Swimming Expedition Bolivia’s Aquatic Extreme
HIGHLIGHTS
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The Bolivian Altitude & Amazon; Swimming Expedition Bolivia’s Aquatic Extreme
OVERVIEW
This is not a typical swimming tour. This is a challenging expedition for adventurous swimmers who seek to connect with water in its most raw and spectacular forms. Over 9 days, you will swim in the world’s highest navigable lake among ancient legends, San Pedro’s Cave, revealing a hidden realm. Inside, you are greeted by the sight—and sound—of a powerful underground river emerging from the mountain’s heart, forming a series of crystal-clear, vivid emerald and turquoise pools within the first colossal cavern.plunge into the warm rivers of the Amazon basin surrounded by wildlife, float in the surreal expanse of a salt desert, and earn a soak in remote volcanic hot springs by summiting a volcano. It’s a journey that tests your spirit and rewards you with experiences few have had.
Quick Facts:
- Theme: Adventure Swimming & Volcanic Challenge
- Physical Level: Challenging to Demanding.** Requires excellent fitness, adaptability to high altitude (3,800m – 4,900m), and comfort in open water.
- Destinations: Lake Titicaca (Copacabana, Isla del Sol), Madidi National Park (Jungle), Uyuni Salt Flats, Irruputuncu Volcano.
- Key Aquatic Experiences: High-altitude lake swim, jungle river immersion, salt flat “float,” remote volcanic hot springs.
- Group: Small private group (max 6-8 swimmers).
- Support: Expert local guide, safety kayak/boat for all swims, specialized logistics.
ITINERARY
Day 1:La Paz: ( SWIM 1) - Acclimatization & Preparation-(l,d)
Arrival in El Alto (LPB). Private transfer to your hotel in La Paz.
Afternoon: Essential briefing on altitude, safety, and trip logistics. Gear check.
Evening: Swim at La Paz Olimpic Swimming pool . Optional gentle stroll through the historic district.
*Accommodation: Hotel Madero
Day 2: La Paz to Lake Titicaca : ( SWIM 2) – The Sacred Swim- -(b,l,d)
Scenic drive to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3,812m).
The Challenge: A guided open-water swim in a designated, safe bay of the sacred lake. Experience the unique sensation of swimming at this altitude, with the snow-capped Cordillera Real on the horizon. (Distance/time tailored to group ability and conditions).
Boat to Isla del Sol for overnight. Visit Inca ruins.
*Accommodation: Puma Punku Eco-Lodge
Day 3: Lake Titicaca – Sorata- San Pedro`s Cave ( SWIM 3) - La Paz--(b,l,d)
An early start, going back to Copacabana by boat, then the busride is 3 hrs. to Sorata, and after a short stop, half and hour to San Pedro Cave, which is not merely a destination; it is a full-sensory immersion into a subterranean world of myth and breathtaking beauty. ( According with the legends, this place is where the Titikaka lake was born) This full-day tour is the centerpiece of the Sorata leg of any aquatic adventure, designed for swimmers who seek to explore a unique and exhilarating freshwater environment. After this amazing experience, you’ll goback to La Paz city.
*Accommodation: Hotel Madero
Day 4: La Paz to the Amazon Basin – Jungle River Immersion--(b,l,d)
Transfer to Airport and fly to Rurrenabaque. After landing, the ride to Santa Rosa del Yacuma is 2 hrs. where your jungle lodge is located.
The Experience: After settling in, your first encounter with Amazonian waters: a swim in a tranquil, safe section of the Tuichi or Beni River**, under the forest canopy. Spot birds and perhaps river turtles.
*Accommodation: Jungle Lodge in Madidi.
Day 5: (SWIM 2) Madidi – Pampas & Dolphin Waters ( SWIM 4)- -(b,l,d)
Full-day excursion to the Yacuma Pampas wetlands.
The Experience: The ultimate wildlife swim. Swim with the friendly Pink River Dolphins in their natural habitat—an utterly magical and rare experience. Additional swimming in the warm, caiman-rich (but safe-guided) pampas channels.
