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Flight of the Condor
On this South America adventure you'll travel by alternative means, avoiding the long overland bus and train journeys wherever possible. In Peru you'll cover several of the transfers by domestic plane, making your travel time considerably faster - and more comfortable. The flights over the Andes never cease to amaze, and crossing the mountains several times means you'll have some of the best views. |
| Duration | 23 days / 22 nights, departure daily |
Accommodation |
21 nights incl. breakfast. 1 overnight bus. Shared facilities during Uyuni jeep tourand Inca Trail. Comfort level mainly 3 (see accommodation) |
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Price |
£1595 per person - based on 2 people sharing, excluding flight Cuzco - La Paz |
Includes |
Transport and accommodation. Three domestic flighs. Guided excursions: Colca Canyon, 2-day Inca Trail (full board, entrance fee Machu Picchu US$45 p.p.), Potosi mining tour. Jeep tour Uyuni: full board and Spanish-speaking guide/driver |
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Transport |
All intercity transfers by bus and train except Ollanta - Cuzco. Transfers: see detailed description. Uyuni - Potosi - Sucre by private transfer |
Excludes |
International fligths and flight Cuzco - La Paz. Entrance fees La Calera (US$2), Isla de Pescadores (US$1), Avaroa (US$ 6), (airport) taxes, border fees, other meals excursions transfers and entrance fees |
Day 1: Lima - arrivalAt the end of your long flight, you'll be welcomed in the arrivals hall at Lima airport by our representative and transferred directly to your hotel. Most of our travellers choose to stay in Miraflores, about 30 minutes' drive from the airport. Miraflores is a green, leafy suburb on the coast with several hotels, bars and restaurants and a couple of busy shopping streets. It's a nice place to spend the first day or two of your Peru and Bolivia adventure holiday.In Miraflores, you'll be staying in one of our posadas, which we've selected based on atmosphere and location: posadas are small-scale traditional Peruvian guesthouses with a garden, patio or pool and breakfast room. |
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Day 2: Lima - ArequipaWe'll try to book an afternoon flight for you so you can spend the morning enjoying a lie-in or doing a quick round of the highlights of Lima. Later on in the day, take a taxi to the airport for your short one-hour flight along the coast to Arequipa. If you're sitting on the left side of the plane you can see the deep chasms of the Colca and Cotahausi Canyons. On arrival in Arequipa you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.Arequipa lies at an altitude of 2300m and with an average temperature of 20-25C and sunshine all year round it’s a lovely place to spend a couple of days of your South America adventure adjusting to the altitude. |
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Arequipa has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also considerably cleaner and more cosmopolitan than Lima, but still has that distinct Latin-American vibe. The city is full of beautiful Spanish colonial buildings and churches, but the main attraction is the Santa Catalina monastery. Towards the end of the afternoon, as the sun begins to set, head to the Santa Catalina monastery. As you pass through the gateway it’s like stepping into another world. Hidden behind the walls lies a labyrinth of narrow winding alleyways between high red and blue painted walls. To the left and right small secluded courtyards decorated with flowerpots and jugs, prayer rooms with dark crannies, stairways leading nowhere and pretty flower gardens lovingly tended by the nuns living in the monastery. It’s a magical place, especially at this time of day when the glow of the setting sun makes the colours pop out and there are virtually no tourists around. Keep an eye on the closing time though, it’s easy to get lost here. In the evening it can get quite chilly so bring a warm sweater if you're planning on hitting the town. In the city centre you’ll find lots of little restaurants that serve Peruvian and international dishes, the perfect end to day 2 of your Peru and Bolivia adventure holiday. |
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Day 3: ArequipaEase into day three of your South America adventure with a cup of coffee on a balcony cafe overlooking the Plaza de Armas, the central square of Arequipa. From the Plaza de Armas, walk through the historic centre and take a look inside one of the many churches and cathedrals, visit the Santuarios Museum to see the frozen mummy girl Juanita, or take a taxi to one of the suburbs of Arequipa, like Tingo or Yanahuara for a spicy Arequipeño lunch in one of the traditional restaurants with views of the volcanoes surrounding the city.In the afternoon, you can visit the foot of the Misti volcano or a traditional stone mill at Sabandia. Alternatively, stay in Arequipa to wander around the hidden districts of the city and chill out in the warm sunshine. It's all up to you. For a bit of outdoor adventure, there are several hair-raising downhill mountain bike trips available through the many travel agents in the centre. Be sure to check whether they have good bikes with helmets and an English speaking guide before you book though. |
