Bolivia and Chile Tour

Today you arrive in La Paz, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

The city awaits on our walking tour.

Instead of exploring the main tourist areas however, we prefer to take you a little bit off the beaten track and will take you on a tour of a different kind. Exploring life of the communities of El Alto, visiting local markets, learning about the traditions of the indigenous Cholitas and hopping on the transport locals travel with every day.

Afterwards you will have a real insight into life of the diverse population of Pazenos.

Today you fly to the beautiful city of Sucre, UNESCO world heritage city and constitutional capital of Bolivia.

After checking into your hotel a half day tour of the city awaits in the afternoon, which shows you the most important monuments such as Casa de la Libertad, the beautiful baroque cathedral and several other churches in the old city (including two museums).

You have the evening to experience the vibrant restaurant and pub scene of this dynamic city.

There is plenty to do and see in Sucre so we suggest you spend a day to do just that.

You can choose to have a day on your own, or we can arrange optional tours for you, such as a visit to see the nearby dinosaur footprints, a visit to the traditional and beautiful Tarabuco Market (Sunday only).

Or perhaps the diverse community project of Jatum Yampara where you can see the traditional way of life in rural communities and learn about weaving, llama herding and the challenges the community faces today.

Today we arrange a private transfer to Potosi (or you can take a local bus). On arrival we check into our hotel, and have the rest of the day to explore the city.

The “Rich Mountain” that overlooks Potosí is the main source of silver in the area and the mining industry has shaped the city. We have left the afternoon free for you to explore but can arrange optional tours.

A visit to the Casa de Moneda gives a fascinating insight into the world of silver and coin production that brought riches to the city in the times of the Spanish Conquistadores.

Time to climb to yet higher altitudes as we get the bus to the remote town of Uyuni.

Roads are surfaced and the changing scenery will make the 4-hour bus ride pass quickly, with plenty to look at.

On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel in the small town of Uyuni.

Today we have an unforgettable journey through 12,000 km ² of fantastic landscapes of salt. Prepare your camera! The dazzling white mantle of the Uyuni Salt Flat resembles an immense ice-field.

We drive onto the salt flat at the village of Colchani, centre of the salt factories. We visit one of these and learn about the families that are dependent on salt mining for their livelihoods.

We then visit the part of the salt plains where mounds of salt are collected, and from here we will head towards Incahuasi Island. You can set off to climb to the summit where you get a fabulous view, 360 degrees.

We have a box lunch on the island and then head toward the dominant and magic Volcano Thunupa whose slopes house the Chantani Museum. The museum is home to ceramics and silent mummies. We drive some way up the volcano and visit the Coquesa Mummies museum.

We will spend the night in the Tayka Salt Hotel.

We leave the salt flat and head to Charagua, a pretty place of corals and goat farmers. It will take us one hour, via a bumpy road, to arrive at the Burnt Town of San Pedro de Quemes, where we will leave the car to go and wander through its small streets and view the buildings which have inspired the hotel Tayka of Stone.

We take lunch in the Hotel of Stone. There is the optional Shepherding of Llamas trip, spending an hour or so helping a shepherd or shepherdess with the llamas, a vital part of life in the Salar.

In the afternoon we drive towards the lagoons – Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda and Ramaditas, replete with flamingos happy to be photographed! Other birds, such as Andean gulls and ducks, accompany the flamingos in these lagoons, which are flanked by snow-capped volcanoes.

Next we enter the deserts of sand. These fantastic deserts are owners of the whole palette of terracottas. Red, oranges, ochers, coffees and beige – every bend in the road there are more colours, fighting for your attention. In front of the most impressive of these palettes of colours is the Hotel Tayka of the Desert, with private bathrooms, hot water and environmental heating waiting for us.

An early start today at 05.30, towards the Eduardo Avaroa and Flora and Andean Fauna Reserve and then the famous Stone Tree.

Next we travel to the Red Lagoon to observe the great population of flamingoes, then we’ll see the Morning Sun Geysers to catch them at their most active moment. This will be the highest point on our route, we will be at nearly 5,000m/16,404ft.

Here, noisy fumaroles and splooshing mud puddles make the earth seem to boil in reddish, grizzly, scarlet mud.

