Complete Bolivia
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Full of surprises, the small landlocked country of Bolivia is thriving with breathless superlatives and impressive records. It can boast the world’s highest navigable lake, its largest expanse of salt flats and its highest capital city.
This thorough itinerary begins amongst the Andean highlands of La Paz, for the chance to enjoy its rich mix of mestizo architecture, impressively varied surrounding ecosystems and dramatic landscapes. Then, head to the shores of Lake Titicaca via ...
Full of surprises, the small landlocked country of Bolivia is thriving with breathless superlatives and impressive records. It can boast the world’s highest navigable lake, its largest expanse of salt flats and its highest capital city.
This thorough itinerary begins amongst the Andean highlands of La Paz, for the chance to enjoy its rich mix of mestizo architecture, impressively varied surrounding ecosystems and dramatic landscapes. Then, head to the shores of Lake Titicaca via the remnants of one of the world’s oldest civilisations at Tiwanaku. Travel down to Santa Cruz and make for the southern interior basing yourself in the quaint town of Samaipata, a common entry point into the Amboró National Park’s cloud forests.
Begin westward to the UNESCO cities of Sucre and Potosí to wander around their beautiful colonial buildings learning about Bolivia’s tough history and its impact on Bolivians’ current day lives and culture. Lastly, swap the high plateau for the salt flats of Uyuni, driving across the surreal landscapes and striking natural landmarks of the southern altiplano, bringing the itinerary to a close at the iconic salt flats.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the cloud forests of Amboró National Park
- Tour the pre-Columbian ruins of El Fuerte and Tiwanaku
- Navigate the sparkling white salt flats of Salar de Uyuni
- Wander the streets of UNESCO protected Sucre
- Discover the silver mines at Potosí
- Visit the indigenous markets in La Paz
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE LA PAZ
On arrival to La Paz you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel to settle in and you will have time to acclimatise and relax after your long journey.
Day 2 LA PAZ
Enjoy a free leisurely morning in La Paz before being taken on a half day guided tour of the city later in the afternoon to visit its indigenous, colonial and modern areas; the Indian Market; Witch Doctor's Market; and some of the city’s best panoramic viewpoints. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos of the magnificent vistas across the surrounding mountainside and your guide will give you a historical context to the city. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 3 LA PAZ
Head out of the bustling capital to the meeting point for your bike excursion this morning. The road from Yungas to Coroico begins at a high altitude with fantastic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. From here, descend rapidly on your mountain bike down a twisting path, passing towering cliff faces, dramatic drops and amazing scenery. With expert instruction and supervision, you can safely enjoy Bolivia's most famous road, stopping for snacks and photos as you approach the jungle dirt track surrounded by rock overhangs and cascading waterfalls. At the end of the trail, arrive at an animal refuge for a well-deserved buffet lunch and some relaxation time by the pool. Transfer back to your hotel in La Paz at the end of the day.
Day 4 LA PAZ – TIWANAKU RUINS – HUATAJATA
Leave the world's highest capital city behind and head to the world's highest navigable lake. Firstly, you will travel 70km from the city to the important archaeological site of Tiwanaku, which is over 1,000 years old. Here you can explore the Sun Gate, the Temple of Kalasaya, and the impressive Pyramid of Akapana, which spans over 200 square metres. After lunch, drive along the Royal Andean mountain range to the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through tiny Andean villages, flanked by snow-capped peaks rising to 6,000m. Arrive into Huatajata and visit the Andean Roots Eco Village and the Altiplano Museum with its handicrafts village, mud igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas.
Day 5 HUATAJATA – ISLA DEL SOL
Board the hydrofoil to Copacabana this morning to visit the Shrine of the Dark Virgin before continuing on to Sun Island, stopping en route at Moon Island. After arriving at Sun Island, visit the Pilcocaina Sun Temple. Enjoy a llama trek to the hotel and lunch upon arrival. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the island.
Day 6 ISLA DEL SOL – LA PAZ
After breakfast we'll take a scenic trek to the Mirador to have a last look at this amazing site. Lunch at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant then visit the small handicraft market before a hydrofoil cruise to Huatajata and an onwards transfer to La Paz.
Day 7 LA PAZ - SANTA CRUZ
This morning you will be taken to the airport to catch your short flight to Santa Cruz, the country’s economic and business hub, although you probably couldn’t tell from its outpost town vibe. Upon arrival, your local guide will be waiting to help you check in to your hotel; then, after a chance to grab some lunch, you will begin an afternoon tour of Santa Cruz’s colonial buildings, Artecampo muzeum and busy, narrow streets.
