Bolivia, which is the heart and roof of South America at the same time, offers a bit of everything as a travel destination. On the border with Brazil there is the deepest Amazon rainforest, in the south towards Chile there are colored lagoons as well as the salt desert “Salar de Uyuni” and with Peru the country shares the highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. The cities are rich in history and enchant every traveler with their charm. Get to know the highlights of Bolivia on this round trip and immerse yourself in the culture of this country. According to Countryaah, Bolivia is one of countries starting with letter B.
This is an example of one of our tours and should serve as a source of inspiration. Of course, the itinerary including the destinations can be adjusted and we would be happy to work out a tour tailored to your interests and budget.
Best travel time: May to October
Duration of the trip : This trip lasts 16 days. In general, we recommend planning at least a week for a round trip to Bolivia in order to get to know the country and its people away from the tourist hotspots.
Travel planning: Combine this trip with Peru or the north of Chile.
Tip: Most places in Bolivia are very high. So that you can get used to the altitude, it is recommended to start the journey in the lowlands, for example in Santa Cruz.
Day 1: International flight & arrival in Santa Cruz
In the evening arrival at the airport of Santa Cruz. You will be picked up and taken to your hotel.
Day 2: Santa Cruz – Samaipata
Drive from Santa Cruz to Samaipata in the Amboró National Park. Visit to the Archaeological Museum and the religious ruins “El Fuerte”. When you arrive at the ruins on the summit, smell the Andean air for the first time and enjoy a breathtaking view.
Day 3: Samaipata – Santa Cruz
After breakfast you drive to the Amboró National Park. The biodiversity is particularly high here, as different ecosystems come together. Already 800 species of birds live in this park. Hike through a primeval fern forest and listen to the sounds of the wildlife.
At noon, drive back to Santa Cruz, where you have the rest of the day at leisure. Santa Cruz is the largest and most modern city in Bolivia. Visit the Plaza de Armas and watch the hustle and bustle.
Day 4: Santa Cruz – Sucre
Today you fly to Sucre, the beautiful white colonial city. In the afternoon you get to know the city a little better on a tour.
In the evening you can optionally visit a show of Bolivia’s national dance “Cuenca”.
Day 5: Sucre
This morning is at your disposal. Stroll through the alleys of Sucre on your own or visit the textile museum to learn more about the everyday life of the indigenous people.
In the afternoon you drive to Cal Orck’o, the largest dinosaur track record in the world. During a guided tour you will learn more about the dinosaurs and the individual tracks. An experience for young and old.
Day 6: Sucre – Potosí
In the morning you travel to Potosí. Potosí is the highest city in the world and is known for its mines. Here you will take a tour of the Casa de Moneda, where you can marvel at some of the oldest surviving coinage machines. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 7: Potosí – Uyuni
Onward journey to Uyuni, the starting point of your adventure into the Bolivian desert. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 8: Uyuni – Salar de Uyuni
Today you set off in a jeep towards Salar de Uyuni. On the way there you visit the “Cementerio de trenes” – the train cemetery. The trains were previously used for mine work, but the natural resources have now been used up.
Your journey continues into the salt desert. In front of you extends endless white, which merges directly into the blue of the sky. The whole thing feels surreal and offers a great perspective for photos.
At noon you will arrive at Incahuasi Island. This is located in the middle of the desert and is overgrown with cacti up to 12 meters high.
Enjoy a breathtaking sunset in the salt desert in the evening before you spend the night in a hotel made entirely of salt.
Day 9: Salar de Uyuni – Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
Today you travel to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. This region is best known for its beautiful lagoons. Countless flamingos and fascinating stone formations such as the “Abrol de Piedra” await you. You will spend the night in a simple hostel in the reserve.
Day 10: Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve – Uyuni
After breakfast you drive to the geysers “Sol de Mañana”, which appear quite mystical in the soft morning light. The journey continues to a natural thermal spring where you can enjoy the warm water. Warmed up and dressed, you visit a beautiful lagoon again. The “Laguna Verde” offers a nice end before you drive back to Uyuni through the seven-colored Dalí desert.
Day 11: Uyuni – La Paz
Today you drive overland from Uyuni to La Paz. The drive lasts almost the whole day, but offers a beautiful view of the Bolivian landscape. Alternatively, the route can be covered by plane.
Day 12: La Paz
La Paz is a lively city and offers a lot of things to see. On a city tour you will visit the mysterious witch market and the colonial “Plaza Murillo”. You can also take the Teleferico cable car to the highest and lowest point of La Paz. In between there is a difference in altitude of 900 meters. Then you drive to the “Valle de la Luna”, which, as the name suggests, is reminiscent of a lunar landscape.
Day 13: La Paz
Today is at your leisure. Stroll the streets of La Paz and look for a souvenir at the witch market.
Day 14: La Paz – Copacabana
Today you don’t suddenly travel to the famous Rio beach, but to the place of the same name on Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. On your trip to the lake, you will cross the Altiplano and visit the ruins of Tiwanaku. This ruin is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important finds in Bolivia.
In the evening you can enjoy the sunset from Calvary and can use the rest of the time freely.
Day 15: Copacabana – Lake Titicaca – La Paz
In the morning you will take the boat across Lake Titicaca to the “Isla del Sol”. Discover the former city of Yumani and the source of eternal youth. At lunchtime you will continue to Santiago de Okola, where you will be warmly welcomed by the locals and enjoy a typical Bolivian lunch with them.
Back in Copacabana you visit the impressive “Basílica de la Virgen de la Candelaria” and then travel on to La Paz.
Day 16: La Paz – journey home
Even the best vacation comes to an end. Today it is time to say goodbye to Bolivia. Transfer to the airport and return home. Alternatively, you can continue your trip in Peru.
