Highlights Of Bolivia

Guide

A tour leader will be with you for the duration of the tour

Meals

All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included. Some of the lunches are box lunches while others are restaurant meals. Where meals are not included, your leader can recommend a variety of local restaurants. Drinking water will be provided in large containers to minimise the amount of single-use plastic bottles; please bring a refillable bottle with you. Bolivian cuisine is a fusion between Spanish and Andean traditions and varies from one region to another. In the lowlands, fruit, vegetables, yucca and fish are abundant whereas in the altiplano these are less readily available and there are more spiced dishes to combat the cold. Bolivian cuisine has a reputation for its meat dishes but corn (maize), quinoa and potatoes are also part of the staple diet. Common street food and snacks include salteñas (baked pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables), buñuelos (sweet or savoury bread, often stuffed with cheese) and papas rellenas (deep-fried battered stuffed potatoes). Popular main dishes include pique a lo macho (a kind of beef stir-fry, served with chunky chips), picante de pollo (spicy chicken) and tucumanas (a sort of pasty). In Sucre, try mondongo (crispy fried pork called chicharron, which is usually accompanied by corn, potatoes and a rich chilli sauce) and in La Paz sample a sandwich de chola (pork sandwich).

Others

All listed activities Arrival and departure transfers (for group flights only)

Transport

A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary depending on group size: travel is by boat, 4×4, private minibus/coach and three internal flights. In Uyuni, we spend three days exploring the salt flats and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve by 4×4. There will usually be four passengers per vehicle. The boat from Copacabana to/from Isla del Sol is a private boat. Crossing the Tiquina Strait is done on a shared ferry service.

Accommodation

10 nights hotels, two nights in a salt hotel and two nights in an ecolodge – all nights based on twin-share. The hotels usually used are listed within the itinerary and below; occasionally these may vary by departure date due to availability. The hotels are generally a three-star local rating and have been carefully selected for their location, quality and character. Accommodation standards in Bolivia are generally lower than their South American counterparts and standards of accommodation on this trip vary from one location to another. Wifi service in remote locations can be slow to non-existent (e.g...Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca). Our hotel in Santa Cruz is contemporary in style; rooms have air conditioning and there is an outdoor swimming pool. Accommodation choice within Samaipata is limited and so we stay at Hotel Quinta Piray, located on a hillside with views over the valley, about a few kilometres from town – it’s fairly simple accommodation but has a pool and lovely gardens, so is a very tranquil spot. De Su Merced Hotel is a large converted colonial house with a rooftop terrace and the rooms are furnished with antique furniture. In Potosí, our accommodation is simple but has character and is close to the town centre. Salar de Uyuni tours have a reputation for being a bit tough (and due to location most are) but we have selected some of the better hotels available. Probably the highlight will be our night at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, a unique property built entirely from salt, from the walls, floors and ceilings to the furniture and sculptures. It has hot water and heating (electric/central depending on the room), a games room, and a viewing room to observe the starry nights, sunsets and sunrises across the salt flats. In La Paz, we stay in the comfortable Hotel Qantu, which is located on a busy street but close to the famous Witches Market and around the corner from the Basilica of San Francisco. Should you wish to extend your stay, your sales representative can also arrange extra nights in Santa Cruz for you before or after the tour. Single supplements should be requested at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included