Melissa Allen
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE INTO EL ALTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LPB) IN LA PAZ
Arrive to La Paz, one of the highest-altitude capitals in the world, from El Alto Airport where you will meet your guide. After a briefing over a cup of coca tea, you’ll take an introductory walk around the city’s historical center. After settling into boutique-style Hotel La Casona, the rest of the day is yours for relaxing and acclimating.
Overnight La Casona
Day 2
La Paz
Today, zoom in on the vibrant food scene in La Paz. Gain insight on local food production from agriculture experts, visit markets, and taste a traditional salteña (a savory pastry similar to an empanada). Sit down to a typical Bolivian lunch – always a several-course affair that begins with a nourishing soup! This afternoon you’ll visit a local museum and have time for other sight-seeing before being treated to a special dinner prepared by SlowFood Bolivia.
Overnight La Casona
Day 3
LA PAZ – ACHOCALLA VALLEY – LA PAZ
More foodie adventures await today on a trip to the rural outskirts of La Paz. Stop for lunch in the valley and visit Flor de Leche, a local cheesemaker. Here, your task is to sample Bolivian wines, cheeses, llama charcuterie, chocolate and coffee.
In the afternoon, returning to the city, you’ll visit the artisanal food shops of Zona Sur. The evening will be free to relax or explore the nightlife of La Paz with its live music and local breweries.
Overnight La Casona
Day 4
LA PAZ – COPACABANA – LAKE TITICACA
Watch the landscape unfold en route from La Paz to Cobacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. During the drive, stop and look around at small farming communities. The J’iska Q’ota community, for example, warmly welcomes visitors.
This afternoon, there’s the option to hike, kayak, or even paraglide on the lake! In the evening, gather for a discussion on the traditional foods and farming history of the Lake Titicaca area.
Overnight Hotel Las Olas
Day 5
COPACABANA – ISLA DEL SOL – COPACABANA – LA PAZ
After breakfast, you’ll board a ferry to the incredible lake island Isla del Sol. On a trek across the island, you’ll enjoy privileged views of the lake, with scenic farming villages in the foreground and the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the background.
A gourmet picnic will be served on the hike. Spend a night on the isla, where resident agriculturalists go to bed early and rise with the sun.
Overnight Eco Lodge La Estancia
Day 6
ISLA DEL SOL – SANTIAGO DE OKOLA – LA PAZ
Today, leave the tourist trail behind for a fascinating visit to the village of Santiago de Okola. Here, you’ll see an agro-biodiversity conservation project in action. The people of Santiago de Okola take pride in their native foods, which they’ll prepare for a lovely typical lunch together. Over the course of the afternoon, you’ll learn about the community’s farming techniques and principles of care for the land.
Later, head back to La Paz to have an evening free to relax and explore the city.
Overnight La Casona
Day 7
LA PAZ – UYUNI – UYUNI SALT FLATS – TAHUA
A short morning flight over the altiplano will bring you to Uyuni. From the airport, visit the salt mines and structures on the expansive salt flats.
There is also time today to visit a local quinoa farm and an alpaca ranch. Taste delicious traditional foods from each area. Later, head to your hotel (made of salt!) to relax and enjoy this otherworldly environment. After dark, go on an optional star gazing adventure with an expert astronomer. The stars shine their brightest in this dark night sky, free from light pollution.
Overnight Hotel Tayka de Sal
Day 8
TAHUA- COQUESA – JIRIRA – UYUNI – CAYARA
Today is all about quinoa, the “super grain” that has its roots in the Bolivian Andeas and has skyrocketed in popularity worldwide in recent years. You’ll visit a quinoa farm and farming association. At the Coquesa community museum, take part in a discussion with local cooperative leaders about the effects of the quinoa “boom.” Enjoy a hearty farmer’s lunch in Jirira. After an afternoon drive, arrive at Cayara Hotel-Museum, a lovely inn en route to Potosi.
Overnight Hotel Museo Cayara
Day 9
CAYARA – POTOSI – SUCRE
After a morning tour of the Hacienda Cayara, a working ranch, enjoy lunch in the historical mining city of Potosi. A visit to this town is not complete without sampling calapurca, or “volcano soup,” which is cooked by the heat of hot rocks added to the soup! A pre-colonial classic! The Potosi experience comes to an end at the Casa de la Moneda, where coins were minted in this historical capital of silver extraction. Finish the day with a scenic drive to Sucre.
Overnight Hotel Mi Pueblo Samary
Day 10
SUCRE AND SURROUNDINGS
Today is the biggest market day of the trip, with a tour through the fruit and vegetable stalls of Sucre’s mercado. In this whitewashed Spanish colonial city, you’ll also take in the Recoleta monastery and its gardens. Later, you will travel to Yotala for lunch on a farm. Return to Sucre for dinner on your own this evening, after a stimulating group discussion about impressions of Bolivian cuisine and food production.
Overnight Hotel Mi Pueblo Samary
Day 11
SUCRE – LA PAZ
Board a short flight this morning from Sucre to La Paz. Afternoon is at leisure to do any last-minute shopping and snacking in the city. Guides are available to accompany you. Come hungry to dinner this evening, where the grand finale meal of the trip holds a special surprise in one of the world’s top restaurants!
Overnight La Casona
Day 12
LA PAZ – EL ALTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
