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
Peru and Bolivia are both lands of the epic and that which must be seen to be believed. This 25-day odyssey takes you to the world’s highest-navigable lake (Titicaca), the world’s largest tropical rainforest (the Amazon), the world’s highest administrative capital (La Paz) and the world’s largest salt flats (Uyuni). It also includes the chance to trek the Inca Trail before emerging above Machu Picchu, which isn’t actually a world-record holder but probably should be for ‘best ancient city in the clouds’. In between the gasps you can ramble through markets, sipping Pisco sours and munching ceviche with locals.
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, La Paz, Cusco, Puno, Lake
Lima, La Paz, Cusco, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni, Salar De Uyuni, Huayllajara, Amazon Lodge Tambopata, Potosi, Sucre, Ollantaytambo
Embark on a captivating South American adventure traversing the vibrant landscapes of Lima, Santiago, and Buenos Aires. This immersive journey takes you through Peru, Chile, and Argentina, offering unique experiences such as exploring the Sacred Valley, witnessing the surreal beauty of the Atacama Desert, and savoring world-renowned Chilean wines. Discover the rich cultural heritage of each city, from Lima's historic center to Buenos Aires' tango-filled streets. Ideal for adventurers and culture enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable travel experience.
City sightseeingLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Hut, Home-stay, Bungalow, Hotel, Lodge, Villa
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Lima, Arequipa, Cu
Buenos Aires, Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Luquina, Puno, Copacabana, Paracas, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Candelaria, Polques, San Pedro De Atacama, Calama, Valparaiso, Santiago, Mendoza, Córdoba, Huacachina, Colca Canyon
Embark on the ultimate South American adventure with Bamba’s epic journey from Peru to Argentina. Traverse iconic landscapes, from the Andean peaks to the lush Pantanal wetlands, and experience vibrant cultures in cities like Lima, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro. Highlights include Machu Picchu, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and Iguazu Falls. Perfect for backpackers and thrill-seekers, this travel pass offers flexible itineraries and unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in nature, history, and lively local experiences.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Hut, Home-stay, Bungalow, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Lima, Paracas, Naz
Buenos Aires, Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Luquina, Puno, Copacabana, La Paz, Huacachina, Candelaria, Polques, Uyuni, Potosi, Sucre, Santa Cruz, Puerto Quijarro, Corumba, Pantanal, Bonito, Campo Grande, Foz Do Iguacu, Puerto Iguazu, Colca Canyon, Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve
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
