This tour operator organized a cultural, spiritual and community immersion for me, my husband, my adult daughter and her boyfriend for 16 days in late February/early March of 2023. It was the most exciting trip I’ve taken. This is saying a lot considering I have spent a lifetime of travel, both personal and professional, focusing on Latin America.
Everything ran smoothly, even with chaotic settings and complex logistics. A big part of this was by providing us with amazing guides, starting with Jahel Amaru, who met us at the La Paz airport to whisk us across the altiplano to Oruro for its truly spectacular Carnival. Jahel is knowledgeable, patient, down-to-earth, smart patient, funny, and an extremely enjoyable person to spend time with. She guided us through the hectic Oruro Carnaval during its culminating weekend - with boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. We had the time of our lives cheering on the colorful characters as they paraded and danced thanks to Jahel knowing exactly where to go, when, and providing invaluable context.
Community tourism (where visitors are connected with everyday Bolivians to learn about their lives) - has started to blossom in Bolivia, and this company is one of its pioneers. We got to experience it in Potosi, where we had another excellent guide, Marlene Quispe. She took us through Cerro Rico mine, which was the world’s leading supplier of silver. Marlene has close ties to mining: her brothers, parents and even she has worked there. As we ventured deeper into the earth, we learned from her about the mining process and cooperatives involved with it. She also introduced us to one of the mine's “tios” (“uncles” who are believed to protect miners), to whom she made an offering as she explained his importance.
Marlene took us to the Quechua community of Phuto Phuto, one of several in the rural district Cabanias that welcomes visitors as part of its community tourism program. Families take turns showing visitors their homes and traditions, including cooking huts with steaming pots, whose contents you later share for lunch. Marlene and one of the family members we met then led us on a beautiful hike to a spot where they invited us to participate in a ritual offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). It was an incredible day I will always remember.
Another wonderful community tourism experience was in the majestic Cordillera Real (Central Andean range), where we appreciated both the nature and culture of the region by staying near the town of Tuni with the multi-generational Quispe family (not related to Marlene). Family members share with guests Aymara traditions like placing fishing nets, spinning yarn, making quinoa flour, and shearing alpaca fleece. Patriarch Jaime is a charismatic host and a certified mountain guide who along with his adult son Denys, also a certified mountain guide, have expertise leading visitors of different ages and abilities. We loved staying with them!
There are a few other places that stood out on our trip:
Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca with gorgeous, artistic “cabins” and lovely views
Templo del Retiro Espiritual Cruz Andina (the Andean Cross Spiritual Retreat Center), in Tiwanaku steps from the ruins and owned by spiritual and cultural guide Rosse Mary Vargas Vilela. It’s filled with cats and crystals and offers delicious vegetarian meals. This is not a stop for everyone, but worth visiting or staying in if you are interested in mindfulness, ancient healing, and/or new age spirituality.
Local culture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Home-stay
Age Range
1-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacaban
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Copacabana, Sucre, El Alto, Yumani, Villamar, Bolivia, Silolio Dykuma, Tomasamil
Embark on an unforgettable Bolivian adventure exploring the stunning Lake Titicaca and the mystical Isla del Sol, starting and ending in vibrant La Paz. Experience breathtaking landscapes, immerse in rich indigenous cultures, and witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over the sacred lake. Highlights include guided explorations of ancient ruins, traditional boat rides, and interactions with local communities. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers seeking an authentic and enriching travel experience in South America's heart.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Cross the width of South America from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast on this 19 day group tour from Lima to Rio de Janeiro. Marvel at legendary Machu Picchu, cruise to the islands of Lake Titicaca and ride to the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Browse the famous Witches Market in La Paz and admire the thundering Iguazu Falls.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Lima, Asuncion, La Paz, P
Cusco, Lima, Asuncion, La Paz, Puerto Iguazu, Rio de Janeiro, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Copacabana
Explore the incredibly diverse country of Peru and three of its contrasting landscapes – the Andean mountains, the desert and the Amazon rainforest. Get a taste of Bolivia in La Paz, see condors soar over the Colca Canyon and discover the Lost City of Machu Picchu.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, La Paz, Cusco, Sacred Vall
Lima, La Paz, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Copacabana
Alice HuonTravel Expert in Bolivia
Lisa ArtalTravel Expert in Bolivia & Peru
Maria SzlafszteinTravel Expert in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru & Uruguay
Clara GonzalezTravel Expert in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru & Uruguay
