Puno: Excursion to La Paz and Tiwanaku

Puno, a vibrant city in southern Peru, serves as the gateway to a captivating 11-hour excursion that unveils the cultural and historical wonders of Bolivia. Embarking on this journey, travelers will explore the iconic landmarks of La Paz and the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, seeing the rich heritage of this remarkable region. With a team of knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to cancel without penalty, this excursion promises an enriching experience that may leave visitors eager to uncover more about the fascinating tapestry of Bolivian history and culture.

Key Points

• The excursion package includes a tour of the historic city of La Paz and the archaeological site of Tiwanaku in Bolivia.
• The tour departs from Puno, Peru at 4:00 a.m. and involves a border crossing into Bolivia at Desaguadero.
• Highlights of the La Paz tour include the 16th-century San Francisco Church, the Cathedral, and the vibrant Witches Market.
• The Tiwanaku site showcases ancient Tiwanacota empire ruins, such as the Kalasasaya temple and the Akapana pyramid.
• The package includes hotel pickup, transportation, English and Spanish guides, and travel insurance, while tickets to attractions and some meals are excluded.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion package, known as ‘Puno: Excursion to La Paz and Tiwanaku,’ offers a comprehensive day trip priced from $490.00 per person.

Lasting 11 hours, the excursion provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

Travelers will depart Puno at 4:00 a.m. and cross the border into Bolivia, exploring the colonial neighborhoods, historic center, and Witches Market of La Paz.

They’ll then visit the ancient archaeological site of Tiwanaku, a center of pre-Columbian culture, to learn about the Tiwanacota empire and view ceremonial artifacts.

The excursion includes hotel pickup, transportation, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide, though tickets and some meals are excluded.

Departure and Border Crossing

At 4:00 a.m., travelers depart their hotels in Puno for the excursion, crossing the border into Bolivia at Desaguadero. The border crossing involves going through customs and immigration formalities on both the Peruvian and Bolivian sides. This process is facilitated by the tour guides, ensuring a smooth transition.

BORDER CROSSING DETAILS
Departure Location	Puno
Border Crossing	Desaguadero
Entry Country	Bolivia

The journey continues as the group travels by bus or minibus to the Bolivian capital of La Paz, where the next phase of the excursion awaits.

La Paz Tour

Upon arrival in Bolivia’s capital city, the tour commences with a guided exploration of La Paz’s historic colonial neighborhoods. Visitors traverse the bustling 16 de Julio Avenue and marvel at the grandeur of Mariscal Santa Cruz Avenue, seeing the city’s rich architectural heritage.

The tour then takes them to the historic center, where they can admire the:

1. 16th century church of San Francisco

2. Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Paz

3. Plaza Murillo, the political heart of the city

After the guided tour, guests are given free time to explore the convent of Santo Domingo and the vibrant Witches Market, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s cultural traditions.

Tiwanaku Archaeological Site

After exploring the vibrant city of La Paz, the tour journeys to the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, a center of significant pre-Columbian culture. Visitors tour the site’s highlights, including the Kalasasaya temple, Akapana pyramid, and the iconic Sun Gate, learning about the expansive reach of the Tiwanacota empire across the central Andes and Lake Titicaca region. The tour provides an opportunity to view ceremonial vessels called queros and intricate huaco-portraits, offering insights into the sophisticated artistry and rituals of this advanced civilization.

Feature	Description
Kalasasaya Temple	Impressive temple complex with large carved stone blocks
Akapana Pyramid	Stepped pyramid structure symbolic of Tiwanaku’s architectural prowess
Sun Gate	Intricately carved stone gateway thought to have astronomical significance
Queros	Ceremonial vessels used in rituals and ceremonies
Huaco-Portraits	Highly detailed pottery sculptures depicting individual faces and features

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The excursion includes hotel pickup, transportation by bus/minibus, and an English and Spanish speaking guide, as well as travel insurance.

However, it excludes any extraordinary expenses, tickets, and meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Specifically:

1. Included: Hotel pickup, transportation, guide services, and travel insurance.

2. Excluded: Extraordinary expenses, such as personal purchases or additional activities.

3. Excluded: Tickets to any attractions or sites, and meals not specified in the itinerary.

Important Considerations

This excursion may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, a camera, and cash. Pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

The meeting point is provided in Google Maps for easy navigation. It’s important to note that this tour includes a border crossing into Bolivia, so participants should be prepared with the necessary travel documents.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning their trip. This policy allows participants to make adjustments to their schedule without financial penalty.

Plus, the tour operator offers a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, which lets travelers secure their spot without an upfront payment. This convenient booking process makes it easier for visitors to plan their Puno excursion.

The tour’s cancellation and refund policy demonstrates the provider’s commitment to customer satisfaction and accommodating unforeseen circumstances.

Key details include:

1. Cancellation up to 24 hours prior for full refund

2. ‘Reserve now, pay later’ booking available

3. Flexible policy supports smooth travel planning

Directions and Meeting Point

Where can travelers find the meeting point for this excursion?

The tour operator provides directions by opening the meeting point in Google Maps, making it easy for participants to locate the departure location.

According to the information provided, the excursion departs from the hotel in Puno at 4:00 a.m.

Travelers can use the Google Maps link to get precise directions to the pickup point.

The meeting point is conveniently located, allowing everyone to arrive on time for the early morning departure.

With the clear directions, participants can ensure a stress-free start to their exciting day trip to La Paz and Tiwanaku.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The information provided does not indicate if there is an option to extend the duration of the tour. The tour itinerary and details appear fixed according to the 11-hour timeframe specified. Customers should contact the tour operator to inquire about any potential extension options.

Can the Departure Time Be Adjusted to a Later Hour?

The departure time can likely be adjusted to a later hour, though this may impact the overall itinerary and duration of the tour. Customers should check with the tour operator about flexibility in the departure schedule.

Are There Any Language Options Besides English and Spanish?

The tour description doesn’t mention any language options besides English and Spanish. However, it’s possible the tour operator could accommodate other languages if requested in advance. Customers should contact the tour provider to inquire about availability of guides in other languages.

Can We Make Stops Along the Way for Photos or Sightseeing?

The excursion generally allows stops for photos and sightseeing along the way. However, the itinerary and duration are fixed, so travelers should check with the tour operator about the flexibility of the schedule and any potential additional costs.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for This Excursion?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or package deals explicitly mentioned for this excursion. However, the tour operator may offer promotional pricing or bundle deals from time to time. It’s best to check with them directly for any available offers.

Recap

The ‘Puno: Excursion to La Paz and Tiwanaku’ is an enriching 11-hour journey that explores the cultural and historical treasures of Bolivia.

With guided tours of La Paz and the ancient Tiwanaku site, along with inclusions like hotel pickup and bilingual guides, this excursion promises a memorable experience.

The flexibility of free cancellation and the reasonable price tag of $490 per person make this tour an attractive option for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here: