We send a registered letter to the whole family upon registration.

Dear children,

In the year 1534, its Majesty the King of Spain gave me the honor to name me governor of Nueva Toledo, including the territories between Cuszco and Taltal.
The indigenous say that these lands are very fertile and rich in gold.
Living at the time in Cuzco, I decided to go explore my new domain myself.

Six month were necessary to prepare the expedition: I hired in Cuzco and Lima, equipped my men with arms, tools, horseshoes, powder and other indispensable utensils.
Not knowing what the future had in store for us, I decide to take the fabulous treasure that Hatahualpa had gathered to buy his freedom: Hatahualpa and his brother Huascar ruled then over the Tawantinsuyu, the famous Inca kingdom.
Invited by the Spanish Francisco Pizarro, the Inca Emperor Atahualpa went to Cajamarca in Northern Peru. Atahualpa, who was presented with the sacred books, refused to convert to Christianity. He supposedly even threw the sacred book to the ground. The Spanish used this pretext to massacre the Emperor’s escort as well as the whole village. The Inca King being kept prisoner, its men collected an extraordinary quantity of gold and silver to obtain his freedom but in vain.
Pizarro sentenced Atahualpa to death and hung him in his cell on August 29th 1533.

In July 1535, we reached the shores of Lake Titicaca. 500 Spanish, 100 black slaves, 10.000 Indians, a true army!
On the shores of the lake, we kept on encountering Incas who would talk of Tiwanaku and Wirakocha.
But we then had to cross Cordillera of the Andes.
At 4.000 meters of altitude, cold, hunger and exhaustion caused the death of Spanish, Indians but mostly black slaves, not used to this rigorous climate.
To salvage the expedition, I decide then to hide our treasure to alleviate the burden of my troupes and ordered a small group to go find help among the Indigenous people.

Today, September 1er September 1536, I am starting my return trip to Cuzco. No one knows what I left behind.
Not knowing what the future has in store, I leave with you, my children, the keys to this treasure.

It possesses, they say, the extraordinary property of changing depending on who finds it;
If it is a beggar, it will take the shape of a thousand gold coins.
If it is a painter or a poet, it will be his inspiration.

What will it be in your hands, you who will maybe find it, there, in these forsaken lands? ...

To protect this fabulous treasure, I cut the map in six piece, the first is included in this letter.

To find the other fragments of the map, you will need to cross the ocean and to climb mountains as I have done before you.

Once in La Paz, you will have to go to the place described below and follow the lead that I left there.

Created by what we call erosion, I am a place of hoodoos and goblins. Let yourself be guided by the mysterious sound of the Quena.

In the hope that my clues, with the help of God, will lead you to Atahualpa’s treasure.

Diego de Almagro

Enigmas and tests adapted in function of the child’s age.
In the case you are unable to solve an enigma or find a clue, you can contact Terra Andina.

Program

Day 1: DEPARTURE FROM YOUR COUNTRY

Pick up at the airport (flight number and arrival time to be confirmed) and transfer to hotel (check in time 12 p.m.; if you wish to have a room upon arrival, it is possible to pay for one extra night, check with us).
Rest of the day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Day 2: LA PAZ / PANORAMIC TOUR – VALLEY OF THE MOON

Meeting in the hotel hall at 9 a.m. for a discovery, in private transportation, of the most spectacular viewpoint over the city, unbelievably located at the bottom of the Choqueyapu river canyon, with the Royal Mountain Range “Giants” as the background: Huayna Potosi, Mururata and Illimani.
This tour, particularly designed for photo lovers, first takes us 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 takes 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 sandstone formations.
Return to the center at lunchtime. Afternoon open.
The letter send from France before departure mentions a clue in the Valley of the Moon when an Indian in traditional dress and playing quena will surrender one the missing parts of the map and the next enigma.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Day 3: LA PAZ / CITY TOUR ½-day

