10 Day $1870pp. With mountains among the highest in the world, rivers running through deep and fascinating gorges, a culture left largely untouched by the hand of time, and the most sparsely populated country in Latin America, Bolivia is a land filled with exceptionally unique and spectacular adventure opportunities. Called the Nepal and Tibet of the western hemisphere, Bolivia offers visitors a wealth of wilderness and cultural experiences. After a rendezvous in dramatic La Paz, the highest capital in the world, we travel overland to incomparably beautiful Sorata, a village tucked at the base of 21,276 foot Mt. Illampu and along the shores of the steep headwater rivers of the Amazon. Here, we spend three days trekking through the dramatic Andean mountains around Sorata. Following this, we travel to Lake Titicaca, an incredible sparkling jewel that sits at an elevation of 13,000 feet. Here, we sea kayak for three days, exploring Isla Del Sol, a remote island replete with Inca ruins and villagers that have carved an existence in the middle of this enormous lake. For those looking for exceptional wilderness and cultural experiences in an amazingly beautiful country, you need look no further. Trekking and kayaking in Bolivia are two of the best ways to experience the rich culture and dramatic scenery that is unique to this great country. The backcountry hiking is through relatively dry hillsides that are at times steep. Since the heavy gear (includiing all cooking and camp equipment) is carried on burro, it is not necessary to carry a heavy pack. In fact, a medium-sized rucksack, with foul weather clothing, water, your lunch for the day, and other miscellaneous items you may want, is all you need carry. However, as noted above, there are some steep portions of this hike that require participants to be in reasonably good shape. The rewards of this hike are numerous and incluce incredible solitude, beautiful natural phenonmena and very rewarding cultural interactions. Sea kayaking Lake Titicaca is equally rewarding. The azure blue water, giant puffy clouds, dramatic island escarpments, and small waterside villages combine to create a dramatic and peaceful environment. Add to that ancient and present day cultures that are steeped in tradition and this portion of the trip becomes a classic outdoor adventure. The waters of Lake Titicaca are relatively calm. Winds can create waves and bring about some more challenging paddling, but the itinerary and numerous coves and inlets allow for a trip that at worst presents moderate kayaking challenges.

Dates: All transportation while in Bolivia, lodging, meals, equipment and guides.

Dates: January - March & October - December

Difficulty: Moderate

Trip Outline We meet at the El Alto (La Paz) airport at 10:00 a.m. the morning of the first day. Most flights from the U.S. arrive in La Paz early in the morning. From La Paz, we travel overland to the shores of Lake Titicaca and then on to the town of Sorata. We depart immediately from La Paz to Lake Titicaca and Sorata in order to drop to an elevation that prevents altitude sickness from occurring. El Alto airport sits at an elevation of approximately 14,000 feet. Sorata is located on the western slope foothills of the Andes at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

Trip Itinerary Rendezvous: Our guide meets you at the airport in La Paz. We then board a van or bus and head northwest towards Lake Titicaca and Sorata.

Day 1 Travel to Sorata, and spending time exploring this charming village and the surrounding countryside. We spend this night in a venerable residencial.
Day 2 - 4 After a leisurely morning we set off into the mountains surrounding Sorata. We explore alpine lakes, high passes, and the shoulders of Mt. Illampu, with endless vistas around corner after corner. Accompanied by burros that carry most of the gear, we camp in these foothill mountains that overlook the Rio Cristobal and are dwarfed by the towering Andes. We return to Sorata in the early evening of day four.
Day 5 In the morning we relax and soak in Sorata's tranquility before travelling to the lake shore town of Copacabana, where we can enjoy a filling meal of Titicaca trucha, the delicious local fish.
Day 6 We spend the morning adjusting to the elevation while exploring Copacabana and mingling with its friendly folks. In the afternoon we head to our sea-kayak launch point where we spend the night.
Day 7 - 9 On these remarkable days we paddle the pristine waters of Lake Titicaca, visiting villages and ruins each day. We take time to hike to the point that is the reputed birthplace of the Inca sun, an expansive ruins with maze like walls and other relics. We return to Copacabana for the night.
Day 10 Return to La Paz. Dutch-treat dinner this night allows for one more chance to celebrate a great trip!

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