Day 8 SANTA CRUZ – SAMAIPATA
Transferring out of Bolivia’s largest city, you’ll travel to the quaint town of Samaipata, set in the sub-tropics of the Andean foothills. During the transfer there will be a stop for lunch and to along the way as well as visits to the remote Las Cuevas waterfall and the pre-Inca archaeological site of ‘El Fuerte’; as less travellers venture into eastern Bolivia, these UNESCO listed ruins don’t see nearly as much footfall as Tiwanaku ruins in the west. Enjoy dinner at your charming boutique accommodation this evening.
Day 9 SAMAIPATA - SANTA CRUZ
Head deep into the cloud forests of the Amboró National Park this morning, characterised by its huge ferns trees that stand over 10 m tall. The area is said to date back 300 million years and you can learn about its ecology, varied fauna and colourful flora as you walk through the mist-shrouded forest likely bumping into resident hummingbirds along the way. In the afternoon return to Santa Cruz city.
Day 10 SANTA CRUZ – SUCRE
Catch your flight to Sucre this morning and check in to your hotel. After lunch, enjoy an introductory tour of this pretty little city, known as ‘The White City’ or ‘La Cuidad Blanca’. During the course of the afternoon you will explore the its UNESCO listed architecture and white colonial buildings as well as popping into Casa de la Libertad where Simón Bolívar secured Bolivia’s independence from the Spanish crown.
Day 11 SUCRE
You will be collected from Sucre to visit the sprawling Tarabuco market which takes place every Sunday. Here we'll have the chance to see an amazing array of textiles, weavings, clothing and medicinal paraphernalia. The market is a lively affair, and it offers a great insight into Bolivian culture. Next, visit the Jatum Yampara cultural centre set up to preserve the Yampara culture. The indigenous community is known for its artisanal textiles and ceramics which you will see as well as admiring the traditional homes and small museum.
Day 12 SUCRE - POTOSÍ
Hit the road today heading to the higher altitudes of Potosí, approximately three hours from Sucre. Upon arrival, you will make a stop at the miner’s market to buy gifts (as is the custom) and brushing up on your knowledge at the museum, before heading to the mine called Boca Mina and descending into its dark abyss to meet the miners and their shrine to the god of the underworld. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit the Santa Teresa Museum before being taken to your hotel sat up in the outskirts of the city.
Day 13 POTOSÍ
Your guide will meet you back at your hotel to take you on a tour of the rest of the city, also declared a World Heritage Site. Visit the main sites including La Casa de la Moneda (the mint museum), the colonial cathedral and churches and finish with a walk around the old town, the main square and to Santa Teresa Convent. The rest of the day is free.
Day 14 POTOSÍ – UYUNI
Depart early this morning to beat the traffic as the journey to the spectacular salt flats can take between three to five hours. There may be opportunities to stop en-route if you see some fabulous photo opportunities during the transfer into the startling landscapes of southern Bolivia. This evening will be spent in a ‘salt hotel’ just on the edge of the salt flats.
Day 15 UYUNI SALT FLATS
After breaksfast this morning, you’ll visit the salt processing plant in the village of Colchani before spending a day on the world’s largest salt flats touring various fascinating points of interest including the salt hills, 'Ojos de Agua' and Incawasi Island. After lunch on the flats, you will be taken deeper into the heart of the salt desert area of Volcan Tunupa to visit the Coquesa Mummies.
Day 16 UYUNI – OJOS DE PERDIZ
The exploration of the southern altiplano continues today, visiting the Stone Army, Hedionda and Canapa lagoons. After stopping to enjoy a boxed lunch in a surreal location, visit various other wonderfully eye-catching lagoons in the desert area ending at Tayka Desert Hotel on the northern edge of the vast white area.
Day 17 OJOS DE PERDIZ – UYUNI
The final day in the region takes you to the much-photographed Laguna Colorada, or ‘Coloured Lagoon’, where three types of flamingo nest, before continuing to the Green Lagoon and returning to Uyuni, the dusty entry town to the salt flats, via the Valley of the Rocks and some Andean Villages. Enjoy a last night at the Luna Salada hotel.
Day 18 UYUNI – LA PAZ
This morning transfer to the airport in Uyuni for your short flight back to the capital where you will have the rest of the day at leisure to make the most of your final afternoon and evening in Bolivia.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Luna Salada Hotel, Uyuni Salt Flats
Located on an elevated piece of land on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Luna Salada is a fantastic hotel built almost entirely of salt with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The hotel has 23 original rooms constructed from salt and 7 which are new additions. The hotel's 23 original rooms are entirely built of salt and the beds have comfortable mattresses with plenty of thick duvet to keep you warm when the cold nights set in. The majority of the rooms have views across the Salar de Uyuni and there are comfortable seating areas throughout the hotel for guests to relax and enjoy the views, as well as a games room. The restaurant boasts the same views across to the flats. This is by far the best salt hotel in the area in terms of comfort and service so well worth a stay for at least a night for a truly unique experience.
