottom hike of the island. Enjoy lunch in the middle of the salt flats and afterward continue on to your hotel, made entirely out of salt blocks.
Hotel Luna Salada [ B L D ]- Day 6
Uyuni Salt Flats/La Paz
Drive back to La Paz in 4x4 vehicles. The remainder of the evening is free for you to relax at your hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s journey home.
Hotel Europa [ B L ]- Day 7
Depart La Paz
After breakfast, drive to the airport to board your onward flight.
[ B ]
Departure Dates & Pricing
Various Departure Dates can be arranged. Please tell us your preferred travel dates on the reservation form.