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
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.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Sucre, Sa
La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Sucre, Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Concepcion, San Ignacio De Velasco, San José De Chiquitos, Colchani
Hi Vera and Yuna,
We are back in the US and have reflected on our fabulous trip. Thank you for a wonderful tour. We loved the program, the guide (Ava) and the hotels! We appreciate all your work, help and guidance in making this a special 60th birthday journey.
AdventureHoneymoon
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hut, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Uyuni, Salta, Atacama Desert, Ju
Uyuni, Salta, Atacama Desert, Jujuy, San Pedro De Atacama, Moon Valley, Machuca Village, Laguna Colorada, Chiguana Salt Flat
Discover the wonders of Peru and Bolivia on this 15 day private tour which starts in Lima and ends in lofty La Paz. Marvel at the legendary Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas, meet the islanders on beautiful Lake Titicaca, explore the shimmering white plains of the Uyuni salt flats and more!
Explorer
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, La Paz, Sucre, Uyuni, Sacr
Lima, La Paz, Sucre, Uyuni, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Lake Titicaca
Discover the highlights of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina on this 18 day private tour, visiting Atacama and the otherworldly Valley of the Moon, Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat and the spectacular Iguazu Falls, before ending in the sultry capital of Buenos Aires.
Explorer
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Santiago
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Santiago, Tupiza, Purmamarca, Salta, Iguazu Falls, San Pedro De Atacama, Laguna Colorada, Uyuni
Discover the highlights of Bolivia as you visit the Bolivian Highlands, colonial Potosi and the incredible salt flats in Uyuni where you stay in a hotel made entirely of salt! Explore the famous rock formations of the Valley of the Giants before finishing up in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile!
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
