Join us for a truly unique trip to a country largely unexplored by Americans.
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Bolivia is the Tibetan America, only replace Buddhism with Incas, Quechua and Aymara and you´ll feel very much part of a world renown high altitude culture. From the immense Andean Peaks to frigid, barren salt flats to steamy, tropical jungles Bolivia is a geographical wonderland. On top of it all, the landlocked Bolivians, over 50% of them of pure indigenous blood are fantastic hosts. AMC is excited to offer this unique glimpse of Bolivia´s exceptional features. Classified as a hiking and discovery trip we aim to explore most of our destinations on foot, leaving few stones unturned while at the same time, come away adorned with knowledge of local history, culture, arts, gastronomy, language and glimpses of everyday life for Bolivianos.
Our short window of travel confines us to what Bolivia can offer without long, extensive and dangerous road journeys – especially during the rainy season. As a result, we´ve selected a blend of experiences that are diverse, interchanging and unforgettably scenic.
LA PAZ – The bustling high altitude capital flanked by 6000m snow peaks
SORATA & THE CORDILLERA REAL – Bolivia´s hiking capital set in wonderful natural landscapes
COCACABANA & LAKE TITICACA – The sun city at 3600m perched lakeside reflects un imaginary light
LA ISLA DEL SOL (INCA ISLAND OF SUN) – Hiking island pathways where the Inca Legend was born
THE AMAZON BASIN (RURRENABAQUE) – Amazonia´s most bio diverse zone is a must see!
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We designed the tour to accommodate those wishing to hike on a near daily basis. It is a hiking trip, but with average altitudes peaking over 3000 meters and more, we take it easy! The day hikes selected are not too strenuous or long nor do they enter snow or ice covered high alpine zones. They are safe and easily accessible

walks for all levels. Our main walking area, Sorata is below 3000 meters and the lakeside hikes at Titicaca are popular day walks between villages. We are very particular about safety management in high altitude zones. The visit to the Amazon region at the end will be a highlight after the week spent in the highlands. Here we do jungle walks and boat trips combined at only 500m altitude.
Accommodation throughout is based on ´group travel´ standard (not basic hostels or backpacker inns). However,
Bolivia is very much behind other parts of the world with tourism infrastructure. Road networks are in poor condition, bus transport is ´rugged´ and slow and meals are simple yet nourishing. Bolivia cannot be rated against other countries when it receives few group travellers compared to many destinations. Please consider this a precautionary note prior to booking…
ITINERARY
DAY 1 24 Jan- Fly from USA
DAY 2 25 Jan - ARRIVAL LA PAZ / Acclimatization
Airport transfer to your hotel in La Paz. Today is about rest and acclimatization. Plenty of liquids and rest are necessary today to adjust to high altitude. (Airport elevation 4058m / La Paz
3660m) Night La Paz Hotel Rosario or Similar / Dinner included
DAY 3 26 Jan - LA PAZ CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
Today our local guide leads a gentle orientation tour of Bolivia´s greatest cultural melting pot, La Paz. Seated in a deep basin and back dropped by the triple peaked Mt. Illimani (6402m) La Paz packs in over a million people – more than 50% indigenous in origin. From slums to chic and a vast array of languages and cultures to boot it´s a marvel to experience - especially in regards to its position as the world´s highest capital! Expect visits to bustling markets, local museums and the colonial quarter today – all at a gentle pace to ease you into the elevation and rhythm of Bolivian life. Night at same hotel La Paz / Breakfast & Dinner included
DAY 4 27 Jan - SORATA & THE CORDILLERA REAL
Today we descend 800m offering some relief from the altitude. Our destination Sorata is described as Bolivia´s most beautiful natural setting. Set in a lush, forested valley beneath towering peaks over 6300m, this is
Bolivia´s most popular hiking destination and one of its prettiest rural towns. Upon arrival we´ll have a light walk in the region to stretch our legs and visit the town itself on foot. (Elevation 2695 m) Travel time 4 hours by private coach. Night in Sorata at Guest House Altai