*Accommodation: Jungle Lodge in Madidi.
Day 6: Amazon – La Paz- Free day- Overnight bus to Uyuni--(b,l,d)
Final morning jungle walk or river paddle.Return to Rurrenabaque and fly back to La Paz.
The transfer to the bus station is around 20.30pm, (9 hrs)
*Accommodation: Hotel Madero (day use)
Day 7: Uyuni Salt Flats – The Surreal Float--(b,l,d)
Full-day 4×4 expedition on the Salar de Uyuni.
Uyuni salt flat is just ethereal, sublime, you’ll enjoy every minute, driving across its inmensity. The Experience: The iconic “floating” photo session and a surreal, buoyant swim/wade in the few centimeters of water that may be present. Visit Incahuasi Island , the day’s highlight is the Sunset, a lifetime magic moment
After this amazing experience the drive, towards the volcanic zone, preparing for the next day’s challenge.
*Accommodation:Basic mountain refuge in Quemez
Day 8: Irruputuncu Volcano Challenge ( 5260m) & The Hidden Hot Springs (SWIM 5)- -(b,l,d)
The Ultimate Challenge (Very Demanding):
Pre-dawn start. A demanding 3-4 hour **climb to the summit of Irruputuncu Volcano (~5,163m). This active volcano features a spectacular crater with fumaroles and a turquoise sulfur lake.
The Reward: The descent leads to the “Aguas Termales Escondidas” (Hidden Hot Springs)—a series of natural, rustic thermal pools in a remote, breathtaking desert landscape.
The Final Swim: A deeply earned, glorious soak in these natural springs, surrounded by silence and volcanic peaks. This is the pinnacle experience of the tour.
Return to Uyuni town in the late afternoon.
Celebration Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Luna Salada
Day 9: Uyuni – La Paz – International Departure
Flight from Uyuni to La Paz
Connect with your international departure flight.
What to Bring: The Essential Packing List for Swimmers
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Swim Gear: 2-3 high-performance swimsuits,
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thermal swim cap (for Titicaca),
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goggles, rash guard or thin wetsuit (for Titicaca and cold springs),
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quick-dry towel.
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Footwear:. Sturdy hiking boots (for the volcano), rubber boots (provided in jungle, but you can bring your own),
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sandals.
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Clothing: Layered clothing for -5°C to 35°C: thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket, high-quality waterproof jacket & pants, hiking pants, breathable shirts, sun-protective long sleeves.
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Climbing: Trekking poles (highly recommended for the volcano).
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Health:Water purification tablets, high-altitude medication (Diamox, consult doctor), personal first-aid kit, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm with SPF, intense moisturizer.
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Other: Headlamp, dry bags in multiple sizes (for wet gear and electronics), waterproof phone case, high-calorie snacks, reusable water bottle (2L), sunglasses (category 4 for salt flats).
Critical Tips & Notes
- This is a Challenging Program: The combination of altitude (Titicaca, Volcano), physical exertion (climbing, swimming), and rapidly changing environments is demanding. You must be in excellent physical condition.
- Altitude is Real: Spend Day 1 in La Paz seriously resting. Hydrate excessively. Avoid alcohol. Listen to your body.
- Safety First: All swims are guided and in pre-selected, safe locations. The Irruputuncu climb is only for very fit, acclimatized individuals and is weather-dependent. A local mountaineering guide is mandatory.
- Flexibility: Weather in the Altiplano and Amazon can alter schedules (especially flights Rurrenabaque-La Paz). Build in buffer time if possible.
- Mindset: Embrace basic accommodations in remote areas (Isla del Sol, Sud Lipez). The reward is the unparalleled experience.
- Guide Expertise: Insist on using specialized guides: a high-altitude/nature guide for Titicaca/Uyuni, a jungle naturalist for Madidi, and a certified mountain guide for Irruputuncu.
PRICE CHART
IN U$ AMERICAN DOLLARS
The Price is “All meals-transport- local flights-accommodation-guides-entrance fees included”
Price x person: $ 2772,00
Minim. :04 peopple
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