Tour Overview: Bolivia has been inhabited for thousands of years, and many cultures have crossed back and forth over the mountains and the rich, cultivable land. However, the Pre-Columbian history of Bolivia has been shaped by two imperial empires – the Tiwanaku and the Inkas. Join us on an extraordinary 16-day journey through Bolivia that includes stunning archaeological sites. Visit Tiwanaku, one of the most spectacular sites in the Andes, and Inkallajta, a stunning example of Inka architectural ingenuity. Examine several remote sites including Chiripa, an early village, and Lukurmata. And on Lake Titicaca, explore the sacred Island of the Sun where the Inka believed the Sun, gods, and civilization were born, and experience spectacular sunsets over these crystal waters two miles above sea level.
But more than high altitude archaeology is featured in this trip. From is trickling origin 17,000 feet high in the Andes to its 150-mile wide mouth 4,000 miles away the Amazon River is the world’s greatest waterway. We will explore the “headwaters” region of the Amazon in northeastern Bolivia, 2,000 miles from both the river’s source high in the Andes and its mouth in Brazil. The Mamoré River is the biggest tributary of the Amazon in Bolivia, and offers optimal conditions for our remote ecological cruise and for wildlife observation. The forests, savannas, and wetlands are the richest and most diverse ecosystems on earth, and we will have the opportunity to swim with pink dolphins, view flocks of colorful parrots, visit some of the largest pre-Columbian sites in Amazonia, and explore native villages. While in the lowlands, we will travel by a comfortable riverboat through this natural wonder - a humbling and invigorating experience. |
