15 days tour

Highlights Of Bolivia

$ 5,640 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $5,640.00

Highlights Of Bolivia

This tour includes:

Accommodation

Spend 10 nights in hotels, two nights in a salt hotel and two nights in an lodge โ€“ all based on twin-share. The hotels usually used are listed within the itinerary and below; occasionally these may vary by departure date due to availability. The hotels are generally a three-star local rating and have been carefully selected for their location, quality and character. Accommodation standards in Bolivia are generally lower than their South American counterparts and standards of accommodation on this trip vary from one location to another. Wifi service in remote locations can be slow to non-existent (eg Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca). Our hotel in Santa Cruz is contemporary in style; rooms have air conditioning and there is an outdoor swimming pool. Accommodation choice within Samaipata is limited and so we stay at Hotel Quinta Piray, located on a hillside with views over the valley, about a few kilometres from town โ€“ itโ€™s fairly modest accommodation but has a pool and lovely gardens, so is a very tranquil spot. De Su Merced Hotel is a large converted colonial house with a rooftop terrace and the rooms are furnished with antique furniture. In Potosรญ, our accommodation is modest but has character and is close to the town centre. Salar de Uyuni tours have a reputation for being a bit tough (and due to location most are) but we have selected some of the better hotels available. Probably the highlight will be our night at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, a unique property built entirely from salt, from the walls, floors and ceilings to the furniture and sculptures. It has hot water and heating (electric/central depending on the room), a games room, and a viewing room to observe the starry nights, sunsets and sunrises across the salt flats. In La Paz, we stay in Hotel Qantu, which is located on a busy street but close to the famous Witches Market and around the corner from the Basilica of San Francisco. Should you wish to extend your stay, your sales representative can also arrange extra nights in Santa Cruz for you before or after the tour. Single supplements should be requested at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Transport

A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary depending on group size: travel is by boat, 4ร—4, private minibus/coach and three internal flights. In Uyuni, we spend three days exploring the salt flats and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve by 4ร—4. There will usually be four passengers per vehicle. The boat from Copacabana to/from Isla del Sol is a private boat. Crossing the Tiquina Strait is done on a shared ferry service.

Guide

A tour leader will be with you for the duration of the tour

Others

All listed activities Arrival and departure transfers (for group flights only)

Meals

All breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners are included. Some of the lunches are box lunches while others are restaurant meals. Where meals are not included, your leader can recommend a variety of local restaurants. Drinking water will be provided in large containers to minimise the amount of single-use plastic bottles; please bring a refillable bottle with you. Bolivian cuisine is a fusion between Spanish and Andean traditions and varies from one region to another. In the lowlands, fruit, vegetables, yucca and fish are abundant whereas in the altiplano these are less readily available and there are more spiced dishes to combat the cold. Bolivian cuisine has a reputation for its meat dishes but corn (maize), quinoa and potatoes are also part of the staple diet. Common street food and snacks include salteรฑas (baked pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables), buรฑuelos (sweet or savoury bread, often stuffed with cheese) and papas rellenas (deep-fried battered stuffed potatoes). Popular main dishes include pique a lo macho (a kind of beef stir-fry, served with chunky chips), picante de pollo (spicy chicken) and tucumanas (a sort of pasty). In Sucre, try mondongo (crispy fried pork called chicharron, which is usually accompanied by corn, potatoes and a rich chilli sauce) and in La Paz sample a sandwich de chola (pork sandwich).

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

โ€” Travel Insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Bolivia

  • Day 1 Day 1: Santa Cruz To Amborรณ National Park (Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Santa Cruz To Amborรณ National Park (Lunch,Dinner)

      We gather our group in Santa Cruz this morning and drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to our hotel on the border of Amborรณ National Park. The road to the hotel entrance is unpaved and we take a 4x4 ride for the last stretch (approximately 30 minutes). After check in, we have lunch and an afternoon at leisure. For those wanting to stretch their legs, we have optional walks available. Accommodation: Refugio de los Volcanes (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Amborรณ Trek; Drive To Samaipata (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Amborรณ Trek; Drive To Samaipata (Breakfast)

      We start early and set out on foot for a day walk (approximately 3 hours). We see giant tree ferns, which reach up to 42ft (13m) tall, and visit a viewpoint for a panorama of sheer sandstone cliffs rising high above an expanse of tropical jungle. Amborรณ National Park is vast, containing some 830 bird species, including cock-of-the-rocks, blue-horned curassows, hummingbirds, toucans and macaws. We may see a few of these with the help of our local guides who will also identify endemic plants. Elusive mammals (ocelots, spectacled bears, tapirs, jaguars and pumas to name a few) also reside within Amborรณ, but we are unlikely to see them, especially in the daytime. Afterwards, we can shower and have lunch before we transfer to the little-visited laidback town of Samaipata (approximately 1hr 30min) and check into our hotel for the next two nights. En route, we visit the hummingbird sanctuary if you wish. The evening is free for you to explore town or rest after this morningโ€™s walk. Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Piray (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Morning Guided Tour Of El Fuerte; Afternoon At Leisure (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Morning Guided Tour Of El Fuerte; Afternoon At Leisure (Breakfast)

