Itinerary Bolivia 01 on 19/09/08

MH Itinerary: Bolivia_01

 

Route: Lake Titicaca – La Paz – Cochabamba

Hostels

Lake Titicaca: Leyenda Hostel ($10-20USD)

La Paz: Hostel Provenzal (dorms $11USD, privates $22USD)

Cochabamba: Backpackers Cochabamba Hostel (dorms $2USD, privates $10USD)

Travel

Train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca: $143USD on PeruRail.

Bus from Lake Titicaca to La Paz: Most buses leave from the town of Copacabana, leaving for La Paz and taking 3.5 hours generally. Cost is a little more than $2USD.

Bus from La Paz to Cochabamba: 7 hours generally, between $4-9USD. Bus travel time will soon be reduced by 3 hours upon completion of a new highway.

Notes

Bolivia is one of South America’s most isolated countries as well as one of its cheapest for foreign tourists.

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake on Earth, and contains many beautiful towns and activities. From Puno or Copacabana travelers can take guided lake tours from companies like Balsa Tours or Crillon Tours. In the town of Copacabana the scenery is great; the Baño del Inca and Camarín de la Virgen de Candelaria should not be missed.

In La Paz sites like Sagarnaga St. and the Witches’ Market are great places for visitors. There are also plenty of guided tours from the city that offer all sorts of activities, two great companies to use are Topas Bolivia and Kanoo Tours.

Cochabamba is the paragliding capital of Bolivia and also one of the cheapest places to learn on the continent. Two companies that have great reputations are AndesXtremo and Parapente Bolivia. Other tours include visits to the National Park Isiboro and local indigenous communities. Backpackers can enjoy the Bolivia Tour Green Toad Bus that will pick up and drop off at the best hostels in the area; you can choose your destination.