LA PAZ
The original inhabitants of the place were Aymara gold and silversmiths, although Alonzo de Mendoza claimed to have founded it in 1548. The lure of the city, of course, was its gold, found in the Rio Choqueyapu, and the Spanish conquerors found themselves somewhat protected from the inhospitable Altiplano weather. The city also enjoyed the benefit of being on the main trade route between Potosi and Lima.
Take your time to visit La Paz, and especially the famous Witches Market. This is a marvelous city – a market on top of a market on top of a market, with shops, stalls, and peasants hawking their wares in front of the stalls. Our comprehensive introduction to the city of La Paz and the Andes is divided into three parts: Cultural, Panoramic, and Popular.
LAKE TITIKAKA
Half-day excursions (daily or private) to Suriqui or Kalahuta islands.
Full-day excursions (daily or private) to Copacabana Shrine and the Island of the Sun, with return to La Paz or connection to Puno and Cusco.
Full-day excursions (daily, non private) in catamaran or hydrofoil to the Island of the Sun with return to La Paz or connection to Puno and Cusco.
A selection of hotels for romantic overnight on the shores of the Sacred Lake.
See also our original and exclusive Genesis of the Andean Culture® Expeditions.
TIWANAKU
72 km (45 miles) away from La Paz lies one of South America's most impressive archaeological sites. Scientists still hold many doubts about the origins and disappearance of the Tiwanacu Culture.
Half day and full day excursions.
See also our original and exclusive Genesis of the Andean Culture® Expeditions.
CUSCO & MACHUPICCHU
For historic and cultural reasons Bolivia is the one gateway to Cusco. This major attraction worldwide stands merely one hour by plane from La Paz.
Daily connections enable individuals as well as groups to experience the powerful achievements and the mystic of the Inka Empire.
Connections via the holy sites (Lake Titikaka, Tiwanaku) are also available — see our original and exclusive Genesis of the Andean Culture® Expeditions.
Plan at least a 4-day trip.
See also our original and exclusive Genesis of the Andean Culture® Expeditions.
YUNGAS
Only 3 hours away from La Paz by paved road, accross the Andean Range, are the humid forest of the Yungas on the edge of the Amazon basin.
Plan at least one full day for an excursions to Coroico or Chulumani. It is a good idea to spend at least one night there.
Tours to Caranavi, Rurrenabaque, and other places are also available.
Interesting activities in the region include mountain biking, canoeing, white water rafting...
HIKES & TREKS
There are many pre-columbian trails around La Paz:
The Takesi trail (3 days) is without doubt one of the best-preserved pre-hispanic pavings of South America.
The well-preserved Yunga Cruz trail (4 days) shows lush vegetation, and wild landscapes, as well as astonishing flora and fauna.
The Choro trail (5 days) goes downhill for almost 3,000 mt. (10,000 ft.) combining historic features with natural beauty and changes in vegetation.
Many other hikes and treks are also available.
ROYAL CORDILLERA
The Spanish named this imposing string of mountains "the Royal Range". More than 100 miles long and containing over 600 peaks higher than 6,000 mt.(16,000 ft.), the cordillera is beautiful and awe inspiring.
Condoriri National Park, the nearest protected area around La Paz, provides excellent opportunities for excursions into the heart of the Andes.
Half-day and full-day excursions to Zongo Valley and the ski slopes of Mount Chacaltaya.
2-day trip to the colonial town of Sorata at the base of Mount Illampu offers incredible landscapes and several alternatives for hikes and treks.
Many other options are also available.
KALLAWAYAS & ANDEAN RITUALS
This is a pilgrimage up to the Andean Sources of Wisdom and natural health. The Kallawayas of Bolivia are famous all over South America for their expertise in herbal medicine and white magic.
3 and 4-day trips for best iniciating experience.
See also our original and exclusive Genesis of the Andean Culture® Expeditions.
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SUCRE
Time seems to stand still in the "White City" where outstanding examples of baroque art are found on 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.
Plan at least a 4-day trip to visit Sucre and Potosí.
TARABUCO INDIAN MARKET
The most authentic street fair of the Andes takes place every Sunday 65 km. (40 miles) from Sucre.
All the indigenous people from the region travel to Tarabuco wearing their traditional clothes to sell and barter their products. The handicrafts and colorful handmade textiles called aguayos are famous throughout Bolivia and abroad.
Full day excursion.
Optional overnight stay at a colonial hacienda.
POTOSI
During its mining heyday in the 17th Century, Potosí was the biggest city in the Americas. Silver from Potosí 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.
Plan at least a 4-day trip to combine a visit to Potosí with a trip to Sucre.
