BOLIVIA TITIKAKA LAKE & AMAZON JUNGLE
(Titikaka Lake, La Paz City Tour & Amazon Jungle)
CATBTCM/7D6N
7 days & 6 nights
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO LA PAZ & COPACABANA
Once you arrive, you will meet the staff of the Travel Agency “Carmen Andina Tours” to have more explanation about the journey.
Transfer In from El Alto International Airport to Copacabana at any time you arrive.
We will go in a northwest direction through the Altiplano, in the way you will see breathtaking views of the Cordillera Real and Lake Titikaka, after about three and a half hours journey, we arrive at this landmark spiritual center of this pleasant town. Have aHotel Night***. (L/D)
INCLUDES:
IMPORTANT: When you arrive in La Paz, the altitude and the lack of oxygen may affect you. It may take a little time to acclimatize to this, but before long you probably will not even notice it. Do not drink alcohol and stop cigarette consumption to minimize the effects. You may also find that your appetite is reduced. This is no cause for alarm, but simply a reaction to the altitude. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day.
DAY 2: LAKE TITIKAKA
SUN ISLAND & COPACABANA
CAT-COP/FD
Full Day
INTRODUCING: The original name of the Sun Island is Titik’arka and it was considered by Incas as the Cradle of its society.
Copacabana has been a center of tourism and permanent pilgrimage, from before the beginning of the colony. The center of attraction is called the statue of the Virgen Morena, carved by a native of noble lineage, called Tito Yupanqui in the year 1582.
It is not easy to describe the artistic excellence of the sculpture that someone looks at her carefully, awakes strong spiritual emotions.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Sail on the highest navigable lake in the world, "Titikaka" 3.814 meters over the sea level.
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Visit the sacred Isla del Sol (Sun Island) and also the mysterious ruins of the Fountain of Eternal Youth.
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Visit the emblematic and spiritual center and the dark Virgen of Copacabana.
PROGRAMME: After breakfast, on board a boat, will sail in the waters of the highest navigable lake in the world, Titikaka, at 3,814 m.a.s.l. going straight to the northern side of the famous Sun Island where will see the ruins of the ceremonial temple called Chinkana, Titik’arka Stone and the Sacrificies Table.
After lunch, will sail to the southern part of the sacred Island where will visit two more places: Yumani area where will find the spring that is famous and apparently guarantees Eternal Youth and Pilkokaina a mysterious Inca ruin. On the way we will have countless opportunities to photograph the surroundings.
Once we are back to Copacabana will visit its imposing Cathedral showing us clearly the Moorish influence in its design, with painted limestone walls and multiple ornaments, decorated with tiles of a deep blue color, this temple was originally built by the religious order of the Augustinians to house the miraculous image of the Virgin of Copacabana, which boasts a native feature, dressed in sumptuous costumes finely embellished with silver and gold and topped with a golden halo, the altar of solid gold image Andina is also notable, decorated with silver brought from the famous mines of Potosi and eighteenth century paintings invaluable decorate the interior of the church.
Then, will return to La Paz to be around 21:00 hours. Have a Hotel*** Night in La Paz. (B/L)
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DAY 3: LA PAZ CITY TOUR
LA PAZ CITY TOUR
CAT-LPZCT/FD
6 hours approximately
INTRODUCING: La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is a great place to discover on a City Tour.
Founded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, is the highest government city in the world, although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian center of commerce, finance and industry. This is a busy modern city, with its center at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide and sprawling spontaneous housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is at nearly 4000 m (13,120 ft.) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.
Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to cure any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the streets and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. There is also a thriving black market and a Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. You’ll also find a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewelry, woven textiles and leather goods.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Singular Topography of the City of La Paz and its viewpoint, Killi Killi.
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Colonial streets, the Government Palace, the Cathedral and Congress.
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The residential area and modern life.
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Take a ride on the Cable Cars.
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La Paz City is one of the Seven Wonder Cities of the world.
PROGRAMME: We start visiting the city at 09:00 hours (you can start at any hour until 14:00 hours only) walking through the witches market, the craft market, then, an interesting visit to an opened market (mornings only) for fruit and potatoes discovering the social and cultural exchange of Aymaras while doing business.
Then we will go to the main colonial street where we will walk through this oldest street in the city, we’ll take pictures and admire the facades of colonial churches and republican houses of the century.
We will visit the Plaza Murillo where you’ll have a comprehensive explanation about the socio-political situation in Bolivia, the administration system and everything related to its history then will go to a lookout site to observe almost all La Paz area.
Finally we’ll descend through the residential area of our city to the Valley of the Moon where we will have a nice walk observing the erosion caused by the rain during millions of years. This tour can be performed on the reverse it depends on city’s traffic jump.
Have lunch.
Around 14:00 hours we will be transferred to the Cable Car Red Station to be transported to El Alto City from where will have a car to be transferred to the Cable Car Yellow Station to be back to La Paz, this will be a great opportunity to take unforgettable pics.
Then will go back to the hotel. Have Dinner. Hotel*** (B/L/D)
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DAYS 4 to 6: AMAZON JUNGLE
MADIDI NATIONAL PARK – TARECHE PROGRAMME
CAT-MNPTP/3D2N
3 days 2 nights
INTRODUCING:
The Bolivian Amazon offers a wide variety of destinations and places for lovers of nature.