At 9 a.m. we meet with our guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of La Paz, a city located at almost 4000 m.a.s.l.: Sagárnaga street and its local handicraft market (one of the most famous of South America), witches’ street, San Pedro’s food market, the historical center and the colonial neighborhood.
Clue to be found in the witches’s street, meeting with someone who will ask a question on the costumes or legends and will entrust the 3rd missing part of the map 3 as well as the enigma leading to the third meeting place. In the afternoon, we suggest an English-speaking guide to take your kids to the zoo and/or attraction park of La Paz. Leaving an open afternoon to the parents.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

Day 4: LA PAZ – TIWANAKU – LA PAZ - HUATAJATA

Departure from the hotel at 9 a.m. in our private vehicle for the archaeological site of Tiwanaku (1h30). Guided tour of the pre-Colombian vestiges counting amongst the most important of the continent. Do not miss the recently built litho museum that presents the monumental pieces discovered on the site. In the afternoon departure for pour Huatajata, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Lunch and dinner open. Local lodging.
In Tiwanaku, the information necessary to solve the current enigma will be unveiled.

Day 5: HUATAJATA – LAKE TITICACA - KALAHUTA – PARITI ISLAND/Traditional sailboat

Departure from the hotel at 10:30 a.m. In the afternoon, we raise the sails of our authentic multi-colored fishing boat and take off for a pleasant journey on the minor lake. The winds take us to the Island of Kalahuta, where some of the nicest pre-Colombian vestiges are located.
We then return to our boat for the short crossing to Pariti Island, our favorite place on Lake Titicaca! Totally preserved, surrounded by a tight mesh of totora (weeds out of which are built the typical boats of Lake Titicaca) giving it a very special charm. The island shelters a small museum where are located the most beautiful potteries of the Tiwanaku culture, collected during recent excavations on the villages plaza. We enjoy a relaxing evening contemplating the sunset over the lake from the crest.
All included (cold lunch). Night in the home of local host or in the village school.

Day 6: PARITI ISLAND – TIQUINA - COPACABANA

We cross towards the Tiquina Straits, separating the larger from the smaller part of the Lake. After a 3 to 5-hour crossing (depending on the weather conditions), we land on the South shore, not too far from the village of Tiquina, where our private vehicle awaits us to take us to Copacabana (45 min).
In the afternoon we visit the most interesting sites of the town.
We climb the Way of the Cross to view the sunset over lake Titicaca (remember to bring a headlamp for the descent).
Cold lunch. Dinner open. Hotel / lake view.

Day 7: COPACABANA – YAMPUPATA – ISLA DEL SOL – CHINKANA – YUMANI / 25 km mountain bike ride

From Copacabana, we head on our bikes towards the extremity of the peninsula and the village of Yampupata (accumulated elevation gain of 800 to 900 meters / 15 km). From Yampupata, our private motorboat takes us to the North of Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) and the vestiges of Chinkana, an Aymara word meaning “the labyrinth” (2½-hour).
We discover the Sacred Rock of the Incas, from where God Viracocha gave birth to his son Manco Capac, the first Inca. We then follow, on our bikes, the trail of the crests, heading north / south for about 2 hours (short up hills and down hills / altitude between 3900 and 4000 meters / 10 km).
Paper chase in the ruins to find the 4th piece of the map as well as the next enigma.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging at María and Ismael’s house (basic comfort).
Note: from the pier all the way to the Chinkana site, steep uphill of a few hundred meters where we will need to carry our bikes on our backs.

Day 8: YUMANI – COPACABANA – REFUGE SANTOS (el. 4400 m.a.s.l.)

In the morning, we return to our boat to reach the site of Pilkokaina located south of the island. This palace was built by Inca Tupac Yupanqui for its pilgrimages on the island. We then return to Copacabana (2 to 3-hour crossing by motorboat).
After lunch, we start our drive towards the Cordillera Real and the Santos shelter located in the middle of the Cordillera Real. His shelter was created by the Aymara Qala Uta Qala Uta association (stone house in the Aymara language). The community built a beautiful shelter, in cooperation with the PRAIA foundation. A great example of community ecotourism and development.
Cold lunch. Dinner included. Night in the shelter.