Oasis http://www.altaioasis.com/home or Hotel Santa
Lucia / breakfast & Dinner included
DAY 5 28 Jan - SORATA & THE CORDILLERA REAL
Today is a hiking day in the wonderful surroundings of Sorata.
We´ll spend most of the day walking right from the town itself – aiming to arrive at the Gruta de San Pedro Cave with our local mountain guide. Altitude will be in the range of 2700-3000m.
The pace will be gentle and the footing excellent following a forestry track for most of the route through beautiful landscapes. Night in same hotel / Breakfast, Pack Lunch and
Dinner included
DAY 6 29 Jan - SORATA & THE CORDILLERA REAL
Another wonderful day of hiking in the Cordillera Real with our local guide. Depending on how the group feels, we can select from a variety of routes and elevations. There is plenty of choice for this day – including a walk to high glacial lakes (though transfers will be necessary), otherwise walking in the rolling landscapes of Sorata is rewarding enough – leaving us time to self-explore the town and mingle with the regional tribes people. Night in same hotel / Breakfast, Pack
Lunch and Dinner included
DAY 7 30 Jan - COCACABANA / Lake Titicaca
This morning we transfer 2.5 hours by private bus to the charming lakeside town Cocacabana right near the Peruvian border (elevation 3820m). This sunny water lined village peers straight across the 230km long Lake Titicaca. Here we find a cluster of attractions such as the Cathedral, open air markets and Cerro Calvario, a hilltop ´mirador´ offering a birds-eye view over the entire region. Night at Hotel Rosario
Lago Titicaca or similar / Breakfast and Dinner included
DAY 8 31 Jan - LAKE TITCACA / Isla del Sol
(Hike from Copacabana to Yampupata)
This morning from our hotel we make the scenic shoreline hike to where the boat takes us to the Isla del Sol – the birthplace of the Inca culture. Hiking time approximately 4 hours and we pass small Aymarán fishing hamlets and Inca engravings en route – seeing first hand primitive tribal life that depend on this magnificent lake. At Yampupata we boat

across the short stretch of water to the island. On the other side, after visiting the Fuente and
Escalera del Inca historic sites, we can walk to our guest house in Yumani. We’ll spend the night in comfortable family run Inn. Breakfast, Pack Lunch and Dinner included
DAY 9 1 Feb - LAKE TITCACA / Isla del Sol
(Day hikes and cultural visits on the Island )
Today we explore on foot the wonderful network of paths that connects local villagers and Inca Pilgrims to various points on the island. A full day of exploring includes visits to
Inca sites, rural hamlets and stunning view points overlooking the lake and Bolivia´s formidable Andes range. We will be walking at heights in the range of 3800m but no extensive climbs. We’ll spend the night in same lodgings as last night.
Breakfast, Pack Lunch and Dinner included
DAY 10 2 Feb - RURRENABAQUE Flight Day
This morning we travel back to La Paz, saying adios to the friendly island communities for a journey over the
Andes to the entry point of the Amazon basin at
Rurrenabaque. Largely a travel day, we drive 4-5 hours to La Paz followed by a 40 minute flight to the lush Bolivian jungle situated at 552m. Rurrenbaque is the loveliest village in the Bolivian lowlands and is adorned with some of the planet´s greatest biodiversity. We have 3 days to visit the wonderful jungles and pampas waterways of the nearby Alto Madidi National Reserve. We’ll spend the night in a comfortable Rurrenabaque lodge. Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 11 3 Feb - RURRENABAQUE Amazon Basin
Today we set off on safari by vehicle and lightweight boat that takes us into the jungle regions of the
UNESCO protected Alto Madidi Reserve and the
Pampas del Yacuma protected reserve where we will stay for 2 in specially designed lodgings. On this program our indigenous naturalist exposes the group to a wide variety of flora and the habitats of unique fauna species, most notably over 1000 bird types, crocodile, piranha, puma, sloth, monkey, butterflies, insects and much more – including the elusive 7m long anaconda! Travel will be by foot, canoe and vehicle as we explore a wide range of natural features in one of the world´s most bio diverse zones. Our overnight accommodation will be in a comfortable but simple jungle lodge. All meals included
DAY 12 4 Feb - RURRENABAQUE Amazon Basin Safari
Continuation of our jungle and pampas tour as per above.