      This morning, we visit El Fuerte de Samaipata (Samaipata Fort), a pre-Columbian archaeological site with Unesco World Heritage status, about 6mi (10km) outside town. The hilltop ruins form an excellent vantage point over the picturesque valley and although no standing structures remain, excavations (which continue today) have revealed more than 500 dwellings. It incorporates buildings from three cultures: Chanรจ, Inca and Spanish. The main site is a gigantic stone slab (more than 330ft/100m long), covered in Inca and pre-Inca carvings of geometric shapes and animal figures, thought to have been of religious/ceremonial significance. We also visit the museum, which contains artefacts from El Fuerte. Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Piray (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Return To Santa Cruz; Short Flight To Sucre (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Return To Santa Cruz; Short Flight To Sucre (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we return to Santa Cruz Airport (approximately 4hr 30min drive). In the afternoon, we fly to Sucre (approximately 45-minute flight), the Unesco-listed capital of Bolivia and often called the most beautiful city in the country, with narrow streets and colonial white-washed buildings. Accommodation: De Su Merced Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Morning City Tour; Afternoon At Leisure (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Morning City Tour; Afternoon At Leisure (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of the sights, including La Recoleta viewpoint, monastery, and museum of indigenous art, situated at the base of Churuquella Mountain overlooking the city. Weโ€™ll visit the main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and adjacent historic Casa de la Libertad (House of Liberty) where Simon Bolivar signed the Act of Independence in 1825. Following on from this, we come to the San Francisco Basilica, complete with its freedom bell (which was was allegedly rung so hard to mark Bolivian independence that it broke). A stroll through the manicured Bolivar Park and cemetery are also part of the tour. Accommodation: De Su Merced Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Drive To Potosรญ; Afternoon Visit Local Mine And Walking Tour Of Potosรญ To Discover The Colonial And Silver Mining Heritage (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Drive To Potosรญ; Afternoon Visit Local Mine And Walking Tour Of Potosรญ To Discover The Colonial And Silver Mining Heritage (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to Potosรญ; you will notice the increase in elevation as Potosรญ lies at 13,320ft (4,060m) above sea level. This afternoon, we visit the entrance of the Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) mine, where we hear from a former miner about its history and tragic legacy. Back in town, we have a walking orientation tour of Potosรญ, which was the centre of the silver rush in the 16th century, resulting in thousands of colonial buildings. Accommodation: Hotel Santa Teresa (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Morning Tour To Uyuni; Afternoon Transfer To Siloli Desert (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Morning Tour To Uyuni; Afternoon Transfer To Siloli Desert (Breakfast,Dinner)