The desert and salt flat of Chalviri is another superb scene. It combines the dazzling white, the ochres of the desert, the blue of the water, and, in one of its corners, we can to take a dip in the hot springs of Polques.

Today is a day full of highlights, as next in line is Ladies of the Desert, a master piece created by the the wind and the Andean peaks around, with crazily shaped rocks in fantastic colours, all moulded by the winds. Nearby is the Green Lagoon, at the foot of Volcano Licancabur, another pearl of the reserve.

From the Green Lagoon we return to the Red Lagoon, have lunch, and then watch as the shifting sun helps to change its colour from a woody red to a blood red colour.

We then cross the border to Chile at the remote border crossing at Hito Cajones, and travel to San Pedro de Atacama where we check into our hotel.

A free morning to recharge you travel batteries and explore San Pedro.

Then, in the late afternoon we head to the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range), where you will visit the Valley of the Moon (“Valle de la Luna”) that forms part of the National Flamingo Reservation.

This unique place is famous for its natural rock sculptures, one of them being “Las Tres Marias” (The Three Mary’s) formed by the wind erosion, Next, visit Death Valley (“Valle de la Muerte) where salt formations resemble works of art.

Finally, end your trip with a magical sunset at the Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points of the “Cordillera de la Sal”.

If night skies allow, we include a star gazing tour tonight, in an area that sees so little light pollution that it is famous for its starry nights.

After breakfast we take a short drive after which we will be dropped off at the Catarpe tunnel at the the top of the Salt Range.

From here we start our 2.5 hour trek into the heart of the Valle de la Muerte, tackling the sand dunes and with stunning views of the Valley.

We return to San Pedro for lunch, and in the afternoon we head on a shared tour to the Puritama hot springs, 33km north of San Pedro at 3,500m/11,483ft.

Here there are natural pools with waters between 30°C and 33°C.

There are bathrooms and dressing rooms connected to the pools by wooden walkways. A lovely, relaxed way to end your stay here.

Today you will be transferred to Calama airport (90mins), for your flight to Santiago.

On arrival you will be taken to your hotel, with the evening free to explore this vibrant capital city.

We start our city tour with a visit to Santa Lucia Hill, where the city was founded in 1541.

This hill is located in the heart of the city and it gives us an overview of the centre of Santiago.

Then, we walk to Lastarria Neighborhood, a cultural, gastronomic and tourist centre, considered since 1996 as a typical zone of Santiago.

Our tour continues through the Parque Forestal until reaching the bohemian Bellavista neighbourhood. Continuing to the San Cristobal Hill, we take the funicular and we ascend to the Immaculate Conception Sanctuary, where the statue of the Virgin Mary is located. From here we enjoy of a great view of the entire city.

Finally, we descend to return to our hotel in Santiago.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or why not add some extra days in Chile!

Land-locked Bolivia is a country of dramatic landscapes and fascinating native cultures and traditions.

The Altiplano or “High Plain”, averaging 3,800m, is its most populous region. The vast, luminous plateau is flanked to east and west by parallel Andean ranges.

La Paz, the world’s highest capital, lies in a deep canyon at the edge of the Altiplano, and at the foot of Illimani (6,400m). It is a striking city for its dramatic setting and its strong Indian character.

Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake. It was sacred to the Incas; according to legend, their founding emperor-gods rose from these waters to give birth to their empire. Just south of the lake stands the sacred pre-Inca site of Tiahuanaco.

On the south-western Altiplano are the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest in the world. Here, the shimmering white salt pan and deep blue sky combine to create a truly magical spectacle.

The stunning Cordillera Real is a mountain range dominated by huge snow peaks, including Illimani and Illampu (6,380m). The Real divides the northern Altiplano from the tropical forests to the east. The Cordillera Real’s eastern slopes are characterized by the deep, sub-tropical Yungas gorges.

Further south, the tropical Chapare is the agricultural heart of Bolivia. East of this band of high forests and plantations lies Bolivia’s Oriente, a vast swathe of Amazonian jungle and savanna accounting for 2/3 of the country and featuring some of the last untouched wilderness on earth.

In the north-eastern Department of Beni, some 50% of the country’s mammals and birds reside. Below, and in no special order, we outline some of the top places to go and things to do.

