peru	Images above & below: Woman wearing a traditional hat, charming colonial city of Sucre, weaver working at her loom, preparing yarn for weaving, interesting formations in the Valley of the Moon

6-Day Extension to Bolivia
Bolivia has a population of about 8.5 million and the largest ethnic group is the Quechua with 30% of Bolivia’s population. About another 30% are mestizo, or a mix of indigenous and European lineage. 25% of Bolivians are Aymara, about 14% are European descent and less than 1% have African heritage. Over half of the population is full-blooded indigenous and the vast majority has some ethnic connection to the indigenous cultures that lived in the region before the arrival of Europeans. Not as often visited as other countries, Bolivia is the most Indian country in South America, and you'll experience the language (primarily Quechua), the culture, and customs first hand, making it an ideal place to continue our exploration of Andean history and life. This six-day travel program will be an introduction to this fascinating country.

La Paz
La Paz, the capital city, practically touches the sky. Located high above sea level, La Paz sits in a bowl surrounded by the high altiplano. La Paz as it grows climbs the hills resulting in varying elevations from 3000 to 4100 m. Overlooking the city is towering triple-peaked Illimani, always snow covered and majestic. La Paz is the legislative capital of Bolivia, the largest city, while the legal capital, home of the Supreme Court, is in Sucre.

Sucre
The city of Sucre has a rich, varied history and a wealth of historical architecture deserving of the selection as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sucre shares capital city status with La Paz, the legislative and administrative capital. Sucre, a charming colonial city, is often called “the white city,” and is an easily walkable city. The older sections, with the white colonial buildings with their distinctive red-tiled roofs and distinctive balconies, offer nooks and crannies to explore. It is a university city, with many cultural attractions, museums, shops, restaurants. Relatively small, Sucre is home to a large indigenous population who maintain their traditional clothing and customs, and sell their crafts and goods available in the markets and fairs.

Potosí
The discovery of ore in silver-rich Cerro Rico (rich hill) by Indian Diego Huallpa in 1544 prompted the foundation of the city of Potosí on April 10th, 1545 at the foot of the hill. Large scale excavation began in the site immediately and the first shipment of silver was sent to Spain. In 1672, a mint was established to coin silver and water reservoirs were built to fulfill the growing population's needs. At that time more than eighty-six churches were built, and the city's population increased to nearly 200,000, making it one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Latin America and in the world.

Tarabuco
An hour or so from Sucre, on the road towards Potosí, lies the market town of Tarabuco. In a country filled with lively, colorful, and character-filled markets, Tarabuco’s Sunday market may be one of the best. The mounds of produce and spices rival any other colorful Andean local market. Regional textiles are found on every corner. The striped ponchos and poncho dresses are worn by many, as are the hats by married and single alike. The traditional hats are also noteworthy. The hats of Bolivia differ from region to region and frequently signal marital status. In the case of Tarabuco, a single woman wears a stiff cap of sorts decorated with beads that dangle before the eyes. The traditional weaving, which was in danger of becoming a lost art, has seen a resurgence in recent years, in part because of support from international development organizations. There are several local textile styles. One of the more striking patterns features bands of white, black and purple with zoomorphic and human figures woven into the fabric. The figures tell a story, or often represent a dream or vision of the weaver.

Itinerary

(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

Day 1 | Wednesday, November 17, 2010 (B, L, D) La Paz

• Travel to La Paz from Puno by bus, stop at Tiahuanaco ruins, arrive in La Paz in late afternoon/early evening
  Overnight in La Paz

Day 2 | Thursday, November 18, 2010 (B) La Paz

• Breakfast in the hotel
  Group lunch
  Visits to Museum of Enthography with English speaking curator, visit to the nearby witches’ market, meet local well-known painter, see other sights in La Paz, including famous plazas
  Overnight in La Paz

Day 3 | Friday, November 19, 2010 (B, D) Sucre

• Breakfast in the hotel
  Fly around mid-day to Sucre (the “White City of the Americas”) and soak up its cultural charms, afternoon private tour by English-speaking curator of the Textile Museum, see other sights as time permits
  Overnight in Sucre

Day 4 | Saturday, November 20, 2010 (B, L) Sucre

• Breakfast in the hotel
  Travel through mountains to Potosi, tour famous 400-year-old mine, visit the original mint for Bolivia
  Overnight in Sucre

Day 5 | Sunday, November 21, 2010 (B, L) Sucre

• Breakfast in the hotel
  Tarabuco regional textile market, followed with a visit to the village of Candelaria, home of some of the best textiles artists in the area
  Overnight in Sucre

Day 6 | Monday, November 22, 2010 (B, D) La Paz

• Breakfast in the hotel
  Fly back to La Paz around mid-day, afternoon in La Paz (museums closed but markets open)
  

Early flight home from La Paz

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