fbpx

Bolivia Highlights

Sale!

Bolivia Highlights

Was From $ 2,545 AUD
Now From $ 2,163 AUD
Sale!

Description

Explore the best of Bolivia on this adventure through lively cities, breathtaking scenery and colourful market towns. From the extreme elevation of bustling La Paz through the history of Potosi and Sucre, and on to the surreal salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, there’s a diverse mix of adventures and activities that deliver excitement, intrigue and pleasure. Discover the highlights of this fascinating part of South America and be swept away by the colour and beauty flourishing in this corner of the world.

Trip Name
Bolivia Highlights
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
11
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • See the many different sides to Bolivia in La Paz and let the city’s weird and wacky Witches Market cast a spell over you.
  • Empty, haunting, and spectacular, the laws of earthly physics bend on the surreal Salar de Uyuni saltpan – experience it on a three-day 4WD adventure across the rocky Atacama Desert.
  • Choose to explore the extra-terrestrial landscapes of Valle de la Luna, a maze of canyons and colossal clay spires that feels like the surface of the Moon.
  • Discover the heart of Bolivia in the elegant architecture and immaculately landscaped gardens of historical Sucre.
  • Delve into the steep streets and Spanish architecture of Potosi – once one of the richest cities in the world.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - La Paz
Kamisaki! At around 3600 metres, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world in La Paz. Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the centre of industry – the country’s brain. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. After a 6 pm welcome meeting maybe head out into the city, situated in the middle of a vast volcanic crater. Breathe the ‘thin’ air, marvel at the vistas of buildings clinging to the canyon sides, and explore the lively streets like Calle Jaen.
Day 2 - La Paz – Uyuni
This morning, leave La Paz behind and travel by private vehicle to Uyuni – the gateway to Bolivia’s acclaimed salt flats. You’ll head off around 8.30 am this morning and will arrive late in the afternoon, so be sure to have a book or some podcasts ready, a packed lunch, and some snacks on hand. Arriving in Uyuni feels a bit like you've reached the end of the road, which in many ways is true. This remote small town sits on the edge of the high altiplano – a wilderness that extends for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Once arrived, check in and relax into your hotel in Uyuni town. Although basic, your accommodation for tonight is clean and comfortable, and maybe the last time you’ll have a hot shower for a few days!
Day 3 - Salar de Uyuni
Uyuni is the starting point of your 4WD excursion into Salar de Uyuni and the Andean Desert. This morning you will stop by the Train Cemetery, three kilometres outside of Uyuni Town, connected to it by the old train tracks, and see where families of abandoned locomotives rust slowly in the sun. Continue on to the town of Colchani, which produces salt the old-fashioned way, before heading into the salt flats. Endless skies meet endless white plains, and it's a pretty hypnotic sight – don't forget to snap loads of photos! Stop by an intriguing salt hotel and drive to an island of cacti that rises like a jagged reef in the desert. Known as Isla Inca Wasi, or Fish Island, this fossil-strewn outcrop was once the top of an ancient volcano, and you’ll have the chance to go on an optional hike here. After a big day of driving, head south to a small village and your homestay-style accommodation. Settle in and enjoy an included dinner.
Day 4 - Desierto Siloli – Laguna Colorada
After breakfast, continue driving through the incredible landscapes of the Andean Desert, with another day deep in the wilderness. Pass by Chiguana Salt Lake, the still-active Ollague Volcano, and other small lakes of different colours – perhaps with a flamboyance of flamingos standing nearby! Continue on to the Siloli Desert, which is known for its mountain of seven colours, Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) rock formation, and some pretty epic vistas. You’ll also get the chance to venture into an Andean wildlife reserve (Reserva de Eduardo Avaroa) and hike around the Laguna Colorada (Red Lake), keeping an eye out for llamas, flamingos, vicunas, and foxes along the way. Once all the sightseeing is over for another day, retire to your accommodation in a local community (either Huayllajara or Polques) for a well-earned rest and included dinner.
Day 5 - Salar de Uyuni – Uyuni
Leave your lodge nice and early to try and catch the sunrise over the surrounding geysers. These bubbling fumaroles are especially active in the morning, thanks to the cold air. There may be an opportunity to stop at a local hot spring for a quick dip (optional), then to Laguna Verde to take some pictures of the water’s striking green hues. Afterward, pass through more barren desert landscapes, some of which are frequently compared to Salvador Dali’s paintings. Onwards to Laguna Verde, Valle de Rocas (Rock Valley), and the San Cristobal mining town. You’ll arrive back in Uyuni around 5 pm to spend the night at your leisure – after the last few days in the Bolivian wild, this could be the right time to find a comfy local restaurant for an optional dinner and drinks with your travel crew.
Day 6 - Potosi
Today, say goodbye to Uyuni, and catch a local bus for about 4 hours along the scenic route to Potosi, where you’ll arrive in the early afternoon. Potosi has had a turbulent past, centred mostly around its mining successes and failures. Once the predominant supplier of silver to colonial-era Spain, Potosi briefly celebrated life as one of the richest cities in the world. Explore the architectural remnants of this period of industry on a leader-led orientation walk, then the afternoon and evening are yours. Perhaps visit the Santa Teresa Convent Museum to observe the art and treasures on display inside the convent’s original walls or the National Mint Museum.
Day 7 - Sucre
After a lazy morning to explore Potosi, take a local bus early in the afternoon and arrive in Sucre after approximately 4 hours, disembarking in the temperate valley city. Bolivia's official capital, Sucre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and has retained the flavour of its colonial heritage in its churches, museums, and ancient mansions. Most of the town's colonial buildings have been whitewashed, earning it the nickname the 'White City'. On arrival, you'll have some free time to get your bearings of the city before you go for an optional dinner.
Day 8 - Sucre
