Located high in the central Andes, Bolivia's vast Altiplano (Spanish for "high plateau") is a land of stark beauty and deep tradition, whose early history reflected the influence of two major civilizations—the Tiwanaku and the Inca—and whose more-recent history was shaped by the forces of Spanish colonialism.

Led by Dr. Axel Nielsen, we traverse Bolivia's high deserts, deep canyons, and rugged mountains in search of the ancient legends and sacred places that remain vital to the descendants of the Tiwanaku and Inca to this day. In addition to tours of archaeological sites and museums, our trip also includes visits to quaint Spanish colonial cities, the opportunity to meet indigenous Andean weavers, and an excursion to the largest salt desert in the world.

Tour ancient archaeological sites, including Tiwanaku Ruins, the Incamachay and Pumamachay pictographs, Chincana ("the Labyrinth"), and the Ñustas temple (temple of the Inca virgins)

View spectacular museum exhibits showcasing the colorful textiles and other handcrafts for which Bolivia is renowned; meet Jalq'a weavers, famous for the brilliant zoomorphic and anthropomorphic designs they incorporate into their work

Tour the historic capital city of Sucre and the silver-mining center of Potosi, and discuss the impact of Spanish colonialism on the indigenous people of Bolivia

Marvel at the amazing landscape that is Bolivia’s vast Altiplano—from the stark Siloli Desert and great salt flat (Salar de Uyuni) to emerald green lagoons, spouting geysers, and bubbling hot springs

Visit the colorful town of Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca and take boat excursions to Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) and Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon)

Scholar

Dr. Axel E. Nielsen is Professor of Archaeology at the University of Córdoba and Principal Researcher for the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), both located in Argentina. For the past 25 years, his research has focused on the archaeology and ethnography of the South Andes, with an emphasis on precolumbian socio-political history, interregional interaction, and archaeological theory.

We will also be joined by indigenous guides at various times throughout the tour.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Saturday, April 2
Arrival in La Paz, Bolivia; introduction; lodging at the Hotel Europa (D)

Sunday, April 3
La Paz: Ethnographic and Folkloric Museum, National Archaeology Museum; free evening to visit local markets or historic city center; lodging at the Hotel Europa (B, L)

Monday, April 4
Fly to Sucre, the historic capital of Bolivia; visit the Indigenous Textile Museum; lodging at the Hotel de Su Merced (B, L)

Tuesday, April 5
Sucre area: Incamachay and Pumamachay pictographs; meet Jalq'a weavers; lodging at the Hotel de Su Merced (B, L)

Wednesday, April 6
Tour colonial Sucre; drive to the silver-mining town of Potosi, visiting the Manquiri Sanctuary en route; lodging at the Hotel Coloso Potosi (B, L)

Thursday, April 7
Explore Potosi, the Cerro Rico mines, and Casa de la Moneda; lodging at the Hotel Coloso Potosi (B, L)

Friday, April 8
Drive from Potosi to Uyuni, crossing the Frailes Mountains and visiting the mining town of Pulacayo en route; lodging at the Hotel Jardines de Uyuni (B, L)

Saturday, April 9
Depart Uyuni and begin traversing the Altiplano, passing through San Cristobal and Villa Alota en route to the Hotel Tayka del Desierto (B, L, D)

Sunday, April 10
Day devoted to an exploration of the Altiplano, including the Siloli Desert, Laguna Colorada, the Sol de Mañana Geysers and Polques thermal springs, the Dali Desert, Laguna Blanca, and Laguna Verde; lodging at the Hotel Tayka del Desierto (B, L, D)

Monday, April 11
Drive to Colchani, located in the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats of Uyuni); lodging at the Hotel Luna Salada (Salt Moon Hotel), constructed entirely of blocks of salt (B, L, D)

Tuesday, April 12
Explore the Salar de Uyuni, including the Island of Incahuasi; lodging at the Hotel Luna Salada (B, L, D)

Wednesday, April 13
Drive to La Paz; lodging at the Hotel Europa (B, L)

Thursday, April 14
In-depth tour of Tiwanaku Ruins; lodging at the Hotel Europa (B, L)

Friday, April 15
Drive to Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca; visit the cathedral; take boat excursion to Isla del Sol and tour the archaeological site of Chincana ("the Labyrinth"); lodging at Hotel La Estancia (B, L)

Saturday, April 16
Boat excursion to Isla de la Luna (Lake Titicaca), tour the Ñustas temple (temple of the Inca virgins); return to La Paz for farewell dinner; lodging at the Hotel Europa (B, L, D)

Sunday, April 17
Departure from La Paz (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Also see: Optional post-trip extension to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru (including Machu Picchu), April 17–22, 2011!