Day 4: Arequipa - ChivayOn the fourth day of your Peru holiday, you’ll be picked up in Arequipa at at the crack of dawn for the five hour drive across the Altiplano to Chivay. Pack light for the next two days of your South America adventure; you can leave the rest of your baggage at the hotel in Arequipa. You can doze off for the first couple of hours of your trip, until the bus starts to wind its way up into the mountains and the plains begin to open up into immense vistas. Crossing the Salinas y Aguada Blanca nature reserve, you’ll see llamas and alpacas grazing, and perhaps even their more elusive sibling, the vicuña.At the highest point, a mountain pass at 4910m, the bus will make a short stop so you can stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh (thin) air. The last stretch into Chivay follows a winding road through the Colca Valley. |
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When you arrive in Chivay, the next stop on your South America adventure, drop your bags at the hotel and head into the village for a spot of lunch. Later that afternoon you can visit the hot springs at La Calera for a relaxing soak in the 35C, silted sulphuric pools (admission 10 Sol per person) - don't forget to pack your swimming gear in Arequipa. Chivay's not the liveliest place in the evening, but there are a couple of friendly bars where you can swap travel stories with your fellow travellers over a couple of beers. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet night and curl up by the hotel fireplace with a cup of coca tea and a good book. |
Day 5: Chivay - Cruz del Condor - ArequipaOn day five of your South America adventure, you’ll leave the hotel around 6:30am to visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, weaving your way through the cows, donkeys, dogs and sheep blocking the road. Passing the small villages you can see the local farmers in their brightly coloured traditional dress.Cruz del Condor is the deepest point in the Canyon and, at 3200m, its comparable to the Grand Canyon. The area is home to hundreds of Andes condors and it's the best place to see these giant birds of prey soaring on the thermal air currents that rise up from the canyon. Between 8am – 10am as the sun begins to heat the air deep in the canyon. The condors love to glide up on these warm thermal currents and if you sit still they’ll swoop right over your head. Be patient, find a comfortable rock in the sun and keep your binoculars handy. |
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Around 9.30am, you’ll leave Cruz del Condor and continue on to the village of Yanque where you can visit the colonial church and buy some local souvenirs at the small shops and stalls on the way. The route back to Chivay leads past the spectacular terraced valley and, with the sun reflecting in the river far below, the views are magnificent. You’ll stop off for lunch in Chivay and the next stop on your South America adventure. There’s time for a last wander around town and stock up on some snacks at the bus station before boarding the bus for the five hour drive back to Arequipa, where you'll be dropped off back at your hotel around 7pm. |
Day 6: Flight to CuzcoOn day six of your South America adventure, you'll take a taxi from your hotel to Arequipa airport, where you'll board the plane for the 60 minute flight to Cuzco. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your posada is in the heart of San Blas. It's a small mid-class guesthouse with a garden, several patios and a cosy breakfast room. Your modern room is squeaky clean and has a private bathroom with shower and toilet. We picked this hotel for your South America adventure, primarily for its great atmosphere.San Blas is more residential and authentic than the touristy centre. The narrow streets that barely fit a small Daewoo taxi suddenly open up to a wonderful view across the city and the surrounding mountains. You’ll find lots of bars and restaurants in the area and because the streets are so tiny, you won’t be bothered by any roaring traffic. |
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Day 7: CuzcoThe Plaza de Armas is the beating heart of Cuzco and reputedly one of the prettiest squares in the whole of Peru. The little streets around the square are full of interesting shops and restaurants with the quintessential Peruvian pan pipe players (now say that quickly).The sights of Cuzco are a real highlight on your South America adventure. They include lots of beautiful baroque churches which can be found around the Plaza de Armas, about 15 minutes walk downhill from your hotel. |
