Experience Overview
Explore the best of Bolivia on this adventure through lively cities, breathtaking scenery and colourful market towns. From the extreme elevation of bustling La Paz through the history of Potosi and Sucre, and on to the surreal salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, there's a diverse mix of adventures and activities that deliver excitement, intrigue and pleasure. Discover the highlights of this fascinating part of South America and be swept away by the colour and beauty flourishing in this corner of the world.
Highlights
- See the many different sides to Bolivia in La Paz and let the city’s weird and wacky Witches Market cast a spell over you.
- Empty, haunting, and spectacular, the laws of earthly physics bend on the surreal Salar de Uyuni saltpan – experience it on a three-day 4WD adventure across the rocky Atacama Desert.
- Choose to explore the extra-terrestrial landscapes of Valle de la Luna, a maze of canyons and colossal clay spires that feels like the surface of the Moon.
- Discover the heart of Bolivia in the elegant architecture and immaculately landscaped gardens of historical Sucre.
- Delve into the steep streets and Spanish architecture of Potosi – once one of the richest cities in the world.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1928
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,4X4,Local bus,Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGSV
Starts: La Paz, Bolivia
Finishes: La Paz, Bolivia
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Dormitory (2 nts),Hotel (8 nts)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1848 (CAD 168 /day)
Itinerary
Kamisaki! At around 3600 metres, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world in La Paz. Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the centre of industry – the country’s brain. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. After a 6 pm welcome meeting maybe head out into the city, situated in the middle of a vast volcanic crater. Breathe the ‘thin’ air, marvel at the vistas of buildings clinging to the canyon sides, and explore the lively streets like Calle Jaen.
Included Activities:
- La Paz - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market' - Free
- La Paz City Tour & Moon Valley (40 USD)
- La Paz - Tiwanaku Archeological site (Shared service) (50 USD)
- La Paz - Coca Museum (20 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, leave La Paz behind and travel by private vehicle to Uyuni – the gateway to Bolivia’s acclaimed salt flats. You’ll head off around 8.30 am this morning and will arrive late in the afternoon, so be sure to have a book or some podcasts ready, a packed lunch, and some snacks on hand. Arriving in Uyuni feels a bit like you've reached the end of the road, which in many ways is true. This remote small town sits on the edge of the high altiplano – a wilderness that extends for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Once arrived, check in and relax into your hotel in Uyuni town. Although basic, your accommodation for tonight is clean and comfortable, and maybe the last time you’ll have a hot shower for a few days!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Uyuni is the starting point of your 4WD excursion into Salar de Uyuni and the Andean Desert. This morning you will stop by the Train Cemetery, three kilometres outside of Uyuni Town, connected to it by the old train tracks, and see where families of abandoned locomotives rust slowly in the sun. Continue on to the town of Colchani, which produces salt the old-fashioned way, before heading into the salt flats. Endless skies meet endless white plains, and it's a pretty hypnotic sight – don't forget to snap loads of photos! Stop by an intriguing salt hotel and drive to an island of cacti that rises like a jagged reef in the desert. Known as Isla Inca Wasi, or Fish Island, this fossil-strewn outcrop was once the top of an ancient volcano, and you’ll have the chance to go on an optional hike here. After a big day of driving, head south to a small village and your homestay-style accommodation. Settle in and enjoy an included dinner.
Included Activities:
- Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
Accommodation:
- Mixed Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, continue driving through the incredible landscapes of the Andean Desert, with another day deep in the wilderness. Pass by Chiguana Salt Lake, the still-active Ollague Volcano, and other small lakes of different colours – perhaps with a flamboyance of flamingos standing nearby! Continue on to the Siloli Desert, which is known for its mountain of seven colours, Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) rock formation, and some pretty epic vistas. You’ll also get the chance to venture into an Andean wildlife reserve (Reserva de Eduardo Avaroa) and hike around the Laguna Colorada (Red Lake), keeping an eye out for llamas, flamingos, vicunas, and foxes along the way. Once all the sightseeing is over for another day, retire to your accommodation in a local community (either Huayllajara or Polques) for a well-earned rest and included dinner.
