In Bolivia, rolling down the river

GETTING THERE:

From LAX to La Paz, Bolivia, there is connecting service (change of plane) on American, LanChile and Varig. To Santa Cruz there is connecting service on American and Varig. Restricted round-trip fares to both cities begin at $1,053.

Flights from Santa Cruz or La Paz to Trinidad are about $150 round trip.

CRUISING:

We booked our cruise through Fremen Tours, 3530 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30305; (877) 373-6367 or (404) 266-2180, https://www.amazoncharters.com. All-inclusive Flotel tours start at $450 for three nights and four days. Longer cruises and family rates are available. Fremen, which has arranged travel to Bolivia since 1985, also offers other cultural, archeology, adventure and ecological tours.

We went in July, during South America’s winter, and the weather and water temperature were pleasant. In the summer (November-March) prepare for higher temperatures (low 70s at night, high 80s during the day), more humidity and insects. No matter what time of year you visit, bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, swimsuits and casual clothing.

The crew on our cruise went out of its way to make Flotel kid-friendly. The children hiked, rode horses, were taken for short spins in the motorboat, helped the captain pilot La Reina and splashed around in a swimming area formed by lowering a net into the river.

TO LEARN MORE:

Embassy of Bolivia, Tourist Information, 3014 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20008; (202) 483-4410, fax (202) 328-3712, https://www.bolivia-usa.org.