From Puno: Discover La Paz and Tiwanaku | Full-Day

Exploring the vibrant cultural heritage of Peru and Bolivia is an opportunity not to be missed. This full-day tour from Puno promises an immersive experience, taking travelers across the border to uncover the captivating history and traditions of La Paz and the ancient Tiwanaku archaeological site. With knowledgeable experts leading the way, visitors can expect to explore the colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the remarkable remnants of a pre-Inca civilization. From the iconic Murillo Square to the enigmatic Sun Gate, this tour offers a chance to truly understand the richness of the region’s past and present.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview and Details

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Inclusions and Exclusions

4 Preparation and What to Bring

5 Important Information

6 Peru-Bolivia Border Crossing

7 Exploring La Paz

8 Visiting Tiwanaku Archaeological Site

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

One-day tour from Puno to La Paz and the ancient Tiwanaku archaeological site, exploring Bolivia’s cultural and patrimonial heritage.
Guided visits to La Paz’s colonial quarter, 16 de Julio Avenue, Murillo Square, Santo Domingo Convent, and the Witches’ Market.
Comprehensive tour of the Tiwanaku site, including the Kalasasaya temple, Akapana pyramid, and Sun Gate.
Smooth and efficient Peru-Bolivia border crossing managed by the tour guide.
Includes transportation, guide, and exploration of key landmarks, but excludes meals, entrance fees, and other personal expenses.

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Tour Overview and Details

This one-day tour from Puno to La Paz and Tiwanaku offers travelers an immersive exploration of Bolivia’s cultural and historical highlights.

Priced at €453.09 per person, the tour has a limited group size of 15 participants and is available in English and Spanish. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book with flexibility.

The itinerary includes an early morning pickup, border crossing into Bolivia, a guided tour of La Paz, and visits to the Tiwanaku archaeological site.

Transportation, hotel pickup, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide are included, while meals, entrance fees, and other expenses are excluded.

Participants should bring their passport, sun protection, and cash, and avoid bringing prohibited items.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early morning pickup around 4:00 am at participants’ hotels.

After the pickup, the group will journey to the Peru-Bolivia border at Desaguadero.

Once in La Paz, the tour includes a guided exploration of the city’s colonial quarter, 16 de Julio Avenue, Mariscal Gamarra Avenue, the Neoclassical Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, and Murillo Square.

Following a lunch break, the group will visit the Santo Domingo Convent and the captivating Witches’ Market.

The tour then continues to the Tiwanaku archaeological site, where participants can discover the Kalasasaya temple, Akapana pyramid, and the Sun Gate, gaining an overview of Bolivia’s rich cultural and patrimonial heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation by bus or minibus, and an English and Spanish speaking guide to accompany participants throughout the journey.

The inclusions don’t stop there, though – the tour also covers:

Guided visits to key landmarks in La Paz, such as the colonial quarter, 16 de Julio Avenue, Mariscal Gamarra Avenue, Neoclassical Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, and Murillo Square.
Exploration of the Tiwanaku archaeological site, including the Kalasasaya temple, Akapana pyramid, and Sun Gate.
An overview of Bolivia’s rich cultural and patrimonial heritage.

However, the tour excludes meals not mentioned, travel insurance, and any extra expenses or entrance fees.

Preparation and What to Bring

Packing the right items is crucial for a seamless and enjoyable tour. Travelers should bring their passport or ID card to ensure smooth border crossing.

Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are essential to protect against the high-altitude sun in La Paz and Tiwanaku. It’s also recommended to have some cash on hand for incidentals or additional expenses.

Weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited on the tour.

Ensuring the tour company has the correct contact information, including a country code and WhatsApp availability, will also help facilitate pre-tour communication and any necessary updates.

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Important Information

Ensuring the tour company has the correct contact information, including a country code and WhatsApp availability, will help facilitate pre-tour communication and any necessary updates.

Participants can expect to receive a WhatsApp message one or two days before the tour to confirm the pickup time. This proactive communication ensures everyone is prepared and informed for the day ahead.

Bring a valid passport or ID card for the border crossing.
Carry some cash for any extra expenses or entrance fees.
Avoid packing prohibited items like weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs.

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Peru-Bolivia Border Crossing

One of the highlights of the tour is the journey across the Peru-Bolivia border at Desaguadero.

The border crossing is a smooth and efficient process, with the guide handling all the necessary formalities. Travelers simply need to have their passports ready for the immigration checkpoints on both sides.

The crossing typically takes around 30 minutes, allowing the group to continue their journey to La Paz.

This part of the tour provides an opportunity to experience the transition between the two countries, as well as observe the bustling activity at the border crossing.

It’s a seamless start to the day’s exploration of Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring La Paz

After crossing the Peru-Bolivia border, the tour heads straight to the vibrant city of La Paz.

The first stop is the colonial quarter, where visitors admire the Neoclassical Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and explore Murillo Square.

Next, the group ventures down the bustling 16 de Julio Avenue and Mariscal Gamarra Avenue, taking in the city’s unique architecture and lively atmosphere.

During the lunch break, they visit the Santo Domingo Convent and browse the captivating Witches Market, seeing Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage.

This comprehensive exploration provides an insightful overview of La Paz’s diverse attractions and the nation’s patrimonial treasures.

Visiting Tiwanaku Archaeological Site

Following the exploration of La Paz, the tour group journeys to the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, one of Bolivia’s most significant archaeological sites.

At Tiwanaku, they’ll discover the remnants of the once-powerful pre-Inca civilization that flourished from the 1st to 12th centuries AD.

The guide leads them through the Kalasasaya temple, the Akapana pyramid, and the iconic Sun Gate, providing insights into the site’s rich history and cultural significance.

The tour offers a rundown of Bolivia’s patrimonial treasures, allowing visitors to enjoy the country’s captivating past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour information clearly states that "weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs" are not permitted, indicating that animals are also not allowed for the safety and comfort of all participants.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives you the freedom to change your plans without penalty.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Bolivia?

The traveler does not need a visa to enter Bolivia for this tour. Citizens of most countries can visit Bolivia for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it’s best to check the latest entry requirements before the trip.

Is There Wifi Available on the Bus?

The tour does not specifically mention if there is Wi-Fi available on the bus. However, it’s best to assume there won’t be Wi-Fi and plan accordingly. Travelers should bring their own mobile data or entertainment for the journey.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tiwanaku Site?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs at the Tiwanaku archaeological site. Visitors can browse and buy local handicrafts, textiles, and other traditional items from vendors and small shops located within the site’s grounds.

Recap

This full-day tour from Puno offers an immersive experience, allowing you to discover the vibrant culture and rich history of La Paz and the ancient Tiwanaku archaeological site. Guided by knowledgeable experts, you’ll explore colonial landmarks, the Witches’ Market, and the impressive ruins of the pre-Inca civilization, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region’s heritage and traditions.