14 Day itinerary in Bolivia, South America
Explore Bolivia like never before with an unforgettable adventure through its most breathtaking landscapes and cultural wonders. Experience the vibrant city of La Paz, marvel at the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, journey through the heart of the Amazon rainforest, and discover the rich history of Potosi ... Read More
By Sendas Altas SRL
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Hiking
Adventure
Walking tour
Nature & Wildlife
Explorer Trips
Start/End
Night
Hike and walk in and around La Paz
Visit ancient pre-Inca ruins at Tiwanaku
Explore the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats
Hike and walk in and around La Paz
Visit ancient pre-Inca ruins at Tiwanaku
Explore the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: La Paz, Bolivia
Arrival in Style: Private Airport Pickup
Upon landing, you’ll be greeted at the airport and whisked away by private transfer—no stressful navigation, just pure arrival excitement.
Settle into Your Home Base
Check in at the welcoming Sagarnaga (for backpackers & standard) or Rosario Hotel (for comfort). Each provides cozy vibes to rest and recharge.
Check-in Information
Check-in starts at 14:00. Early check-in can be arranged for an extra fee—perfect if you want to freshen up and relax straight away.
Day 2: La Paz, Bolivia
Cable Car Adventure to El Alto
This morning, we whisk you sky-high aboard the famous "Mi Teleférico" cable car, gliding above the city for unparalleled views until we reach El Alto—one of the world’s loftiest cities, perched at 13,615 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level.
Scenic Descent to La Paz
From this breathtaking altitude, we begin our invigorating 4-hour walking descent into central La Paz. Immerse yourself in authentic Bolivian life as we weave through bustling local markets, vibrant neighborhoods, historic plazas, and hidden alleyways. Along the way, savor the rhythms, colors, and aromas that define the city.
Authentic Local Transport Experience
Feel like a true Paceño by hopping onto a micro or local bus—a cheerful, retrofitted Bluebird school bus painted in dazzling hues—and travel straight into the beating heart of the markets.
Market Exploration & The Witch’s Market
Arriving at the market district, you’ll have the chance to browse a rainbow of goods and handicrafts. Explore the legendary Witch’s Market, famed for mysterious potions, amulets, and local remedies. The rest of the afternoon is yours—have lunch at your leisure and continue delving into the city’s secrets on your own.
Evening Transfer to Bus Station
At 20:00, we collect you from your hotel and transfer you comfortably to the bus station for your overnight journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: La Paz, Bolivia
07:30 am – Depart from Your Hotel
Your adventure begins early as you leave La Paz for a scenic two-hour drive to the stunning Zongo Valley.
Traverse the Altiplano & El Alto
Savor panoramic views of the Andean highlands, weaving through El Alto and the vast Altiplano. Keep your camera ready for breathtaking mountain vistas along the route!
Pastures, Dams & Llamas
Pass serene llama pastures and the Zongo Dam, home to the vital hydroelectric plant that powers La Paz.
Hike to Majestic Heights
Continue on foot along a picturesque mountain trail, ascending towards the commanding presence of Huayna Potosi (6,088 m). Breathe in the crisp air and relish every step!
Rest at the Huayna Potosi Refuge
Reach the mountain refuge, soak in epic views, and enjoy a well-earned pause before meeting your transport for a relaxing return to La Paz.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: La Paz, Bolivia
Highland Drive to Tiwanaku
Begin your day with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from La Paz, passing through the vibrant city of El Alto and across the majestic Bolivian highlands. Take in breathtaking views and witness the daily rhythms of Aymaran village life along the journey.
Exploring the Tiwanaku Archeological Complex
Arrive at the UNESCO-listed Tiwanaku ruins, one of South America’s most significant ancient sites. Wander through partially-excavated wonders, including the mysterious Akapana Pyramid and the immense Kalasasaya Temple, both remnants of a fascinating pre-Inca civilization.
Marvel at Puma Punku and Monumental Gateways
Stroll among the megalithic stone blocks at Puma Punku, some weighing up to 45 tons, precisely fitted together in ways that baffle modern engineers. Stand before the legendary Gateways to the Sun and Moon, adorned with spiritual carvings that showcase the intricate artistry and beliefs of the Tiwanaku people.
Discover Ancient Artistry and Sacred Monoliths
Throughout the archaeological park, admire colossal monoliths and detailed sculptures that immortalize both deities and humans, offering a tangible connection to the spiritual world of ancient Bolivia.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: La Paz, Bolivia
Morning Fuel: Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a unique city adventure.
Sky-High City Tour: Cable Car Experience
Set off to discover La Paz from a breathtaking new vantage point aboard the “Mi Teleférico.” Since its debut in 2017, this modern transit system has become iconic, linking urban life with the city’s dramatic landscapes. Today, you’ll glide across six different cable car lines, each offering sweeping views above the city’s colorful chaos.
