BOLIVIA: A YOGA ADVENTURE

Christy lived in Bolivia for a little over two years when she was a Peace Corps Volunteer there in the late 1990s. She has decided to organize a yoga retreat adventure to this colorful country that she fell in love with, traveled fairly extensively, and came to know quite well. 

Though landlocked, Bolivia is unmatched in its diversity of landscape—from the soaring peaks of the Andes and Altiplano (the most extensive high plateau on Earth outside Tibet) to the lush expanse of Amazon rainforest to the world's largest salt flat. And, having been at the center of Inca civilization with at least 30 different indigenous, Bolivia has the highest percentage of indigenous people relative to its total population. It’s no wonder that the deep spiritual connection to Pachamama (Mother Earth) remains very much alive throughout Bolivia. 

One of South America’s best-kept secrets, Bolivia is often overshadowed by its more touristy neighbors like Peru. But for those open to straying from the well-trodden path, Bolivia offers some of the most untouched and breathtaking landscapes and richest indigenous cultures in all of South America.

There are so many incredible places to see in Bolivia that it’s difficult to narrow it down to just a few. But Christy has put together a 13-night itinerary to the places she most recommends from her personal experience and knowledge of the country. For those interested in extending their stay, Christy will be happy to suggest additional destinations.

The retreat will include daily yoga and meditation with Christy, with the exception of a few travel days. The menu will be primarily vegetarian with gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please let us know if you have additional dietary restrictions.

ITINERARY

APRIL 9-10: We'll come together to begin our yoga adventure in Bolivia with a one-night stay at Illampu Art Boutique Hotel. One of La Paz's newest hotels, Illampu Hotel is located in a safe area within the heart of La Paz close to tourist attractions including the Witches' Market (a fascinating cultural destination known for its sale of items used in Andean indigenous rituals and spiritual practices centered around Pachamama aka "Mother Earth").

Illampu Art Boutique Hotel

APRIL 10-12: From La Paz (12,000 ft.) we'll make the dramatic descent from the cool highlands of the Andes to Coroico (5,003 ft), a small, warm, subtropical, hilltop town located midway between the Andean Altiplano and the Amazon basin with breathtaking views of the jungle valleys below and a palpable sense of tranquility—a perfect place to chill after the long journey to Bolivia. It will be possible to travel to Coroico either as a thrilling mountain bike ride on the original "North Yungas Road" (which Christy traveled on by bus back in her Peace Corps days) or in the comfort of a private car on the new, modern, two-lane asphalt road (with guard rails) that was built to divert traffic from the older, gravel road, knick-named the "most dangerous road in the world." By car the trip takes around three hours.

The original North Yungas Road (40 mi) was built in the 1930s by the Bolivian government to connect the capital city of La Paz to the Amazon Rainforest. It has since become popular with mountain bikers and adrenaline junkies.

This will be a restful and relaxing stay at UMA Experience Lodge with its stunning views of the subtropical mountains, luxurious amenities, delicious food, elegant and minimalist architecture, and peaceful, secluded atmosphere.

UMA Experience Lodge in Coroico

APRIL 12-13: After Coroico, we'll retrace our tracks to La Paz, arriving back at the Illampu Art Boutique Hotel in the afternoon. Our afternoon in La Paz will be free for exploring the city and perhaps taking a ride on the world's longest and highest network of public transit cable cars, or gondolas, aka Mi Teleférico. We'll stay one night in La Paz before flying the next morning to Rurrenabaque, aka the "Gateway to the Amazon." 

The city of La Paz is built in a valley whereas the majority of the population lives on surrounding hills. So the city's gondolas are critical for people to get around. But it's not just the locals who make use of them. The gondolas are also a wonderful way for visitors to see the city from above. 

APRIL 13-16: On April 13th, we'll take an 8am flight from La Paz, land at 9:20am in Rurrenabaque, and continue three hours by boat to Mashaquipe Ecolodge. Mashaquipe Ecolodge is owned and managed by indigenous families and located within the Madidi National Park, in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest. Committed to eco-tourism and sustainability, our guides will take us on jungle hikes and boat trips to see the flora and fauna of the jungle and Amazonian pampas which are flooded, grassy wetlands on the edge of the Amazon basin. We'll stay two nights in their jungle lodge and one night in their pampas lodge. The pampas area, distinct from the park’s dense jungle, offers easier wildlife viewing (pink river dolphins, capybaras, caimans, monkeys, toucans, macaws, parrots and occasionally anacondas, jaguars, spectacled bears, giant river otters, etc.) due to its open landscape. The accommodations at Mashaquipe will be more rustic, but each cabin will be clean and comfortable with a modest touch of elegance, private bathroom, hot shower, mosquito nets, towels, biodegradable soap, beside table, etc.