Included Activities:
- Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave your lodge nice and early to try and catch the sunrise over the surrounding geysers. These bubbling fumaroles are especially active in the morning, thanks to the cold air. There may be an opportunity to stop at a local hot spring for a quick dip (optional), then to Laguna Verde to take some pictures of the water’s striking green hues. Afterward, pass through more barren desert landscapes, some of which are frequently compared to Salvador Dali’s paintings. Onwards to Laguna Verde, Valle de Rocas (Rock Valley), and the San Cristobal mining town. You’ll arrive back in Uyuni around 5 pm to spend the night at your leisure – after the last few days in the Bolivian wild, this could be the right time to find a comfy local restaurant for an optional dinner and drinks with your travel crew.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, say goodbye to Uyuni, and catch a local bus for about 4 hours along the scenic route to Potosi, where you’ll arrive in the early afternoon. Potosi has had a turbulent past, centred mostly around its mining successes and failures. Once the predominant supplier of silver to colonial-era Spain, Potosi briefly celebrated life as one of the richest cities in the world. Explore the architectural remnants of this period of industry on a leader-led orientation walk, then the afternoon and evening are yours. Perhaps visit the Santa Teresa Convent Museum to observe the art and treasures on display inside the convent’s original walls or the National Mint Museum.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After a lazy morning to explore Potosi, take a local bus early in the afternoon and arrive in Sucre after approximately 4 hours, disembarking in the temperate valley city. Bolivia's official capital, Sucre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and has retained the flavour of its colonial heritage in its churches, museums, and ancient mansions. Most of the town's colonial buildings have been whitewashed, earning it the nickname the 'White City'. On arrival, you'll have some free time to get your bearings of the city before you go for an optional dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Potosi - National Mint of Bolivia (60 BOB)
- Potosi - Santa Teresa Convent Museum (33 BOB)
- Potosi - Cerro Rico mine tour (150 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a few days to explore Bolivia’s capital. After an orientation walk, compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko, where 68 million-year-old footprints have been discovered. This is the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world, over 12,000 of them! Then, you might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta, a 400-year-old convent on top of the hill that provides great views over the city and is home to a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings. Or maybe head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to rub shoulders with Sucre's affluent residents and investigate the extravagant interior of the Senora de la Merced.
Included Activities:
- Sucre - Dinosaur Footprints
- Sucre - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Sucre - Church of San Felipe Neri (17 BOB)
- Sucre - Casa de la Libertad (28 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, set out for an included hike along the ancient Pre-Incan path known as the Chataquila trek. The trek is relatively easy being that it is mostly downhill. On the way down enjoy the stunning views of the Andes and the valleys. In the afternoon,you will have time to further explore. Most of today and tomorrow are free to take up some additional optional activities in and around town, so it’s up to you what you’d like to do and see! Bolivian dance show, or textile museum, anyone?
Included Activities:
- Sucre - Chataquila Pre-Inca trek
Optional Activities:
- Sucre - Museum of Textiles (35 BOB)
- Sucre - Bolivian Dance Show (150 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, depending on flight time and availability, you’ll fly to La Paz in the morning or afternoon (approx 40 min).
