Day 1: LA PAZ - TIWANAKU – SANTIAGO DE MACHACA

Private 4WD expedition from La Paz to La Paz / Spanish-speaking driver

Departure from the hotel at 8 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.
After lunch we continue our route towards Viacha before entering further into the altiplano. In this region infrequently visited by tourists, we discover the real face of Bolivia...
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with host (Basic comfort).

Day 2: SANTIAGO DE MACHACA – CHARAÑA - SAJAMA

The dirty track (overused by trucks loaded with smuggled goods) takes us to Charaña, a surrealistic border town. At its railway station (today abandoned) took place the famous meeting between the two dictators Pinochet (from Chile) and Banzer (from Bolivia) on February 8th 1975 where Chile promised to give Bolivia access to the sea. As a consequence, both countries renewed their diplomatic relationships. Three years later, as the promise was never honored, Bolivia broke the diplomatic relations again.
From Charaña, we head south along the Chilean border, steering towards the majestic volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape. The track is beautiful. We see viscachas, vicuñas, ibises, wild Andean geese, ducks and even ñandus (a close cousin of the ostrich) if we are lucky.
We enter the park of Sajama at laguna Huañya Khota and later reach the natural hot springs, at the foot of the volcano Sajama (el. 6542 m.a.s.l.) Cold lunch, all included.
Night at Doña Teodora’s house, close to the hot springs (basic comfort).

Day 3: SAJAMA – GEYSERS – TREK TO THE LAGUNAS – HOT SPRINGS - TOMARAPI

In the morning, we head to the geysers in our 4WD. This particularly active area offers a unique display of bubbling baths spread over hundreds of square meters. We can try cooking eggs in their slightly sulfuric water.
From there we follow the valley upriver until we reach Laguna Khasiri Kota (el. 5050 m.a.s.l.). After a 2½-hour hike. During our lunch break we will be able to observe different aquatic bird species, notably the Andean geese (Huallata in Aymara) that never go very far from their characteristic nest (large floating platforms made out of algae and grass.)
One more hour is necessary to reach the plateau where is nestled the beautiful Laguna Sorapata. This magical place, surrounded by impressive copper colored mountains, suitable for our lunch break. We then descent to the geysers while enjoying the magnificent view of volcano Pomerape (el. 6280 m.a.s.l.). We return to our 4WD and head for the natural hot springs located at the base of volcano Sajama to enjoy a relaxing bath.
Later on the 4WD takes us to Laguna Huaña Khota, where flamingos sometimes come to mix with the ducks and wild geese, before driving us to the village of Tomarapi and its very typical Andean church.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in the new shelter “Albergue” of Tomarapi (comfort of a Hotel).
Hiking time: 6/7h; Elevation gain/loss: +600m/-600m

Day 4: TOMARAPI – CURAHUARA DE CARANGAS - LA PAZ

In the morning, we get back on the dirt road and head to the nearly abandoned village of Oxany. There are only two inhabitants left in this village, prosperous before the construction of the new asphalted road to Chile, it is now a ghost town. Option to do a short hike in the rocky chaos surrounding it, before returning to the international road.
We head back to La Paz. On the way, we stop in the village of Curahuara de Carangas, well known for its well-adorned colonial church (perfectly preserved frescoes). Further on, we discover the chullpas (Carangas burials) empty today after their systematic pillaging.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.

 

Included

- Spanish speaking guide/driver
- Local Spanish-speaking trekking guide (Sajama Park)
- Entrance to parks and cultural places mentioned in program
- Transportation (equipped 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser)
- 3-star hotels in twin room including breakfast
- Night with local hosts / and or in shelters
- Meals mentioned

Not included

- International flight round trip
- Airport taxes (domestic flights $ 2 to 5 US per person, international flights $ 25 US per person)
- Individual equipment (except the floor mats, which are included)
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Drinks
- Tips
- Open meals mentioned, (from 3 to 8 € per person / meal).

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