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8 Day itinerary in Bolivia, South America

Bolivia Explorer 8D/7N

Discover Bolivia's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage on this immersive adventure. Trek through awe-inspiring Andean mountains, marvel at the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats, explore the vibrant streets of La Paz, and uncover ancient ruins in Tiwanaku. This journey offers a perfect ble... Read More

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Sendas Altas SRL

By Sendas Altas SRL

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

La Paz

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Wildlife

Adventure

Walking tour

Nature & Wildlife

Explorer Trips

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Discover Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol

2

Traverse the stunning Uyuni Salt Flats

3

See La Paz from the eyes of a local

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: La Paz, Bolivia

Arrival & Seamless Hotel Transfer Experience

Welcome to Your Adventure!

Upon your arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver who will assist you with your transfer.

Hotel Transfer

Relax as you are transported directly to your chosen accommodation—either the comfortable Sagarnaga (standard) or the cozy Rosario (comfort).

Arrival & Check-In

Check-in is available from 14:00. If you arrive early, early check-in can be arranged for an additional charge—just let us know in advance!

The Rest of Your Day

No meals are included today, letting you explore the local flavors at your own pace or simply unwind after your journey.

Day 2

place Day 2: La Paz, Bolivia

Cable Cars, Colorful Markets & Urban Life

Sky-High Cable Car Adventure

Begin your day rising above the city in the iconic Mi Teleférico cable car. Glide up to El Alto, soaring to a dizzying 13,615 feet (4,000 meters) for panoramic views and a taste of one of the world’s highest cities.

Urban Trek Down to La Paz

Step off the cable car and retrace the city’s pulse with a “trek” down into La Paz’s bustling heart. Spend around 4 hours descending by foot, weaving through lively markets, authentic neighborhoods, lively plazas, and atmospheric alleyways—experiencing life as locals do.

Classic Local Bus Ride and Market Wonders

Hop onto a vibrant microbus—a technicolor twist on classic Bluebird school buses—and ride to the heart of the city’s legendary market district. Here, lose yourself in a rainbow of stalls, explore traditional markets, and soak up the mystical atmosphere of the renowned Witch’s Market.

Afternoon: Free to Explore

The remainder of your afternoon is yours: relax, dine, or continue shopping as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks

Day 3

place Day 3: La Paz - Sun Island, Bolivia

Lake Titicaca Crossings & Sun Island Legends

Morning: Journey to Copacabana

07:00-07:30 am – Start your day with a hotel pick-up for a scenic tourist bus drive along the shores of Lake Titicaca, heading to the iconic town of Copacabana.

Crossing the Tiquina Strait

09:45 am – Feel the thrill of crossing the shimmering Tiquina Strait on a small ferry, soaking in panoramic Andean views during the 20-minute journey.

Arrival and Leisure in Copacabana

Around 12:00 pm – Arrive in colorful Copacabana, where you’ll have free time to explore local cafés and enjoy a delicious lakeside lunch at your own pace.

Ferry to Mystical Sun Island

13:30 pm – Board a picturesque ferry ride bound for Sun Island, where the rolling water and mountain scenery set a tranquil mood (about 1.5 hours).

Guided Walk to Ancient Ruins

Upon arrival, a private guide leads you to explore the fascinating Incan Sun Temple of Pilkokaina and stroll the legendary coast of Yumani—let timeless history come alive before your eyes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

place Day 4: Sun Island - La Paz - Uyuni, Bolivia

From Sacred Shores to Salt Flats

Farewell to Sun Island

09:00 AM – Lace up your boots and hike down the island’s scenic paths, soaking in breathtaking views as you descend to the port for your final ferry ride across the shimmering Lake Titicaca.

Copacabana: Culture & Charms

Arriving at Copacabana, explore the renowned church home to Bolivia’s mysterious dark Virgin—an iconic site surrounded by fascinating local legends. Enjoy some time wandering vibrant streets before a delicious lunch.

Return to La Paz

Board a comfortable tourist bus and traverse the striking Altiplano landscapes on your way back to the high-altitude capital, La Paz. Watch as rolling hills and villages slip by your window.

Rest Stop & Transfer

Arrive in La Paz and head straight to the Todo Turismo office. Unwind, recharge, and prepare for another adventure as you wait in the lounge area before boarding your bus to Uyuni.

Journey to Uyuni

Relax for the night on a semi-bed overnight bus, dreaming of the surreal salt flats awaiting you at sunrise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

place Day 6: San Juan or Atulcha - Huayllajara, Bolivia

Volcanoes, Flamingos & High-Altitude Wonders Day

Morning Departure & Salar de Chiguana Adventure (08:30 AM)

Begin your journey with an early departure, heading into the mesmerizing Salar de Chiguana. The endless salt flats set the stage for today’s high-altitude wonders.

Ollague Volcano Panoramic Viewpoint

Pause to take in spectacular views of the active Ollague Volcano. Witness plumes rising from its crater and snap unforgettable photos framed by surreal Andean landscapes.

Andean Lagoons – Flamingo and Wildlife Encounters

Next, explore a series of pristine high-altitude lagoons—Cañapa, Chiarcota, and Hedionda—all nestled at about 4,300 meters above sea level. Here, keep your eyes peeled for elegant flamingos, playful vicuñas, and unique wildlife only found in this rugged region.

The Surreal Siloli Desert and Stone Tree

Traverse the captivating Siloli Desert, known for its striking rock formations. Marvel at the Stone Tree, a bizarre and beautiful structure shaped by centuries of relentless wind erosion.

Laguna Colorada – Flamingo Paradise

Spend your afternoon at the remarkable Laguna Colorada. Its crimson waters—tinted by algae—are home to large colonies of Andean flamingos and occasional herds of vicuñas, creating a truly magical vision.