Day 9: SANTOS MOUNTAIN SHELTER (el. 4400 m.a.s.l.) / INITIATION TO CLIMBING

Qala Uta offers two areas equipped for rock climbing. The site offers numerous climbing routes right across from the shelter. The routes are all bolted and vary in grades (5 to 7 French grades / 5.6 to 5.12 US grades). There is also a bouldering area nearby.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in the shelter.
Initiation to climbing under the supervision of specialized local guides. Discovery of the sport, great learning opportunity in all safety in a unique location in the middle of the Cordillera Real.
Will condors meet you on top? Unless you find the clue to solve the enigma...
Cold lunch. All included. Night in the shelter.

Day 10: QALA UTA SHELTER (el. 4450 m.a.s.l.) – LAGUNA PALCOCO (el. 4650 m.a.s.l.)

LLAMAS CARAVAN / initiation to orientation (use of map + compass)
In the morning, we help prepare the llama caravan…. It is not that simple, a very particular technique is indeed necessary!
Once the llamas charged, we follow their rhythm to reach the base camp la camp of Condoriri. On the way, a strong complicity can develop between llamas and hikers of any age.
There is no turning back: we now have to cross the great barrier of the Cordillera. It will be accomplished via the lost pass of Chiqapa (el. 5100 m.a.s.l.), from where we descend towards laguna Palcoco We set up camp near the abandoned shacks of the old mine.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 7h; Elevation gain/loss: +850m/-450m

Day 11: LAGUNA PALCOCO - LAGUNA SISTAÑA – LAGUNA JURIKHOTA (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.) / LLAMAS CARAVAN

We circumnavigate the Wawanaki range and slowly climb to laguna Sistaña.
We clear a pass (Janchallani, el. 4910 m.a.s.l.) to reach laguna Jurikhota (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.).
We set up camp next to the lake near the Condoriri. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain/loss: +310m/-260m

Day 12: LAGUNA JURIKHOTA – LAGUNA CONGELADA – PASO AUSTRIA - LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA (el. 4670 m.a.s.l.) / LLAMAS CARAVAN

From Laguna Jurikhota we begin by ascending up a steep slope to reach, an hour and a half later, the Laguna Congelada, (two glaciers literally fall into its icy waters), a jewel nested at an altitude of 4900 meters at the foot of El Condoriri (el. 5650 m.a.s.l.).
From there we keep climbing to a second pass (Paso Austria, 5120 m.a.s.l. / one hour ascent) before descending on the other side towards El Condoriri and El Pequeño Alpamayo base camp, at the edge of Laguna Chiarkhota (el. 4670 m.a.s.l. / 1½-hour descent).
Just before reaching the pass, we have the option to climb Pico Austria (el. 5300 m.a.s.l.) to admire the incredible views it offers over the Cordillera Real (45-minute climb, 20-minute descent).
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain/loss: +460m/-490m

Day 13: Day 13: LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA – TUNI / Cordillera Real / LLAMAS CARAVAN

We charge the llamas again for this beautiful day of descent towards le village of Tuni. After about 2 hours hiking, we reach the Aymara village of Tuni, where the families of the project TUNI-TERRA (community tourism – valorization of Aymara and Andean territory – the entire project can be communicated upon demand) welcome us. Visit of the village, installation and typically Andean lunch.
In the afternoon, a local guide takes us on a few-hour walk in the Condoriri range, to tell us about the medicinal and nutritive plants used by the Aymaras.
In the evening, Andean gastronomy (you are welcome to participate in the preparation of the meal) then traditional Andean evening. A group of musicians from the nearby village will spend the evening with us. It is a great opportunity to try yourselves at some dance steps as well as joining in the conversations around the fire.
Note: Lodging in cabins respecting the Aymara habitat and comfort necessary to a European clientele (toilets, showers, chimney fueled by llama droppings, cleanness, etc…).