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Cuzco also has several monasteries open to the public, one of which has been converted into the most expensive boutique hotel in Cuzco. A night in this beautiful Monasterio will set you back £180 a night. For a cheaper option, just stay for lunch (£15). At least you’ll be able to get to see the ground floor on your South America adventure, It's filled with relics, historic paintings and antique furniture. To get back to your hotel, save yourself the steep walk uphill and just take a taxi. Remember, Cuzco is at 3300m altitude! |
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Day 8 Cuzco - Winay WaynaIn the morning of day eight of your South America adventure, you'll leave whatever you won't be needing for the next four days at hotel reception for storage. You'll be dropped off at Cuzco station where your train leaves at 7.30am. As soon as it leaves Cuzco, the train starts to wind its way up into the mountains at a snail’s pace. The train runs on a rack railway to get itself up the steep gradient, going backwards and then forwards again to pull itself uphill. Three hours later, around 11am you’ll arrive at post 104, the starting point of this two-day ‘Camino Real’ trail. Tell the train driver where you want to get off because there’s no station here so it’s not an official stop; your guide will make sure everyone's at the door ready to jump off the train the moment it stops. You have about 1 minute to get off before it starts moving again. |
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After a quick briefing by your guide, your trek to Machu Picchu, and one of the real highlights of your Peru and Bolivia adventure holiday, is about to begin. Setting off at 2300m, altitude you’ll cross a footbridge across the Urubamba river. It’s an easy start even for novice trekkers. Today's trek takes about 4 hours, climbing up the endless steps of the former Inca trading route from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, passing several small ruins that were once resting points on the route. Around 1pm, you'll stop for food and, as you eat your packed lunch and look out across the Andes, you realise why the Inca city remained hidden until it was discovered by accident in 1911. Surrounded by the towering mountains and endless green valleys you feel rather small by comparison. |
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After lunch, you'll continue your Peru trip as your guide shows you around the ruins of Winay Wayna before continuing on for the last couple of miles to the ‘Sun Gate’ Inti Punco where you suddenly catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen in magazines, you'll find it’s even more beautiful in real life. From the viewpoint, it’s another hour downhill to the entrance to the Machu Picchu site. However, the sun is already low in the sky and now’s not the best time to do the whole background talk on the ruins. Instead, your guide will probably hang back a little to let everyone enjoy their first impressions of the majestic ruins. After a while, you’ll head on down to the entrance of the ruins, where you’ll find the bus waiting to take you to Aguas Calientes. After a tiring day on your South America adventure, crawl into the soft comfy bed in your small posada in the centre of town. |
Day 9: Winay Wayna - Machu Picchu - OllantaytamboYou'll be up early on day nine of your South America adventure so you can see Machu Picchu in relative quiet before the crowds of day-trippers arrive from Cuzco around 10am. After you’ve handed in your backpack at the entrance, your guide will take you on a two-hour tour past the ruins.Wandering among the remains of what must have been a thriving city you get a good idea of the daily life in this remote Inca complex. The terraces, temples and houses really show you how sophisticated the Incas were for their time. |
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Still the history, the purpose and eventual decline of Machu Picchu remains a mystery. Scientists and archaeologists maintain different theories on its role in the Inca Empire, none of which have ever been proven. After the guided tour, there's plenty of time to wander among the endless basalt walls on your own and, when you can tear yourself away from the ruins, pick up your rucksack at the entrance where you’ll find the bus waiting to take you to Aguas Calientes. Everyone visiting Machu Picchu has to pass through this small town, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. It's a fun little town even though it's swarming with tourists on their way to (or back from) Machu Picchu. Along the train tracks, you'll find several souvenir stalls and plenty of places to grab a quick bite to eat before boarding the train to Cuzco at 3.30pm, and the next journey on your South America adventure. |
