| HIGHLIGHTS: La Paz - Sucre - Potosi - Uyuni - Villazon - Humahuaca Gorge - Maimara - Purmamarca - Salta - Buenos Aires
Legend aside, it is a fact that the silver mines of Potosi has generated enough wealth to underwrite the Spanish economy for more than two centuries and also saw the city grow to become the one - time second largest in the Americas. Our adventure starts in Bolivia - the 'Tibet of the Americas'. From La Paz we journey across the Altiplano to colonial Sucre - a city with a rich, varied history and a wealth of historical buildings.
Further on we discover the charms of mineral rich Potosi before heading out to discover the stark beauty of the Uyuni Salt Plains. Then we turn south, following the Camino Real (Royal Road) that traces the path of Potosi's silver trade towards the coast. Crossing the Argentinean border we sweep down through the spectacular Humahuaca Gorge to Salta, Argentina's best - preserved colonial city. Finally we arrive in lively, stylish Buenos Aires - one of the great capitals of Latin America
Day 1 La Paz. Our trip starts today in La Paz, but with no activities planned you may arrive at any time. There will be a pre - departure meeting with your local tour guide at 7.00pm this evening. Don't forget to check the notice board in the foyer of your joining hotel for further details of this meeting and any other messages regarding your tour. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the briefing. Please note that La Paz is situated 3636 metres above sea level. At this altitude you may experience some of the effects of altitude sickness such as dizziness, insomnia and a shortness of breath. If this is the case we recommend that you avoid any strenuous activity for the first couple of days of your trip. Alternatively, you may wish to arrive a day earlier to allow yourself more time for acclimatization.
Day 2 - 3 La Paz. The highest city in the world, La Paz lies nestled in a steep canyon on the Altiplano, with the towering Mount Illimani forming an impressive backdrop over the city. La Paz is the country's largest city and home to over half of the country's Indian heritage. It was founded in 1548 following the discovery of gold and although that boom didn't last long, the city's location on the main silver route ensured its continued prosperity. We enjoy free time in La Paz to wander around the cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways that are features of this charming city. You can also explore the colourful markets, including the famous 'Witches Market', or simply relax in one of the many caFes. There are also some great day excursions available which your tour guide can help you to organise. On the evening of Day 15 we catch an overnight bus to Sucre.
Day 4 - 5 Sucre. The road we take descends more than 1000 metres to the temperate valleys of Chuquisacra, which are full of small rivers, cactus fields, fruit and vegetable gardens, gentle, local people and their mud huts. Sucre is a pleasant city set in a valley surrounded by low mountains and has retained its colonial heritage as exemplified by its churches, museums and ancient mansions. It was founded in 1538 as the Spanish capital of the vast region of Charcas. In 1776 with new territorial division created by the Spaniards, the city's name was changed to Chuquisaca. This region played an important role during the long colonial period and influenced much of Bolivia's history. It was actually here that Bolivian independence was declared on 6 August 1825. Several years later the name of the city was changed to Sucre, in honour of a general who promoted the independence movement. On arrival we transfer to our charming colonial guesthouse before enjoying a guided tour of the old part of town including the Recoleta Church and Monastery, the chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the cathedral and museum of La Casa de la Libertad. We also have Day 34 as a free day to enjoy this historic town and absorb its colonial ambience. You may want to visit the local markets or textile museum, take a walk around the city or a horse ride out in the surrounding countryside.
Day 6 Potosi. This morning we take the short drive to the silver - mining city of Potosi, situated at 4070 metres and dominated by the Cerro Rico Mountain. In its heyday Potosi was considered home to the richest silver mines in the world. Founded in 1545 following the discovery of silver in Cerro Rico, the town quickly flourished into one of the wealthiest in Latin America. This abundance of silver ensured that it became the backbone of the Spanish economy for over two centuries, resulting in some extravagant behaviour by its rulers. Millions of miners worked in the mines in horrible conditions resulting in a incredible number of deaths, either by disease or preventable accidents. However, at the turn of 19th century, the reserves began to dwindle and the city declined. Evidence of Potosi's rich colonial past can be seen in the form of its grand colonial architecture, narrow streets and ornate churches. We enjoy a guided tour of the city and visit many of its highlights, including the San Lorenzo church, the Cobija Arch, the main square, the cathedral, the Jesuit Tower and the magnificent museum in the Casa Real de la Moneda, which has a fascinating section dedicated to art and historical artefacts. The afternoon is free to further explore the city and there are many optional activities available. A visit to the cooperative mines provides the opportunity to enter and see the miners at work, but is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia or asthma.
