Essential Bolivia

La Paz - Tiahuanaco - Sorato

Arrival in La Paz, reception and transfer to the 4* El Rey Hotel.

After breakfast, a city tour of La Paz. With its own unique topography containing few flat areas and protected by its eternal guardian, the snow peak of Ilimani (6402m), La Paz houses the seat of government of Bolivia. A visit to the Plaza Murillo (with its presidential palace, national congress and metropolitan cathedral), its famous witches market and a choice of fine museums. With many interesting museums to visit, choose between the National Museum of Art, The Ethnographic and Folklore Museum and The Museo Tambo Quirquincho (old fashioned dresses and silverware amongst others). On Calle Jaen, a beautiful colonial street, there are four museums which may all be visited one after another. These are: The Precious Metals Museum, The Casa de Murillo, The Litoral Boliviano or Military Museum and the Juan de Vargas Museum; there is even a Coca museum. A visit will also be made to the Valley of the Moon before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, a full day visit to Tiahuanaco, site of the oldest civilisation in Bolivia. Tiahuanaco was the centre of a very powerful empire stretching back to before 500BC. Excavations are still in progress but many stone ruins including the sungate and central square are in excellent condition. Return to your hotel.

After breakfast, journey to Sorato, known as the "Pearl of the Andes" and often described as having the most beautiful setting in Bolivia. Sorata serves as a base for hiking throughout the area.

A full day trekking in the Sorato Valley. The Gold Diggers Trail, from Sorata to the Lowlands is still very much in use by the locals, whilst their ancestors, the Incas used the trail to transport gold ore. These paths now provide trekkers a wonderful trail stretching from icy passes to jungle. The Mapiri Inca Trail, is one of the longest Inca footpaths in the Americas and we will trek some part of it today. Return to your hotel.

A day walk to the caves at San Pedro. Located 10km from Sorata, the trek will take about 2½ hours walking each way. One of the caves has a small but very deep lake at the end and according to legend, holds Inca treasure. Return to your hotel.

Journey to Copacabana, close to the border of Peru. Boarding of the boat for an excursion to the Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca. The Isla del Sol is steeped in mythology and is regarded as the birthplace of the Incas. A guided tour of the island including the Inca garden and the fabulous Inca staircase. Return to Copacabana and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, return trip to La Paz airport and onward for your flight home.

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