Round trip Bolivia
16D/15N REFERENCE PROGRAM Round trip Bolivia
This round trip Bolivia program is designed for travelers who wish to explore some of the highlights of the different geographic zones of Bolivia from the Amazone basin to the valleys and Andean mountains. If you have the time, we suggest to start the trip in Santa Cruz (Amazon basin) and to gradually continue towards higher places in order to get used to the altitude.
Further down this page you will find other shorter reference programs for round trips in Bolivia.
We offer tailor made trips throughout Bolivia, we will work one-on-one with you to custom-design a Bolivia tour that suits your particular interests and needs. If you have any questions or special requests please contact us to start the beginning plans for your next trip.
Day 1
Arrival in Santa Cruz. We will pick you up from the airport. Hotel in Santa Cruz.
Day 2-3
2D/1N Jesuit Missions tour.
The Chiquitania is the name of the place where Jesuit reductions were settled in the actual territory of Bolivia during the second half of the XVII century (from 1691 until 1760). They remain in time as an extraordinary legacy because they are the only Jesuit missions in South America which were not destroyed after the Jesuits were expulsed from the Spanish colonies. They are not ruins but villages full of life, with people who still go to mass in the same majestic churches or to enjoy the same baroque music concerts, in the same way their ancestors used to do when the Jesuit ruled these missions three centuries ago. (See reference program: Jesuit Missions, Chiquitos, Bolivia).
At the end of the tour overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Day 4
Transfer hotel – airport. Flight to Sucre. In Sucre you will be picked up from the airport and driven to your hotel.
Take notice that Sucre is located 2800 meters above sea level. To prevent altitude sickness we recommend drinking lots of water, eat light meals only and no alcohol.
Half Day city tour Sucre. Today we will visit the church, convent and will enjoy the beautiful view of the city from ¨La Recoleta¨. We will also visit the Indigenous Art Museum (ASUR) where you can see the textiles of two different cultures: Tarabuco and Jalq’a. Afterwards a visit to the „Casa de la Libertad“ and the main square of Sucre. Hotel in Sucre.
Day 5
In the morning, free time in Sucre so you can explore the city on your own.
At 14:00 you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Potosí. This drive takes approx. 3 hours. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. Take notice that Potosí is located 4000 meters above sea level!
Hotel in Potosí.
Day 6
Half Day city tour Potosí. The city of Potosí (the highest city in the world) is characterized by typical colonial period buildings, churches, monasteries and towers. We will begin the tour by taking a walk and visit the oldest part of the city, the main Square, the Cathedral. Then we will visit the most important Museum in Potosí The House of Coin (Casa de la Moneda). This visit takes approx. 2 hours. In this museum visitors will get to know the story of the exploitation of the silver and also they will be able to see the machines that were used for the minting of coins during the colonial period. It is very interesting and worthwhile a visit.
At 13:00 you will be picked from the hotel and driven to Uyuni. This drive takes approx. 4 hours. Hotel in Uyuni.
Day 7-9
3D/2N Uyuni salt flats tour.
The beautiful Salar de Uyuni is with its 10.582 square km (4.085 square miles) the world’s largest salt flat. It is located in the Department of Potosi in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes, at 3.650 meters above sea level.
Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorada and the hot springs can also be visited during the Uyuni salt lake tour when entering the National Reserve Eduardo Avaroa. Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) is a beautiful green colored salt lake close to the Chilean border at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. Its color is caused by sediments, containing copper minerals. It is located approx. 4.300 meters (14.000 ft) above sea level. Laguna Colorada is a red colored salt lake, also because of the presence of minerals. In these lagoons live flamingo’s! They create a very unique scene of spectacular beauty! (See reference program: Uyuni salt flats).
At the end of the tour overnight stay in Uyuni.
Day 10
Early morning flight Uyuni-La Paz-Rurrenabaque. Overnight stay in Rurrenabaque. Due to weather conditions the flights to Rurrenabaque might be delayed, this is why we recommend to get to Rurrenbaque one day before the start of your tour to Madidi National Park.
Day 11-13
3D/2N Madidi National Park tour at Chalalan Ecolodge. The Madidi National Park is characterized by its exceptional wealth of biological riches and variety of ecosystems.