For those who seek a unique experience in the Amazon, the Madidi National Park is the choice, because it is one of the most biodiverse areas of the world and according to many experts keeps the authenticity of the Forest. It is plagued by rainforests, savannas, tropical rivers flowing, amazing animals and primary forests. Within its domains communities live in harmony with nature and who are carriers of knowledge and traditions.
This park covers 18,957.40 square kilometers and is one of the largest protected areas in Bolivia, it has five accesses, essentially mountainous, with steep slopes and deep canyons, is a great diversity of ecological zones.
More information at http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Nacional_Madidi
HIGHLIGHTS:
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It is one of the most intact forest ecosystems of South America.
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It is the home of 44% of mammal species in the New World.
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It is the home of 38% of the species of frogs in the tropical forest.
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It is home of nearly 1,000 species of birds as in any national park in the world.
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Guided walks through the jungle with the interpretation and exploration of the rainforest.
PROGRAMME:
DAY 1: At 04:30 hours you will have a transfer to the Airport to take the Flight to Rurrenabaque which is at 06:10 hours and it takes 45 minutes to arrive to the entrance village to the Amazing Amazon Jungle. Have breakfast in Rurrenabaque.
At 08:30 hours will leave on a boat from Rurrenabaque to the Madidi National Park. The trip upstream the Beni and Tuichi Rivers takes three and a half hours and is a great opportunity to see the fauna and impressive landscape of the Amazon Jungle, such as the Bala Canyon.
Around 12:00 hours, will arrive to Madidi Jungle Ecolodge and will have accommodation in traditional style cabins.
Around 13:00 hours, will have Lunch and after that a relax time on hammocks.
Around 15:00 hours, we will go on a three hours guided hike along the Tareche Trail. This is an opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, mainly macaws and parrots, and enjoy the surrounding tropical rainforest. It is possible to observe different species of mammals. The most common animals observed include the white-lipped peccary, the brown capuchin monkey and the red howler monkey. After watching the landscape and hiking along the Aguapolo river bank, we return to the Ecolodge along the Wabu Trail.
Around 19:30 hours, will have a traditional dinner at Ecolodge. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to have a night hike into the jungle to observe the nocturnal wildlife. During this walk you will be able to see amphibians and many insects, such as for example the tarantulas. Will listen to the jungle symphony made by the infinite variety of wildlife. (B/L/D)
DAY 2: At 07:30 hours will have breakfast at the Ecolodge. After breakfast we will have a guided walk for three hours along the Biwa Trail, where black spider monkeys are often encountered. This is an opportunity to observe a variety of ecosystems and to be in touch with deep nature. Along this trail you will stop at a natural scenic viewpoint, where we will have an ideal panoramic view over the rainforest tree tops of the Madidi National Park. We will return to the Ecolodge along the Tareche Trail.
Around 12:30 hours will have lunch and a relaxing time in the hammocks.
Around 15:00 hours will go on a three hours guided walk along the Mapajo and Almendrillo Trails. On these trails, you will be able to observe the Giant Kapok Tree, Almendrillo Tree and the Strangler Fig Tree. Our local guides will provide us an in-depth explanation of the diverse species of plants used for medicinal purposes and ancestral benefits. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Amazon ecosystems. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Amazon ecosystems, while one enjoys being at a pristine environment and sees different species of wildlife. We will return to the Ecolodge along the Dati Trail.
Around 19:30 hours will have an exquisite traditional dinner called Dunucuabi (catfish wrapped in leaves) at the lodge, free night time. (B/L/D)
DAY 3: At 07:00 hours will have breakfast at the Ecolodge. After breakfast, we will take a boat upstream the Tuichi River, entering the Serere Trail. We will hike along this trail through the floodplain jungle to the Piranha lagoon where you will have a chance to see yellow squirrel monkeys and fish piranhas. After the fishing activity we will go to a place where large mammals lick salt which has been recently discovered. Here the guide will explain us about the animal behavior. We will return to the Ecolodge by boat.
Around 12:30 hours will have lunch. After lunch is we will have some extra free time to spend before going back to Rurrenabaque.
Around 13:30 hours will return to Rurrenabaque. On the way back, we will optionally visit Caquiahuara, where we will have the chance to observe the red and green macaws and other species of parrots. Bird sighting can be done anytime during the year, however, it is more frequent from May to December. The trip is a great opportunity to see some exotic species such as the capybaras, tapirs, turtles or caimans. The return trip takes only two hours.
We will arrive to Rurrenabaque around 16:30 hours. Transfer to the airport in order to take the Flight to La Paz which is at 17:30 hours, arriving to La Paz around 18:00 hours; and once we arrive to La Paz will have transfer from El Alto to the Hotel. Have Dinner. (B/L/D)
INCLUDES:
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Airline Tickets. La Paz-Rurrenabaque-La Paz.
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Transfer In/Out at La Paz and Rurrenabaque airports.
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Touristic Private Boat Rurrenabaque/Madidi Jungle/Rurrenabaque.
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02 Night of traditional style cabin Accommodation with shared bathroom. (With private bathroom USD 30.-)
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Fruit Juices according the season.
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Indigenous Multilingual Tour Guide.
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Water Bottles during the staying.
NOT INCLUDES:
DAY 7: EL ALTO
Leaving Bolivia.
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