Bolivian Highlands Adventure Tour

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This tour encompasses some of Bolivia's most stunning high altitude scenery, featuring three dramatically different parts of the Bolivian highlands.

Getting there

Altitude: Shortness of breath is normal when first arriving at altitude. Acclimatisation time is built into the tour programme. The highest point on the trek is 5045 metres, but we will be camping below that level.

Climate: Highlands

May to October sunny days and chilly evenings. Best time for walking in the mountains. Best time for walking in the mountains. (Average day/night temperature in La Paz 18C/0C)
(N.B. at higher altitudes temperatures can drop well below freezing at night, and the sun is very strong).

December to March rainy season.

• By Road
• By Rail
• By Air
• By Sea

Other Insider Info.

Practical information

Small groups mean flexibility and informality. Your tour leader will be on hand to iron out any problems and give informed advice on things to do, where to eat etc. In towns we use clean, comfortable hotels. In little-visited wilderness areas, accommodation is more simple. When camping we use two person tents. On trek, all equipment is transported for us and meals are prepared by our local cook.

Fitness and experience: In order to get the most out of the tour you should be in good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the trek, since this is a subjective matter. However, we have classified this trek as moderate to strenuous. We will be walking up to eight hours per day, with several long, steep ascents and descents. Experience of hill walking and camping in remote places would be beneficial. On the trek all personal belongings other than a day-pack are carried for us by llamas and meals are prepared by our local cook.

Visas: Currently, no visa is required by British citizens visiting Bolivia, but your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of travel. Non-British passport holders should check visa requirements with the Bolivian Embassy. All requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Vaccinations: Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for latest advice as requirements are subject to change.

Personal expenses: We recommend you carry most of your funds in US dollars cash (mixed denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and some US dollar travellers cheques, which can be changed in larger towns and typically incur a 3% commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM machines are available in La Paz. Credit cards can be used in some restaurants and for obtaining cash in certain banks.

The cost of the tour includes all meals while on the jeep expedition, the Island of the Sun and on trek, and all breakfasts elsewhere. You will need money to cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately 40-60% cheaper than Europe); handicrafts; airport tax ($24 international); optional excursions; extra entrance fees; tips; laundry etc.

International Flights: We can arrange your international flights at competitive rates through our ATOL-bonded agency. Approximate prices are shown on the Dates and Prices sheet sent with the brochure.

Insurance: Your insurance policy must cover you against medical expenses and repatriation. If you do not purchase insurance from us, please ensure it covers all activities you will be participating in, including trekking, mountain biking and white-water rafting if applicable. Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible after booking.

Luggage & Equipment: Bring a main piece of lockable luggage to be stored in the La Paz hotel while you are trekking. For your trek, re-pack into a kit bag, holdall or rucksack. This will contain your sleeping bag, torch, toiletries, changes of clothes, spare footwear etc. It will be transported for you by donkey. You will also require a day-pack of approximately thirty litre capacity, to carry camera, water, waterproofs, sun protection, first aid kit, etc.

(Please let us know if you'd like to be sent a comprehensive equipment list).

Optional extensions: If you would like to spend more time in Peru or neighbouring countries we can arrange this for you. Just some of the extensions we offer are:

5 day visit to Cuzco and the world famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu

High altitude train journey across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca,
Journey down the desert coast to the enigmatic Nazca lines.

Spanish and/or Quechua language courses in Cuzco year-round.

4 day Amazon rainforest expedition into the Tambopata Reserved Zone.

5-9 day jungle expedition into Manu National Park.

Why do we like them?

Having spent a year out in South America himself, Alex knows exactly what incredible experiences Andean Trails have in store for you. As true specialists in South American trekking, mountaineering, biking and rafting, and with a strong commitment to using friendly local accommodation, guides and businesses, you can be sure of an unforgetable experience.

You can also be sure that few international operators are doing as much as these guys to support and benefit the communities you visit and places you explore - making your trip go that much further.

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