The Madidi National Park is composed of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, high Andean lagoons, deep valleys and canyons, cliffs, torrid rivers and waterfalls – all in an area about the size of New Jersey, all adding up to make up some of the most stunning scenery you will ever see. (See reference program: Madidi National Park, Chalalan ecolodge)
Flight Rurrenabaque-La Paz. Transfer to hotel.
Day 14
Half Day city tour La Paz. Pick up from your hotel to visit the famous Witches Market, the colonial Church of San Francisco and crafts shops on Sagarnaga Street. The tour continues to the Murillo Square, where the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace and Parliament buildings are located. Then visit the famous Jaen Street a colonial neighborhood, where the most interesting museums in the city are clustered together, from there we will go to the replica of the Semi-subterranean temple of Tiwanaku Culture. A change of scenery, the tour continues to the residential areas of Obrajes, Calacoto and Florida. The tour ends with a visit to the spectacular Valley of the Moon.
Hotel in La Paz.
Day 15
Full Day Titicaca catamaran trip. Early land transfer to Copacabana’s Sanctuary, after breakfast we board the Catamaran Cruise Ship and we sail to the Sun Island, birthplace of the Inca Empire. On this legendary island we will visit the Garden, Stairs and Fountain of the Inca, then the itinerary includes a visit to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, the largest private tourist attraction of Bolivia, including the underground museum of Ekako, the traditional medicine and the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders display centers, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft center, the Intica’s lounge and at the Manco Capac lookout point we will see the the largest Andean camelids. Also, the Inti Wata Complex of Sun Island includes a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titicaca traditional vessel for a panoramic view of the Pilkokaina Inca Palace.
Afterwards board the Catamaran Cruise Ship to Chúa Harbor while enjoying a buffet lunch. Land transfer to La Paz.
Day 16
Transfer hotel-airport. We hope you enjoyed your round trip through Bolivia with us.
– End of our services –
The above described Bolivia round trip itinerary is only an example. You can also include other trips from our selection of tours in Bolivia. We can customize your trip in Bolivia according to your plans. Contact us for more information.
BOLIVIA ROUND TRIPS REFERENCE PROGRAMS
7 DAYS REFERENCE PROGRAM La Paz – Uyuni – Tiwanaku – La Paz
Day 1: Arrival in La Paz, Airport pick up
Welcome to La Paz, the highest (administrative) capital of the world! Upon arrival we will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your hotel. No more activities scheduled for today. Please note that La Paz is located at 3600 meters above sea level. When arriving from sea level we recommend no activities this day. Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 2: City tour La Paz
After a good night rest you will visit the city of La Paz today. You will visit Basilica de San Francisco, Plaza Murillo, Witches market and the Museo de Metales Preciosos. This museum is located in the former home of Bolivian revolutionist located in calle Jaén. The museum contains an impressive collection of Pre-Colombian precious metals. Afterwards, we will move on to Valle de la Luna and Valle de las Animas where you observe moon-like landscapes. Later, the guide will accompany you to ascend the Mirador Killi Killi by cable car, where you can have a bird’s eye view of La Paz.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide, box lunch and entrance fees.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 3: Fly to Uyuni, Salt Flats tour
Early morning we will pick you up from the hotel and drive you the airport. From La Paz airport you will fly to the village of Uyuni. Upon arrival in Uyuni we will pick you from the airport and your 3 days / 2 nights Salar de Uyuni trip starts. The exact program depend on the wheather and road conditions, please note that you will be travelling in a remote part of the world! On the first day you will visit the train cemetery, with its rusty trains. Afterwards we will visit the village of Colchani with the ‘salt factory’, the salt museum and of course the Salar itself. The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat and every photographer’s dream. During the dry season you will also visit Isla Incahuasi with its many cactuses. From Isla Incahuasi you can enjoy an amazing 360º view of the Salar You will spend the night in a salt hotel.
A stargazing tour is optional upon request.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide upon request, lunch, dinner and entrance fees.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation (salt hotel).
Day 4: Visit Reserva Eduardo Avaroa
Today you will cross the Uyuni salt flats and if possible visit Isla Pescado. In the afternoon you will continue towards the smaller lagoons (Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda and Ramaditas). At these lagoons you will be able to spot the three different species of flamingos and other birds such as Andean seagulls and wild ducks. These birds live close to the lagoons, surrounded by volcanoes with their eternal snow tops mixed with landscapes full of green and other magic colors due the the presence of borax and sulphur.