Day14: TUNI / day of sharing with the community

The inhabitants of this small community (about 50 inhabitants) share their daily life in the heart of the Cordillera, this life happening at the rhythm of the “pastoreo” of the llamas, the collection of medicinal plants, the legends associated with all the surrounding summits (and there is no lack of them!), the traditional cooking, work in the mines and, why not, a day in the local school for the smallest ones… etc… All included. Night in the community Eco Lodge.
Note: The result of long years of friendship between the members of the community (some of them are guides, muleteers or cooks on our treks since the creation of the agency) this project of Eco Lodge as for goal to accompany the community of Tuni in the promotion of the life style of the traditional Andean culture, through the practice of a real responsible tourism and an opening on the world.
Encounter with one of the village children, discovery of the 5th piece of map and of the following enigma.

Day 15: TUNI – LA PAZ

In the morning, we share the village life and learn about the local activities: The importance of the llamas, the education of the children, beliefs and ceremonies, social organization of an Aymara village.
We leave the community at 2 p.m. in our private vehicle, after taking a nice Andean lunch. We skirt Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real until we arrive in El Alto and starting our impressive descent into La Paz (2-hour about).
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.

Private 4WD expedition La Paz to La Paz.

Day 16: LA PAZ – ORURO - UYUNI

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. 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 (4 to 5 hours from Challapata on a swampy track).
Lunch on the way (included). Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel.

Jour 17 : UYUNI – SALAR – JIRIRA

9 a.m. departure from the Hotel with our 4WD for the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.), the world’s largest salt desert. On the way, we visit the salt exploitation of Colchani and the Salt Hotels (closed since November 2001).
From the Salt Hotel, you will be responsible for finding the Island of Incahuasi and Fish Island with your map and compass. 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 (Stomatolites are fossilized bacterial colonies, first traces of life on earth). Hike on the Island of the Fish; spectacular views of the surrounding islands, the salar and the volcano of Tunupa (make sure you bring along some high top hiking boots).
Paper chase to find the last missing piece of the map and the enigma leading to the treasure.
In the afternoon, we traverse the Salar until we reach its Northern extremity at the foot of volcano Tunupa. We stop in Coquesa, another small village in the border of the Salar, famous for its Chipaya mummies, before returning to Jirira.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’ in the Aymara village of Jirira (basic comfort).

Day 18: JIRIRA / PARTIAL ASCENT OF VOLCANO TUNUPA (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.)

Guided ascent– no technical difficulty – good physical condition required
Early morning departure for the ascent of the volcano dominating the Salar (our 4WD vehicle drops us off on a dirt road, above the village).
Exceptional view from the mirador (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.) that we can reach in around 4 hours. The summit (el. 5400 m.a.s.l.) can’t be attempted, the ascent becoming too dangerous after the mirador (rock bands obstructing the way).
The treasure is not far. Look for it.
Return to Jirira in the afternoon.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’s (basic comfort).
Hiking time: 7h; Elevation gain/loss: +850m/-850m

Day 19: JIRIRA – ORURO - LA PAZ

Early departure for our long crossing of the Altiplano (8 to 10-hour journey). On the way we stop at the enormous meteorite crater of Tambo Tambillo. At around noon, we arrive in the village of Challapata, where the dirt road ends and the pavement starts. We follow this road to Oruro. On the way, we skirt the shores of lakes Poopo and Uru-Uru.
At around noon, we arrive in the village of Challapata, where the dirt road ends and the pavement starts.
Lunch on the way (included). Dinner open. Hotel.
The children have a baby sitter tonight to give the parents the chance of a quiet evening. City tour by night of La Paz with guide (restaurant or night out).

