bolivia sun island
bolivia sun island lake

As Bolivia’s indigenous peoples have managed to hold onto many of their traditions, this country is often dubbed “the most quintessentially South American country.” While this tour focuses on the essential attractions in the city of La Paz, you will also discover magnificent landscapes in areas around the Bolivian capital.  In La Paz itself, you will go on guided tours of the city, learning more about the history and culture of this urban area by visiting the city’s marketplaces, cultural institutions and plazas, while also interacting with the local people. In addition, you will travel to Lake Titicaca — so full of legends and mysteries — to explore the temples, people’s way-of-life, and bucolic landscapes of the various islands in this body of water. We will also explore Palca Canyon and its unique environment in the company of a professional guide. Here, you will find how eons of rain have sculpted the sedimentary rock into surreal geological formations that would make Salvador Dali feel perfectly at home.  This well-designed 6-day/5-night tour will allow you to discover the superlative natural beauty of La Paz and its surrounding areas – quintessentially South American!

Highlights

Bolivia Tour, La Paz, Copacabana, Titicaca Lake, Palca Canyon

As Bolivia’s indigenous peoples have managed to hold onto many of their traditions, this country is often dubbed “the most quintessentially South American country.” While this tour focuses on the essential attractions in the city of La Paz, you will also discover magnificent landscapes in areas around the Bolivian capital.  In La Paz itself, you will go on guided tours of the city, learning more about the history and culture of this urban area by visiting the city’s marketplaces, cultural institutions and plazas, while also interacting with the local people. In addition, you will travel to Lake Titicaca — so full of legends and mysteries — to explore the temples, people’s way-of-life, and bucolic landscapes of the various islands in this body of water. We will also explore Palca Canyon and its unique environment in the company of a professional guide. Here, you will find how eons of rain have sculpted the sedimentary rock into surreal geological formations that would make Salvador Dali feel perfectly at home.  This well-designed 6-day/5-night tour will allow you to discover the superlative natural beauty of La Paz and its surrounding areas – quintessentially South American!

Highlights

Bolivia Tour, La Paz, Copacabana, Titicaca Lake, Palca Canyon

bolivia sun island
bolivia sun island lake

Titicaca Lake & Palca Canyon Tours Itineraries

bolivia sun island

El Alto Airport – La Paz

AM: Today you will land at the El Alto International Airport, located 14 kilometers southwest of La Paz and situated at an altitude of 4,061 meters, making it one of the world's highest airports. A private English-speaking driver will pick you up at El Alto and drive you to your boutique hotel in La Paz, where you can check in, unpack and relax.

AM: A busy metropolis at the foot of majestic snowcapped summits, La Paz is a city full of contrasts. This busy capital is a mix of both the ancient and the modern, as well as the occidental and the indigenous, which you as a traveler will discover. This city is an eminent center for government, assemblies, culture and religion, with colorful and bustling mercados (markets) that are among the most picturesque in South America.

AM: Your private driver will pick us up in your hotel’s lobby at 09:00 a.m. for a full-day tour of the city and of Moon Valley. La Paz, world’s highest capital and elected in 2014 as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities, is surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes. From many parts of the city, we can admire the white summits of the Cordillera Real Mountains and the imposing summit of Illimani, the “protector of the city.” From the K’Illi K’Illi mirador (observation deck) and Laykakota Park, we will enjoy a panoramic view over the capital. We will also visit Montículo Park, in the bohemian Sopocachi district, which is the traditional place where lovers and newlyweds come for romantic pictures. From there, you can take a ride in one of La Paz’ new aerial “gondolas.” From these cable cars, you can view the city and the mountains, getting a sense of the social gaps while suspended above various neighborhoods. We will then drive to the south side of the city, across the rich "Zona Sur," leaving the city to enter Moon Valley. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility as you wander among lunar-like rock formations.

PM: PM: In the afternoon, we will return to La Paz’ historic district to stroll through its colorful markets.

AM: AM: Lake Titicaca... A name that evokes our childhood dreams, a true symbol of South America. The crossroads of the most ancient of Amerindian civilizations, a site of enormous historical significance, Lake Titicaca has fascinated explorers and conquerors alike through the ages. This morning, departing from the hotel at 9 a.m. via private transportation, we will drive up to the shores of this legendary destination. We will drive to the lake’s shores and along the foothills of the Cordillera Real mountain range until reaching the small and quiet city of Copacabana (3½ hours). All year long it attracts visitors seeking the peace and beauty of Lake Titicaca, as well as pilgrims who travel here to view the “Copacabana Virgin.”

PM: PM: After lunch, you can observe the local tradition in which people “challar” their car (a ceremony that ensures protection to the vehicle and its driver for the rest of the year). We will also walk through the center of town to the market and the port, and visit the cathedral. At the end of the day, we will climb up Calvary Hill to watch the sun set over the magical lake.

