Bolivia Explorer (9 days)

Morning arrival and transfer to Casa Grande in the heart of the city. Balance of the morning at leisure to adjust to the altitude of 12,000 feet. Afternoon visit to the main points of interest in La Paz including the Witch Doctor’s market and nearby Moon Valley.

Morning drive to Tiahuanaco Ruins where the remains of five civilizations, one on top of the other, have been discovered - the last one finished 100 years before the first Inca arrived. Tiahuanaco was a pilgrimage site for the Incas and is considered of major importance in the world of archaeology in addition to being a "power site" in the world of mysticism.

Transfer for morning flight over the snow capped Andes to Sucre. Upon arrival, meeting and transfer to the Parador Santa Maria La Real in historic Sucre. Afternoon visit to the main points of interest in Sucre, acting legislative capital and a colonial treasure house with many excellent museums and churches.

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to Potosi, a scenic drive in the high Altiplano. Potosi was once the site of a major Spanish Mint, using silver extracted from the mines of Cerro Potosi. Visit the main points of interest in this historic city, have lunch and make a quick visit to the mine before the return drive to Sucre.

Today you will visit one of the most authentic Indian markets in all of South America. The drive is via an exciting mountain road to the town of Tarabuco where the Indians have a lively Sunday market. The Indian dress is very distinctive with hats that resemble the Spanish Conquistador helmets. Plenty of time to explore and shop before lunch and return drive to Sucre.

Transfer to the airport for return flight to La Paz with immediate transfer directly to Hotel Inca Utama on the shores of the highest navigable lake on earth, Lake Titicaca. Afternoon visit the hotel's Andean Roots Cultural Complex with Altiplano and Eco Museums, explore the ancient "chullpas" (mortuary towers) and evening visit to the mystical world of the Kallawayas, the high altiplano medicine men.

ABOUT THE INCA UTAMA: Located right on the shores of Lake Titicaca, there are 65 lake view rooms and suites, each with private facilities, heating and electric blanket for a cozy stay. There is the Choza Nautica over-the-water restaurant, a bar with over stuffed couches and roaring fireplace, "Suma Utavi" restaurant, a complete spa, and elevators in both the original hotel building and the Colonial Towers. The Inca Utama has a complete cultural complex consisting of the Altiplano Museum, Andean Eco Village complete with handicraft center, Eco Museum, Limachi brothers and their full size replica of the RA II, stone fisherman village, the Urus Chipayas mud igloos, Kallawayas Museum and the Alajpacha native observatory.

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion by hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu", then the hydrofoil continues to Sun Island, legendary birthplace of the Inca. Walk up ancient Inca steps, visit the Sacred Fountain and enjoy spectacular views of Moon Island and the lake. Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological restaurant and visit the small handicraft market. Board the hydrofoil to Copacabana to visit the Shrine and the Dark Virgin before returning to the Inca Utama for overnight. In the evening visit the "alajpacha" (native observatory) for a look at the southern skies.

Morning breakfast and return transfer to La Paz and to Hotel Casa Grande. Afternoon at leisure.

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Miami where you clear immigrations and customs and make connections to your home city.