Day 7 - 8 Potosi - Uyuni (Great Salt Desert) - Overnight Train. We leave Potosi around midday and drive to the town of Uyuni, our base for exploring the Uyuni Desert - an immense saltpan stretching over an area of 12,000 square kiLometres. It was once part of a pre - historic salt lake called Lago Minchin, which covered most of southwestern Bolivia. The sunsets here can be quite incredible. We enjoy a full day excursion across this strange and fascinating desert. We start by visiting the local village of Jirira, which lies at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano. There is time to explore the natural caves on the volcano, where we can also enjoy outstanding views over the desert. Our next stop is Isla Pescado - a small, volcanic island, situated 80 kiLometres in the desert and home to enormous cacti. Here, there is plenty of time to do some of our own exploring. In the late afternoon we return to Uyuni where, later in the evening, we board the Overnight Train bound for the town of Villazon, on the Argentine border.
Day 9 Villazon - Humahuaca Gorge - Maimara. Our train arrives early in the morning at the Bolivian frontier town of Villazon. After customs and immigration formalities are completed we farewell our Bolivian tour guide and cross the bridge into La Quiaca in Argentina, where we meet our Argentine tour guide. From La Quiaca we travel down through the stunning Humahuaca Gorge, a major trade route for the past 10,000 years and the main access for 200 years for transporting Potosi's silver on the long journey to Spain. The scenery here is spectacular. Quebrada de Humahuaca follows a major cultural route known as the Camino Real, which follows the spectacular valley of the Rio Grande from its source in the cold high desert plateau of the Andes to its confluence with the Rio Leone, some 150 km to the south. The gorge features visible traces of prehistoric hunter - gatherer communities, of the Inca Empire (15th to 16th centuries) and also of the fight for independence in the 19th and 20th centuries. We visit the beautiful villages of Humahuaca and Uquia where we can see the reconstructed pre - Colombian stone fortifications built by the indigenous Indians of the region, before arriving at our hotel for the evening.
Day 10 Purmamarca - Salta. We rise early today to see the sunrise at the famous Hill of Seven Colours, close to the tiny village of Purmamarca. We then enjoy a short two - hour walk in the area known as Los Colorados, which enables us to really appreciate the incredible scenery. We also visit the village of Purmamarca, renowned for its 17th - century Santa Rosa de Lima Church. We then continue our journey to Salta, where we arrive in the mid afternoon.
Day 11 - 12 Salta. Salta is Argentina's most traditional colonial city and we have time here to explore many of the city's fine buildings, as well as enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at some of the many great caFes, restaurants and bars. In the evening we can also experience a taste of the city's vibrant and pumping nightlife. There is also time for some great optional side trips to such wonderful towns as Cachi and Cafayate. Your tour guide will be able to advise you on how to arrange these excursions. If you want, you can always just kick back and take it easy in Salta. On the evening of Day 12 we take an overnight bus bound for the city of Buenos Aires.
Day 13 - 14 Buenos Aires. You will love Buenos Aires Home to nearly 13 million people it is the world's tenth largest city. Vibrant and stylish, it boasts grand avenues, impressive colonial buildings, bustling streets, old - worldly caFes and a multitude of restaurants. A walking tour introduces us to the main attractions in the centre of town, but you also have time to make some great discoveries of your own. La Boca is an interesting neighbourhood famous for the brightly painted houses in a pedestrian walkway known as Caminito. Recoleta has an amazing cemetery that includes the tomb of Evita (Eva Peron). You might want to try the tango or perhaps enjoy the thrill of your first Argentinean football match (season runs from March to December). Whatever you choose to do you are in for a great time.
Day 15 Buenos Aires. Our epic adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. If you wish to extend your holiday and take a look at the magnificent Iguazu Falls, why not consider our 'Amazing Iguazu' add - on? Please see our brochure or website for details for this great option.
Legend has it that Cerro Rico mountain has yielded enough silver to build a bridge from Bolivia to Spain 15 day tour departing La Paz.2 nights accommodation onboard an overnight coach. 1 night accommodation onboard an overnight train. 11 nights accommodation in budget/tourist class hotels. 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch.An experienced local tour guide in Bolivia and Argentina plus there will be the services of local site guides
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