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south america
Bolivia, what a place! Much of the landscape is wide, flat desert dotted with Eucalyptus trees and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks very strange. La Paz, the unofficial capital, is a lively city that has an amazing Witches Market with plenty of stalls selling magic potions, charms and incantations. From the cities to the mining town of Potosi in the desert
and the incredible, blinding white salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, theres plenty of wonderful things to do in Bolivia you might see your first flamingos or even eat an alpaca steak! Buy a colourful poncho or bathe in hot springs & Bolivia really does have it all. Joanne Edgley, Destination Manager Asia
roam the altiplano
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20 days, La Paz to Santiago
itiNerary... Days 1-2 la Paz The City of Our Lady of Peace is a great place to discover on foot. No trip to La Paz would be complete without a visit to the potion-filled Witches Market, and to the Coca *plus Local Payment US$450
Physical culture shock
Museum to look at the plant that has become an essential part of life in the Andes. Days 3-4 cochabamba From this young and growing city it is possible to hike up 1,250 steps to the huge Cristo de la Concordia - even bigger than the Cristo in Rio. Theres also a cable car, and its worth a visit for the fantastic view. There are plenty of fantastic things to see and do here, including a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which houses Bolivian mummies. Days 5-6 sucre Visit the Museo de la Catedral to see a jewel-encrusted painting worth millions of dollars, learn the history of Bolivias independence, find some beautiful weavings for sale or compare footprints with a dinosaur - there is plenty to do in Sucre. Days 7-8 Potosi An optional trip to an underground mine can be an uncomfortable experience, but an unforgettable one. These mines once yielded scores of silver that was said to have kept Spain running for 300 years; today they provide tin. Witness life in the mines, chat to miners and learn about the interesting mining history of Potosi. Days 9-11 salar de uyuni Its all white, white, white and endless blue skies at the massive salt flats of Bolivia. Its a tough adventure, travelling by 4WD on dusty tracks, but a rewarding one, as you discover the weird landscapes and natural oddities of Salar de Uyuni. Days 12-15 san Pedro de atacama The desert safari ends at San Pedro de Atacama, a small oasis in the middle of an evaporated saline lake. There are options here to do tours to the many sights in the area, such as the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) or the ruins of Pukara de Quitor. Days 16-17 la serena Pop into historic La Serena and spend some time chilling-out on the beach or relaxing in its many pretty parks. From here, its possible to visit the Valle Elqui, the centre of Chiles Pisco production and home to several important observatories. Days 18-20 santiago For a serene look at Chilean life, take a visit to the barrio Bella Vista, Santiagos Paris Quarter, to explore cafes, galleries and craft shops. For a more lively take on this great city, put your comfy shoes on and visit a funky salsotheque to dance the night away. Enjoy sampling some famed Chilean wines.
Above: Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, A winding journey, Bolivia - Nick Jacobs Below: Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, Enter the Atacama, Chile - Lisa Placks accoMMoDatioN Simple hotels (17 nts), overnight coach (2 nts) traNsPort 4WD, local bus, walking, overnight coach GrouP siZe Max 16 Meals All meals while visiting Uyuni salt flats BuDGet Allow US$300 for meals not included DeParts Selected Fri GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed traVeller ratiNG Not applicable as this is a new itinerary start 2008 11 Apr 02 May 30 May 04 Jul 25 Jul 15 Aug Finish 30 Apr 21 May 18 Jun 23 Jul 13 Aug 03 Sep 05 Sep 26 Sep 17 Oct 07 Nov 19 Dec 2009 16 Jan 06 Feb 24 Sep 15 Oct 05 Nov 26 Nov 07 Jan 04 Feb 25 Feb 06 Mar 03 Apr 01 May 29 May 26 Jun 25 Mar 22 Apr 20 May 17 Jun 15 Jul
" Pick up a potion at the la Paz Witches Market " climb to the cristo de la concordia in cochabamba " compare footprints with a dinosaur at cal orko " Meet the miners of Potosi " explore the endless salt flats of salar de uyuni " learn the traditions of the infamous coca leaf " salsa the night away in santiago " relax on the beach at la serena " stroll around the galleries and cafes of santiagos Paris Quarter
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