      We depart from Potosรญ at 7am and transfer to Uyuni (approximately four hours). In Uyuni, we enjoy a break and switch to our 4x4 vehicle. Our journey takes us to a variety of sites, including the Train Cemetery and San Cristobal town (one of the largest silver mining facilities in Bolivia). We will not enter the mine but have a quick explanation of its history. We continue heading south with beautiful sights including the Ollagรผe Volcano, until we arrive at the lakes of Caรฑapa, Hedionda and Honda. These are flamingo breeding grounds and weโ€™re certain to see flocks here, and maybe vicunas and Andean geese. Before we arrive at our hotel, we drive to the Mountain of Seven Colours at Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. The altitude will vary during our time exploring the Salar de Uyuni (ranging between 11,975ft/3,650m and 15,910ft/4,850m). Todayโ€™s driving time is approximately nine to ten hours. Accommodation: Mallku Cueva Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: First Day Of Our 4X4 Adventure To Discover The Incredible Landscapes Of Salar De Uyuni (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: First Day Of Our 4X4 Adventure To Discover The Incredible Landscapes Of Salar De Uyuni (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we hop in our 4x4 and head into Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Set against a backdrop of volcanoes and mountains is Polques Thermal Baths, where those who can brave the cold air can enjoy a dip in the warm waters. Later, we visit Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon). After, we visit Geyser the highest point on our trip at 15,910ft (4,850m) above sea level. Across this sulphur spring field are boiling mud lakes and steam pools, and there are several geyser-like. Then, is Laguna Colorada, where the waters are tinged a rusty red.. Todayโ€™s driving time is approximately twelve hours. Accommodation: Mallku Cueva Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Second Day To Discover More Sights Of Salar De Uyuni By 4X4 (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Second Day To Discover More Sights Of Salar De Uyuni By 4X4 (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning, we visit Turkiri Lagoon to see a variety of local flora and fauna, there are many bird species in this area. Visit lakes of Caรฑapa, Hedionda and Honda and continue exploring Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, travelling through the otherworldly landscapes of the Valley of Rocks and Stone Tree. We arrive around 5pm at Hotel Palacio de Sal, sure to be a highlight stay of our time in the Salar de Uyuni. Todayโ€™s driving time is approximately seven to eight hours. Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Third Day To Discover More Sights Of Salar De Uyuni By 4X4 (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Third Day To Discover More Sights Of Salar De Uyuni By 4X4 (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We spend todayโ€™s 4x4 adventure on the salt flats. Pyramids of salt are mounded up and, in the dry season, the ground is desiccated and hexagonal salt tiles form as far as the eye can see. There are wonderful photo opportunities, and we have time to create some fun pictures. In the middle of the salt flats, we come to Incahuasi Island, known for its giant cacti and unusual fossils. This small island in the middle of the salt flats is an amazing sight and we can walk across it for 360-degree views from the top. After more photo opportunities, we visit a spot to watch the sun set and the light cast shadows and reflections on the water. Todayโ€™s driving time is approximately five to six hours. Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Drive Back To Uyuni; Fly To La Paz; Afternoon City Tour (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Drive Back To Uyuni; Fly To La Paz; Afternoon City Tour (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we transfer (30 minutes) to Uyuni airport and fly to La Paz, the highest administrative capital in the world at 11,940ft (3,640m) above sea level. Upon arrival, we transfer to El Alto to ride an innovative cable car system, which takes us to the heart of the city. We are met on the other side and transferred to our hotel. We then start our walking tour, visiting the main square, Plaza Murillo, which is in the old town, where we also find the Presidential Palace, government congress buildings, and the cathedral. Finally, we enjoy the exterior artistry of the Basilica of San Francisco, which has a mestizo-baroque facade depicting masks, dragons, tropical birds and snakes. Accommodation: Hotel Qantu (or similar)

  • Day 12 Day 12: Travel To Isla Del Sol On Lake Titicaca; Walk To Our Ecolodge (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Travel To Isla Del Sol On Lake Titicaca; Walk To Our Ecolodge (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We drive towards Copacabana, crossing the Tiquina Strait by boat (a 10-minute ride) and follow the Lake Titicaca shores for much of the journey (total drive time: approximately 4hr 30min). On arrival at Copacabana, we board another boat and travel for an hour to Lake Titicacaโ€™s beautiful Isla del Sol, disembarking at Pillkokaina port where we ascend to the Sun Temple. We walk (approximately 1hr 30min) to our ecolodge, allowing us to take in the surroundings: the deep blue waters contrasting the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real. From the lodge, the setting sun in the west casts a lovely light across the mountains ahead. Your main luggage will be left on the transport (which we leave at Copacabana) so you need only take an overnight bag to Isla del Sol. We recommend keeping any valuables with you. Accommodation: Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Explore Isla Del La Luna Or Relax On Isla Del Sol (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Explore Isla Del La Luna Or Relax On Isla Del Sol (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we take a short boat trip to nearby Isla del la Luna (Moon Island) to explore the ruins and learn about the ancient Inca and pre-Inca legends of Lake Titicaca. Or you can just chill out on Isla del Sol. Accommodation: Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: Walk To The Fountain Of Eternal Youth; Transfer To La Paz; Fly Back To Santa Cruz (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Walk To The Fountain Of Eternal Youth; Transfer To La Paz; Fly Back To Santa Cruz (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we walk to the Fountain of Eternal Youth before we make the same return journey back (by boat to Copacabana, bus and then a short ferry ride across the Tiquina Strait) and head to the pre-Columbian ruins of Tiwanaku, a Unesco World Heritage site (approximately 3hr 30min driving). Founded around 1,500 BCE, Tiwanaku became the capital of a massive empire that lasted almost 1,000 years, developing into a sophisticated urban ceremonial complex. After lunch, we have a guided visit of the site. In the late afternoon, we drive (approximately 1hr 30min) to La Paz Airport for an evening flight to Santa Cruz. Accommodation: TRYP by Wyndham Santa Cruz (or similar)

  • Day 15 Day 15: End Santa Cruz (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: End Santa Cruz (Breakfast)

      The tour comes to an end after breakfast. If youโ€™d like to continue exploring, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Alternatively, begin your return journey home.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required