Classic Bolivia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
One of South America’s best kept secrets, Bolivia is a land of quite breathtaking diversity. Boasting a wealth of natural and cultural highlights, it encompasses ancient ruins and beautiful colonial cities; vast, barren salt flats; and the highest navigable lake in the world.
This fantastic introduction to the country begins amongst the highlands of La Paz, home to the planet’s highest capital. After a chance to visit the Witch Doctor’s Market and explore the ruins of ...
One of South America’s best kept secrets, Bolivia is a land of quite breathtaking diversity. Boasting a wealth of natural and cultural highlights, it encompasses ancient ruins and beautiful colonial cities; vast, barren salt flats; and the highest navigable lake in the world.
This fantastic introduction to the country begins amongst the highlands of La Paz, home to the planet’s highest capital. After a chance to visit the Witch Doctor’s Market and explore the ruins of Tiwanaku, you’ll then drive up to the shores of Lake Titicaca, for a stay on Isla del Sol. Returning to La Paz, you then fly on to Sucre, a UNESCO World Heritage site also considered one of Bolivia’s most beautiful cities.
A visit to the silver mines at Potosí, another World Heritage Site, is then a prelude for an unforgettable couple of days driving across the stark and surreal landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni and its blindingly white salt flats before returning to the Bolivian capital.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the indigenous markets in La Paz
- Enjoy the views over Lake Titicaca from the Sun Island
- Wander the streets of UNESCO protected Sucre
- Discover the silver mines at Potosí
- Navigate the blindingly white salt flats at Salar de Uyuni
- Tour the UNESCO ruins of Tiwanaku, one of the oldest in the Americas
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE LA PAZ
Day 1 ARRIVE LA PAZ
On arrival to La Paz you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel to settle in and have some time to relax and acclimatise after your long journey.
Day 2 LA PAZ
Day 2 LA PAZ
Enjoy a free leisurely morning in La Paz before being taken on a half day guided tour of the city later in the afternoon to visit its indigenous, colonial and modern areas; the Indian Market; Witch Doctor's Market; and some of the city’s best panoramic viewpoints. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos of the magnificent vistas across the surrounding mountainside and your guide will give you a historical context to the city. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 3 LA PAZ
Day 3 LA PAZ
Today is free to either enjoy the city independently or partake in an optional excursion. Outside of the city are the magnificent ruins of some of the oldest American civilisations such as the "Pyramid of Akapana" and the "Puma Punku" ruins, which truly captivate the imagination. Alternatively, the Yungas Valley can be reached in just a couple of hours; the drive crosses a mountain pass of over 4,500m and a glacial line before winding down into the Amazon jungle to the town of Coroico. The town of Coroico and the Yungas Valley have a unique blend of cultures and are a far cry from the dizzy heights of La Paz.
Day 4 LA PAZ - TIWANAKU RUINS - HUATAJATA
Day 4 LA PAZ - TIWANAKU RUINS - HUATAJATA
Leave the world's highest capital city behind and head to the world's highest navigable lake. Firstly, you will travel 70km from the city to the important archaeological site of Tiwanaku, which is over 1,000 years old. Here you can explore the Sun Gate, the Temple of Kalasaya, and the impressive Pyramid of Akapana, which spans over 200 square metres. After lunch, drive along the Royal Andean mountain range to the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through tiny Andean villages, flanked by snow-capped peaks rising to 6,000m. Arrive into Huatajata and visit the Andean Roots Eco Village and the Altiplano Museum with its handicrafts village, mud igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas.
Day 5 HUATAJATA - ISLA DEL SOL
Day 5 HUATAJATA - ISLA DEL SOL
Board the hydrofoil to Copacabana this morning to visit the Shrine of the Dark Virgin before continuing on to Sun Island, stopping en route at Moon Island. After arriving at Sun Island, visit the Pilcocaina Sun Temple. Enjoy a llama trek to the hotel and lunch upon arrival. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the island.