AM: AM: In the morning, a motorboat will take us across Lake Titicaca to the northern extremity of the Isla del Sol (“Sun Island”) (2 to 3 hours depending on weather conditions). We will visit of the Inca site of Chinkana and the Sacred Rock of the Incas, where it is believed that Manco Capac — the first Inca — was born.

PM: PM: Returning to our boat, we will head back to the south of the island to see La Fuente del Inca (The Fountain of the Inca) and the ruins of the Pilkokaina Palace. Finally, a short ride will take us to the Isla de la Luna (Moon Island), where we will visit the “Ñustas” temple, or the Temple of the Virgins. Return by boat to Copacabana, we will then return to La Paz in private transportation (about 3½-hours).

AM: AM: We will pick you up at your hotel in a private vehicle at 9:00 a.m., and head out of La Paz to Obejuyo Pass and Animas Valley. On this excursion, you will not only discover the incredible Illimani mountain range, but experience Palca Canyon, where eons of rain have sculpted the sedimentary rock into surreal geological formations that would make Salvador Dali feel perfectly at home.

PM: PM: We will return to La Paz in the afternoon, passing through the small scenic village of Ventilla, while the route back to the capital will also provide an astounding view of the Royal Cordillera mountain range.

AM: AM: This morning, a private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport, bringing to an end this intriguing introduction to Bolivia’s colorful capital city.

Price per person

Double

USD$ 2931

Included in the price

  • Accommodations (based on double-room occupancy)
  • Meals, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Private ground transportation
  • Services of an English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees

Not included in the price

  • International and domestic flights
  • Airport taxes (international and national)
  • Meals not listed as “included” (allow $15 to $30 per meal / per person)
  • Visa fees
  • Repatriation assistance/insurance (often included if payment made by credit card or by your insurance company)
  • Alcoholic and bottled drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities

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What Our Travelers Say About Us

Read verified reviews from travelers who have explored South America with us on Tripadvisor. Discover why our personalized journeys earn outstanding ratings.

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Nicole C profile picture
Nicole C
24 Junio 2025
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Journey12963557311
25 Febrero 2025
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Unforgettable sensitive experience. Excellent!!!An unforgettable journey accompanied by the cordiality and professionalism of the company.Highly recommended, willing to repeat!
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Edgardo Marcelo M
25 Febrero 2025
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Elsa M
25 Febrero 2025
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Nick V
17 Diciembre 2024
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TravelerPatch
20 Noviembre 2024
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Oh, were there to be Six Stars to give! My friend and I were looking to do a boat-based Galapagos trip, as well as a few days in and around Quito. Normally, I don't much use tour companies, preferring to plan the trip mostly on my own. However, for a few reasons, and after some research, we ended up working with Maite at Surtrek to plan this trip. It was, simply, fantastic.From the start (and all the various questions over email) to the end (meeting us at the airport as we were headed back to the U.S., Surtrek (and, specially, Maite - and our guide, Juan and driver, Christian) was 100% top-notch, full recommend, no-doubt-about-it wonderful.Assuming you can book a flight to and from Quito, the rest you will not have to worry about one bit. They will work with you to tailor a trip exactly to your liking (we had a grand time doing just what we hoped to do) and, while on that trip, you'll have a blast. The enthusiasm and passion with which Juan lead the tours was unsurpassed. Christian was a great driver and, also, such fun. Maite was a true joy with which to work.I know this sounds a bit over the top, but it's also accurate. I fully recommend - trust me - you won't be disappointed.
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Trail777667
21 Julio 2024
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Surtrek is Awesome When my wife & I were planning a trip to Galapagos and Peru, we contacted 3 or 4 different travel agencies. I found Surtrek to be the most helpful, knowledgeable, flexible and offered competitive pricing. I dealt directly with Ligia at Surtrek and cannot find enough words to describe the friendly and superior services she provided us. We had specific cities and sights we wanted to visit and Ligia mapped out an excellent itinerary for us, including hotels, flights, restaurants and sightseeing. We visited Quito, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, in addition to an 8-day luxury cruise of the Galapagos islands. All arrangements, including flights, cruise, hotels, ground transportation, sight-seeing and guides were arranged by Surtrek. We were met at each arrival city by an expert guide and driver and the guide also helped us check in for our on-going flights at the end of each city tour. The guides were very knowledgeable, experienced and friendly, treated us very well and catered to our every need. Surtrek even helped secure reservations at high end restaurants in Lima, which are difficult to get unless booked well in advance. Surtrek made us alternate arrangements when one of our flights was canceled for mechanical reasons. Our trip lasted 18 days and all arrangements were flawless.To add a personal touch, Ligia treated us to a very nice lunch on our arrival in Quito. Thank you, Ligia, for making our Ecuador/Galapagos/Peru trip such a memorable, enjoyable and stress free one. I look forward to contacting you at Surtrek for our future South America travels.

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