Optional Activities:
- La Paz - Coca Museum (20 BOB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is the final day of your tour and there are no activities planned, so you are free to leave at any time. With so much to see and do, you might want to spend an extra day or two checking out the city. We’ll be happy to organize additional accommodation for you (subject to availability) and transfer to the airport.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Andrea - Traveled, December 2023
Loved experiencing and learning about Bolovia from intrepid! Saw places that would be much more difficult to do independently. Wendy was an excellent tour leader. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
Christine - Traveled, November 2023
Wow! Book a trip to Bolivia and you’ll be amazed by the sights in the cities, desert, salt flats and everything in between. Our guide, Henry, was so welcoming and shared so much about his country. The long days driving were worth the views we encountered once we arrived. If you get a chance, book the cooking experience in Sucre. You’ll get to help prepare and taste authentic local food and cocktails.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Mia - Traveled, November 2023
This trip will take you through unbelievable beautiful landscapes that feel surreal and out of this world! It's a great mixture between visiting cities and being in nature and Bolivia has so much to offer! Henrry was an overall amazing and knowledgeable guide during this trip! Make sure to book the mountain biking in Sucre with him, it's well worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2024
Helen - Traveled, November 2023
An excellent trip exploring beautiful and wild Bolivia. Thanks to our brilliant guide Marisol for taking great care of us all on our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Beverly - Traveled, September 2023
The Bolivian Highlights trip with Marisol was a delightful and Intrepid look at some of Bolivias best spots. Bolivia is more than the incredible salt flats, which are out of this world!! This trip takes t you to the fartherest reached of thus countries to areas so remote you feel you are alone on the top of the world!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Michael - Traveled, September 2023
The South American Intrepid Trip provided me the opportunity to see more of Peru and Bolivia than if I personally organised a trip Having a Tour Leader who was knowledgeable of the local area guaranteed the trip was enjoyable and eliminated any stress All the organisation of accommodation, transport and excursions were taken care of by the Tour Leader and eliminated any worries I would recommend travelling on an Intrepid tour when planning your next adventure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Jessica - Traveled, September 2023
Bolivia was fascinating, beautiful wild places and so much more. Henri our guide was awesome, so interesting, funny, caring and helped us learn and experience so much everyday, including delicious food! Had a lot of fun with the group too, recommend 100%
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Jason - Traveled, September 2023
Bolivia is beautiful and the people very friendly and hard working. If you go, make sure to have Henrry as your Intrepid guide. He is unmatched in knowledge, enthusiasm, and as a friend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Gil - Traveled, August 2023
Our guide Marisol was awesome and the itinerary helped us make the most of our time of Bolivia. 100% would recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Sharif - Traveled, July 2023
Excellent tour. Wonderful experience. You will be surprised Bolivia has so much to offer. The tour leader is excellent and very well managed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2023
Mark - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip to not only see some wonderful parts of Bolivia, but get to understand the culture of the Country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Carmel - Traveled, March 2024
The Bolivia highlights interpid trip was amazing! The sights we saw, including the salt flats and tge desert were out of this world! Our tour leader Marisol was very supportive and I would recommend the trip highly. Thank you for showcasing your beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, January 2024
Travelling to Bolivia was an absolute highlight for us. Its a land relatively untouched by tourism, with a deep culture, amazing people, wildlife and scenery. Our trip was very professionally run (by the lovely Marisol). Its not a trip for the feint-hearted, with rocky roads, and dry deserts, but it will be an adventure you won't forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Daniel - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent trip. Bolivia may not have the biggest reputation as a travel destination but it is very much worth the visit. Plenty to do and see, it's a great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2024
Matthew - Traveled, January 2024
An adventure into the desert with the reward of beautiful Sucre at the end. Transport and accommodation very basic and perhaps a tad uncomfortable in the desert. Food also basic. For this you get awe inspiring landscapes and a bit of wildlife. We had an excellent guide. Overall I would recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Roxane - Traveled, January 2024
I highly recommend this trip, Bolivia is an unknown gem. Our guide Marisol was very organized, everything went smoothly. I enjoyed the time with our group (diverse people but all world travelers). 5 stars.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Gabriel - Traveled, January 2024
Adventurous trip. The perfect blend of city/culture and landscapes/adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Lisa - Traveled, December 2024
This tour is the perfect way to experience Bolivia and really understand the culture and history of the nation. Julia is a fantastic guide and made travelling feel so easy. I would highly recommend booking this alongside a few additional days in Bolivia
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Lesley - Traveled, December 2023
Great trip. Wonderful guide who made sure we each got the experience we wanted
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
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