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The train pulls into Ollanta(ytambo) around 5.30pm. Most travellers will stay on the train and continue on to Cuzco but this traditional Peruvian village is your final destination for day 9 of your South America adventure. From the station it's a 10 minute walk to the village. Ollanta lies in the Sacred Valley, halfway between Aguas Calientes and Pisac. The valley gets its name from the many sacred Inca sites found in the area. Most tourists only stop here briefly to visit the fort at Ollanta before travelling on to their next destination, but we can assure you the sleepy atmosphere of this town is what makes it so charming. Along the road into the village, you'll find your basic, but very charming posada where you'll be staying tonight. |
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Day 10: Ollantaytambo - UrubambaEarly in the morning, head up to the Inca fort for a wonderful view across mountains, terraces and the village as it slowly wakes up. The fort is the only citadel in the area where the Incas managed to fend off the Spaniards by riddling them with arrows.Once you’re done exploring the fort, head back to the village to see the unique courtyards. The original layout, as designed by the Incas has remained intact: the village is divided into blocks, each with its own entrance to a central courtyard with houses on all sides. The countryside around Ollanta is particulary scenic. The valley lies in a bowl in between the high mountains, which means it has a mild climate with lots of sunshine and the area is very green and fertile. |
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One of the best ways to see the area is on horseback. The horses are very tame and know the way past waterfalls, llamas and parades. We came across it all. You can add a two-hour horse ride into your South America adventure for around US$7 at the hotel reception. Later in the afternoon, make your way to Urubamba for the next stop on your South America adventure. In the central square of Ollanta, you’ll find several ‘collectivos’, minibuses that leave once they have enough passengers. It’s a fun way to travel with the locals. The road follows the banks of the Urubamba river and, on the right, you can catch a glimpse of the Las Salinas salt pans. The 20 minute drive to Urubamba costs around US$1,- per person. At Urubamba bus station, take another taxi (4 sol for a 5-minute drive) to your accommodation. |
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Tonight you’ll be staying in a converted 16th Century Franciscan monastery just outside the village, surrounded on all sides by snow-capped mountain peaks. The 30 comfortable colonial-style rooms have a private bathroom with shower/toilet, TV and air-conditioning. The monastery has a small chapel, several peaceful courtyards and a real clock tower (which, luckily for your sleep pattern is no longer in use) and there's a cosy fireplace in the dining room. The atmosphere here is extremely peaceful and it's a very relaxing part of your South America adventure. In the evening, head to restaurant Los Geranios in the village to try the Rocoto Relleno, a local specialty of peppers filled with minced beef and vegetables. Washed down with an Inca Kola you’ll feel like a proper local. |
Day 11: Urubamba - CuzcoUrubamba is a good base for various outdoor activities in the Sacred Valley. You've got all day; collectivos and local buses leave Urubamba for Cuzco via Chincheros until 6pm. The trip takes about 1 ½ hours so you’ll be back in Cuzco after dark. From Cuzco bus station take a taxi back to your hotel in San Blas.You could also take a cultural trip on your South America adventure and head for Pisac, on the way to Cuzco. It's about an hour by collectivo or local bus. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays there's a busy market with lots of stalls selling clothing, pottery, jewellery and various other crafts. There’s also a market on the other days, though a lot smaller. The ruins at Pisac rival Machu Picchu and are open daily (a lot quieter on non-market days) and easy to get to. From Pisac main square collectivos and buses to Cuzco run until 6pm (1 hour's drive), so this transfer is easy to arrange yourself. |
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Day 12: Cuzco - La Paz (flight)From Cuzco, you'll take a domestic flight to La Paz - the next stop on your South America adventure. La Paz lies in a bowl in a steep canyon at 4000m, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Andes that protect the city from the fierce Altiplano winds. The sunny weather, the typical bowler hats in the streets, the colonial churches and colourful Indian markets; this is Bolivia as we know it. On arrival in La Paz you'll be transferred directly to your hotel.On day 12 of your South America adventure holiday, you’ll be staying in a colonial hosteria in the city centre within walking distance of the Witch Market and the central San Francisco cathedral. Rooms have private bathroom, phone, heating and extra blankets. Most of the rooms look out onto the inner courtyards with lots of plants and benches and there’s a restaurant where you can start the day with a hearty breakfast or recharge your batteries with a cup of coca tea. |
