Bolivia can deliver a starry night
Ian Stalker
Pedro Rios says a visit to Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats may leave tourists somewhat star-struck.
The sprawling salt flats, which cover 4,700 square miles and which Rios says amount to a “white desert,” is ideal for star-gazing, with those who are there during the November-April period — a time of the year that sees more rain — possibly finding a particularly unusual experience as star light will reflect off rainwater on the surface of the salt after nightfall.
“It just feels like you’re floating in the middle of the universe,” La Paz-based Rios said during a recent Condor Travel webinar.
Sightings of “millions of stars” are enhanced because of the lack of artificial light in the area, he added.
The massive salt flats can also be viewed from above by Condor clients who opt for small plane trips over the natural formation.
Luxury lunches and a “sunset luxury cocktail” are available.
In addition to Bolivia, Peruvian company Condor Travel also offers tours in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Argentina, with Stephen Pajuelo of the company’s Lima office telling webinar viewers that Condor can provide those visiting Peru’s capitals numerous experiences, including a visit to the district of Barranco, the “Bohemian side of the city,” enabling them to meet local artists.
Those exploring Lima can also meet a musician who will familiarize them with the types of musical instruments the Inca used.
Pajuelo reported that Lima has many reminders of the Spanish era that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.
Those venturing to the Andean Peru city of Cusco — the onetime capital of the Inca empire — can be introduced to such Andean “superfoods” as quinoa, known for its health-giving qualities.
Condor offers culinary excursions.
As well, visitors can overnight in Andean homes, exploring the area on daytime hikes, Pajuelo continued.
Rios said Condor clients visiting La Paz can tour Gin La Republica, which makes “high-altitude” gin with local ingredients, giving it a distinctive taste.
As well, Condor will take clients to La Luna, billed as the highest coffee mill in the world, with coffee tastings available.
A La Paz dining option is GUSTU, rated one of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America and which invites Condor clients into its kitchen, familiarizing them with its dishes.
Rios noted Condor also sends people to sprawling Lake Titicaca, which straddles the Peru-Bolivia border, with overnight stays available at La Estancia Ecolodge, found on the Island of the Sun, important to the Incas. The hotel — found almost 4,000 meters above sea level — was built with local materials and uses solar panels to heat water, Rios reported.
Meanwhile, Condor will have a Sept. webinar covering Peru and Bolivia adventure highlights, opportunities to combine the destinations into one great trip, good jumping off points for North American travel buyers who are new to Bolivia and a sneak peek of an upcoming Peru/Bolivia fam trip. There will also be a Q&A period with the Condor team.
