Bolivia Adventure
April 7 — 16, 2024
Tour start — Sucre, Bolivia
Tour finish — La Paz, Bolivia
Dates: April 7 — 16, 2024
Price:
- Early Bird (before 05/01/2023 — $ 3950 per participant
- Regular — $4200 per participant
Group size — limit: 10 participants
Instructor: Alex Mironyuk
Deposit: $ 1000 (payments accepted for the remainder of the balance)
Tour’s Highlights
On this tour, we are going to the most unique and fascinating places on Earth.
Our trip begins in the capital of Bolivia — Sucre. We will spend two days here to acclimate to a high altitude and continue our acclimatization in Tupiza, which often calls as wild-wild West of Bolivia, referred to as its USA counterpart — Arizona.
Most of the time in Bolivia, we will spend on Bolivian Altiplano (highlands) with elevations around 4200-4800 meters. We will visit different deserts, colorful, salty lagunas full of wildlife, thermal natural wonders, etc.
We are going on this trip at a time when we can capture Milky Way over these amazing landscapes without any light pollution ever! So we plan to spend two nights at the primitive camping to maximize our photo ops.
We will spend one and half days on the biggest in the world salt flats — Salar De Uyuni. Even in April, when the usually rainy season is over, it is possible to find a part of this salt flat covered with a thin layer of water.
Traveling to Bolivia can be a great opportunity to see the regular daily life of Bolivian people. Bolivia is a culturally rich and diverse country with many indigenous communities that have unique traditions and ways of life.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate. This Tour Involves some physical activities at a high altitude. The average day hikes would be less than 3-4 miles.
Fitness Level: Like any outdoor activity, a reasonable degree of fitness is ideal. We will not be engaging in any strenuous physical activity.
Weather: Participants must be prepared for a temperature range from 20°F to 70°F. Even if we are not traveling during the rainy season, participants must be designed for rainy and especially windy weather conditions.
Transportation: included in the Tour’s price except for the flights to and from Bolivia, flight from Uyuni to La Paz, and all transfers to and from airports.
Lodging: hotels, hostels, simple refugees, and camping in tents are included in the Tour’s price. See the pictures at the bottom of this page, which represent how this simple lodging looks.
Meals: are not included in the tour price except for traveling on Altiplano. See the Itinerary for more details.
How to Adjust to Altitude: — read the article at the bottom of this page. In two words: you must start taking ACETAZOLAMIDE 250 mg (or 2×125 mg pills) 3 days before that trip and every day in Bolivia.
Airports: Sucre (Bolivia), La Paz (Bolivia).
There are few options for getting to Bolivia (especially in Sucre) due to only the local Bolivian company Boliviana de Aviación or BoA operating most of the flights. After some research, we found that the flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) is the most reliable option to fly to Bolivia. The most convenient flight departs from MIA at 10 PM. So you can have a lot of opportunities to get to MIA by this time from any city in the USA.
Returning flight from La Paz to Miami arrives at 3 PM, and you still have plenty of time to fly anywhere from MIA that afternoon.
Another option to be considered is to arrive in La Paz (Bolivia) and buy a separate ticket to fly to Sucre with Boliviana de Aviación or BoA. There are several local flights at different times, averaging $52 to $85 per passenger.
Itinerary
Day 1
April 7, Sunday.
Arriving in Sucre. Sucre is the constitutional capital of the country. Founded in 1538, Sucre is one of the oldest cities in South America and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, charming streets, and rich cultural heritage.
Self-transfer to hotel.
Evening walk in Sucre, Dinner
Included: hotel in Sucre
Day 2
April 8, Monday.
All day we will spend in Sucre.
The city’s historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has numerous architectural gems, including the La Recoleta Church and Convent, the Casa de la Libertad Museum, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. We will stroll through the narrow streets, admire the ornate facades of the buildings, and explore the many museums and galleries that showcase the city’s history and art.
Night in Sucre
Included: hotel in Sucre.
Day 3
April 9, Tuesday.
We were leaving our hotel close to noon and meeting our local Bolivian guides with SUVs. And we will drive in our comfortable SUVs toward the city of Tupiza.
Late evening, we will check in to our hotel.
Included: transportation to Tupiza, English guide, hotel in Tupiza
Day 4
April 10, Wednesday.
This is the last full day of our high-altitude adaptation. All day we will spend around Tupiza at an altitude about 3000 meters above sea level.
Early in the morning, we will stay at Devil’s Door (Puerta Del Diablo) — the natural gates to the red mountains Cordillera de Chicas to meet the first sun rays. Later we will walk deep into the impressive Cañón del Inca with tall red spires on both sides of this amazing gorge.