Bolivia lies within the tropics, between latitudes 10º and 22º south. The climate, as varied as its geography, is affected by latitude and, especially, by altitude.

The best time to travel is the winter (dry season) between May and Oct when, typically, weather systems over the Andes are stable, and overall you can expect bright sunny days and cold clear nights. Most of the rain falls from Dec to March. Climate can be divided into these distinct zones:

The Andes and the Altiplano

There is relatively little precipitation on the Altiplano, especially in the dry season – most rainfall is from Dec to March. However, there is periodical, localised rain on high peaks and valleys all year round.

The further south and west you go on the Altiplano, the drier are the conditions; around Uyuni, semi-arid conditions prevail. The Andean sun’s rays are very strong.

Temperature-wise, the Andes and Altiplano experience significant fluctuations over a single day. At 4,000m, the pre-dawn temperature can drop to -15ºC, while noon temperatures at the same location can reach 20ºC.

Southerly cold winds mean the southern Altiplano is not only drier, but also noticeably colder and windier than the north (pre-dawn temperatures at Uyuni in July regularly drop to -20ºC).

On treks in the Cordillera Real in the dry season, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m (where pre-dawn temperatures sometimes reach -15ºC); warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings. Conditions are generally dry, but note that mountain weather is fickle and localised, and precipitation is not unusual in the dry season.

Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.

The city of La Paz (3,630m) is relatively sheltered. Average high/low temperatures range from 1-17ºC in June and July (coldest months) to 6-19ºC in Nov and Dec (warmest months). In June and July, it rarely rains more than 1 or 2 days per month, while in January there are on average 15 wet days.

The tropical lowlands & yunga (Amazon)

Year-round, weather conditions in the Amazon basin are hot and humid and always with the chance of rain.

There is a  ‘cooler’, drier winter season between May and October. During this ‘dry season’, the average daytime high temperature is between 25-31°C and the average nighttime low is between 16-22°C.

In the dry season, heavy downpours typically occur every few days.

Note that around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Bolivia’s northern lowlands – occurs in the wet season, Nov-April.

On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – surazos – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9°C. (Surazos usually last between 1 and 3 days).

The Yungas shares the same dry/wet months but varies from quite wet to very wet depending on whether it is the ‘dry’ or rainy season. Average temperature is 24°C.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

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Overview

Bolivia has an incredibly local and varied set of weather systems, which means you need to be prepared for almost every eventuality.

When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Bolivia, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.

The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.

It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains and in cities like La Paz. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.

It can rain at any time, so always have a poncho/waterproof jacket handy.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

Below is a more detailed guide.

Detailed kit list

• Medium weight parka or a down jacket.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers. The jacket needs to be water proof and roomy. Side-zip pants are recommended.
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts – no cotton
• 2-3 short-sleeve T-shirts – no cotton
• 2 pair of hiking trousers- cotton or synthetic material (no jeans)
• 1 fleece or sweat trousers (for cold evenings)
• 2 pair hiking shorts
• Long thermals – synthetic or wool – light to medium weight top & bottoms.
• 2-3 mid-weight (wool or synthetic) socks.
• 2-3 liner socks if needed
• Athletic-type socks, several pairs, city use
• Hiking boots that are waterproof and well broken-in.
• Running/tennis shoes or sandals are very comfortable when you are in cities
• 1 lightweight wool sweater or windproof fleece
• 1 wool or synthetic warm hat.
• 1 light sun hat with a wide brim.
• 1 pair of medium-weight wool or synthetic gloves
• Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
• Sunglasses with UV filter.
• Scarf for cold.
• Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
• Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
• Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
• Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
• Insect repellent (just in case)
• Towel & wash-kit.
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
• Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
• Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
• Penknife.
• Travel alarm clock.
• Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other to help pass the time.
• Binoculars.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

Miscellaneous others

• Money belt.
• Passport.
• U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• ATM cash/credit card.
• Any inoculation certificates.
• Personal & medical insurance certificates.
• Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
• Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life.

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.

You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.

What is ATOL?

The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.

And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

Who is covered?

To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).

If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.

If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?

If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.

We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.

If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.

You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.