Arrive at Huayllajara’s High-Altitude Hostel

As day turns to dusk, settle into your remote hostel in Huayllajara (or Polques), situated at 4,300 meters. The dramatic landscape offers peace and isolation. Remember, nights can drop to -20°C, so bring a warm sleeping bag for comfort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

place Day 5: Uyuni, Bolivia

Salt Flats, Trains & Cacti Island Wonders

Early Arrival & Breakfast Leisure

Arrive in Uyuni around 7:00 am and unwind at your own pace with breakfast, soaking in the anticipation for the adventure ahead.

All Aboard: Train Cemetery Adventure

At 10:30 am, set out for the enigmatic Train Cemetery, where relics of steam locomotives from the Carbon era stand silent against the desert backdrop—perfect for moody photos and a sense of lost history.

Hands-On Salt Experience in Colchani

Journey to the artisan town of Colchani, famous for its salt production. Watch locals process salt by hand, shop for unique handicrafts, and explore the quirky salt museum.

Into the Infinite: Uyuni Salt Flats

Enter the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats, spanning 12,000 km². Witness the iconic “Montones de sal” salt mounds and see how salt is harvested, a dramatic scene of white shimmering earth.

Playa Blanca Hotel & Salt Sculptures

Visit the remarkable Playa Blanca Hotel, built entirely of salt and adorned with whimsical salt sculptures—an only-in-Uyuni experience.

Cacti Giants on Incahuasi Island

Continue to Incahuasi Island, a striking outcrop in the endless salt sea, dotted with towering cacti. Enjoy a delicious lunch here while taking in panoramic views that stretch to the horizon.

Overnight in a Salt Hostel

In the afternoon, head to the high-altitude town of San Juan or Atulcha (3,700 masl) and settle in for a unique night at a cozy salt hostel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

place Day 7: Huayllajara - Uyuni - La Paz, Bolivia

Geysers, Hot Springs, Lagoons, & Overnight Return

Sunrise at Sol de Mañana Geysers (05:00 AM) 

Your adventure begins bright and early as you head out to the otherworldly Sol de Mañana geyser field, perched at 4,900 meters above sea level. Witness surreal fumaroles and bubbling mud pools, with steam columns rising from the earth in a dramatic natural spectacle, all at a breathtaking 90°C.

Soak in Polques Thermal Waters 

Next, treat yourself to a soothing dip in the warm Polques hot springs. As the chill of the morning lingers, relax in naturally heated waters and savor the extraordinary high-altitude views.

Journey through the Dalí Desert 

Travel across the ethereal Dalí Desert, drawing its name from its surreal rock formations that look straight out of a Salvador Dalí painting. The landscape is stark, stunning, and unforgettable.

Enchanting Lagoons: Laguna Verde & Laguna Blanca 

Continue your journey to the foot of the mighty Licancabur Volcano, where the brilliant emerald Laguna Verde and ethereal Laguna Blanca await. These mineral-rich lakes change color with the shifting sunlight—an unmissable photo opportunity.

Return to Uyuni with Rock Valley Stop 

Embark on a scenic seven-hour drive back to Uyuni, pausing midday for a delicious lunch and a short visit to the remarkable Rock Valley in Villamar, famed for its wind-sculpted stones.

Uyuni Exploration and Departure for La Paz (17:00 Arrival) 

Arrive in Uyuni by late afternoon, with time to explore the town, grab a bite, and soak up the local atmosphere before transferring to the bus station.

Overnight Bus to La Paz (20:00 Departure) 

Settle into your semi-bed seat for a comfortable overnight journey back to the vibrant city of La Paz.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

place Day 8: La Paz, Bolivia

Seamless Arrival & Departure Solutions

Early Morning Arrival

Arrive around 05:30 am from Uyuni and skip the wait with guaranteed early check-in at your La Paz hotel. Start your day feeling refreshed after your overnight journey.

Hotel Stay & Relaxation

Settle in and unwind after your travels. Standard check-out is at 11:00 am, but late check-out is available for an extra fee if you wish to linger longer before departure.

Flexible Departure Options

At your prearranged time, a driver will pick you up for your airport transfer, making your final journey smooth and relaxed.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Your La Paz hotel room is reserved for the night of Day 7 to accommodate your early morning arrival on Day 8. If you have an early flight, we can arrange a direct transfer from the bus terminal to the airport at no extra cost—just let us know your plans.

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (5)
  • Snacks (1)
  • Lunch (5)
  • Dinner (2)

Transport expand_less

  • Roundtrip overnight bus (semi-bed) from La Paz to Uyuni
  • Roundtrip tourist bus from La Paz to Copacabana
  • Shared Shuttle and Public Bus
  • Airport transfers
  • Roundtrip public ferry from Copacabana to Sun Island

Activities expand_less

  • Visit to Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca
  • City and Nature expeditions
  • La Paz City Tour with cable car tickets
  • Sun Island Guided Walking Tour
  • Uyuni Salt Flats Guided Tour
  • Eduardo Avaroa Andean Flora and Fauna Reserve Guided Tour
  • Visit to thermal waters of Polques

Not Included expand_less

  • Tiquina Strait ticket (Bs. 4 RT)
  • Sun Island entrance fee (Bs. 30)
  • Incahuasi Island entrance fee (Bs. 30)
  • Eduardo Avaroa Reserve fee (Bs. 150)
  • Polques thermal waters fee (Bs. 20)
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks during included meals
  • Meals not listed in program
  • Services not specified in program
  • Mule/porter service on Sun Island (Bs. 50 per 2 bags)
  • Hot showers at Uyuni/lodges (Bs. 30)

About Sendas Altas SRL

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