An Epic Expedition in Bolivia for the Adventurist

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Advisor - Mandy Joubert Pires
Curated By

Mandy Joubert Pires

  • Bolivia

  • Adventure Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A picture of a gray sand surface during the daytime.
Curator’s statement

Ancient civilizations meet breathtaking terrain in the diverse landscapes of Bolivia. A South American country where the Andes Mountains tower majestically over vast salt flats, lush rainforests and indigenous cultural centers. Explore the otherworldly beauty of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Enrich in the cultural tapestry of Bolivia’s indigenous communities, or trek among the wildlife of the Amazon rainforest. Explore the ruins of Tiwanaku, or the vibrant city of Cochabamba. From Lake Titicaca to La Paz, this incredible country has enchanting adventure at every turn.

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Day 1: La Paz

An aerial view of the city during the daytime.

Start your journey by flying into the capital city of La Paz. Situated at 11,975 feet above sea level, it reigns as the highest capital city in the world. While you acclimate to the altitude, be sure to indulge in the hip restaurant scene and the many artisanal markets. There is plenty to explore within La Paz itself, but it also makes for a perfect jumping-off point for various day trips!

After dropping your bags at your hotel, you can take a stroll down Calle Sagarnaga, a popular street to shop for authentic Bolivian handicrafts. Be sure to browse El Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market), a collection of stores specializing in medicinal rituals from the local Bolivian witch healers. The most notorious available product you’ll see on display is the dried llama fetuses!

One of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city is with a walking tour, and Red Cap is one of the highest rated tour companies in South America! Led by knowledgeable locals, you can join in for a guided city stroll, foodie tour, or pub crawl.

Grab a bite at Popular Cocina Bolivia (don’t skip the estofado de paiche!!) and then hop on one of the Mi Teleferico cable cars, to travel up to one of the many vistas to catch the sunset overlooking the entire city. Take the Linea Naranja (Orange Line) to get to Mirador Killi Killi for a fantastic 360-degree view of La Paz.

For some knock-out entertainment, you cannot miss seeing the Cholita’s Wrestling Show!

Day 2: Bike Death Road

An aerial view of a cliffside road during the daytime.

This excursion is for the thrill-seekers! Travel 40 miles downhill via mountain bike on the World’s Most Dangerous Road from a peak of over 11,800 feet. Your journey begins above the clouds and cruises past breath-taking Amazonian Mountain ranges. Gravity Bolivia offers an incredible tour that even ends with a visit to see the monkeys at La Senda Verde Animal Refuge!

Day 3: Fly or catch an overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni

An aerial view of a Salt flat with people in vehicles in the middle of the salt flat.

The mystical Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, spanning over 4000 sq miles and made up of over 10 billion tons of salt. The endless stretch of landscape creates surreal optical illusions making for some epic photo ops. You can experience this phenomenal natural wonder via a one to three-day 4x4 Jeep excursion.


Day 4-6: 4x4 Jeep Tour

An aerial view of the green mountains during the daytime.

If you opt for the multi-day Jeep tour, you will be guided through the Southwest portion of Bolivia. Following the Salt Flats, you'll stand atop Isla Incahuasi (Fish Island) among thousands of improbable cacti. Hike the Chiguana Desert, frolick with the flamingos at the Red Lagoon, and enjoy a dip in the hot springs of Sol de Manana Geyser. This is the ultimate way to experience the diverse and majestic landscapes that encapsulate Bolivia.

Once back in Uyuni, you can catch an overnight bus or flight back to La Paz.

Day 7: Lake Titicaca Day Trip

An aerial view of the lake during sunset.

From La Paz, travel through the Andean landscapes by rental, hired car, or bus to the shores of Lake Titicaca. Arrive in the lakeside town of Copacabana and enjoy the majestic sights as you stroll the promenade or kayak along the coast.
Sail across the picturesque waters to Isla de Sol. Here you won't find any motorized vehicles, and all transportation is by foot or by donkey. Surrounded by the beauty of the Lake you can immerse in the Andean cultural heritage and interact with the local communities. Explore the prehistoric Inca ruins and archaeological sites. It’s possible to even spend a night at one of the island’s boutique hotels!

Day Trips:

Some additional locations in Bolivia to explore include:

  1. Sucre: Deemed by some as the most beautiful city in Bolivia, the whitewashed architecture makes for a charming backdrop for the central highlands.

  2. Potosí: Tour the Cerro Rico mines and visit the Casa Nacional de la Moneda (National Mint), to learn about how this city was once the major supplier of silver for the Spanish Empire.

  3. Santa Cruz: Check out this Eastern Bolivian city bordering the Amazon Rainforest. Spot jaguars along a safari in Noel Kempff Mercardo National Park, and hike the dramatic cliffside at Amboro National Park. View the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Fuerte to discover the ancient pre-Columbian ruins. This city gives a more "contemporary" feel but is still packed with Bolivian culture.

Advisor - Mandy Joubert Pires

Travel Advisor

Mandy Joubert Pires

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Bolivia.