Mashaquipe Ecolodge - Madidi National Park

APRIL 16-17: After a full day experiencing the pampas, we'll spend one night in Rurrenabaque (a small town on the Beni River) so that we can catch a flight the next morning back to La Paz. We'll stay at the best hotel in town, Maya de la Amazonia, which is clean but basic.

APRIL 17-20: Upon our 10am arrival at the airport in La Paz on April 17th, a driver will pick us up and take us to Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world, at 12,507 ft) where we'll stay three nights on Isla del Sol. 

Isla del Sol is a sacred site in Inca mythology, believed to be the birthplace of the sun god, Inti, and the origin of Inca civilization. It’s home to significant Inca ruins like the Temple of the Sun and continues to be a major pilgrimage destination for Incan descendants. On Isla del Sol, there are no cars. Travel on this incredibly scenic island where it feels like traveling back in time takes place on foot or by donkey along ancient Incan paths. In addition to daily yoga and meditation, we’ll hike, see ruins and take a boat ride to visit the smaller Isla de la Luna.

Upon our arrival at Lake Titicaca on April 17th, we'll travel by boat from Copacabana (the largest town on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca) to the southern tip of Isla del Sol for an unforgettable three-night stay at Ecolodge La Estancia that's built on restored pre-Incan agricultural terraces and which incorporates a passive solar heating system to warm the rooms and provide hot water. A fairly strenuous uphill, 35-40 minute hike (or donkey ride) with 1300ft of elevation gain is required to reach La Estancia's breathtaking location. With its majestic views of Lake Titicaca and the Andes Mountains, we think it will be worth the effort! But packing light will come in handy. You can plan to carry your daypack and we'll arrange for donkeys to carry the rest of our luggage.

Isla del Sol

APRIL 20-22: After our Isla del Sol and Lake Titicaca adventure, we'll return one last time to La Paz for a relaxing stay at the MET Hotel, one of La Paz's highest-rated and newest hotels. Designed by a Bolivian architect (in collaboration with a NY design firm), it features artwork by local artists and a rooftop bar with incredible views of the city. (Read more here: "Touch the Sky at this Sky-High City's First Rooftop Bar," Forbes). The MET Hotel is located in La Paz's "Zona Sur," the city's more affluent, modern area with a lower elevation and warmer temps, upscale homes, international businesses, high-end restaurants and a significant expat presence. 

During our stay in La Paz, we'll drive 15 minutes south to Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), a landscape unlike any other. This high-altitude, jagged maze of eroded spires, honeycombed cliffs and narrow canyons was sculpted over millennia by the elements and offers various hiking options.

There will also be time during these final days of our Bolivian yoga adventure together for sight-seeing, shopping, enjoying the MET Hotel's high-end spa, getting a massage, enjoying delicious meals together, and celebrating with a special fine dining dinner at the MET's rooftop bar and restaurant.

Valley of the Moon

PRICING & REGISTRATION

Double-Occupancy: $7795/person (13 nights)

Single-Occupancy: $9095/person (13 nights)

Superior Room Supplement: $1250/person

Included: Accommodations; all meals; daily yoga, meditation and other sessions with Christy; retreat transfers (excluding flights)

Not included: Flights, airport transfers, massage and spa treatments, some excursions (mountain biking to Coroico), laundry service, alcoholic beverages, gratuities

A non-refundable $1000 deposit will hold your space. Subsequent payments are also non-refundable unless we're able to fill the space. 

Payment schedule: 50% of the remaining balance due three months prior to the start of the retreat; final payment due two months prior to the start of the retreat.

To register, or for questions, please contact Christy at christy@christybrownyoga.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOLIVIA AND ITS PEOPLE:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2018/feb/22/rise-bolivia-indigenous-cholitas-in-pictures

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/travel/places-to-visit.html?place=rurrenabaque

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/ancient-island-hidden-lake-titicaca

https://www.chimuadventures.com/en-us/blog/history-bolivia

https://www.kuodatravel.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-bolivia-travel-guide/

https://lambontherhodes.com/unseen-bolivia-top-10-off-the-beaten-track-destinations/

https://thetravellingtriplet.com/2018/12/01/rurrenabaque-and-exploring-bolivias-amazon/

https://activeadventures.com/blog/how-safe-is-bolivia/

https://www.tastesfromabroad.com/blog/is-bolivia-dangerous

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bolivia

https://www.thetimes.com/travel/advice/where-is-hot-in-april-vs0l9xhzz