Day 13: La PazBecause of the high altitude and thin air, you'll need to take it easy on day 13 of your South America adventure. At your own (slow!) pace, go for a walk around the city. The centre is quite compact and it's easy to find your way around, but remember there’s little point studying a map to see how far it is to walk; it won’t tell you how steep the streets are.The sun’s very bright here, but the temperature drops rapidly the second the sun disappears behind a cloud so it’s best to wear layers; a t-shirt and a sweater and an extra sweater or jacket for the cold. La Paz has plenty of noteworthy museums like the Coca Museum, several picturesque squares filled with locals in bowler hats and wide skirts and lots of street markets. Make sure you see the witch market where, besides lama-wool sweaters, lama rugs and fetching knitted hats with lama motives, you can also find lama foetuses and other items used for sacred rituals. |
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The Valle de la Luna (moon valley) is a lunar-like landscape more or less on the outskirts of La Paz and easy to get to by taxi. Chacaltaya (35km from La Paz) is the world’s highest ski run at stratospheric altitude of 5230m. Well, it’s not officially a ski run anymore because you can’t actually ski there due to poor maintenance, but you can walk to the top for a magnificent view towards Lake Titicaca to one side and an infinite expanse of snow-capped mountains, including Bolivia’s highest mountain the Illimani (6400m) to the other. This is a real highlight of your Bolivia and Peru adventure holiday. Once you're used to the altitude, you can try the downhill mountain bike ride from La Paz to Coroico; a 4-hour adrenaline rush beginning high up in the eternal snow of the Andes and dropping 2000m in altitude to the tropical palm trees of Coroico and back by bus to La Paz. |
Day 14: La Paz - Uyuni (nightbus)You can spend day fourteen of your South America adventure wandering through La Paz, before taking the overnight bus around 9pm this evening. It's a pretty long drive to the remote desert town of Uyuni. The trip takes around 12 hours via Potosi. The road is in pretty poor condition, especially in rainy season (November - March) so prepare for a bumpy ride. It can get very cold at night and seats on the bus don't recline so it's not exactly comfortable. Bring an extra warm sweater, a small pillow if you have one and snacks for on the way. As the sun comes up you'll see Uyuni appearing on the horizon. |
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Day 15: UyuniEarly in the morning of day fifteen of your South America adventure, you'll be picked up at the bus station and taken to your hotel. Uyuni was once an important trading post on the transport route to the Pacific Ocean, hence the railway tracks. These days however it’s little more than a dusty, cold desert town with very little going on, except perhaps for the train cemetery filled with old steam engines that were once used for the mining industry. The endless row of engines rusting away along the disused railway in the middle of nowhere is a very surreal sight. Tonight you’ll be staying in this dusty town in a basic hotel with plenty of warm blankets on the beds. |
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Day 16: Uyuni - San Juan After breakfast it's time to check out, but because you'll be coming back to the hotel at the end of the jeep tour you can pack just the essentials for the next couple of days of your South America adventure. You can leave the rest of your bags at the hotel. Around 9am you’ll climb into your 4x4 and with your Spanish-speaking driver you’ll set off for the Salar de Uyuni salt plains. On the way you’ll be stopping off at Colchani, a small village that was built purely for the local salt mining. From here it’s another 15 minutes to the salt flats.The flats were formed when the lake dried up and cover an area of 10.582 km². The salts and minerals couldn’t flow away and dried up in the lake, leaving an immense white and completely flat expanse. |
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The Salar is literally dazzling, even with sunglasses and a sun cap the brightness of the sun reflecting on the white plain makes your eyes water. If you're wearing your shades you can just about make out the snowy peaks of the Andes volcanoes on the far horizon. You’ll drive straight across the salt pan, when suddenly you'll see what looks like an island right in the middle of the endless white expanse. This rocky outcrop is in fact an island called Isla Pescadores (fish island, referring to the shape of the island) or Incahuasi. The island is completely overgrown with giant cacti and has panoramic views across the Salar from all sides. It’s where all the jeeps drive to for the open air lunch stop, a real highlight of your South America adventure. Towards the end of the day you'll arrive in San Juan where you'll be staying tonight. |
