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9 Day itinerary in Bolivia, South America

Bolivia Explorer 9D/8N

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Bolivia's stunning landscapes with a tour that captures the essence of this diverse country. Discover the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, explore vibrant La Paz, and marvel at ancient ruins in Tiwanaku. Enjoy thrilling activities like mountain biking down the "... 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

See La Paz from the eyes of a local

2

Discover Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol

3

Traverse the stunning Uyuni Salt Flats

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: La Paz, Bolivia

Arrivals, Welcomes, and Your First Night

Arrival in La Paz Welcome to Bolivia! 

Step off the plane and be greeted by your driver, ready to whisk you through the lively streets of La Paz straight to your hotel.

Hotel Check-In 

Once at your accommodation—either the sociable Sagarnaga for backpackers, or the charming Rosario for extra comfort—you can take time to unwind. Standard check-in starts at 14:00, but early check-in is available upon request (additional charge may apply).

Settle In 

Take this opportunity to explore the hotel, acclimate to the high-altitude atmosphere, and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2

place Day 2: La Paz, Bolivia

Cable Car Heights & City Streets Adventure

Sky-High Journey to El Alto

This morning, hop aboard "Mi Teleférico," the famous cable car, and glide upwards to El Alto, perched at a breathtaking 13,615ft (4,000m). Feel the thrill as you rise above La Paz’s rooftops for stunning city views.

Scenic Descent into La Paz

Begin your four-hour guided walk downhill into the heart of La Paz. Immerse yourself in the everyday rhythm—winding through bustling markets, lively plazas, traditional neighborhoods, and hidden alleyways.

A Colorful Bus Adventure

Finish with a true Bolivian experience: board a micro, one of La Paz's charming, rainbow-painted buses, and ride into the bustling market area.

Mystical Market Wonders

Wander at leisure through the famous Witch’s Market, where stalls brim with mystical potions and vibrant crafts. Take time to shop, savor a local lunch, and soak up the sights on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks

Day 3

place Day 3: La Paz - Sun Island, Bolivia

Adventure on Lake Titicaca

Early Morning Departure 

Start your day at dawn with a pick-up from your hotel for a scenic tourist bus ride from La Paz towards Copacabana. The early morning light brings the Andean landscapes to life as you journey west.

Tiquina Strait Crossing 

Around 09:45 am, arrive at the Tiquina Strait. Here, enjoy a brief but memorable 20-minute ferry where you’ll cross the sparkling waters, soaking in sweeping views of the lake and mountains.

Welcome to Copacabana 

Continue your drive and reach Copacabana by midday. Enjoy leisure time to wander its charming streets or sample local cuisine for lunch, either on the lakeshore or at a cozy restaurant.

Ferry to Sun Island 

At 1:00 pm, board a scenic ferry for a 1.5-hour cruise across Lake Titicaca’s deep blue waters to Isla del Sol. Photography lovers and adventure seekers alike will treasure the breathtaking panoramas.

Explore Pilkokaina and Yumani 

With a personalized map in hand, set off to discover the ancient Sun Temple of Pilkokaina and stroll the coast of Yumani. Every corner tells a story from Inca times to the present.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

place Day 4: Sun Island - La Paz, Bolivia

Mystical Trails and Return to La Paz

Free Exploration on Sun Island

Spend your morning at leisure, discovering the serene beauty of Sun Island. Enjoy panoramic lake views and peaceful moments as you wander at your own pace.

Optional Adventure: Northern Island Boat & Hike

Feeling adventurous? Take a public boat ride (about 30 minutes) to the island’s northern tip, then hike 3 hours south, soaking in breathtaking vistas along the scenic route.

Cultural Stop: Visit the Gold Museum

In the north, don’t miss the Gold Museum—a tiny but fascinating space full of ancient artifacts recovered from the lake, offering a unique glimpse into local history.

Legends & Springs: The Fountain of Youth

Discover the mystical Fountain of Youth, famed for its three trickling streams said to bestow eternal youth. Each stream even has its own legendary nickname!

Return to Copacabana and La Paz

At 15:30, board the ferry back from Yumani port to Copacabana. Upon arrival, catch the bus back to La Paz, reaching your accommodation around 22:00.

*Note: Boat and museum entry fees not included.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

place Day 5: La Paz - Uyuni, Bolivia

Leisurely La Paz & Overnight to Uyuni

Leisure & City Exploration

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy the freedom to stroll through La Paz’s vibrant streets. Wander local markets, visit museums, or simply soak in the city’s eclectic atmosphere at your own pace.

Luggage Storage and Hotel Checkout

At 10:00, check out of your hotel. No worries—your luggage can be safely stored at the reception while you continue your adventures.

Evening: Transfer to Bus Station

At 20:00, a driver will collect you from your hotel for a comfortable transfer to the bus station. Settle in for your journey.

Overnight Bus to Uyuni

Board the semi-bed overnight bus to Uyuni. Enjoy a light dinner served on board and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure as you travel through the Bolivian highlands.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

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

Enchantment in the Heart of Salar

Morning Arrival & Breakfast

Pick-up from the Uyuni bus station around 07:00 am, followed by some time to enjoy a local breakfast and soak in the early morning atmosphere.