Day 6 ISLA DE SOL - HUATAJATA
Day 6 ISLA DE SOL - HUATAJATA
After breakfast, take a scenic trek to the Mirador to have a last look at this amazing site. Lunch at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant will be followed by a visit to the small handicraft market before a hydrofoil transfer back to Huatajata.
Day 7 HUATAJATA - LA PAZ
Day 7 HUATAJATA - LA PAZ
After breakfast, sail to the island of Parati where an important archaeological cache of ceramic artefacts were recently discovered in the middle of the town's football pitch! Cruising on, you will disembark on Kalauta Island, taking a gentle two hour walk through its local villages, visiting the ancient necropolis and funerary towers to reach the Urus-Iruitos floating islands. The islands are unique to Lake Titicaca and you will have the opportunity to visit a community project set up to help the Uruitos people sustain their traditional way of life. There will also be a stop for a local Aptapi lunch, before heading back to La Paz.
Day 8 LA PAZ - SUCRE
Day 8 LA PAZ - SUCRE
Transfer to La Paz airport in El Alto this morning to catch your flight to Sucre, considered Bolivia's most attractive city and a UNESCO world monument. On arrival, your local guide will be waiting to take to your accommodation to check in before your guided city tour to see the city’s various sites, including the Recoleta and San Francisco churches, the House of Liberty where Simon Bolivar secured the independence of Bolivia, and the Indian textile museum. Return to your hotel at the end of the day.
Day 9 SUCRE – TARABUCO - JATUN YAPARA - SUCRE
Day 9 SUCRE – TARABUCO - JATUN YAPARA - SUCRE
Leave Sucre city today and head to the sprawling Tarabuco market which takes place every Sunday. Here, there will be the chance to see an amazing array of textiles, weavings, clothing and medicinal paraphernalia. The market is a lively affair, and it offers a great insight into Bolivian culture and a chance to meet local people. Next, visit the Jatum Yampara cultural centre, 23km from Sucre, set up to preserve the Yampara culture. The indigenous community is known for its artisanal textiles and ceramics and you may have a chance to try a handicraft yourself. See the traditional homes and the small museum to really complete your understanding of the ancient cultures of the region.
Day 10 SUCRE - POTOSÍ
Day 10 SUCRE - POTOSÍ
After being collected from the hotel, begin the overland journey to Potosí. Upon arrival, visit the silver mines that the city is famous for. The tour starts by visiting the miners’ market to buy gifts for the miners you will meet during the tour; from here, visit the museum and shrine to the god of the underworld before descending into the entrance to the mine know as Boca Mina. Leaving the mines behind, there will be an afternoon visit to Santa Teresa Museum before being dropped off at Hacienda Cayara for your overnight stay. La Hacienda Cayara is the home of a former Commendation of Don Juan de Pendones, dating back to 1557, and staying here transports you back in time. The hotel also has a museum outlining its history which is always an enjoyable visit.
Day 11 POTOSÍ
Day 11 POTOSÍ
This morning, take a half day city tour Potosí, declared a "World Heritage Site", with your guide. Visit the main sights including the mint museum, La Casa de la Moneda, and finish with a walk around the old town to the main square.
Day 12 POTOSÍ - UYUNI
Day 12 POTOSÍ - UYUNI
Your driver will pick you up after breakfast this morning to begin the transfer to the world-famous Salt Flats at Uyuni, a journey of approximately five hours. Situated in south western Bolivia, the town of Uyuni is on the edge of one of the most arresting sites on the planet, over 10,000 square kilometres of blindingly white salt.
Day 13 UYUNI
Day 13 UYUNI
Early this morning, you will have the chance to watch the sun rise over the surreal landscape of the salt desert before heading out onto the vast, impressive Salar de Uyuni. The journey takes you to the local salt factory and Incawasi Island; then enjoy a picnic lunch en route before visiting the base of the Tunupa Volcano where you'll find the Coquesa mummies. Return to your salt hotel.