Day 17: Laguna ColoradaOn the following day of your South America adventure, you’ll drive on to Salar de Chiguana, another salt plain considerably smaller than Salar de Uyuni but with beautiful broad views across the snow-covered Ollague volcano just across the Chilean border.After a short stop at the border checkpoint Chiguana you’ll pass a couple of lagoons home to various species of flamingo. How these fragile birds balancing on their thin twiggy legs can possibly survive in the icy winds and cold no-one knows. 70km further on you’ll reach the Arbol de Piedra, or stone tree (see image). It’s a nice place to stop for lunch and have a look around the weird eroded rock formations. In the afternoon you'll cross the rugged landscape of southern Bolivia, arriving at the coloured lagoon Laguna Colorada around 4pm. |
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The view across the Colorada is phenomenal; a huge pink swarm of thousands of flamingos wading through the crimson coloured lake looking for algae and plankton. As the sun sets, the sky is filled with millions of stars. This mineral-rich lagoon lies at 4300m, so temperatures drop below freezing at night. It can also be very windy here. Your accommodation and evening meal are basic and there's no running water but the amazing views make up for everything. Anyway, it's going to be a short night because you'll be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow for the next journey on your South America adventure... |
Day 18: Laguna Verde - Laguna Blanca - UyuniOn day eighteen of your South America adventure, you’ll need to be dressed and ready before sunrise (5am!) to get to the geysers of Sol de Mañana (4850m). It’s freezing cold at this time of day so you’ll be quick to jump into the warm jeep. As you make your way to the geysers, the sun slowly rises over the unearthly lunar landscape. The geysers of Sol de Mañana only erupt early in the morning until about 8am. The rest of the day, they just bubble and let off the occasional hiss of steam which isn’t quite as spectacular.On this freezing morning, make sure you have some breakfast because you’ll feel a lot less cold with a full stomach. Luckily, you can warm up in the blissful hot springs. You’re still at 4200m altitude but it’s a lot less windy and chilly here. Slide into the soothing 30C water against a backdrop of endless salt plains and Andes mountains. Emerging from the water looking like a shrivelled prune you’ll feel positively warm and reborn. |
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After your morning bath, it’s time to jump back into the jeep and continue towards the southern tip of Bolivia. Around 11am, you’ll reach an altitude of 5000m close to the Chilean border. Laguna Verde is the next stop on your South America adventure. At the foot of the Licancabur volcano, it is literally and figuratively a high point on the trip. The lagoon has an almost surreal green colour caused by the high concentration of lead, sulphur and calcium. Even at -20C the lake never freezes; the high mineral content and eternal winds keep it from freezing over. Just as beautiful is the nearby white-coloured Laguna Blanca, reflecting the white mountain peaks on its mirrored surface. If you’re travelling on to Chile the jeep will drop you off here. |
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Before lunch you’ll travel back to Laguna Colorada. You’ll stop for lunch on the banks of the other side of the lake, overlooking the feeding flamingos. The final couple of hours of your jeep expedition will take you past the Rocks of Salvador Dali and the Valle de Rocas. You might spot the odd vizcacha, a type of Andean rabbit. In the late afternoon you’ll see Uyuni appear on the horizon, but first you’ll pay a visit to the train cemetery. The tour ends around 6pm back in Uyuni. Please understand that due to unpredictable weather circumstances the itinerary to the salt plains can be changed without prior notice. A certain amount of flexibility in your travel plans may be needed at this stage of your South America adventure. |
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Day 19: Uyuni - PotosiAfter a warm night in your hotel you’ll be feeling rested and revived for the trip to Potosi, the next stop on your Bolivia and Peru adventure holiday. Your bus leaves around 10am, arriving in the highest city in the world 6 hours later. At the end of the long bus ride you’ll probably want to stretch your legs, so spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town and finding a good place to eat. Potosi lies at 4100m altitude and was founded in 1545 when large quantities of silver were discovered in the Cerro Rico. The city has been at the centre of silver mining industry for over four centuries. Everything in Potosi revolves around the mine and the locals seem completely unphased by tourists visiting the town. Wandering around the local market you’ll notice no-one is actually trying to flog you anything. |
