BOLIVIA EXPEDITION
CAT-BE/13D12N
13 days & 12 nights
PLEASE, SEE THE MAP OF BOLIVIA EXPEDITION AND PICS ABOUT THE TRIPS AT GALLERY, THANK YOU!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO LA PAZ
Transfer In from El Alto International Airport to the selected Hotel at any time you arrive. At the hotel, during Lunch or Dinner, you will meet the staff of the Travel Agency “Carmen Andina Tours” to have more explanation about the journey. You will have a free day to explore the city or to rest. Have a Hotel Night***. (L or D)
IMPORTANT: When you arrive in La Paz, the altitude and resulting 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. Just take it easy for the first day or second, and cut back on alcohol and 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.
DAYS 2 to 3: LAKE TITIKAKA
COPACABANA & SUN ISLAND
CAT-COP/2D1N
2 days 1 night
INTRODUCING: 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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Visit the emblematic and spiritual center and the dark Virgen of Copacabana.
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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 Island of the Moon and its ancient temple where at the time of the Inca Empire lived the chosen ones of the sun god.
PROGRAMME:
DAY 2: We leave La Paz, around 07:30 hours will be picked up to go in a northwest direction through the Altiplano, in the way you will see breathtaking views of the Cordillera Real as Lake Titikaka, after about three and a half hours journey, we arrive at this landmark spiritual center of this pleasant town of Copacabana.
After lunch, on board a boat, will sail in the waters of the highest navigable lake in the world 3,814 m.a.s.l. and in the southern part of the sacred Isla del Sol will visit two 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 also from the top of the island will take photos of the sunset.
Have a Hostel Night in the Sun Island. (L/D)
DAY 3: After breakfast will return to Copacabana to 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 visit the market town and the street where you can find a variety of crafts.
Then will have a delicious lunch. After lunch we return to La Paz to be around 17:00 hours, then will go back to the hotel you were at the first night to pick our luggage up and to get ready to travel to Uyuni.
Transfer out from the hotel to the Bus Station to take a comfortable bus to Uyuni. (B/L)
Approximated distance from La Paz to Uyuni: 462,907 km.
Estimated travel time: 11 hours.
INCLUDES:
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One Night Hostel accommodation.
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Professional Tour Guide.
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All Admission Fees.
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Shared Tourist Transportation Bus.
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Visit the south part of Island of the Sun in a shared boat.
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Meals during the stay. (2 Lunches, 1 Dinner and 1 Breakfast)
DAYS 4 to 6: WHITE DESERT AND COLORED LAGOONS
SALT LAKE OF UYUNI
CAT-UYU/3D2N
3 days 2 nights
INTRODUCING: Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), the town of Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia’s Favorite Daughter). It is also the starting point for our excursion through the spectacular Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) in 4x4 vehicles.
Spend three days in the stunning landscapes on the Salar de Uyuni; the salt flats now cover a total area of over 12,000 square kms. (7,440 square miles) and is one of Bolivia's main salt mining centers. Driving across the salt flats is a fantastic experience, particularly for the contrast of piercing blue skies and blinding white salt on the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes and geysers is like nowhere on earth. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos.
The tour takes us through the impressive large red lagoon of Laguna Colorada the striking blue-green Laguna Verde at 5,000 meters above the sea level; the region's volcanic activity is present as we pass by numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, thermal baths and Licancabúr Volcano.
Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape; this includes vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos and assorted varieties of cactus.
Note: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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One of the most beautiful regions of Bolivia.
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The world's largest salt lake with more than 12.000 km2.
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Nominated as the wonder number 1 by international journals.
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The perfect place to enjoy sunsets and surreal landscapes.
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Enjoy the hot springs and fumarole views and volcanic activity.
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Habitat of several groups of pink flamingos and incredible views of colored lagoons.
PROGRAMME:
DAY 4: Around 07:30 hours, transfer from your arrival point to a restaurant to have breakfast.
About 10:30 hours, starts the tour: visiting the Train Cemetery, where we see remnants of this transportation way from the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, then we'll go Colchani where local people are dedicated to refine the salt using rudimentary equipment. Will visit the first hotel made of Salt, unique and attractive for the use of salt blocks for construction, Inkahuasi Island, attractive by the presence of giant cactus, maybe will see some Andean rodents better known as "vizcachas" the walk in this island will last almost an hour observing the immensity of this salt desert. Have Lunch. Salt Hotel Night. (B/L/D)
DAY 5: In the morning, after breakfast, on board of our vehicle we will visit some Andean lagoons (Cañapa, Hedionda, Ramaditas, etc...) where will see some Andean flamingos and if we're lucky wildlife such as the Andean fox or vicuñas besides different types of birds that live in the area. Have Lunch. In the afternoon will go across the desert of Siloli known for its strange rock formations, such as the Stone Tree. We will arrive to a Basic Lodge at Red Lagoon. (B/L/D)
DAY 6: Will leave very early to visit the area where we find the volcanic geysers (fumaroles and boiling mud craters), then swimming in the hot springs, panoramic view of the Dalí Desert Rocks (from the road), Green Lagoon, panoramic view of Licancabur Volcano, at this point we start our return to Uyuni through the Laguna Colorada, Villa Mar, Valley of Rocks, Alota.
Once we arrive to Uyuni will have dinner and after that will take the bus to Potosi. Hotel Night in Potosi*** (B/L/D)
INCLUDES:
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Bus ticket to Uyuni.
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Shared Transportation in 4x4.
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English Speaking Tour Guide.
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02 Nights Hotel/Hostel accommodations.
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Bus Ticket to Potosi.