From Heights to Hip: El Alto to Sopocachi
First, soar up to the high-altitude city of El Alto for panoramic vistas—a photographer's dream. Then, descend back toward central La Paz, floating above bustling streets and into the trendy, artistic neighborhood of Sopocachi. Here, admire modern architecture, lively public squares, and lush parks beneath you.
Stepping Back in Time: Colonial Jaen Street
Your tour comes to a charming close with a walking exploration of Jaen Street. Meander down this cobblestone lane lined with beautifully preserved colonial buildings. Pop into quaint museums and soak up the storied past of this historical heart of La Paz.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: La Paz - Copacabana, Bolivia
Early Morning Departure
06:30-07:00 am – Start your day bright and early with a convenient pick-up from your hotel and hop aboard a comfortable tourist bus bound for mystical Copacabana.
Crossing the Tiquina Strait
Around 09:45 am – Experience the adventure of crossing the scenic Tiquina Strait by ferry, a tranquil 20-minute ride on the sparkling waters, before rejoining the bus for the remainder of the journey.
Arrival in Copacabana and Hotel Check-In
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and settle your bags into your cozy hotel, getting ready for an afternoon of exploration.
Lunch and Local Flavors
Enjoy a delicious local lunch, fueling up for an afternoon filled with culture and sights.
Copacabana Town Stroll & Church Visit
Stroll through Copacabana’s charming streets, then step into the legendary local church to see the revered dark Virgin statue—a spiritual highlight of the town.
Hike to El Calvario – A Stairway to Panoramic Vistas
For those feeling adventurous, take on the ~30-minute stair-filled hike up El Calvario. Your efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views over Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Copacabana - Sun Island, Bolivia
Ferry Journey to Sun Island (10:00)
Start your adventure with a scenic 1.5-hour ferry ride across Lake Titicaca, bringing you to the enchanting Sun Island.
Guided Walk: Sun Temple & Yumani Coast
Upon arrival, join your guide to explore the ancient Sun Temple of Pilkokaina and stroll along the charming coast of Yumani, absorbing centuries of history.
Free Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure
You’ll have the afternoon free to discover Sun Island at your own pace. Take a local boat to the island’s northern end (about 30 minutes), and embark on a breathtaking 3-hour hike back south, where panoramic views await you.
Discover the Gold Museum
While in the north, drop by the Gold Museum—small but enthralling, filled with fascinating artifacts recovered from Lake Titicaca.
Visit the Legendary Fountain of Youth
Don’t miss the mythical Fountain of Youth. Legend says its three streaming waters can grant eternal youth—each stream even has its own nickname!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Sun Island - Copacabana - La Paz, Bolivia
Morning Hike & Ferry Adventure
09:00 am – Begin your day with an invigorating hike down the slopes of Sun Island, soaking up sweeping views of Lake Titicaca and crisp mountain air. At the port, board a scenic ferry for a relaxed return to Copacabana.
Leisurely Lunch in Copacabana
Arrive in charming Copacabana and enjoy some well-deserved free time. Choose one of the local cafés or lakeside restaurants to savor lunch at your own pace—don’t miss trying fresh trout, a regional specialty!
Journey to the Heart of La Paz
13:30 – Board a comfortable tourist bus and settle in for a picturesque journey through the Altiplano, watching traditional villages and dramatic mountain backdrops as you make your way back to bustling La Paz.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: La Paz - Uyuni, Bolivia
Morning: Leisurely City Adventure
Spend the morning and afternoon discovering the magic of La Paz at your own rhythm. Whether you stroll lively markets, visit quaint cafés, or wander iconic streets, the day is yours to create lasting memories.
Midday: Smooth Check-out Experience
Check out of your hotel by 11:00 am, but don’t worry—your luggage can be safely stored at the reception so you can make the most of your free time in the city, hands-free.
Evening: Overnight Journey Begins
At 20:00, you’ll be picked up from your hotel (driver only) and transferred to the bus station. Settle in for an overnight ride to Uyuni on a comfortable semi-bed bus. As you watch the Andean landscape pass by, savor a light dinner served on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks
Day 10: Uyuni - San Juan or Atulcha, Bolivia
Morning Arrival & Breakfast Flexibility (07:00 am onwards)
Your adventure begins as you’re picked up early at the bus station. You’ll have leisure time to enjoy breakfast and freshen up before the awe-inspiring journey ahead.
Train Cemetery Adventure (Departs at 10:30 am)
Kick-start the trip with a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Train Cemetery, where weathered, old locomotives stand as relics of the Carbon era—a photographer’s dream!
Colchani Village: Salt in the Making
Next, explore the small town of Colchani. Discover the fascinating process of hand-made salt, browse local handicrafts, and pop into the quirky salt museum for a taste of local culture.
Entering the Endless Uyuni Salt Flats
Step onto the dazzling, white expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats—spanning a massive 12,000 km². Witness the striking “Montones de sal,” where locals harvest salt piles in a tradition passed down generations.
Highlight: Playa Blanca Hotel & Salt Sculptures
Visit the iconic Playa Blanca Hotel, built almost entirely out of salt, and get up close to salt sculptures and monuments dotting the flats.