Opportunities for nocturnal walks and piranha fishing are also on hand. Same accommodation and all meals included
DAY 13 5 Feb - RURRENABAQUE Transfer to LA PAZ
Today we aim for an mid-day flight back to La Paz to guarantee arrival for either a connecting flight home, an extension tour to the South West of Bolivia, or a final night in La Paz before departing the following day. We will most likely have a late afternoon arrival into hotel, La Paz.
Accomodation in same La Paz accommodation as first 2 nights. Breakfast only
included.
DAY 14 6 Feb - DEPARTURE HOME
Transfers to airport after breakfast for departure home. Breakfast included.
VISAS AND PASSPORTS
A visa is required for all USA passport holders, please check with Bolivian consular services. Passports must be valid for 6 months or more.
MEDICAL AND HYGIENE
Generally Bolivia is as healthy a country to travel in as any other developing nation. Precautions however must be taken. Consult your travel clinic for immunizations. Yellow Fever inoculation is required as well as Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and boosters for other common immunizations. Malaria is not considered high risk in Rurrenabaque but as a precaution we recommend the use of prophylactics for this portion of the journey – as well as mosquito netting, deet and long sleeves. Dengue Fever occurs in the tropical areas of Bolivia. High Altitude illness is common (short term effects and possible high risk symptoms) and precautions must be adhered to. If you feel necessary, consult your doctor for pre travel immunization such as Diamox. Bottled water must be drunk rather than tap water and avoid leafy, uncooked vegetables and drinks made with ice and local water that has not been boiled.
INTERNAL FLIGHT
The majority of groups travel on Bolivia´s military / commercial company TAM Air or with the more popular brand, Amaszonia Air. Both airlines have many years experience flying the route between La Paz and Rurrenabaque in the Amazon Basin. The runway at Rurrenabaque has been improved resulting in a major increase in flight services and therefore visits to this region. You can visit Amaszonia´s webpage here: http://www.amaszonas.com

SAFETY AND SECURITY
Bolivia is currently politically stable and there have been no major acts of terrorism or sabotage – especially related to tourism. Petty crime like wallet snatching or cons to obtain money can occur.
Violent muggings are not common. Respect your group leader´s advice. Road travel has its share of hazards and we endeavour to ensure our buses and drivers are meeting a high standard of safety.
INTERNET AND TELEPHONE
Many locations in Bolivia (hotels and cafes) advertise internet and Wi-Fi connections. For the most part connections exist but they are not always consistent. La Paz however and larger centre’s not affected by alpine terrain, isolation or poor weather do have consistent internet and cell phone services.
International roaming services are available throughout Bolivia – again at the mercy of cell phone tower locations.
 12 nights’ accommodation in Tour Group class hotels or guest houses
 Airport transfers in La Paz
 All meals as per itinerary
 Transport on tour that includes private group coach, local bus, 4x4, boat ferries and return air transfers between La Paz and Rurrenabaque (Amazon Basin).
 Local guides and selected monument entrance fees as per itinerary
 Outfitter manager throughout (Matt from Adventurebug)
 Jungle tour in Rurrenabaque including boat transport, park entrance fees and permits
 Risk assessment profile and evacuation plans for all aspects of your journey
 Medical Evacuation Insurance
 Two AMC Adventure Travel Leaders
PLEASE NOTE – Private travel insurance (including baggage loss and cancellation insurance is the sole responsibility of the participant. Please ensure your insurance covers you for trekking above 2500 meters (up to 4500 meters).