Take a few days to explore Bolivia’s capital. After an orientation walk, compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko, where 68 million-year-old footprints have been discovered. This is the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world, over 12,000 of them! Then, you might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta, a 400-year-old convent on top of the hill that provides great views over the city and is home to a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings. Or maybe head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to rub shoulders with Sucre's affluent residents and investigate the extravagant interior of the Senora de la Merced.
Day 9 - Sucre
Today, set out for an included hike along the ancient Pre-Incan path known as the Chataquila trek. The trek is relatively easy being that it is mostly downhill. On the way down enjoy the stunning views of the Andes and the valleys. In the afternoon,you will have time to further explore. Most of today and tomorrow are free to take up some additional optional activities in and around town, so it’s up to you what you’d like to do and see! Bolivian dance show, or textile museum, anyone?
Day 10 - Sucre - La Paz
Today, depending on flight time and availability, you’ll fly to La Paz in the morning or afternoon (approx 40 min).
Day 11 - La Paz
Today is the final day of your tour and there are no activities planned, so you are free to leave at any time. With so much to see and do, you might want to spend an extra day or two checking out the city. We’ll be happy to organize additional accommodation for you (subject to availability) and transfer to the airport.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 2,163-
26-12-202405-01-2025AUD $ 3,050-
06-01-202516-01-2025AUD $ 2,299-
18-01-202528-01-2025AUD $ 2,252-
25-01-202504-02-2025AUD $ 2,252-
10-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 2,388-
24-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 2,252-
10-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 2,252-
17-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 2,252-
22-03-202501-04-2025AUD $ 2,252-
31-03-202510-04-2025AUD $ 2,252-
07-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 2,342-
17-04-202527-04-2025AUD $ 2,431-
24-04-202504-05-2025AUD $ 2,431-
01-05-202511-05-2025AUD $ 2,478-
08-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 2,431-
12-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 2,431-
19-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 2,431-
26-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 2,431-
02-06-202512-06-2025AUD $ 2,342-
05-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 2,342-
09-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 2,252-
12-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 2,252-
23-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 2,252-
07-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 2,252-
14-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 2,252-
24-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 2,342-
07-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 2,342-
14-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 2,342-
21-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 2,342-
28-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 2,342-
04-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 2,431-
11-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 2,431-
18-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 2,431-
25-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 2,431-
06-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 2,431-
11-10-202521-10-2025AUD $ 2,431-
13-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 2,431-
20-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 2,431-
27-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 2,342-
10-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 2,342-
24-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 2,342-
08-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 2,342-
15-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 2,755-
25-12-202504-01-2026AUD $ 2,755-
29-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 2,755-
05-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 2,780-
17-01-202627-01-2026AUD $ 2,780-
24-01-202603-02-2026AUD $ 2,780-
09-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 2,780-
09-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 2,780-
16-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 2,915-
21-03-202631-03-2026AUD $ 2,780-
26-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 2,780-
30-03-202609-04-2026AUD $ 2,780-
06-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 2,780-
09-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 2,780-
16-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 2,780-
23-04-202603-05-2026AUD $ 2,780-
30-04-202610-05-2026AUD $ 2,780-
07-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 2,780-
11-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 2,780-
18-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 2,780-
25-05-202604-06-2026AUD $ 2,780-
01-06-202611-06-2026AUD $ 2,780-
04-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 2,780-
08-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 2,780-
11-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 2,780-
22-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 2,780-
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $ 2,780-
13-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 2,780-
23-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 2,780-
06-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 2,780-
20-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 2,780-
27-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 2,780-
03-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 2,780-
10-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 2,780-
17-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 2,780-
24-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 2,780-
05-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 2,780-
10-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 2,780-
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 2,780-
19-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 2,780-
26-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 2,780-
09-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 2,780-
23-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 2,780-
07-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 2,780-
14-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 2,780-
24-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 2,780-
28-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 2,780-
04-01-202714-01-2027AUD $ 2,650-
16-01-202726-01-2027AUD $ 2,650-

Accommodation

Dormitory (2 nts),Hotel (8 nts)

Transport

Plane,4X4,Local bus,Private Vehicle

Map