Incahuasi Island: Cactus Forest & Spectacular Lunch
Journey into the heart of the flats to Incahuasi Island, a cactus-studded rocky oasis. Hike among towering cacti (some over 10 meters tall!) and enjoy a delicious lunch with unforgettable 360° views.
San Juan or Atulcha: Authentic Salt Hostel Stay (Evening arrival)
As the adventure winds down, travel to the tranquil town of San Juan or Atulcha (3,700 m above sea level). Settle in for a memorable night at a cozy salt-built hostel.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: San Juan or Atulcha - Huayllajara, Bolivia
Morning Departure & Salar de Chiguana (08:30 am)
Start your day bright and early as we set out at 08:30 am, venturing into the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. The journey begins with a stop at the vast Salar de Chiguana, a sparkling salt flat framed by distant volcanoes.
Volcanic Views: Ollague Volcano Viewpoint
Take in the striking sights of the Ollague Volcano, an active giant straddling the Bolivian-Chilean border. Snap photos from the panoramic viewpoint, where plumes of smoke still rise from its rugged summit.
Andean Lagoons Adventure: Cañapa, Chiarcota & Hedionda
Next, traverse the high-altitude Andean plateau—at a breathtaking 4,300 meters above sea level—to visit a trio of dazzling lagoons: Cañapa, Chiarcota, and Hedionda. Their vibrant mineral waters attract elegant flamingos, shy vicuñas, and other unique Andean wildlife, making for a perfect wildlife-watching experience against stunning backdrops.
Surreal Landscapes: Siloli Desert & Stone Tree
Cross the otherworldly Siloli Desert, famous for its stark, Martian landscapes. Pause for photos at the famous Stone Tree—an iconic rock formation sculpted by centuries of wind erosion.
Afternoon Wonders: Laguna Colorada
As the afternoon light sets in, behold the mesmerizing reds of Laguna Colorada. This shimmering, rust-hued lake is home to thousands of flamingos and grazing vicuñas, all set against mountain views and open sky.
Evening Arrival: Huayllajara Hostel (4,300m)
Conclude your day at a rustic hostel in Huayllajara (or Polques), perched high in the altiplano. Bundle up for the night—temperatures can plunge as low as -20°C, so a sleeping bag is highly recommended!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Huayllajara - Uyuni - La Paz, Bolivia
Sunrise at Sol de Mañana (05:00 am)
Your adventure begins at dawn as you head out to the otherworldly Sol de Mañana geyser field. Located at a dizzying 4,900 meters, steam and fumaroles fill the icy air, and the earth bubbles with lava at a scorching 90°C—a landscape straight from another planet!
Hot Springs at Polques
Next, unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the Polques hot springs. Let your muscles relax in the naturally heated pools while surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Crossing the Dalí Desert
Travel through the surreal Dalí Desert, a vast expanse of ochre and sand with windswept boulders, reminiscent of a Salvador Dalí painting. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a dream.
Laguna Verde & Laguna Blanca
Marvel at the ethereal colors of Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca, shimmering at the base of the towering Licancabur Volcano. Their striking hues and tranquil setting are perfect for unforgettable photos.
Scenic Return with Lunch and Rock Valley Stop
Begin the return journey to Uyuni, pausing only for a hearty lunch and a unique exploration of Rock Valley in Villamar—a landscape of dramatic stone formations shaped by millennia of wind and weather.
Back to Uyuni and Leisure Time (arrive ~17:00)
Arrive in Uyuni in the late afternoon, with free time to enjoy a meal or wander the quirky streets and local shops.
Overnight Bus to La Paz (20:00)
Head to the bus station to board your semi-bed overnight bus bound for La Paz, resting up as you prepare for your next Bolivian adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: La Paz, Bolivia
Arrival in the Andean Heights (05:30 am)
Arrive bright and early in the breathtaking city of La Paz, perched high in the Andes with dramatic mountain views.
Seamless Hotel Transfer & Early Check-In
Enjoy a swift transfer to your hotel, where a guaranteed early check-in ensures you can rest, refresh, or drop your bags and head out.
Day at Leisure—Explore La Paz
With the whole day ahead, set off to unravel the magic of La Paz at your own rhythm. Wander the vibrant markets, marvel at the city’s unique topography, savor local cuisine at cozy cafés, or ride the world’s highest cable car for unforgettable cityscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: La Paz, Bolivia
Smooth Check-out Experience (By 11:00 AM)
Prepare for your departure with a leisurely morning. Take your time to pack and reflect on your travels before checking out of your hotel by 11:00 AM. If you need extra time, late check-out is available for an additional charge—please notify the front desk in advance.
Airport Transfer (Scheduled Based on Flight)
At your designated time, a courteous driver will arrive to whisk you off to the airport. Sit back and enjoy a seamless and stress-free transfer as your memorable journey comes to a close.
Note: Meals are not included on this day. If you're hungry before your flight, consider grabbing a snack at the airport or nearby café.
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