Day 14 UYUNI - LA PAZ
Day 14 UYUNI - LA PAZ
Traverse the endless salt flats early this morning to reach the airport in time for your local flight to La Paz. Reception at the airport and a transfer to your hotel for your final evening in Bolivia.
Day 15 DEPART LA PAZ
Day 15 DEPART LA PAZ
Depending on your departure time today, you may have some free time before you are collected from your hotel and taken back to the capital’s airport for your onward flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Luna Salada Hotel, Uyuni Salt Flats
Located on an elevated piece of land on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Luna Salada is a fantastic hotel built almost entirely of salt with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The hotel has 23 original rooms constructed from salt and 7 which are new additions. The hotel's 23 original rooms are entirely built of salt and the beds have comfortable mattresses with plenty of thick duvet to keep you warm when the cold nights set in. The majority of the rooms have views across the Salar de Uyuni and there are comfortable seating areas throughout the hotel for guests to relax and enjoy the views, as well as a games room. The restaurant boasts the same views across to the flats. This is by far the best salt hotel in the area in terms of comfort and service so well worth a stay for at least a night for a truly unique experience.
Inca Utama Hotel And Spa, Lake Titicaca
The Inca Utama Hotel and Spa is located on the edge of Lake Titicaca in Huatajata and is a good place to start your exploration of the Lake on the Bolivian side. There are 64 rooms and suites, the suites are larger with a separate living area and have direct views to the lake, and the standard rooms are a comfortable size and they all have clean modern furnishings. The hotel has a restaurant in the main building, a spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and massage rooms and there is a bar on the second floor with views across the lake. There are also 4 small museums in the vicinity, including the Altiplano museum and the native observatory 'Alajpacha' which provide a fantastic introduction to the area and its history.
Posada Del Inca Lodge, Isla del Sol
Posada del Inca is a lovely 21 roomed traditional hotel on Sun Island, offering guests a peaceful and comfortable place to stay with fantastic views across Lake Titicaca. All of the rooms are basic but have electric blankets and hot water 24 hours a day. The rooms are spread out through the gardens and there is a central garden area where guests can relax in the sun when not out exploring the island. There is a small restaurant at the hotel. While this is still a basic hotel in terms of facilities, it is the best option on the island and a real haven. It is worth bearing in mind that to get to the hotel from the main harbour you do need to climb the Inca steps, which are quite tiring, especially at altitude.
Rosario Hotel, La Paz
Hotel Rosario is a colonial style hotel in the central La Paz with traditional décor and furnishings and a personalised service to match its charm. There are 41 rooms, all of which have been recently refurbished with king beds or two queen beds. The majority of the rooms look onto a central courtyard with a small fountain, and each has en suite bathroom with shower. The rooms facing the street have double glazing to keep the noise out. There is a small boutique shop in the lobby area and a box where donations can be taken for one of the local orphanages. The Tambo Colonial restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
El Hostal De Su Merced, Sucre
One could go as far as to say this is one of the best small hotels in Bolivia. The hotel is housed in a magnificent converted mansion from the 18th century. It is not luxurious but is charming and characterful. All the rooms are unique with thick white adobe walls and antique furniture. The beautiful rooftop terrace has awesome views of the Cathedral and is a lovely place to lounge in the sun.
Hotel Museum Cayara, Potosi
Considered the oldest Hacienda in Bolivia, this property has now been converted into a beautiful hotel. The Hacienda Cayara, whose original title dates from 1557, provides a perfectly peaceful setting from which to travel back in time. The Hostel Museo Cayara also forms part of the hacienda and is located 30 minutes outside the historical city of Potosí. Clean, spacious and cosy rooms make staying in this working hacienda and living museum a special experience. Great food, a slower pace and welcoming staff make this a great option for travellers who are not in a hurry to see it all.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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WILD MILES
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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