Southern Bolivia Tour

Arrival into Santa Cruz and transfer to your hotel. We recommend the Camino Real Hotel.

If you arrive late at night yesterday, then today we recommend a free day at leisure to explore Santa Cruz on your own.

After breakfast, pick up and transfer to the Southern rim of the Amboro National Park where the imposing volcanoes (sandstone rock cliffs) rise majestically from the rainfoprest floor. Upon arrival to the mirador, or look out point overlooking the lodge, you will discover the breathtaking views. Continue into the clearing where the lodge is located, the Refugio de los volcanoes. Lunch before you can choose from several hiking trails in the area. You will have an opportunity to learn about the flora including orchids and bromeliads. Dinner at the lodge.

After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of the cloud forest. Wildlife is elusive but if you are lucky, you may get to see several species of unique birds (over 200 species have been registered) and mammals. The rest of the day is left free to enjoy one or more of the optional activities available in the area. One of the most popular activities is to take refreshing baths in the natural pools by the river or relax on a hammock before embarking on the drive to the town of Samaipata. Arrive in this beautiful town located amid the lush, Andean mountains in the evening for dinner and accommodation at the lodge.

After breakfast, your drive this morning takes you towards the rolling hills around El Fuerte de Samaipata, about 30 mins from town. In a beautiful subtropical setting, the site has been a mystery since as early as AD 300, and our tour today will show you the features that have been discovered by excavations and the history of the various occupations it has endured including the Chiriguanos of the Chaco, the Incas and the Spaniards. We end the tour around noon, after which we will enjoy a last lunch in Samaipata before embarking on our drive back to Santa Cruz. Arrive in the early evening at your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Sucre. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. We recommend the Mi Pueblo Samary Hotel Boutique.
In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Sucre, known as the "White City" where outstanding examples of baroque art are found on nearly every corner. Sucre was the capital of Bolivia until the end of the last century and is officially listed as a Monument of the Americas and also as Patrimony of Mankind by the United Nations. A visit to the "house of freedom", the most important historical monument in Bolivia due to its role in the signing of Bolivia's independence in 1825.

After breakfast, transfer to Potosi with a driver only. The journey will take about 2 ½ hours. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
We recommend the Hostal Colonial Potosi.
In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Potosi, including the world famous silver mines from where silver was taken to Spain and used all over Europe. Now a walk through the streets takes you back to the times of the Spanish Conquistadores. The whole city has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by the United Nations.

After breakfast, transfer to Uyuni which is just over a 3 hour journey before start of the fabulous tour aboard our 4x4 vehicles. Short drive to the train cemetery just out of town. Next, drive to the village of Colchani (30 mins) where you will learn about salt mining and processing as well as stroll through its colourful market. Here we will enter the Salar de Uyuni and stop by the famous multinational flag stand. Enjoy a delightful lunch in the middle of the world's largest salt lake and make your way to Incahuasi Island to hike to the top of this rocky outcrop full of giant cacti from where the 360-degree views of the salt flats are unmatched. After a full day of salt flats exploration, arrive at your accommodation in a small village on the rim of the salt flats. Options include Hotel Palacio de sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Samana.

Leaving the salt flats behind today, we are bound south. On the way, make a stop and walk at Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint (semi active volcano on the Chile-Bolivia border), walk along Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota and Honda lagoons to photograph wild flamingos up close and traverse Siloli Desert across the extensive barren landscape. Accommodation at the Tayka del Desierto Hotel or Los Flamencos Hotel.

This expedition of a lifetime comes to an end today with a very early start that brings us to Sol de Mañana, (Rising Sun) - an otherworldly, steaming geyser field high up in a massive crater. Follow up with a pleasant soak in the natural hot springs of Polques before visiting the enigmatic Laguna Colorada, the Arbol de Piedra* (stone tree) and reaching the surreal Laguna Verde (green lagoon) at the foot of Volcán Licancabur** - Bolivia's southwesternmost point. Leaving Laguna Verde behind, we set off on our scenic drive back to Uyuni not before we make a few stops for some fresh air and to enjoy more startling views of the region. Arrive in the town of Uyuni late afternoon. Overnight accommodation. We recommend the Tonito hotel, simple but clean.

After breakfast, transfer to airport for the flight to Santa Cruz (* Flight only on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays) and overnight accommodation in Santa Cruz.

After breakfast, prívate transfer to the airport for your flight home.