Inca Utama Hotel And Spa, Lake Titicaca
The Inca Utama Hotel and Spa is located on the edge of Lake Titicaca in Huatajata and is a good place to start your exploration of the Lake on the Bolivian side. There are 64 rooms and suites, the suites are larger with a separate living area and have direct views to the lake, and the standard rooms are a comfortable size and they all have clean modern furnishings. The hotel has a restaurant in the main building, a spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and massage rooms and there is a bar on the second floor with views across the lake. There are also 4 small museums in the vicinity, including the Altiplano museum and the native observatory 'Alajpacha' which provide a fantastic introduction to the area and its history.
Posada Del Inca Lodge, Isla del Sol
Posada del Inca is a lovely 21 roomed traditional hotel on Sun Island, offering guests a peaceful and comfortable place to stay with fantastic views across Lake Titicaca. All of the rooms are basic but have electric blankets and hot water 24 hours a day. The rooms are spread out through the gardens and there is a central garden area where guests can relax in the sun when not out exploring the island. There is a small restaurant at the hotel. While this is still a basic hotel in terms of facilities, it is the best option on the island and a real haven. It is worth bearing in mind that to get to the hotel from the main harbour you do need to climb the Inca steps, which are quite tiring, especially at altitude.
Rosario Hotel, La Paz
Hotel Rosario is a colonial style hotel in the central La Paz with traditional décor and furnishings and a personalised service to match its charm. There are 41 rooms, all of which have been recently refurbished with king beds or two queen beds. The majority of the rooms look onto a central courtyard with a small fountain, and each has en suite bathroom with shower. The rooms facing the street have double glazing to keep the noise out. There is a small boutique shop in the lobby area and a box where donations can be taken for one of the local orphanages. The Tambo Colonial restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel Tayka del Desierto, Southern Deserts
The Tayka Hotel of the Desert is only 40 minutes away from the Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada), amidst beautiful scenery of high Andean desert landscapes. This site is accessible from Uyuni (220 km) and San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (200 km). The main attractions in the area are Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, as well as the volcanic fumes of Sol de Mañana, thus providing guests with a great number of activities to choose from while staying at the lodge. This unique lodging is literally in the middle of nowhere with amazing vistas and comfortable rooms.
El Hostal De Su Merced, Sucre
One could go as far as to say this is one of the best small hotels in Bolivia. The hotel is housed in a magnificent converted mansion from the 18th century. It is not luxurious but is charming and characterful. All the rooms are unique with thick white adobe walls and antique furniture. The beautiful rooftop terrace has awesome views of the Cathedral and is a lovely place to lounge in the sun.
Hotel Los Tajibos, Santa Cruz
The Hotel Los Tajibos in Santa Cruz is one of the best hotels in the city, with 184 rooms and suites. All of the rooms have balconies with varying views to the gardens, patio and the swimming pool. They are equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, mini bar and cable television. The hotel has a terrace restaurant with panoramic views, a restaurant serving Asian cuisine and also a barbecue restaurant by the pool, as well as a lobby bar serving drinks and snacks. The hotel is situated in 4.5 hectares of gardens and is just 20 minutes from the airport in Santa Cruz. This is a reliable option in the city.
Hotel Museum Cayara, Potosi
Considered the oldest Hacienda in Bolivia, this property has now been converted into a beautiful hotel. The Hacienda Cayara, whose original title dates from 1557, provides a perfectly peaceful setting from which to travel back in time. The Hostel Museo Cayara also forms part of the hacienda and is located 30 minutes outside the historical city of Potosí. Clean, spacious and cosy rooms make staying in this working hacienda and living museum a special experience. Great food, a slower pace and welcoming staff make this a great option for travellers who are not in a hurry to see it all.
Hotel El Pueblito, Samaipata
A charming, quirky property, Hotel El Pueblito is surrounded by the pretty nature of Samaipata. The colonial town is a relaxing escape on your journey, where you can explore its winery and ruins. Hotel El Pueblito is almost a town itself and you can spend your time here exploring the quaint chapel, library and bakery. You would be forgiven for believing you had stepped into a fairy tale village as you discover the individually hand-decorated rooms and casitas. You will find artistic details in every one of the twelve rooms, complete with a shared/private terrace and queen-sized beds. The swimming pool is a tranquil spot in which to cool off after a day of exploration.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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TRANSPORT
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EXPERT TEAM
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
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OTHER ITINERARIES IN BOLIVIA
Check out our group tours in Bolivia
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Bolivia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Bolivia