COSTS NOT COVERED:
Airfare from USA to La Paz, Bolivia and return to U.S.A.
Lunches (6)/dinner (1) and snacks as stated in itinerary
Alcoholic beverages, and dinner drinks
Individual (non-group) excursions and additional lifts, bus, rail, taxis, or car rentals.
Optional day trips.
Passport.
Trip insurance.
Vaccinations your PCP deems necessary
Bolivian Visa
If you are not a member of the AMC there is a guest fee of $50. You may prefer to join the
AMC. Membership is $50 for an individual, $75 for a family, and $25 for juniors (under 30) and seniors (over 69). You can join on line at the AMC home page at http://www.outdoors.org/ At times they offer discounts or bonuses.
SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS:
As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, by boat, or on a bike. Aside from any personal medical problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities of altitude sickness, bug bites, dehydration, sun burn and other heat or cold related problems. You should regularly use sun screen, take care to be adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips. Please carefully read and sign the AMC Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and
Indemnity Agreement and contact us if you have any questions. Participants’ understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can contribute to making this experience rewarding for everyone.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
The land cost of the trip is $3825.00, plus estimated airfare of $1,000 to $1,400. To reserve your place, please contact the trip leader or co leader for an application, the Confidential Medical
Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement.
Once you have been approved for the Adventure Travel trip, you will be required to send to the
Leader your deposit of $1,000.00
made out to: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).
$100.00 of this initial $1,000.00 deposit is a non-refundable administration fee. Once we receive your application and other forms and have approved you for the trip , we’ll send you additional information on the trip, including planned hikes, equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum number of participants is 18, so apply early to reserve your place.
Rooming based on twin share

where possible but some triple and quad share may be necessary on Island and in Jungle Lodge
(pending final numbers)
PAYMENT 2 DUE: Oct 15, 2015 $ 2825.00
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $100 is non-refundable, but if you cancel after
August 5, 2015 minimally $200 is nonrefundable, if (and only if) another person takes your place. We will establish a waiting list. Should another person replace you, you will be charged only the $200 cancellation fee. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any of the participants or the leaders. Thus, if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the $200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for which the trip cannot obtain a refund. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will be sent to you.
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the AMC Adventure Travel trip is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be passed on to participants.
Conversely if the minimum number of participants does not sign up, the leaders reserve the right to cancel the trip and refund the amounts paid. If the trip is full, we can put your name on a waiting list, or return your deposit.
AIR COSTS (ESTIMATED $1000-1400):
Leaders will explore the best possible options for air travel. You will receive notification when we are aware of a good fare. For this trip we estimate a range of $1000-1400. We will assist you in any way to make your reservations, but you should not make any booking on your own without consulting the leaders. Once you purchase tickets, they are wholly owned by you . It is your responsibility to get yourself to our hotel in La Paz, Bolivia if your flight does not arrive in time to meet our chartered bus from the arrival airport. The leaders only provide transportation when you arrive at the airport by the time we specify.
FLIGHTS:
The reservation of the flight is your responsibility. Once a trip is a “GO” (there are enough participants to run the trip), we will let you know and provide you with our flight recommendations for transfer to La Paz, Bolivia.
Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will provide you with choices of approved trip insurance companies.
AMC Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over after trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the participants. As leaders our goals for the group are to have fun, stretch your skills, and savor a foreign culture at reasonable cost and in the company of other adventurers with similar interests. We encourage your individual

contributions, cooperation and good humor to enrich the group’s experience. We expect you to participate as part of a group and abide by the leaders’ decisions, and work towards the group having a good time . Be prepared to help your fellow hikers and spend time with other participants on the trip. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.
YOUR LEADERS:
LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN
Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has lead trips to Austrian
Alps with Don Parker in July of 2011, with Jenni Blumenthal in August of 2012 and with Anna
Panszczyk in July and August of 2014. She has also lead multiple Adventure travel trips to
Yosemite national Park for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions to Switzerland and Austria, involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the
Stubai valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 20 high Alpine Huts throughout
Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked the NH 4000 footers. Her interests include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer for AMC and introducing others to outdoor activities.
ADDRESS: 66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
PHONE: (207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431
EMAIL ADDRESS: ginette4000@yahoo.com
CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK
Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to Yosemite National Park, Minnesota and Morocco. Anna leads trips in the White
Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier and Olympic National Parks in Washington. Anna spends part of each summer backpacking as a
Sierra Club participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world. Anna has recently completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course.
ADDRESS: 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
PHONE: (781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175
EMAIL ADDRESS: annatp13@verizon.net
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Ginette Beaudoin and Anna Panszczyk