THE 'CERRO RICO' INDIAN MINES
The "Rich Mountain" that overlooks Potosí was the main source of silver in the area. The mines have hardly changed since colonial times.
You can learn about the customs and traditions of the miners, their mystical relationship with the coca leaf, the Earth Goddess Pachamama and Tio, the God of the underworld.
Plan at least a 4-day trip to visit Sucre and Potosí.
UYUNI SALT FLATS (SALAR DE UYUNI)
An unforgettable trip through 12,000 sq. km. (4,000 sq. miles) of fantastic landscapes. The Isla Pescado in the center of the Salar is famous for its particular fauna (rodents and birds) and flora (giant cacti).
Many other strange and spectacular places are also available on shorter expeditions in this area, and during our longer trips to the Sud Lípez.
Daily access from La Paz, Potosí, Uyuni.
Although full-day excursions to the Salar are available, we strongly recommend you make time for an overnight stay in the area.
Check our exotic Tayka Hotels – Hotel de SAL and Hotel de PIEDRA – in this website.
The Salar is also the gateway to the Red and Green Lagoons (Sud Lípez).
See also our special TAYKA Expeditions.
SUD LIPEZ (SOUTHERN BOLIVIA)
LAGUNA COLORADA AND LAGUNA VERDE
In the far south of the Altiplano the landscape becomes even more incredible with multicolored deserts and lakes surrounded by salt flats and active volcanoes.
Vegetation is scarce and unusual and the entire area has been declared a national reserve where it is possible to see Vicuñas, Ostriches, Viscachas, and Flamingos, among others.
Expeditions from 4 to 7 days.
Access from La Paz, Potosí, Uyuni, Tupiza (Bolivia), San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), Jujuy, La Quiaca (Argentina).
Connections with Atacama Desert and northern Chile.
See also our special TAYKA Expeditions.
SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK
The wild and impressive landscapes of the western Cordillera are particularly significant of the high Andean ecosystems. Keñua trees (Polylepis tarapacana) and Vicuñas can be found, as well as archeological sites of great scientific value.
Plan a 3- to 4-day trip to explore this area, including Lauca National Park.
Connections to Chipaya and the Uyuni Salt Flats.
See also our special TAYKA Expeditions.
CHIPAYA INDIAN VILLAGE
One of the oldest living cultures in South America. The Chipaya people have preserved their cultural identity through the Aymaras, Inkas, Spanish and modern day civilization.
Fremen Tours is one of the very few tour operators accepted by the Chipayas. We work together to protect their heritage through the sustainable development of tourism.
Plan at least a 3-day trip to explore this area.
See also our special TAYKA Expeditions.
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ORURO CARNIVAL
The "Carnaval de Oruro" takes place every year in February. This is a true demonstration of the faith of the Andean people and of their pre-hispanic traditons. Vivid colors, music, folklore... the true spirit of the Andean fiesta.
Although the Carnival lasts several days, the most impressive part is the Entrada ("the Entrance") a parade honoring the Virgin of the Socavón.
COCHABAMBA
Cochabamba is known as the city of "Eternal
Spring." The name itself is derived from the Quechua words Cocha, or
lagoon, and Pampa, or plane. It is the main city of the Bolivian interandean valleys.
In town, wander the indigenous markets admiring
the variety of items on sale. Here one can find everything - from agricultural
products to ceramics, crafts to animals, cars to electronic goods. Make time to visit the Archeological Museum of
the university, perhaps the best in Bolivia.
Cochabamba is a corn producing area populated by Quechua and Aymara Indians who have inherited all of their ancestors' traditions: typical dress, ritual ceremonies, and their legendary friendliness and hospitality.
A variety of excursions in this area include the Inca archaeological sites at INKALLAJTA, INKACHACA, National Parks such as TORO-TORO N.P. and CARRASCO N.P.
THE INTER ANDEAN VALLEYS
A variety of half-day and full-day excursions are available in the Cochabamba area. Here are some of them.
THE GOLDEN VALLEYS
An enjoyable day passing through the verdant and golden countryside which extends to the foothills of the Tunari hills. Small colonial villages little changed since colonial times, handicrafts, local fairs, religious sanctuaries... Full-day excursions.
In the Condor Huachana area it is possible to see condors and a colony of the exotic Puya Raimondi cactus which flowers once every 100 years.
INKALLAJTA
This frontier post of the Inka Empire lies 142 km. (90 miles) from Cochabamba. Because of its buildings, Inkallajta stands among some of the most interesting ruins in Bolivia. Full-day excursion with optional overnight camping beside the ruins.
INKACHACA
The ancient pre-hispanic site has left an atmosphere full of energy and mystery. The area is surrounded by steep mountains and deep valleys plenty of trees covered with epiphytes, mosses, and lichens. We are 10 km. (6 miles) from the the eastern highlands of the "puna" and already in the Carrasco National Park. It is possible to see species of micro-leaved plants, arboreal ferns, and the micro-life of the high and humid jungle. A visit to Inkachaca is included in our trips to the Carrasco National Park
and our 'El Puente' Jungle Lodge.
TORO TORO NATIONAL PARK
South of Cochabamba, the inter-Andean valley of Toro-Toro is surrounded by mountains towering above 3,500 meters and slashed through by deep gorges that make it look like a huge fortress.
This isolated national park is a privileged site for scientific research in the fields of paleontology (dinosaur footprints and fossils), archaeology (cave paintings), biology (rare species include fish and birds such as the Military Macaw), along with great hiking/speleology opportunities and interesting rituals and festivities in the neighboring Quechua villages.
Plan at least a 3-day trip to explore this area.
CARRASCO NATIONAL PARK
River tributaries flow from the highest cloud forests in the world to the immense Amazon basin. The park covers more than 620,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) from an altitude of 4,500 mt. down to 250 mt. (15,000 ft./800 ft.)
It is one of the richest eco-systems on the planet with an extraordinary variety of flora which includes dozens of palms, ferns, and other plants as well as extremely rare and protected animal species. Scientific guiding is also available for specific interests/research.
Excursions from our Jungle Lodge "El Puente".
'EL PUENTE' JUNGLE LODGE
Located in the exuberant world of the most humid tropical forest on Earth, on the edge of the the Carrasco National Park, 'El Puente' Lodge is set among 33 hectares (75 acres) of preserved rainforest. You can explore self-guided paths to streams of crystal water and natural pools while looking at dozens of rare birds, butterflies, and glittering insects...
The lodge itself offers simple comfort in its 12 bedrooms (each with private bathroom), restaurant, and bar. You can relax in the hammock room and hike along tropical streams and self-guided paths.
Plan at least 2 days to explore this area.
SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz is far from the Altiplano, in the huge eastern lowland of Bolivia. The city is rapidly becoming the principal gateway to Bolivia: it is the center of the country's economic growth, has the best international airport in the country, and is at a low altitude - only 416 mt. (1,350 ft.) above sea level.
The rapid economic development has not affected the colonial character of the old backstreets nor the famous good humor of the city's inhabitants.
The surroundings, consisting mainly of semi-tropical forests and extensive farms, are well worth a visit. Santa Cruz is a good place to arrange any kind of meeting, thanks to its modern infrastructure, as well as cultural tours (eg. pre-hispanic sites, 18th c. Jesuit Missions, and more...).
Among the many excursions available in Santa Cruz area is SAMAIPATA, one of the most original archeological sites in Bolivia. The ruins cover 10 hectares (25 acres). Protuding above the sanctuary, in the highest peak, are zoomorphic figures carved into living rock. The ruins are still an object of speculation for scientists.
Full-day excursion with optional overnight stay.
THE JESUIT MISSIONS
The Jesuit Missions of Gran Chiquitanía are truely monumental treasures and are officialy listed as Patrimony of Mankind by the United Nations. Our excursions combine history, religious art, culture, and beautiful countryside as found in very few other parts of the world.
Plan a 2- to 3-day trip to visit San Javier (built 1691) and Concepción (1709).
Make time for a 4-day trip to include three more missions — San Ignacio (built 1748), San Rafael (1696), San Miguel (1721), and Santa Ana (1755).
AMBORO NATIONAL PARK
The park occupies an extensive area of waters sources flowing into the Amazon basin. It is a transitional zone where three diverse ecological regions meet: the Yungas, the Amazon, and the Dry Valleys.
These characteristics have given the area a particular set of flora (including palms and orchids) and fauna (numerous endemic birds and endangered animal species). Scientific guiding is also available for specific interests/research.
Trips from 2 to 4 days may combine Amboro and Carrasco National Parks for a more complete exploration of the Upper Amazon Basin.
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THE UPPER AMAZON BASIN
Interestingly, the Amazon Basin covers more than half the surface of Bolivia. Travelers to this region will readily note that its tropical biodiversity is extraordinary, with radically distinct altitudes or ecological zones, most with their intrinsic species of flora and fauna.
For true nature and adventure lovers, this region located in northern and eastern Bolivia, offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of forests, swamps, and tropical jungles that are home to species that are still practically unknown.
