10-day classic experience across Bolivia
This 10-day expeditions shares with you’re the great diversity of Bolivia, from the Andean highlands to the tropical lowlands and the valleys in-between. The experience begins in the lowland city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. After a half-day city tour, we travel to the UNESCO site of Sucre, Bolivia’s “other” capital. From there we take you to the city of Potosi, once, site of the world's largest silver mine and where there has been continuous mining activity since the early 1500s.
From Potosi, we continue to the south to the great Uyuni Salt Flats and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. The salt flats are the world's largest and are visible from space! We'll explore the flats before traveling south into the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, home to some of the world's most lunar, volcano-studded landscapes as well as unique flora and fauna. Sound like fun? Then come along!
Services
Included:
- 9 nights accommodation in a double room in 3-4 star hotel
- 9 breakfast, 4 lunch, 3 dinner
- Private transfer in/out
- English speaking guide (other languages upon request)
- Entrance fee
- Flight tickets Santa Cruz / Sucre and Uyuni / La Paz
Excluded:
- Tips
- Beverages during the meals
- Anything not mentioned in the program
- Airport tax in Uyuni (USD 2,00.- per person) to pay directly on the airport
Optional:
- Local cuisine at Casa del Camba - Santa Cruz de la Sierra (from USD20.- per person)
- Gourmet Dinner in Gustu Restaurante (from USD 75.- per person)
- Stargazing tour in the Salt Flats (USD 40 per person)
- Private tour Cusco & Machu Picchu 6-Days before or after the tour (from USD400.- per person)
Itinerary at a Glance
Santa Cruz De La Sierra
Unforgettable Santa Cruz de la Sierra!
Santa Cruz De La Sierra - Sucre
Stroll through Sucre's City Streets
Sucre - Cayara
Journey to Cayara
Cayara - Potosi - Uyuni
Another Bolivian Adventure
Uyuni - Colchani
Explore Otherworldy Landscapes in Uyuni
Colchani - Siloli Desert
Marvel at Bolivia's Natural Wonders
Siloli Desert - Uyuni - La Paz
Bathe in Thermal Waters
La Paz
La Paz's City Streets Vibes
La Paz
The Beating Heart of La Paz
La Paz
Say Farewell to Bolivia
Detailed Itinerary
Santa Cruz De La Sierra
Day 1: Unforgettable Santa Cruz de la Sierra!
Today, you’ll arrive in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a lowland city located at 400 m./1,312 ft. above sea level.
We will pick you up at the Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) and transfer you to your accommodation in Santa Cruz, where you can relax and use the pool before beginning your city tour in the afternoon.
Your bilingual guide will take you on a three-hour tour around the city center. Afterward, you'll have some free time before tomorrow's journey to Sucre.
Santa Cruz De La Sierra - Sucre
Day 2: Stroll through Sucre's City Streets
This morning, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for your flight to Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia.
After a short 50-minute flight, you’ll travel from the airport to the city and after settling into your hotel a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city center, where you will learn about the city's role in Bolivian history and in the history of Latin America in general.
First, we visit La Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia's proclamation of independence from Spain was signed. You will also visit the ASUR Museum of Indigenous Art, a museum with textiles and other art forms of indigenous groups from the region.
After the tour, you'll have the rest of the day free to continue exploring the city.
Sucre - Cayara
Day 3: Journey to Cayara
Today you’ll have a free morning to relax at your hotel, explore Sucre on your own, or have a guided visit (upon request) to the Cal Orcko dinosaur footprints, the largest collection of dinosaur tracks found in the world. The choice is up to you!
In the afternoon, our driver will pick you up and take you on a two and a half-hour drive to Hotel-Museo Cayara, where we will say for the night.
After check-in, you will have the evening free to enjoy the ex-hacienda, still a functioning farm.
Cayara - Potosi - Uyuni
Day 4: Another Bolivian Adventure
After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the Cayara Hotel Museum, a restored colonial hacienda that dates back to 1557 which preserves many of the practices of colonial life and farming.
After your tour of the hacienda, a driver will take you to Potosí for your walking tour of the city with a local guide. In the afternoon, our journey continues as we travel four-hours through scenic valleys as we make our way the town of Uyuni.
Be sure to look out the window at the vicunas and flamingoes and see what entertaining photos you can take be changing perspective in this otherworldly environment.
Uyuni - Colchani
Day 5: Explore Otherworldy Landscapes in Uyuni
You'll be picked up from the hotel this morning, to begin the journey with a short visit to the famed train cemetery, full of rusting train cars that were once used to transport minerals and people to and from Uyuni.
You'll then continue to the salt-harvesting village of Colchani to see how locals produce salt.
After this, you will reach the Salt Flats and visit the bizarre Incahuasi Island, covered in enormous cacti, and take in the amazing 360º views of the flats.
After a beautiful sunset in the middle of the endless expanse of glittering salt, we return to your salt hotel in Colchani.
Colchani - Siloli Desert
Day 6: Marvel at Bolivia's Natural Wonders
After breakfast, you'll continue the adventure through the landscapes of the southern altiplano.
We will enter to Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, the country's most visited protected area that offers different volcanos, deserts, colorful lagoons, and unique Andean wildlife, such as flamingos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Siloli Desert, where you'll see the wonder of the famous Stone Tree, formed by years of wind erosion. The tour will finish with a visit to the red colored lagoon before heading to your accommodation for a well-earned rest.
Siloli Desert - Uyuni - La Paz
Day 7: Bathe in Thermal Waters
We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable early breakfast that you are ready for your next adventure in Bolivia.
This morning, you have the option for a swim in local thermal waters before our journey continues through the Dali Desert, passing by the Green Lagoon along the way.
Then, we turn back the airport in Uyuni arriving at mid-afternoon and check-in for our evening flight back to La Paz. Once in La Paz, we transfer you to your hotel to rest (and laundry if you need it!).
La Paz
Day 8: La Paz's City Streets Vibes
After breakfast, you will explore the city via the new cable car system.
Since its opening in 2017, the Mi Teleférico new system offers 10 lines that criss-cross the city and head up into and across El Alto.
Your full-day tour will take you on six different lines, from El Alto to La Paz's bohemian neighborhood of Sopocachi. The tour will end with a stroll along colonial Jaen Street with its colonial buildings, small museums, and plenty of history.
The bustling city streets are home to a pervasive undercurrent that shifts the character of the city with every turn, from excitement to serenity and everything in between.
In the afternoon, you'll be returned to your hotel where you'll have the rest of the evening free.
La Paz
Day 9: The Beating Heart of La Paz
Today's itinerary is up to you!
Why not head towards the Moon Valley in the lower area of La Paz. This peculiar site was created by the erosion from the wind, which formed a bizarre lunar-maze landscape.
From there, continue to the Killi Killi viewpoint for amazing views of the city and its surrounding mountains. Visit the Gold Museum that exhibits interesting collections of Tiwanaku and Inca’s civilizations.
Next, you should head to Murillo Square, where we’ll visit the government palace, Senate and Metropolitan cathedral. Finally, end the day by visiting the Indian and witches’ market, the perfect place to buy unique souvenirs and maybe a lucky charm!
La Paz
Day 10: Say Farewell to Bolivia
All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of South America has to offer. The rich history, its natural beauty and the people that make Bolivia what it is.
At an arranged time you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport of La Paz for your international flight back home.
We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!
