Breathtaking horizons by MTB

Today we get to know the beautiful surroundings of Sucre. On foot, we explore the impressive mountains of Chataquila. With the bikes, we do a comfortable roll-in tour through a green valley to the Maragua crater.

Beginning with the escort vehicles, then with the bikes, we make our way to Potosi. Among other things, we will enjoy a long downhill to the Rio Pulacayo. Thanks to the mining of silver, Potosi was one of the largest cities in the world in the 17th century, comparable to Paris or London. Even today, the mining of silver as well as tin is an important industry. It is not for nothing that the mountain next to the city is called "Cerro Rico", in German "rich mountain". On a walk through the silver city we visit, among other things, the Casa de Moneda, the former Royal Mint. Later, we once again hop on our mountain bikes for the ride to today's stage destination, Cayara. The lower elevation here is conducive to the acclimatization process. We spend the night in a historic hacienda. The attached museum shows exhibits from the colonial era.

Today we bike through the highlands of the Andes and let ourselves be enchanted by the silence and impressive landscapes around us. We stop at a silver mine along the route and learn a lot of interesting facts about the mining and the hard life of the workers. Shortly before Uyuni we visit the unique railroad cemetery, with its rusty steam engines from bygone times. Bizarrely they lie in the abandoned steppe and offer wonderful photo subjects.

Our 4 x 4 vehicles bring us to the starting point of today's bike stage. Now it becomes adventurous. We leave the dusty main road and ride along a secluded trail among shining red rock formations. The high valley could be on a distant planet. Tired and satisfied, we reach the original hotel in Villa Mar, built on a rock. At the warm stove fire we enjoy a "mate de coca" tea and a cozy get-together.

We bike on gravel roads in isolated high valleys, between imposing volcanic cones and past beautifully colored lagoons. In this spectacular landscape we can observe the shy vicuñas, flamingos, along with some luck viscachas - a native rodent species, or even a desert fox. Again and again, we are enchanted by the wonderful light moods and the unique natural landscapes, such as the magical Laguna Colorada, among others.

Today’s program again brings an adventurous bike route. We ride along several lagoons with names like Ramadita, Honda, Chiarkote, Hedionda, and Cañapa. After a challenging climb, we catch sight of the Ollagüe volcano. Riding in a slick-rock lava field, we can really let off the brakes on our mountain bikes. With the vehicle we then cover the last part of the way to the accommodation.

Today we experience one of the biggest highlights of Bolivia, the largest salt lake in the world, the Salar de Uyuni. After a coffee break on the cactus island Incahuasi, which is located in the middle of the salt lake, we jet over the flat salt crust. We experience the dimensions of this huge, white shining salt surface, each at their own pace. Here we have enough time to take some fun photos. In Colchani we will learn more about salt extraction and spend the night in a stylish salt hotel.

By domestic flight we arrive in La Paz. After a ride with the jeeps over the barren altiplano, we soon catch sight of the mighty deep blue Lake Titicaca at the edge of the snow-covered Cordillera Real. On the pass La Cumbre we mount the mountain bikes. Either on the main route or on undulating trails we let it rip through a rugged isolated valley. Soon we reach our destination, the former gold mining town of Sorata.

Today we also test our downhill skills at high altitudes. Views into deep gorges teach us to be afraid. At the foothills of the two 6000m peaks Illampu and Ancohuma, we are chauffeured up to the Chuchu Pass at over 4500 meters. Depending on our mood, we can either bike on challenging trails or curve down on a natural track. Beautiful plays of light and clouds accompany our descent through abandoned mountain farming villages while the gold miners wonder what we are looking for up here. After visiting the San Pedro Grotto, we pedal back to our hotel, satisfied.

With the support vehicle, we drive through primitive villages and arrive at the straits of Lake Titicaca. A traditional, simple wooden ferry takes us to the other side. From here we will get back on our mountain bikes and enjoy the hilly route over the back of the Copacabana Peninsula with beautiful views of the lake and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. For adventurous bikers, one of the routes takes you on single track through wild terrain. Those who prefer to take it easy can choose the gravel path. A boat takes us to Sun Island, where we reach our idyllic accommodation tired and full of great memories after a short ascent on foot. It is located in the middle of terraced fields and offers us a fantastic view.

We let ourselves be enchanted by the first rays of sun behind the Illampu and enjoy the fresh clear air. Today we lace up our trekking shoes and take a walk on the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) with fantastic views over Lake Titicaca. Here we learn about the origins of the Tiwanaku and Inca culture, as well as their sacred Lake Titicaca, which was once considered the seat of the gods. It is on this island that the sun god is said to have been born. We treat ourselves to a typical lunch (more will not be revealed). There will be enough time to relax or to explore on your own.

By boat we cross over to the lively harbor town of Copacabana, where the crescent-shaped sweep of the bay is reminiscent of the world-famous district of Rio de Janeiro. We have time to visit the town with its Moorish-style Basilica. The "Virgen Morena" (dark virgin) exhibited there makes Copacabana the most important place of pilgrimage in Bolivia. On a panoramic route we will drive with the jeeps in the direction of La Paz. The city is located at the foot of the local mountain Illimani in a funnel valley that stretches at an altitude of 3500 to 4100 meters, and on whose slopes thousands of houses cling closely together. With the cable car we float over the huge sea of houses. The cable car network of La Paz consists of ten lines and is the largest urban cable car network in the world. For the locals this is a practical and efficient means of transportation, for us visitors an exciting attraction. There will be plenty of time to stroll through the alleys and visit the unique and colorful witch market alongside many other sights of La Paz.

With the escort vehicles we arrive at the starting point of today's adventure: the descent on the "Carretera de la Muerte", the Death Road. At the beginning, still thickly wrapped up, we get rid of our many layers as we decrease in altitude meters. The landscape changes impressively during the descent, and from the barren mountain heights we reach a tropical forest. Looking at the deep gorges and tight curves, we are grateful that motorized traffic has recently been routed over a new road. Arriving at our destination for the day in Coroico, we enjoy the warm temperatures and the lush green vegetation of the tropical lowlands (Yungas).

After breakfast we visit the animal sanctuary Senda Verde (optional). With great dedication and commitment, a wide variety of animals such as parrots, monkeys and Andean bears are nursed back to health and found a new home here. The afternoon is at your free disposal.

Back on the pass El Cumbre we mount the bike for the last time. Passing mines and slate quarries we enjoy the descent towards La Paz. From far above we have a beautiful view of the city.

The tour in the highlands of Bolivia is over. After breakfast transfer to the airport La Paz.

Do you want to continue the adventure in South America? There is another biking experience with SCOTT Strike e-mountain bikes awaiting you in Chile in the volcanic area of Auracanía starting in Temuco.

Our travel team is happy to support you by organising your trip and will gladly book additional nights, flights, rental cars and other services.