Arrive in Santa Cruz, where you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring the city. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Essential Bolivia
Bolivia
9 Days
Moderate/Medium
12 to 65 years old
This 9-day Bolivian adventure takes you to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring destinations. Start in the bustling city of Santa Cruz, explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Uyuni Salt Flats and venture through desert lagoons and geysers. Continue to La Paz and visit the Sun Island of Lake Titicaca before exploring the ancient pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanaku. This tour combines Bolivia’s rich cultural history with its extraordinary natural beauty for an unforgettable experience.
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Highlights
- Uyuni Salt Flats: Explore the world’s largest salt flat, with its surreal landscapes, salt processing villages, and the giant cacti of Incahuasi Island.
- Sun Island (Lake Titicaca): Discover the mystical Incan relics and breathtaking views from the Sacred Fountain and Yumani Stairway.
- Tiwanaku Archaeological Site: Walk through the ruins of one of the most important pre-Incan civilizations, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Includes
- Transfer IN & OUT: Santa Cruz, Uyuni & Desert & La Paz
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary:
- City Tour Santa Cruz – Private
- 3 days – 2 night Tour Uyuni Salt Flat with Desert and Color Lagoons +
- Lunch + Sunset Tour (Full Day) – Private
- Tour Copacabana + Sun Island + Lunch (Full Day) – Share in bus
- Tiwanaku Temple (half day) – Private
- 02 nights in Santa Cruz + breakfast
- 02 nights in Uyuni + breakfast
- 01 night in the Desert + breakfast + Dinner
- 03 nights in La Paz + breakfast
- Meals according the itinerary
- Entrances fee according the itinerary
Not Included
- International Air Tickets
- Domestic Air Tickets
- Meals non mentioned
- Tips
- Others non mentioned
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Santa Cruz
Day 2 : Exploring Santa Cruz
After breakfast, begin a tour of Santa Cruz, one of Bolivia’s fastest-growing cities. Walk through its charming avenues and historic squares, and visit a museum of your choice (Regional History Museum, Sacred Art, or House of Culture). Enjoy a traditional coffee with local pastries before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is free for personal activities. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Breakfast
Day 3 : Santa Cruz To Uyuni Salt Flats
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Uyuni. Start your exploration of the Uyuni Salt Flats, beginning in Colchani where you’ll see the salt processing methods. Visit the Salt Mounds, Eyes of Water, and the Salt Museum. Head to Incahuasi Island, a cactus-covered island offering panoramic views of the salt flats. After lunch, witness a stunning sunset over the salt flats. Return to Colchani for an overnight stay in a salt hotel.
Breakfast
Day 4 : Uyuni To The Desert
After breakfast, begin your desert journey with a visit to the Train Cemetery, where old steam locomotives rest. Continue to the San Cristobal Village and Ollague Volcano viewpoint. Explore the colorful high-altitude lagoons including Cañapa, Hedionda, Honda, Charcota, and Ramaditas Lagoons. Overnight in the Siloli Desert with dinner included.
Breakfast / Dinner
Day 5 : Siloli Desert And Red Lagoon
Start the day with a visit to the surreal Stone Tree formation and the famous Red Lagoon, home to flamingos and red-hued waters. Continue to the bubbling Geysers and enjoy a soak in the Polques Hot Springs. After lunch, visit the Green Lagoon, with its brilliant emerald color, and view the Licancabur Volcano. Return to Uyuni for an overnight stay in a salt hotel.
Breakfast
Day 6 : Uyuni To La Paz
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to La Paz. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in La Paz.
Breakfast
Day : La Paz To Copacabana And Sun Island
Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the bus station for your journey to Copacabana. Cross the Tiquina Strait by motorboat and, upon arrival in Copacabana, transfer by boat to Sun Island. Visit the Pilcokaina Palace and enjoy a traditional Apthapi lunch. Take a scenic walk to the Yumani Community, where you’ll visit the Inca Garden, Sacred Fountain of Incas, and Yumani Stairway. Return to Copacabana to visit the Catholic Church and Local Market before heading back to La Paz. Overnight in La Paz.
Breakfast
Day 8 : Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex
After breakfast, embark on a tour of the Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex, a pre-Inca city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Akapana Pyramid, Kalasasaya Temple, Semi-Subterranean Temple, Sun Gate, and Puma Punku Complex. Learn about the ancient civilization that once thrived here before returning to La Paz. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in La Paz.
Breakfast
Day 9 : Departure From La Paz
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your international flight, concluding your Bolivian adventure.
Breakfast
Travel Tips
- Altitude: Santa Cruz is at a lower altitude, but Uyuni, La Paz, and Lake Titicaca are high-altitude areas. Allow your body to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities in the first few days.
- Weather: Bring warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly at night, especially in Uyuni and the desert.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun’s intensity is high in the salt flats and at high altitudes.
Weather Preparedness
- Santa Cruz: Warm and tropical with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C).
- Uyuni & Desert: Cold, especially at night, with daytime temperatures around 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C).
- La Paz & Lake Titicaca: Cool with temperatures between 40°F to 65°F (4°C to 18°C). Bring layers for warmth, especially for evenings.
Fitness Requirements
Moderate fitness is required, especially for walking at high altitudes in La Paz, Uyuni, and Sun Island. Walking at altitudes above 3,600 meters can be challenging, so rest when necessary.
Accommodation
- Santa Cruz: Arenal – 4 stars
- La Paz: La Casona Boutique – 4 stars
- Uyuni: Palacio de Sal – 4 starts
- Desierto: Tayka del Desierto – 3 stars
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From
USD 2100,00
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FAQs
How should I prepare for the high altitude in Uyuni and La Paz?
Altitude sickness can affect travelers. Take it easy on your first days at high altitude, drink plenty of water, and consider drinking coca tea, which is widely available and can help alleviate symptoms.
What is an Apthapi meal?
Apthapi is a traditional communal meal in Bolivia, consisting of locally sourced ingredients like potatoes, beans, corn, and eggs. It’s often served outdoors during special gatherings.
Can I visit the Uyuni Salt Flats year-round?
Yes, but the experience changes with the seasons. During the dry season (May to November), the salt flats are vast and white, while the rainy season (December to April) creates a stunning mirror effect when the flats are covered with a thin layer of water. Both seasons offer unique experiences.