Day 20: Potosi - SucreIn the morning, you’ll visit the Cerro Rico mine, where over 10,000 miners toil away deep within the mountain every day. First of all, a spot of window shopping on the miner’s market. Not the best place for souvenir unless of course you’re looking for a dashing helmet or gas lamp or perhaps a stick of dynamite for the folks back home. You can also buy cigarettes and coca leaves here, very popular with the miners. Chewing on a couple of coca leaves gives them the energy boost they need and it suppresses their hunger. Once you’ve sniffed up the miner atmosphere in the market it’s time to head into the real mine on the Cerro Rico. |
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You’ll be given a coat, boots, a helmet and a lamp and you’re ready to begin your journey into the deep, dark mountain. The Cerro Rico is a cooperative mine which means it’s owned and run by the miners themselves, though unfortunately it hasn’t done much for their circumstances. The working conditions in the mine are almost medieval and extremely tough. That is probably why many miners seek comfort in superstition and throughout the mine you’ll see effigies of El Tio, the devil who, according to Bolivian belief is the owner of all minerals. Around midday, you’ll arrive back in the centre of Potosi. There’s time for a quick bite to eat near the hotel before you’re picked up at 12.30pm to catch the bus to Sucre for the final stop on your Bolivia and Peru adventure holiday. It’s a 3 hour drive across some beautiful countryside and the excellent road and the cheerful Bolivian music on the bus make it a very pleasant journey. |
Day 21: SucreContrary to popular belief, Sucre and not La Paz is the official capital of Bolivia. Due to its relatively low altitude, at 2800m, and set in a sheltered valley, this friendly colonial university town has a wonderfully mild climate all year round. Sucre is also known as the “White city of the Americas” thanks to the many white buildings dotted throughout the city. There are several interesting museums, a lively main plaza, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Don’t be fooled by the old-fashioned, colonial look and feel of the houses and churches here; Sucre has a very young and energetic atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of lively student bars here so you’re guaranteed a good night out on one of the last nights of your South America adventure. |
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If you happen to be in Sucre on a Sunday, you can’t avoid the market at Tarabuco, a small town at 3200m just 1 ½ hours’ drive along a dusty road south-east of Sucre. Tarabuco is famous for its lively colourful market which is only held on Sundays and well worth fitting into your South America adventure if you can. Indians in their traditional dress flock here from across the region to trade their goods in the market place. It’s a busy place and like every market it’s wise to keep your eye on your wallet and camera. Not many tourists visit here so you’ll certainly stand out among the locals. |
Day 22 Sucre - Santa Cruz (flight)From the hotel in Sucre, make your own way to the airport where you’ll board the flight to Santa Cruz and the end of your South America adventure. Even before you land, you’ll catch a glimpse of a completely different Bolivia; lush green countryside and rolling hills of the sub-tropical lowlands. On arrival in Santa Cruz, you’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred directly to your hotel.By Bolivian standards Santa Cruz is a relaxed and cosmopolitan city, though despite the modern building the centre still has a distinctly colonial atmosphere. The central plaza is dominated by a huge cathedral and nearby you’ll find the Museo Etno Folklorico and the El Arenal city park. The Los Pozos market is a good place to hunt for souvenirs. |
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With its 1.5 million inhabitants, Santa Cruz is a lively place that offers plenty in terms of cultural activities and nightlife. In the evening, find a spot on one of the many shady benches on the Plaza and soak in the last evening of your South America adventure. With a bit of luck you might spot the three-toed sloth chilling out in the trees. You'll be staying in a comfortable middle-class hotel with 60 rooms in the heart of the historic and commercial centre of Santa Cruz. The hotel is run by the owner himself and has a friendly, intimate atmosphere. The modern rooms have private bathroom, A/C, TV, phone and a minibar. Some rooms have a balcony. |
Day 23 Santa Cruz - departureOn the last day of your South America adventure, depending on your flight time, take a taxi to Santa Cruz airport where it's time to say adios to Bolivia and begin your journey back to the UK. |
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South America adventure - Accommodation (Click to enlarge)
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