NOT INCLUDES:
DAY 7: POTOSÍ
POTOSI CITY TOUR
CAT-POTCT/FD
FULL DAY
INTRODUCING: Situated at 4,070 m.a.s.l. (13,350 ft.), Potosí is the second highest city on earth. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its tragic history in the mining of silver during the time of Spanish colonization. Potosí provided a large share of the silver mined and shipped to Spain until the early 1800s, when both the supply of silver and world market prices began to decline; it’s said the silver taken out of Cerro Rico (rich hill) propped up the Spanish empire for over 300 years.
Working conditions for miners were appalling, and a large portion of the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous people and Africans died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Though sometimes distressing and uncomfortable because of the harsh working conditions, the trip underground into the mines of today is an experience that should not be missed as it will open your eyes to the real-life hardships of many in Latin America.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Potosi is located at 4,090 meters altitude.
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Visit cooperative mines in the Cerro Rico.
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The conical mountain is at 4,824 meters above the sea level.
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An estimated 70,000 metric tons of silver were extracted from 400 years ago to the present.
PROGRAMME: At 09:00 hours we will pick you up from the hotel for our great and interesting adventure to the mines of Cerro Rico de Potosi, starting with a visit to the Miner market where hundreds of miners are concentrated to source material or equipment necessary work such as: dynamite, ammonium nitrate, detonating, carbide lamp, coca leaves, brandy, etc. Later will visit a minerals refinery "ingenios" that kept active from many years ago, there we will observe the process of amalgamation of minerals. After our visit we will continue our tour to the silver mines, where we will witness the forced labor of miners extracting manually the minerals as in past centuries. The temperature inside the mine can vary between outside. Upwards of income level, about 70 meters high, we will find a statue that is called the "Tio", representing the horrific demon or deity who possesses the minerals, to whom offerings are made to pull the metal from him.
Have Lunch.
After lunch will visit La Casa de La Moneda, which undoubtedly is the most important building of colonial architecture in South America, its builder and architect was Don Salvador de Vila, who had designed and built others in Mexico and Lima. The construction of the Treasury House at Potosi was the surprising extraction of silver from Cerro Rico.
Once finishing the tour will be transferred to the hotel to pick our luggage up, almost immediately, around 07:00 hours will take the bus to Sucre (it takes two and half hours) Have dinner and Hotel Night in Sucre*** (B/L/D)
INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDES:
DAY 8: SUCRE
SUCRE CITY TOUR
CAT-SUC/FD
FULL DAY
INTRODUCING: Sucre is a fascinating, historic town. You have plenty of time to explore its variety of museums and colonial buildings.
Often referred to as Bolivia’s White City, the country’s official capital, Sucre, is situated at nearly 2.800 m.o.s.l. (9.184 feet) above sea level and offers its visitors and inhabitants a more moderate, comfortable climate than cities at a higher elevation. Before the conquest, military, religious and political leaders of the local indigenous population made their homes on the present day city site. The site became the headquarters for the Spanish Royal Court, which by the late 1.700s ruled over colonial Paraguay, parts of Peru, Argentina, Chile, and most of Bolivia. In 1825, in the wake of the Latin American independence movement, the city was renamed Sucre, because of Simon Bolívar’s second-in-command, General Antonio Jose de Sucre. The city’s fine museums, colonial buildings and ties to the independence movement make it a city of great historical interest.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Sucre is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia and South America.
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Sucre is where important events happened in the history of Bolivia and Latin America.
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You can see buildings with neoclassical facades and magnificent colonial churches.
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You can visit a Dinosaur Park located in Cal Orcko.
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You can see a large variety and quantity of dinosaur footprints of different species that lived in this area about 70 million years ago.
PROGRAMME: After breakfast, at 09:00 hours we will start our City Tour visiting this beautiful city also called "White City of America" and one of the jewels of Spanish Colonial architecture in America and Humanity Cultural Heritage, will visit the Main Square Plaza 25 de Mayo, the House of Liberty, the Metropolitan Cathedral, a Textile Museum and the Covent of Recoleta from where we will appreciate the beauty of this city.
Have Lunch.
After lunch will visit the Castle of Glorieta, the Cretaceous Park where the petrified dinosaur tracks of Cal Orcko are in an area of 30,000 square meters, will walk through a variety of dinosaurs that lived finishing the Cretaceous period. Return to hotel.
Have a free dinner. Have a Night Hotel***. (B/L)
INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDES:
DAY 9: Transfer to the airport in Sucre for the flight to La Paz.
At the International Airport of El Alto will be waiting for you to pick you up to have a 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, and the de facto capital. 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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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 in order to take the flight to Rurrenabaque) 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.
At a specific hour, transfer to the international airport of El Alto, to take the flight to Rurrenabaque (50 minutes flight) our staff will be waiting for your arrival at the Rurrenabaque airport, transfer to selected hotel.
During dinner you will have an explanation about the tour to Madidi National Park. Have a Night Hotel***. (B/L/D)
INCLUDES:
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Private Transportation.
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Specialized Tour Guide.
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Lunch.
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All Admission Fees.
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Flight Ticket to La Paz.
DAYS 10 to 12: 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 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. (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.
Around 15:30 hours will arrive to Rurrenabaque. Transfer to the Airport and once arriving to a Paz transfer to the selected Hotel***. Good Bye Dinner. (B/L/D)
INCLUDES:
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Transfer In/Out to/from Rurrenabaque airport.
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Shared Boat Rurrenabaque/Madidi Jungle/Rurrenabaque.
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02 Nights Traditional Cabins Accommodations with private bathroom.
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English Speaking Indigenous Tour Guide.
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All meals an drinks, season’s juices.
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Water bottles during your staying.
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Flight Ticket to La Paz.
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Last Night Hotel*** accommodation in the Highest City of the World, El Alto.
NOT INCLUDES:
DAY 13: Leaving La Paz, Bolivia.
INCLUDES:
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