Exploring Bolivia's South Lipez & salt flats
Unveil the soul of Bolivia on an eight-day journey through the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Your adventure begins in the high-altitude heart of La Paz, a city where modern energy meets ancient tradition under the gaze of snow-capped peaks. From there, venture into the silent, shimmering infinity of the Uyuni Salt Flats, a blindingly white expanse that defies the imagination. The journey continues deep into the surreal Lipez region, a wild frontier of crimson lagoons filled with flamingos, hissing geothermal geysers, and wind-sculpted rock formations.
Every mile reveals a breathtaking contrast of color and texture in a land of untamed beauty. This is not just a vacation, it is a transformation.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in double rooms in 3 or 4-star hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Domestic flights as per the itinerary
- Return night bus La Paz - Uyuni
- Private airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- English-speaking driver-guide for Uyuni & South Lipez excursions
- Snacks for overnight bus on day 2
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
- Bank transfer fees
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
La Paz
Touchdown in Bolivia
La Paz
The wonders of La Paz
Uyuni - Coquesa
To the salt flats of Uyuni
Coquesa - San Pedro De Quemez
Hiking up the Tunupa Volcano
San Pedro De Quemez - Siloli
Otherworldly landscapes from lagoons to desert
Siloli - Uyuni - La Paz
Desert explorations & hot spring baths
La Paz
Sightseeing in La Paz
La Paz
Goodbye, Bolivia
Detailed Itinerary
La Paz
Day 1: Touchdown in Bolivia
Welcome to Bolivia! Upon arrival at the international airport in La Paz, you will be picked up by a driver and transferred to your hotel.
Check in, then take the time here to rest and unwind after your travels, perhaps heading out in the evening to enjoy your first taste of this vibrant Bolivian city.
La Paz
Day 2: The wonders of La Paz
Today, you'll have a full itinerary of discoveries to enjoy in La Paz, a city of contrasts and plentiful charms.
Start with a trip to the Valley of the Moon, 10km from the city's heart, where canyons and rocky spires steal the show. Then, go in search of dizzying vistas of the K'illi K'illi and Illimani mountains, as well as of La Paz itself - sprawling city views can be enjoyed in Laykakota Park.
Take a moment to soak up the colorful murals of the general cemetery, where death is celebrated through song, dance and offerings, and enjoy views of the Huayna Potosi and Mururata mountains as you go.
Stop for a typical lunch before strolling the lively markets of the historic center, where you're sure to be mesmerized by the Bolivian cholitas - women wearing traditional Andrean dress.
You'll end the day by boarding a night bus bound for Uyuni, where the next leg of your Bolivian adventure awaits!
Uyuni - Coquesa
Day 3: To the salt flats of Uyuni
Good morning! As you wake up, you'll arrive into Uyuni, where a private driver will be waiting to take you for breakfast.
Then, after a half-hour drive, you'll reach the village of Colchani. Learn about the local salt exploitation processes and visit the now-closed salt hotel, before riding 73km across the salt desert to reach the island of Incahuasi. Lost in the middle of the salar, it offers incredible vistas and is covered with stromatolites and giant cacti.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to the northern end of the salar, at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano. You'll settle down there in the village of Coquesa, at the foot of the volcano - don't miss the vibrant sunset over the sea of salt, a perfect way to end the day.
Coquesa - San Pedro De Quemez
Day 4: Hiking up the Tunupa Volcano
Start the day early with a climb up the Tunupa Volcano, which shares its name with the pre-Inca god of volcanoes and thunderstorms. This trek will last between three and four hours, and will offer up exceptional panoramas across the world's largest salt flat.
Do note that while no technical difficulties form part of the route, a generally good physical condition is required of those who wish to attempt it.
In the afternoon, drive to the village of San Pedro de Quemez, where you'll be spending the night. En-route, stop to admire the Gruta de las Galaxias, where the stalactites seem to be carved out of lace.
San Pedro De Quemez - Siloli
Day 5: Otherworldly landscapes from lagoons to desert
Today, begin your crossing of the South Lipez, an immense high-altitude region where vast desert landscapes, lagoons, rock formations and volcanoes collide.
On leaving San Pedro de Quemez, you'll first cross the small Salar de Chiguana at the foot of the dormant Tomasamil Volcano. Next, the trail ascends to about 4,200m, where you'll stop at the viewpoint of the Ollagüe summit. Heading south along the Chilean border, you'll follow the famous Route of Jewels along the Cañapa, Hedionda, Ch'arkota and Honda lagoons, filled with beautiful flamingos.
Continue on through the beautiful landscape of the Siloli Desert, where you'll find your hotel and check in for an overnight stay.
Siloli - Uyuni - La Paz
Day 6: Desert explorations & hot spring baths
Heading south through the Siloli Desert by 4x4, today you'll discover its famous "stone tree" and spectacular Laguna Colorada, a red-brick affair filled with pink flamingos for part of the year.
Then, you'll travel 45km to the Sol de Mañana geysers - impressive volcanic features that spit out effusions of sulphur vapor and heavy water. Continue on to the thermal springs of Polques, where a hot bath at an altitude of 4,200m awaits amidst an icy desert landscape!
Further impressive stops you'll enjoy today include the Laguna Salada, the Salvador Dalí Desert (whose windswept rock formations echo the works of the Spanish surrealist artist), the Laguna Blanca, and the Laguna Verde.
Lastly, drive on to Uyuni, crossing the Rio Grande region where you'll spot many vicuñas and ñandus. On arrival, you'll be dropped off at the bus station for an overnight journey back to La Paz.
La Paz
Day 7: Sightseeing in La Paz
It's time for another day of discoveries in La Paz where, upon arrival at the bus station, you'll be met by a driver and taken for breakfast.
Then, embark on a guided tour of the historical center: start at the Plaza Mayor de San Francisco and Sagarnaga Street, where you can stock up on locally-made handicrafts, before touring the Witches Market - there, you'll find all the essentials needed to make ceremonial offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Continue to Los Andes Street, where folkloric dance performances take pride of place, and spend the rest of the day at leisure, ticking off the sights you most want to see. Why not treat yourself to striking panoramas with a cable car ride above the city?
La Paz
Day 8: Goodbye, Bolivia
Your Bolivian adventure has sadly come to an end! At a suitable time, you'll be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home. Have a safe trip and be sure to visit again!