Day 20: LA PAZ – COROICO – LAS CASCADAS

Departure at 8:30 a.m. from our hotel in a private 4WD, in the direction of the Cordillera Real. After passing La Cumbre, a pass at 4750 meters of altitude, the Andes, abruptly drop below our feet. A few hundred kilometers lower as the crow flies, is the Amazon Basin!
Welcome to this incredible intermediate region called the Yungas, named after an ancient pre-Incan tribe that used to live on its steep slopes. As we drive down the winding road, the scenery becomes more lush, the air more humid, the wind yet warmer... more than 3500 meters of elevation loss to reach Yolosa (el. 1100 m.a.s.l.) in just a few hours!
To end the day, a steep, 7-kilometer uphill (650 m of elevation gain) takes us to the village of Coroico, the “pearl of the Yungas”.
Then transfer by 4WD to the Ecolodge “Las Cascadas”, lower Rio Coroico, en direction de Caranavi.
MAD MOUNTAIN BIKE DESCENT: Option to do the descent of the Death Road on a mountain bike.
Cold lunch. All included. Ecolodge / with swimming pool.

Day 21: LAS CASCADAS – RAFTING / KAYAKING – LA PAZ

We descend to the Coroico River, where our kayaks and rafts (your choice) await us. Surrounded by tropical landscape, we head to the river (about 4 hours), via the “Ensueño” (the charming) waterfall.
When we arrive at the place called Chojña, we get back to our vehicle and return to the lodge for lunch. We return to La Paz in the afternoon in a private vehicle.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel.
Note: plan some snickers or sandals, and a change of clothes. For the rafting, a minimum of 4 people is necessary.

Day 22: DEPARTURE

Pick up at our hotel in a private vehicle, 3 hours prior to flight departure time, for transfer to airport / international flight number and time to be confirmed.
Meals open.

CONFIDENTIALS PRICES 2009 (en € par personne) au 01/05/2009

Base 3 per: 2820
Base 4/7 per: 2480
Base 8/10 per: 22120
Base 11 and +: 2050

(Prices valid for confirmation until the 06/30/09. We have not received all price changes for 2009 yet; they can still be subject to fluctuation during 2009)

Options:
Single room: 210 € extra per person-
4/5-star hotels: 320 € de extra per person -
Single rooms in 4/5-star hotels: 450 € extra per person -

Note: The hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of confirmation of the tour. In case of unavailability, a hotel of equal quality will be booked. Warning: for the same category, hotel quality in Bolivia may be inferior to the one offered in Europe or the US.

Included

English translator:
*Day 1 and 22 for airport transfers
*Day 2: Panoramic tour
*Day 3: city tour + to take the children to the zoo in the afternoon
*Day 4: Visit of Tiwanaku
*Day 8 and 15: Santos shelter, initiation to climbing, trek and Tuni
Specialized Spanish-speaking guide in Tiwanaku
Entrance to parks and visits mentioned
Private transportation (Equipped 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser)
2/3-star hotels in twin or triple room including breakfast
Night with in the home of a local host
Meals mentioned
Trekking guide
Cook starting with 4 people (if less than 4 people, the guide is also the cook)
Collective equipment for trekking and mountaineering (tents, dinning tent, kitchen gear, ropes, etc…)
Portage of bags (altitude porters / mules / llamas)

Not included

International flight round trip
Airport taxes ($ 2 to $ 5 US per person for domestic flights, $ 25 US for international flights)
Individual equipment (a sleeping bag is mandatory for the nigh at local hosts)
Mandatory travel insurance
Drinks
Tips
Open meals mentioned, (from 3 to 8 € per person / meal in Bolivia)

General sales conditions

Your trip will be confirmed once we receive a deposit of 30% of the total amount on our Bolivian account or on our web site (Visa card icon on the top right; enter your name as the reference). The balance must be paid upon arrival in Bolivia in American dollars or Euros.

Prepare for your trip

Travel advice Bolivia
General Sales Conditions
Equipment

Emergencies

In case of major problem during your stay (delay, strike, traffic accident…), an emergency contact will be at your disposal to reach a member of our team:
(010) 712 57 378

Important

• As a security measure, each traveler needs to provide photocopies of passport and individual insurance documentation.
  
• If you are planning to travel to Brazil, please note that the Brazilian authorities request the yellow fever vaccine certificate to all travelers coming from Bolivia. If you do not leave the transit zone at the airport, it is not required.
  

Contact us to get the fares