Visit Bolivia: La Paz, Uyuni, La Paz

##Itinerary

Day 1 – LA PAZ

Your first day brings you to the Bolivian metropolis of La Paz. You’ll check into the midrange hotel of Real Plaza for the night. This midrange hotel stay comes with a breakfast buffet.

Day 2 – LA PAZ – UYUNI

After breakfast, your day starts with a visit to the Tiwanaku ruins, which served as the capital of a Pre-Columbian civilization. This settlement probably dates back to the 2nd century, although not much is known about this site. Archeologists have determined that two of the structures probably served as soon and moon temples, as well as a temple with a frame that’s somewhat sunken into the earth. The museum has a collection of tools recovered from the site.

In the afternoon, your tour continues to see more of the city and the Moon Valley. First, you’ll go see the Witch’s Market, where local brujas sell goods used in magical rituals. It’s a fascinating look at local culture. You’ll also see centers of worship, like the colonial church of San Francisco and the Metropolitan Cathedral in Murillo Square. Murilo Square is also where you’ll see the Government Palace and Parliament buildings. See more colonial buildings and museums on Jaen Street, where your guide will bring you to see a recreation of the semi-subterranean temple from Tiwanaku.

After you’ve seen the city, you’ll take a roadtrip through some residential neighborhoods to a rocky valley right outside of the city. The Valley of the Moon formed after a river eroded the clay soil, creating a series of spires that resemble a drip sandcastle. In addition to the incredible landscape, you’ll also get to visit a ceramic workshop and watch a local artist at work.

5:00 PM - Transfer to the airport in La Paz for your flight to Uyuni. 7:15 PM - Departure to Uyuni 8:15 PM - Land in Uyuni and transfer to a hotel in Uyuni - either Hotel de Sal Luna Salada or Hotel de Sal Cristal Samaña. Both of these hotels are unique accommodations, with walls made of salt.

Day 3 – UYUNI – SALT FLATS

Day 3 begins with a visit to the Colchani Village, where you’ll see villagers extracting salt from the terrain. Artists have transformed a few of these hunks into sculptures, which you’ll get to admire on a quick tour of the “Museum of Salt.”

The salt flats have an abundance of arresting natural formations – watch as hot water spurts from the geysers called “Ojos de Sal,” and then admire the salt flats. You can wade in the water during the wet season (December to March), and admire the hexagonal shapes in the salt during the dry season (April to November). During the wet season, the reflective surface of the water makes for fascinating photographs.

Your break for lunch takes place at either a restaurant or outside, for a picnic. Next, you’ll visit the Incahuasi Island. This mound is covered in giant cacti species and its summit offers a lovely view of the surrounding salt flats.

Day 4 - La Paz to Lima

Your trip ends with a return flight back to Lima. This flight leaves early, giving you the rest of the day to settle into your next stop.