Take a leap into little-known Bolivia and be surprised by these ancestral cultures… In one of the most remote regions of the country, dominated by the imposing Apolobamba mountain range, meet the Kallawayas people. Famous in Bolivia for their knowledge of plants, learn from these mysterious healers about plants and their uses, visit various Calbidos, sacred places and perform the “Challa” ritual. Visit the sacred archaeological site of Chullpapata where you will share a traditional Bolivian meal called apthapi. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in the thermal baths of Charazani and pay a visit to the warm and peaceful community of Santiago de Okola, nestling in a splendid bay dominated by a hill called the Sleeping Dragon, on the shores of Lake Titicaca… A fascinating insight into Bolivia’s ancestral cultures, beliefs and traditions!
3 days on the spot.
Private transport
variable
English speaking driver and spanish speaking local guide
From 3'600 to 4'100
All year
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
07:00
community of Chari
lunch/dinner
3'600
5 hours
1 hour
Pick-up at the meeting point in La Paz in the early morning. Approximately 5 hours' drive before arriving in Charazani, you can visit the village's small main square before driving another 20 minutes to the Chari community hostel, run by the Kallawayas. Settle in at the hostel and enjoy a meal. In the afternoon, we set off on a short guided tour of the community, where you will learn a great deal about the different plants and how they are used. You will be able to perform the challa (typical Bolivian rite) at the community's various Cabildos (sacred places). On your return from the walk, you will be given a demonstration of the community's typical handicrafts by one of the village women. Evening meal, followed by a campfire and overnight in the Chari community hostel.
08:00
Community of Chari
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
From 3'6000 to 4'100 meters
/
6 hours
Depart in the morning after breakfast for a hike to the Chullpapata archaeological site. Approximately 4 kilometres of ascent and 500 metres of ascent. On arrival at the Chullpapata site, your guide will explain the importance of the site to the Kallawayas and the ceremonies that take place there. Unfortunately, we do not know the exact date of construction or which civilisation built it. However, we do know that it was a burial site. You will then share an apthapi with your guide in the ruins, with a magnificent view over the valley. The apthapi is a kind of picnic, often consisting of llama meat, chuños, tuntas, potatoes and fried cheese. You can admire the alpacas and llamas and, depending on the season, take part in the various tasks in the fields, such as sowing potatoes and harvesting. Return to Chari, a 9-kilometre walk with 570 metres of ascent. You can ask to be shown the various medicines made by the Kallawayas from local plants. If you feel like it, you can also ask for a private consultation, so that your future can be read in the coca leaves.
Special information :
Ascent: 550m D+
07:00
/
Breakfast/lunch
From 3'600 to 3'800 meters
5 hours
2 minutes
Depart in the morning, after breakfast, by car to Charazani, where you can relax in the thermal baths before setting off again for La Paz. On the way, a stop is planned at Santiago de Okola, where you can admire the famous Dragon Dormido, a small peak on the shores of Lake Titicaca, whose shape is reminiscent of a dragon. You'll have a picnic in a small cove next to Turtle Island. Then return to La Paz, arriving in the late afternoon.