Afternoon we will check out another gorgeous rock formation El Sillar. The Sillar is a fantastic vista between two different valleys overhung by two high peaks. There is a 360° view of the surroundings. Peaks seem to be carved in the shape of needles, and colors are shining: the red of rocks, the green of hills, the ochre of needles and mountain peaks, and the cream color of the sand in the ravine. First, we will walk it at the bottom, and during the golden hour, we will climb to a spectacular viewpoint the way above El Sillar to see these spires at sunset.
Included: transportation in Tupiza, English guide, hotel in Tupiza
Day 5
April 11, Thursday.
We were leaving our hotel early in the morning. Today we will start climbing to Bolivian Altiplano. First of all, we again will pass the Sillar and several more viewpoints along the winding road, climbing higher and higher. Here, on these colorful hills, we can see a lot of lamas, vicunas, and even Bolivian ostriches.
We will have lunch in the small village of Polulos. We will spend about an hour there and will get a chance to see how Bolivians live in these remote rural areas.
In the afternoon, we will get to the remote fantastic badlands basin of Ciudad Encanto. We will spend the rest of this day wandering around mounds and hoodoos and taking pictures of this seldom-visited area.
Night in Polulos
Included: transportation in Tupiza, English guide, refugees in Polulos
Day 6
April 12, Friday.
For sunrise, we will again drive to Ciudad Encanto.
After breakfast, we will drive toward the mountain range, the Cordillera de Lípez (next to San Pablo De Lipez). The Cordillera de Lípez is a part of the Andes mountain range and is known for its stunning landscapes and unique geology, which includes volcanic formations and colorful mineral deposits. We will get deep into this range and eventually will get to Guadalupe. This small, remote Bolivian village has limited service and touristic infrastructure. 10 years ago, just 7 tourists were spotted there. In 2017 this village already saw 70 strangers. It looks like during the COVID pandemic; they didn’t see any tourists at all.
This village is the gate to a remote geological area in the mountains near the Bolivian-Argentina border — Ciudad de Roma (Rome’s ruins) with endless photographic potential.
We will drive an extreme 4×4 road for about an hour to set up our first camp on this trip.
Late afternoon we will hike for about 1.5 — 2 miles with about 500' elevation loss to a stunning viewpoint where we will have our sunset session.
As soon as we return to our tents, we will set up our tripods for our night pictures, and we can sleep until about 12 — 2 AM — when the milky Way will be in the desired position in the sky. We can return to our tents in one hour to sleep a couple more hours before sunrise.
Lodging — camping
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, fruits, car 4×4, English guide, tent, and sleeping bag.
Day 7
April 13, Saturday.
For sunrise, we will stay at another viewpoint with a breathtaking view of Ciudad de Roma.
After breakfast, we will go through the mountains toward National Reserve Eduardo Avaroa.
Our first stop today would be San Antonio de Lipez ghost town which lies at 15,610 ft altitude. It was once a thriving mining town known for its rich deposits of silver, tin, and other minerals. However, after the collapse of the mining industry in the mid-20th century, the town was gradually abandoned by its inhabitants, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful and eerie landscape.
On our way, we will stop next to beautiful Laguna Morijon. The lake is approximately 4,700 meters above sea level, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain.
Afternoon, we will get into the National Reserve Eduardo Avaroa, where we will spend the next few days. This is the high desert plateau in the Andes Mountains. The reserve is situated in the Andean highlands at an altitude of 4,000 to 6,000 meters above sea level. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, geysers, hot springs, and colorful lagoons. The reserve is home to various wildlife, including vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, Andean foxes, condors, flamingos, and other bird species.
We will drive to the Dali Desert for our late afternoon photo session. It is named after the famous Spanish artist Salvador Dali, known for his surreal and dreamlike landscapes, which bear some resemblance to the otherworldly scenery in this area.
If weather permits (usually, it is very windy in that area by the end of the day), we will go to Laguna Blanca for the sunset to get shots of the snow-capped volcanos reflected in this vast salty lake. Otherwise, we will stand in the Dali desert.
We will stay in Refuge in Polques next to two natural hot springs, where we can relax at the end of the day.
Lodging: Refuge in Polques
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, fruits, car 4×4, English guide, hostel private — triple, double, or single rooms.
Day 8
February 16, Thursday
For sunrise, we will go to Laguna Verde/Laguna Bianca.
After sunrise, we will have a chance, as yesterday, to get to the hot springs and spend an hour there or so.
Afternoon we will visit Laguna Colorada with reddish water. This is one of the most amazing pink lagunas, with hundreds (or even thousands) of pink flamingos along the shoreline.
After visiting this unique laguna, we will check in to our refuge in the village of Huayllajara, just 10-15 minutes away from Laguna Colorada.
This day one more time, we will get a chance to enjoy the scenery around Laguna Colorada at sunset.
OVERNIGHT Huayllajara — Refuge.
INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, fruits, tickets for the National Reserve Eduardo Avaroa, car 4×4, English guide, refuge private — double or single rooms.
Day 9
April 14, Sunday.
First morning light, we will see again next to pink Laguna Colorada. We will spend along the laguna’s shores and surrounding hills for at least 1.5 hours.
We make a quick stop at Desierto de Siloli to see some unique hoodoos in árbol de Piedra, surrounded by the Andes.
And the afternoon, we will get to the surroundings of Laguna Kara. The area around Laguna Kara is known for its stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The lake is surrounded by high rocky cliffs and is fed by glacial meltwater from the nearby mountains. Laguna Kara, as its counterpart laguna Colorada is home to hundreds of pink flamingos. Also, 10 minutes away, we can get to a vast sand dunes area, which can be a great photo subject. All that makes that location our base for the next 24 hours.
Here we can set up our campsite, and we will spend here late afternoon, sunset, and night with milky Waay above us and sunrise.
Night in Camping
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, fruits, car 4×4, English guide, tent, and sleeping bag.
Day 10
April 15, Monday.
First morning light, we will spend next to Laguna Kara, then drive toward one of the main tourist Bolivia destinations — Salar de Uyuni (salt flats).
By the end of the day, we will get to the small city of Colchani — the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni. Hopefully, we will not arrive too late to see a fantastic sunset over the Salar.
Lodging — hostel in Colchani.
INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, fruits, car 4×4, English guide, hostel private — double or single rooms.
Day 11
April 16, Tuesday.
From sunrise to sunset, we will spend the whole day at the biggest salt flats in the world — Salar De Uyuni. If weather permits — we will get to one of the most famous tourist attractions in the area — Cactus Island, covered in giant cacti, some of which are estimated to be over a thousand years old, in the middle of the salt flats.
Lodging — hostel in Colchani.
INCLUDED: breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, fruits, car 4×4, English guide, hostel private — double or single rooms.
Day 12
April 17, Wednesday.
This morning we will get to the Airport of Uyuni for our flight to La Paz.
From the airport, we will drive to our hotel in the historical center. After that, we will ride a famous cable car — unusual public transportation for any big modern city. This is a network of cable car lines that provide public transport in the city of La Paz, Bolivia. The cable cars were inaugurated in 2014 and have since become famous for locals and tourists to get around the city.
The cable car system currently consists of 10 lines that connect various parts of the city, including downtown La Paz, El Alto, and nearby suburbs. The lines are color-coded for easy navigation, and each car can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
In the late evening, we can get fantastic lighted city view pictures from the top of the mountains.
Night in La Paz
INCLUDED: breakfast, hotel in La Paz
Day 12
April 18, Thursday.
Self-checkout from the hotel. Self-transfer to the airport. End of the tour
Payment schedule and cancellation policy:
The total price for the trip is an early bird — $ 3,950.00 before 05/01/2023; after that date price is $4,200.00
A deposit of $ 500.00 is due during sign-up to reserve a space for this trip.
Cancellation Policy — Your deposit is fully refundable for up to 60 days before the trip starts (February 7, 2024). If you decide to cancel your trip after that date, your deposit becomes non-refundable.
The final balance of $ 3,450.00 or $3,700.00 is due by February 17, 2024. Full payment is due at this time, and there will be no refunds on the total amount owed if you cancel after the final price. However, if we find another client to fill your space, you will receive a full refund minus your non-refundable deposit.
If we cancel this trip— you will get a full refund.
What is included:
- Basic lodging (2-3 persons per room);
- Transportation (SUV, minivan);
- Meals where it is specifically indicated in the Itinerary.
- Oxigen on demand on the Bolivian Altiplano;
- Local English-speaking guides in Bolivia;
- Entrance fees to Bolivian National Parks;
- Expert instructions and guidance to a beautiful variety of Bolivian locations.
- In-field instruction on capture technique (composition, compensating for high dynamic range, focus stacking, creating influential sun stars, night photography, light painting, and much more)
- In-field recommendation on your photo gear.
- An incredible, unforgettable experience, full of adventure with amazing people and loads of great photos!!
What is NOT included:
- Visas to Bolivia US citizens have to have a visa to visit Bolivia;
- Airfare to Sucre, Bolivia;
- Transfer from Sucre Airport to a hotel;
- Airfare from La Paz, Bolivia;
- Transfer from a hotel in La Paz to the airport;
- Tips to our local guides;
- Meals and snacks;
- Medical Insurance & Incidental Costs.
