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.
Let Bolivia catch you by surprise with its amazing landscapes, rich culture and multiple facets. Join us on this 12-day, private, guided tour to see the best that Bolivia has to offer. Starting from the lowlands of Santa Cruz's subtropical forest, the tour begins with a visit to the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, a jewel of the colonial era.
This is followed by two days in the city of Sucre where you will enjoy a peaceful atmosphere along with stunning treasures of colonial architectural. Then comes the largest salt flat in the world, Uyuni. Enjoy driving through this immense, surreal landscape.
Get the glimpse of Bolivia's rich past while driving through Potosi, which once had the largest silver mine in the world. Your journey continues to La Paz thereafter. Visit the National Museum of Ethnology and Folklore in thee capital city before it is time to head home. For more details, please go through the itinerary below.
Bolivia is a geographically diverse country and is often referred to as the Tibet of South America. On this guided tour, explore the natural splendor of the Andean landscape and gain a deeper understanding of the complex contemporary culture of the region.
Walk the streets of La Paz, a city that touches the sky, and roam through its most important squares and attractions. Visit the city of Sucre, which is Bolivia’s most beautiful city and the symbolic heart of the nation. It was here that independence was proclaimed.
Explore the Uyuni and its Colchani village, Incahuasi Island, famous for its soaring cacti, and the Chiguana salt flat. Highlight of Uyuni is the Red Lagoon and its blood-red tint. Also, get a deeper understanding of pre-Incan culture of the region at Tiwanaku.
Transport yourself to otherworldly landscapes and immerse yourself in the cultures of the Andes as you make your way across two countries—Peru and Bolivia.
Take to the lunar-esque rock formations of the Moon Valley in Bolivia, or roam around the salt flat of Salar of Uyuni and its horizon-spanning natural mirror during rainy seasons for unforgettable scenery. Also, hop around the stunning floating islands of Uros and Isla del Sol, where you can explore the Incan landmarks like the Inca Garden, Pilcokaina Palace, the Stairway and the Sacred Fountain.
Explore the red tile-lined houses of the village of Copacabana and get a bird’s eye view of the city of La Paz on board one of the longest cable urban air transport in the world.
Explored an active mine at more than 4000 meters above sea level, a breathtaking salt dessert at more than 3000 meters above sea level. Then decended to sea level to understand more about the complicated history of the continent, to be astonished one of the 7 nature wonders and see the jungle colide with the Ocean.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Lodge, Hotel, Hostel, Bungalow, Villa
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, San Pedr
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, San Pedro De Atacama, Salta, Buenos Aires, Colonia, Montevideo, Sucre, Anglo-Argentine Estancia, Iguazu Falls, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Potosi, Uyuni, Salar De Uyuni
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Santiago to La Paz, exploring the heart of South America with Bamba Travel. Discover Chile’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, marvel at Bolivia's otherworldly salt flats, and journey through the Andes. This curated travel experience includes guided tours, vibrant city explorations, and thrilling excursions like Atacama Desert and Uyuni Salt Flats. Perfect for intrepid travelers seeking immersive cultural adventures and natural wonders. Book your South American escapade today for an unforgettable journey!
Follow the path of the Andes in South America on a 35-day adventure that hits both modern cities and ancient worlds. Spot birdlife circling canyons and search for signs of life in vast salt flats and lunar deserts scapes. Get acquainted with the local cultures at La Paz’s markets and the homes on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Learn the mysteries of the Nazca lines, wander the streets of Cusco and trek to the mighty Machu Picchu. With stops at Lima, Cusco and vibrant Buenos Aires and a local to lead the way, your South American adventure is jam-packed with fascinating experiences and plenty of space for independent travel.
The mind-bending Uyuni salt flats. The spouting geysers. The giant cacti of Incahuasi Island. Bolivia is South America at its most spectacular. It’d take a whole lifetime to explore fully, so we’ve distilled the very best bits into this highlights-packed adventure. Guided by an expert tour leader, you’ll witness those extra-extraordinary landscapes, while also digging deep into the culture and history, including two unforgettable nights at a hotel built with salt.
This small-group tour will take you on a magical adventure to some of the most popular attractions in South America! Begin your journey in Lima, from where you will fly over the breathtaking Andes Mountains to Cusco. Explore the ins and outs of this magnificent city as you visit the San Cristobal Plaza, taste the rich flavors of the San Pedro Market, and discover the Korikancha Temple. From there you will take a train to Machu Pichu, the most famous tourist attraction in Peru and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Bask in the beautiful scenery of this extraordinary site, also known as the "Lost City of the Incas". Make your way back to Cusco, one of the most scenic and gorgeous overland trips in Peru. Stop at various sites along the way as you travel to Puno, including Racchi, the Temple of the Wiracocha God, and La Raya, a natural border between the two cities. Enjoy a breathtaking cruise of Lake Titicaca — the highest navigable lake in the world. From there you will head to Lima, and transfer to La Paz, via a tourist bus, to begin the second part of the trip. Explore La Paz's highlights, including cable car rides, the Valle de la Luna aka Moon Valley, and vibrant markets. Board an overnight bus to Uyuni and arrive for a traditional breakfast before venturing out to the famous Salt Flats of Bolivia. Discover the Train Cemetery, Colchani village, and unique salt formations. Visit Incahuasi Island, where giant cacti thrive amidst the salt and witness stunning sunset views before spending the night in Uyuni. From here, you’ll head back to La Paz and fly back to Lima, where this amazing tour of Peru and Bolivia will come to an end.
Explore South America on this 31-day tour. Take the road less travelled from sky-high La Paz to party-ready Rio de Janeiro, stopping along the way to see the mind-bending Uyani Salt Flat, follow your rhythm in Buenos Aires, ride horses on a Uruguayan estancia and wonder at the incredible power of Iguazu Falls. This overland adventure is big on freedom – your local leader will give you insider info, your group will provide the company of curious, like-minded travellers, and then you decide how you want to spend your days.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, Salta, B
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, Salta, Buenos Aires, Colonia, Estancia, Foz Do Iguazu, Iguazu Falls, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salar De Uyuni, Altiplano, San Pedro De Atacama
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