Old World Charm at the Train Cemetery (10:30 am)

Kick off your adventure with an eerie stroll among gigantic, rusted locomotives at the Train Cemetery—silent relics of Uyuni's railway history.

Colchani: Salt Processing & Handicrafts

Next, visit Colchani village to witness traditional salt harvesting, browse local salt handicrafts, and explore the quirky Salt Museum.

Uyuni Salt Flats Exploration

Enter the dazzling 12,000 km² Salt Flats to see salt mounds and watch locals expertly extract salt by hand.

Playa Blanca & Incahuasi Island

Stop by the unique Playa Blanca Hotel before reaching Incahuasi Island, home to giant cacti. Savor lunch here with breathtaking 360° salt flat views.

Evening—San Juan or Atulcha

Continue across endless white landscapes to the tiny towns of San Juan or Atulcha (3,700 masl), where you’ll spend the night in a charming salt hostel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

place Day 7: San Juan or Atulcha - Huayllajara, Bolivia

Altiplano Marvels: Lagoons, Desert & Wildlife

Morning Departure & Chiguana Salt Flats Exploration (8:30AM)

We set off on another adventure, driving across the mesmerizing Salar de Chiguana, a shimmering salt expanse backed by distant mountains. Keep your camera ready for the incredible scenery that unfolds at every turn!

Ollague Volcano Viewpoint

Take in extraordinary views of the smoldering, active Ollague Volcano. This fiery giant straddles the Chilean border and makes for a spectacular photo stop.

Enchanted Andean Lagoons

Our route winds past the captivating lagoons of Cañapa, Chiarcota, and Hedionda, all perched at a lofty 4,300 meters. Their mirror-like waters are home to graceful flamingos, darting vicuñas, and an array of unique Andean wildlife.

Crossing the Siloli Desert & Stone Tree Wonder

We plunge into the hauntingly barren Siloli Desert. Its highlight? The surreal Stone Tree—a wind-sculpted rock formation that rises from the dusty plain like a work of art.

Afternoon at Laguna Colorada

The adventure climaxes at the ruby waters of Laguna Colorada, another flamingo paradise set amid dramatic Altiplano scenery. Don't miss the vivid red hues and social wildlife gatherings.

Night in Huayllajara

After a day of wonders, we arrive in Huayllajara for a cozy night in a rustic hostel—a fitting end to the day’s high-altitude exploration. Be prepared for icy night temperatures—bring a warm sleeping bag!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

place Day 8: Huayllajara - Uyuni - La Paz, Bolivia

Geysers, Lagoons, and Return to La Paz

Dawn Geysers Adventure (05:00 am) 

Rise early and journey to the active geysers of Sol de Mañana. At a breathtaking 4,900 meters, witness fumaroles and boiling lava pools reaching 90°C—an otherworldly spectacle at sunrise.

Soak in Polques Thermal Waters 

Relax your muscles with a soothing dip in the natural hot springs of Polques, surrounded by the stark, beautiful Altiplano landscape.

Traverse the Dalí Desert & Stunning Lagoons 

Travel across the surreal Dalí Desert, and arrive at the iconic Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Licancabur volcano, these lakes shimmer with vibrant colors.

Rock Valley Exploration & Return to Uyuni 

On the way back, stop for lunch and visit the incredible Rock Valley in Villamar, home to striking wind-carved stone formations. Continue through remote landscapes to Uyuni, arriving around 5:00 pm.

Evening in Uyuni & Overnight Bus to La Paz 

Enjoy free time in Uyuni to eat and explore before transferring to the bus station for your comfortable overnight journey back to La Paz (departure: 8:00 pm).


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9

place Day 9: La Paz, Bolivia

Early Arrival & Airport Transfer

Early Arrival & Hotel Refresh

Arrive in the city around 5:30 am. Enjoy a guaranteed early check-in at your hotel, perfect for freshening up and unwinding after your journey.

Smooth Airport Transfer

Relax until your pre-arranged airport transfer. At your designated time, a driver will pick you up and escort you directly to the airport for your departure.

Note: Check-out is officially at 11:00 am. If you wish to stay at the hotel longer, late check-out can be arranged for an additional fee.

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (6)
  • Snacks (1)
  • Lunch (5)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

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

Activities expand_less

  • 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
  • Visit to Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca

Not Included expand_less

  • Entrance fee to Tiquina Strait (approx. 4 Bs)
  • Entrance fee to Incahuasi Island (approx. 30 Bs)
  • Entrance fee to Eduardo Avaroa Reserve (approx. 150 Bs)
  • Mules and porters in Sun Island (approx. 50 Bs every 2 bags)
  • Hot shower at the lodges (approx. 30 Bs)
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Other activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Private room during Uyuni Expedition (approx. 48 USD per person, subject to availability)
  • Sleeping bags (recommended during Uyuni Expedition, approx. 50 Bs)
  • Entrance fee to Sun Island (approx. 30 Bs)

About Sendas Altas SRL

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