Here are some pictures that represent how simple lodging looks in Bolivian hostels & refuges
Recommended Photo Equipment:
- Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) W/Extra Batteries And Memory Cards
- Drone if you have one (it would be possible to use it)
- Tripod with a ball head (leveling base is optional but very helpful to take a panoramic shot)
- Shutter release
- Wide to a standard zoom lens, with their lens hoods (I carry 16-35mm and 24-70mm lenses)
- Telephoto zoom lens for wildlife shots or for extraction and abstract scenes (I use 70-200mm and 150-600mm lenses)
- Circular polarizer filter to remove glare from the water (it’s OK if you do not have one)
- Graduated neutral density filters (if you use them)
- Rocket blower and microfiber cloths for keeping glass surfaces dry and clean
- Most importantly — a great attitude!
Recommended Personal Gear:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Rain jacket and pants
- Fleece & Down jackets
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Neos Adventurer All Season Overshoes or something similar (like rubber boots) to protect your feet from the water — may be helpful while we will walking on wet salt flats. It shouldn’t be deeper than knee-deep.
- Extra warm clothing for possible cold weather conditions, including long underwear, hats, and gloves
- Sleeping Bag (optional). At high altitudes, all lodging facilities offer you a pile of blankets so you won’t be cold at night. But this pile is significantly heavy (at least for myself). I feel more comfortable in a down sleeping bag.
- Backpack (bag) to carry photo gear.
How to Adjust to Altitude
1. Drink Lots of Water
As you gain altitude, your body tends to lose water and salt faster than you’re used to. When combined with the dry air and physical activity a trip to Bolivia usually involves, dehydration is no wonder a problem. Many of the symptoms of altitude sickness mirror those of dehydration, so consistently drinking water throughout the day goes a long way to getting you acclimatized quickly.
2. Reduce Your Exercise
As you gain elevation, the air gets thinner, so each breath you draw contains less oxygen. Over time, your body strengthens and adjusts to accommodate this, which is why endurance athletes often train at extremely high altitudes in places such as Peru or Nepal. In the short term, however, your cardiovascular system is working harder. Each breath contains less oxygen, so each heartbeat contains less oxygen, making your heart beat faster. In other words, your body works harder to do the same thing you would at sea level. In order to give your body time to adjust, it’s best to take it easy for a few days when you first get to 5,000+ feet. After a few days of moderate activity, you’ll be ready to ramp back up to full throttle.
3. Get Enough Sleep
One of the symptoms of altitude sickness is insomnia, so it can be hard to get enough rest. However, a good night’s sleep can do wonders to help you kick the problem. One common suggestion is descending to a lower elevation (if possible) to sleep at night. If this isn’t an option, it’s best just to push on and get through the first few days of acclimation. Don’t underestimate the power of a little cat nap if you can sneak one in during your day!
4. Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol hits a lot harder when you’re trying to acclimatize, so the best thing you can do is take it easy and not drink your first few nights in town. Alcohol often replicates many of the symptoms of altitude sickness (nausea, dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness), so it’s a bit like doubling down on your body in terms of a negative impact. Another reason to lay off on drinking is the general challenge of staying hydrated while acclimatizing to a higher altitude. Alcohol dehydrates you, so consuming it only worsens your hydration situation. Your safest option is waiting 48 hours before you hit the bars. After this period, you should be acclimatized enough to handle the effects of drinking at altitude.
5. Increase Your Potassium Levels
Potassium loss is a standard symptom if you’re feeling dehydrated from the dry air at elevation. It can be a major pain — literally. Muscle cramping is commonly associated with low potassium levels. Fortunately, it’s an easy nutrient to replace. Foods like bananas, avocados, spinach, yogurt, and kale are all high in potassium, so getting enough without supplements shouldn’t be too hard (even for the pickiest of picky eaters).
6. Protect Yourself From the Sun
At altitude, the air is thinner, and as a result, there’s more exposure to the sun.
With this in mind, sun protection is an absolute must:
– Carry and use sunscreen at all times (the higher SPF, the better!)
– Use a lip balm with SPF in it — don’t be the one to forget about your lips
– Invest in a comfy pair of sunglasses you can wear all-day
– Get a wide-brimmed sunhat that covers your face, neck, and ears
7. Consume More Calories
Because of the reduced number of oxygen molecules in the air, your body works much harder to keep everything working. As such, it needs a lot more fuel. A high-calorie diet combining complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats will help keep you full and your body running smoothly. Surprisingly, a Snickers bar is one of the best foods you can eat while you’re at a high altitude. The combination of sugar, fat, and protein makes these tasty morsels perfect to keep you going all day long.
8. Consider Taking Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is a drug that helps treat altitude sickness by fixing the chemical imbalance caused by ascending to a high altitude too quickly. Common side effects are mild, for example, needing to urinate more often, and people generally have a positive experience with acetazolamide. Make sure to ask your doctor for their opinion before you take anything, and start taking it a few days before your trip to prepare.
Questions? Please get in touch with me at (386) 627-1449 if you have any questions or message me.
A follow-up email will be sent to registered participants with schedule details, recommended gear, and a liability release.
