Tour Dates: May 31 - June 15, 2012

Day 1: Thurs. May 31, 2012 – La Paz

Arrivals & acclimatization, from airport transfer to the hotel, have an orientation meeting and time to rest. Accommodation: Naira Hotel

Day 2: Fri., June 1, 2012 – La Paz

Visit museums of La Paz, MUSEF (textiles, masks, feather art), Contemporary Art and Coca Museum (optional). Then meet with costume makers involved in the Gran Poder Festival and enjoy welcome dinner. Accommodation: Naira Hotel

Day 3: Sat., June 2, 2012 – La Paz

Free morning. Enjoy the Gran Poder Festival for the rest of the day (which really culminates around 2-3pm). Accommodation: Naira Hotel

Day 4: Sun. June 3, 2012 – La Paz/Rurrenabaque/ San Miguel del Bala

Travel from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. Enjoy a 2-hour river trip to San Miguel del Bala, a very nice community-based ecotourism project in the buffer zone of Madidi National Park. Here you will enjoy a community tour and talks on local arts, biodiversity and conservation. Accommodation: Community Lodge

Day 5: Mon. June 4, 2012 - San Miguel del Bala

In the morning enjoy a rainforest handicrafts workshop and the afternoon a river and rainforest trip. Accommodation: Community Lodge

Day 6: Tues. June 5, 2012 – San Miguel del Bala/Rurrenabaque

Travel from San Miguel del Bala back to Rurrenabaque. Enjoy a free afternoon in Rurrenabaque, or optional visits to a cocoa farm and a new indigenous culture museum in San Buenaventura (across the river from Rurrenabaque). Accommodation: Community Lodge

Day 7: Wed., June 6, 2012 – Rurrenabaque-La Paz-Santiago de Okola

Take the short 40 minute flight back to La Paz, and a bus ride to Santiago de Okola on Lake Titicaca. Explore the the community and enjoy a restful night. Accommodation: Hotel Oriental

Day 8: Thurs., June 8, 2012 - Santiago de Okola

In the morning, enjoy between your choice of a weaving or cooking workshop followed by a free afternoon of hiking or enjoying the beach. Accommodation: Homestays

Day 9: Fri. June 8, 2012 - Apolobamba National Park/Pacha Trek

Take a private bus ride to Apolobamba National Park and begin the Pacha Trek. During the trek visit sites such as the Carabuco Church & Thermal Waters. The Carabuco Church has some well-preserved, massive baroque paintings (lots of fire & brimstone) and is built upon a pre-Colombian ritual site. Overnight at the community lodges. Accommodation: Homestays

Day 10: Sat. June 9, 2012 – Pacha Trek with Andean Rituals

The Pacha Trek continues with intimate encounters to learn about rituals, music, textiles, cameloids, medicinal plant use, and nature conservation. Accommodation: Community Lodge

Day 11: Sun. June 10, 2012 - Pacha Trek to Charazani

Today, enjoy a breathtaking hike to Charazani where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and thermal hot springs. Accommodation: Community Lodge

Day 12: Mon. June 11, 2012 - Charanzi/La Paz

Return to La Paz and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city. Accommodation: TBD

Day 13: Tues. June 12, 2012 - La Paz

Travel by private bus back to La Paz and enjoy the Murals of La Paz Walk and visits to artisan studios. The Murals of La Paz Walk is a new program that highlights visits to 16 beautiful murals in downtown La Paz. Accommodation: Naira Hotel

Day 14: Wed., June 13, 2012 – Piriati Island (Lake Titicaca)

Today, enjoy a day-trip to Piriati Island on Lake Titicaca with a visit to the museum dedicated to pre-Colombian pottery and jewelry. Accommodation: Naira Hotel

Day 15: Thurs., June 14, 2012 – La Paz

Free day for selecting your own activities (day-hikes, cooking class, etc.) Closing dinner and discussions. Accommodation: Naira Hotel

Day 16: Fri. June 15, 2012 - Home

Transfer to airport for departures home or add-ons.

* Some activities are subject to change. EcoArts Tours and partners are not responsible for any changes that occur to the itinerary. This adventure is suitable for travelers who live a moderately active lifestyle, enjoy good health and mobility, are comfortable participating in 4-6 hours of daily activities and sightseeing, able to walk unassisted over the course of each day and has the agility to get on and off the bus and boat.

Group size of 6-7

$2982

Group size of 10-11

$2545

Group size of 13

$2386

Price is subject to slight change

The price includes

• All confirmations in the program

• Double room accommodations

• Transportation by private, air-conditioned motor coach as well as transfers for group as appropriate, in addition to all other land and water transportation.

• Global Exchange/EcoArts Tour trip representative to accompany the group through the whole touring period and/or English speaking, tour guide(s) to accompany the group throughout the touring period.

• Preparatory reading materials

• Admission and fees to museums, program activities and lessons

• Honoraria for conservation and arts professionals and donations to organizations

• Global Exchange annual membership fee of $35 (this amount is tax deductible)

• Two meals a day

• Philanthropic and carbon offset donations to One Million Lights and Native Energy

The price does NOT include

• Extra baggage fees

• Expenses of a purely personal nature

• Room service charges

• Gratuities to the bellboys, waiters, guide and driver

• Extra Beverages and one meal a day

• Travel Insurance (We strongly advise that each participant arrange for their own travel insurance)

Reserve Your Space

Deposit: A $400 non-refundable deposit (that is included in the total tour cost) and registration forms are required from each tour participant by March 1, 2012. The deposit secures a participant’s reservation.

Application: Fill out this online application and contact Rosalyn at 415-680-3474 if you have any questions.

Final payment: The remaining balance, health and liability forms are due by April 13, 2012.

If you plan on attending this tour but need an extension for the payment deadlines, please let us know and we will do our best to work with you on an alternative.