A true web of ecosystems, rivers, and villages can be found in National Parks such as Madidi, Amboró-Carrasco, Noel Kempff Mercado, and Pantanal. In addition, the dwellers of the Bolivian Amazon are friendly, outgoing, gracious hosts, and –most of all– are very proud of their cultural heritage and land.
TRINIDAD AND THE 'LLANOS DE MOXOS' AREA
Trinidad is a small yet important city since it serves as a commercial and administrative center for the remote lands and rivers of north-eastern Bolivia.
With a sparce population density of only 1 person per square kilometer, Nature continues to dominate the region around Trinidad, preserving the exuberant Amazon basin, its unique, entangled rivers and rare wildlife species.
Small indigenous villages become the folkloric capitals of the Bolivian Amazon during religious festivals. There, Macheteros, Achus, Chasqueros, and dozens of indigenous groups celebrate their ancestral rituals. This the most powerful demonstration of Amazonian faith and folklore. We invite you to discover the best and oldest of Bolivian traditions and enjoy the rhythm of music and the colorful native dances.
Plan at least 4 days to explore this region.
Ask for our 'Reina de Enín' Riverboat Expeditions.
RURRENABAQUE AREA,
MADIDI & PILON LAJAS NATIONAL PARKS
From La Paz you may want to explore the Amazonian region in North-Western Bolivia. Your expedition will start in Rurrenabaque, an interesting Amazonian town on the banks of the Beni river. From there, travel to the heart of Madidi - Pilon Lajas National Parks. Your destinations may include the Tuichi River, Chalalan Lake and Chalalan Ecolodge.
The scenery in this region north of La Paz has been shaped by ancient geological and glacial processes resulting in spectacular landscapes and unique biodiversity.
Madidi National Park was created in 1995 and the Pilon Lajas area was added in 1992 as a biosphere reserve and indigenous terrritory. It protects a full array of ecosystems, from the high Andes to the Amazon basin (1,600 ft. - 400 ft. above sea level), a vast wilderness of 4,500,000 acres encompassing unparalleled biological diversity.
The area (as big as Costa Rica) is home to more than 1000 species of birds, 44% of all New World species of mammals and an estimated 38% of neotropical amphibians. It is also a critical global hotspot for endemic plants.
The parks support several conservation projects, such as the ecolodge at Lake Chalalan, San Miguel del Bala, Buena Vista. These lodges have been built with local materials, using traditional techniques. The design also includes the treatment of waste waters and the use of solar energy.
MOTORBOAT EXPEDITIONS
These are great adventure trips. Explore the rivers of the Bolivian Amazon in outboard motorboats, searching for animals, lagoons and streams. We will set our overnight camps at local indigenous villages or on river beaches.
Close contact with nature and its abundant flora and fauna, fishing, jungle walks, horseback riding, and river navigation will introduce you to the captivating world of the Upper Amazon Rivers of Bolivia.
We will visit riverside indigenous communities and experience life with the local people to learn about their way of life, their work, and the achievements of the community development program managed in the region.
Our infrastructure includes 6 boats with different characteristics, which are used according to the specific interests and needs of our passengers.
Motorboat expeditions on the Mamoré and Ibare rivers, Beni, Madidi and Tuichi rivers:
4 days or more.
Motorboat expedition to Isiboro Sécure National Park: 8 days or more.
THE PANTANAL
A great part of the Pantanal is found in the south-east of Bolivia. Although more efforts are being made to conserve the Brazilian part of the Pantanal, the Bolivian area is even more important due to its extensive untouched forests and flooded plains.
Plan at least a 4-day trip.
Scientific guiding is available for specific interests/research.
NOEL KEMPFF NATIONAL PARK
This park is home to an extremely diverse flora and fauna due to its position in the Pre-Cambrian Shield. So far, 600 species of birds have been identified in the park as well as various species of endangered animals species.
The spectacular beauty of the park includes rocky crags and impressive waterfalls. Access to the park is by plane.
Plan at least a 4-day trip.
Scientific guiding is available for specific interests/research.
FREMEN TOURS
IN THE BOLIVIAN AMAZON
Our infrastructure in the Bolivian Amazon consists of a riverboat ('Flotel Reina de Enín') on the Mamore-Ibare rivers in the Trinidad area, and a jungle lodge (Hotel de Selva 'El Puente') located near Carrasco National Park.
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FREMEN TOURS
IN THE BOLIVIAN ANDES
Our original and exclusive tourist products in the Bolivian Andes include four Andean ecolodges (Tayka Hoteles de los Andes) located in the Salar de Uyuni & Sud Lipez area of South-Western Bolivia, and our acclaimed (Genesis of the Andean Culture® Expeditions) from La Paz to Cusco-Machupicchu across Lake Titikaka.
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