Diverse Bolivia: Andean cities, cloud forests & salt flats
Experience a nine-day journey of profound contrasts where the sky-high energy of La Paz meets the tranquil depths of the Yungas Cloud Forest.
Soar above the capital on the world’s most advanced cable car system before an adrenaline-fueled mountain bike descent down the legendary "Death Road." Feel the air turn tropical as you enter the Afro-Bolivian heartland of Tocaña to learn about vibrant local traditions and ancient coca leaf heritage. Your expedition culminates in the south where the lunar landscapes of Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve give way to the blinding, infinite white of the Uyuni Salt Flats.
From mist-shrouded jungles to high-altitude deserts, discover a side of Bolivia that few ever see.
Services
Included:
- 8 nights accommodation in a double room in 3 or 4-star hotels
- 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- Private 4WD for the Uyuni region (4 travelers per jeep)
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excurions
- Domestic flights La Paz - Uyuni - La Paz
Excluded:
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport taxes
- Any extra expenses not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional:
- Dinner in Gustu Restaurante Gourmet
- Day trek in La Paz' surroundings like Palca Canyon
- Day trek to the Cordillera Real like Tuni Condoriri
- Mountain Biking to the Death Road in Yungas Cloud Forest
- Package to Madidi National Park after your tour
Itinerary at a Glance
La Paz
Welcome to La Paz!
La Paz
La Paz Urban Trek Half-Day
La Paz - Coroico
Yungas Cloud Forest Mountain Bike
Coroico - Tocaña - La Paz
Experience the Tocaña Community
La Paz - Uyuni
The Great Uyuni Salt Flats
Uyuni - Siloli Desert
Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve
Siloli Desert - Uyuni - La Paz
Thermal Waters and Pass Through Dali Desert
La Paz
Free Day in La Paz
La Paz
Departure
Detailed Itinerary
La Paz
Day 1: Welcome to La Paz!
Welcome to La Paz! We'll meet you at El Alto International Airport and transfer you to your hotel to check-in to your accommodation.
Today, we recommend take it easy since there is 50% less oxygen in the air than at sea level. Acclimatization is essential to enjoying the rest of the activities. Ask your guide for more information on adapting to the altitude, such as drinking coca tea, and for recommendations on a short neighborhood walk if you can’t resist!
La Paz
Day 2: La Paz Urban Trek Half-Day
After breakfast, you will go with your guide on the famous "Mi Teleférico" cable car up to El Alto city at 13, 615ft (4,000m).
From one of the highest cities in the world (with some of the most amazing views!) you'll walk down to the center of La Paz. You will take to the streets like a local during the 4-hours descent through local markets, hanging neighborhoods, and alleyways. To top it off, you will take a micro or local bus (think old school Bluebird school buses painted a rainbow of colors) to the heart of the markets area. Here, you’ll be able to shop around the famous Witch’s Market and handicraft stores.
After the tour, you'll have the rest of the day to rest or explore more of the city at night.
La Paz - Coroico
Day 3: Yungas Cloud Forest Mountain Bike
Ready for the World's Most Dangerous Road? Actually, it is much less dangerous than before as very few cars use it nowadays, making it a great destination for mountain biking.
Today we head out of La Paz en route to the Yungas Cloud Forest region. To get there, we climb to the highest point of our adventure La Cumbre (4300 masl) and begin the descent down the steep slopes of the eastern Andes, where the climate is humid and the mountainsides are covered in the cloud forest.
You will (very safely) descend from the cordillera on a mountain bike along the so-called "Death Road" that winds its way down toward the provincial capital Coroico. After having a typical "Yungeño" lunch we'll check in to our hotel in Coroico for a bit of free time dinner on your own. Ask about the best swimming pools!
Coroico - Tocaña - La Paz
Day 4: Experience the Tocaña Community
Today, a driver will transfer you to Tocaña, an Afro-Bolivian community where most of the residents are coca leaf farmers. The infamous coca leaf is one of the Yungas region's most important crops, and while it is known internationally as an ingredient of cocaine, the leaf has many other uses and is an integral part of Bolivian culture.
You'll meet with farmers and learn about local culture, music, foods, and nature. You will even be able to harvest a bit of coca leaf for yourselves! After lunch, we will return to your hotel in La Paz, and you'll have the evening free.
La Paz - Uyuni
Day 5: The Great Uyuni Salt Flats
It's an early start today as you head to El Alto Airport for a one hour flight to the town of Uyuni—the gateway to the Uyuni Salt Flats and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.
You'll be picked up from the airport, and the journey will begin with a short visit to the famous 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.
Uyuni - Siloli Desert
Day 6: Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve
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: Thermal Waters and Pass Through Dali Desert
After an early breakfast and optional dip in local thermal waters, 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 wash your clothes if you need to.
La Paz
Day 8: Free Day in La Paz
After a week of intense and exhilarating activity, you'll have a free day in La Paz. You can have the day to yourself or choose to participate—upon request—in one or two local programs, such as trekking to Tuni Condoriri mountain, or a visit to local museums and fair trade handicraft stores.
La Paz
Day 9: Departure
It's time to say goodbye since your last day in Bolivia has sadly arrived. Take one last morning to enjoy the beautiful city of La Paz. Stroll through the streets, eat some delicious last meals, and do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Soon, it will be time to pack your bags. Your friendly driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. It may be the end of your trip, but you'll have memories from your amazing vacation in Bolivia that will last you a lifetime.
After breakfast a driver will pick you up at your hotel. You'll be taken to the airport for your international flight.