After you pass the last lagoon, you will enter a huge desert area with no roads. These fantastic deserts gather many different colors from brown, red, orange, brass and beige which are successively shown at every curve of the trip. You will spend the night in the Tayka Desert Hotel (4.523 meters above sea level), with private bathroom, hot water and heating.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide upon request, breakfast, lunch, dinner and entrance fees.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation (tayka desert hotel or similar).
Day 5: Enjoy amazing Salvador Dali Desert tour
You will get up very early in the morning and drive to the geysers of Sol de Mañana. You will arrive to the Geysers of Sol de Mañana during the most active moment of the day and with the first ray of lights. This is the highest point of the tour (5000 meters above the sea level). It can be very cold here. You will be able to walk among the smoky and noisy geysers, boiling mud stewpot where red and grey mud is boiling like water.
The desert and Salar of Chalviri offer a landscape which combine the white of the snow with the red brown of the desert and the blue of the water. Here you will have the opportunity to swim in the Hot Springs of Polques and right after that to enjoy a delicious open air breakfast.
You will continue your trip to the ‘Valle de las Damas’, a new breathtaking view with rock formations with interesting shapes and colors. Afterwards you will drive to the beautiful Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) at the feet of the Licancabur volcano.
The next stop will be Laguna Colorada (red colored lagoon). This lagoon is the main nesting centre of the three different species of flamingos. The color of the water is produced by the presence of algae and plankton activated by the sunlight and the wind.
On the way back to Uyuni, you will stop at San Cristóbal, a village which has been moved from its original location to the actual one (even the church!) for the needs of one the biggest mines in the world.
You will say goodbye to the llamas and vicuñas before arriving in either Uyuni or Colchani.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight stay in premium accommodation (salt hotel if possible).
Day 6: Fly to La Paz, Visit Tihuanacu
Today, the Uyuni tour package draws to an end. The driver will send you to Uyuni airport for you to take the flight back to La Paz. Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will pick you up and proceed to Tihuanacu Ruins. It is one of the world’s oldest and highest city ruins, with anywhere from 30.000 to 70-000 residences during its peak time from 500 to 900AD. You can see many ruins of houses, gates, temples, roads, sculptures, and irrigation system. After visiting Tihuanacu we will drop you off at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 7: La Paz departure, Airport drop-off
According to your flight schedule, the driver will bring you to the airport on time for you to catch your flight. We hope that you enjoyed your round trip in Bolivia with us!
8 DAYS PROGRAM La Paz – Sucre – Potosi – Uyuni – Tiwanaku – La Paz
Day 1: Arrival in La Paz, Airport pick up
Welcome to La Paz, the highest (administrative) capital of the world! Upon arrival we will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your hotel. No more activities scheduled for today. Please note that La Paz is located at 3600 meters above sea level. When arriving from sea level we recommend no activities this day. Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 2: City tour La Paz
After a good night rest you will visit the city of La Paz today. You will visit Basilica de San Francisco, Plaza Murillo, Witches market and the Museo de Metales Preciosos. This museum is located in the former home of Bolivian revolutionist located in calle Jaén. The museum contains an impressive collection of Pre-Colombian precious metals. Afterwards, we will move on to Valle de la Luna and Valle de las Animas where you observe moon-like landscapes. Later, the guide will accompany you to ascend the Mirador Killi Killi by cable car (teleferico), where you can have a bird’s eye view of La Paz.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide, box lunch and entrance fees.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 3: Fly Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni day tour
Early morning we will pick you up from the hotel and drive you the airport. From La Paz airport you will fly to the village of Uyuni. Upon arrival in Uyuni we will pick you from the airport and you will start you Uyuni day trip. First we will drive 15 minutes to the Train Cemetery. The surface of the trains have been weathered due to salt and strong winds erosion. Next, we will continue to Colchani Village, which is the home to the largest salt processing base in Bolivia. The next attraction is Salt Museum. After that, we will visit the Isla Incahuasi located in the center of world’s largest salt flat (not possible during the rainy season) and you will visit Salar de Uyuni. Sunset and stargazing on request. Overnight stay in salt hotel.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide, box lunch and entrance fees.
Day 4: Transfer to Potosi and city tour in Potosi
After breakfast we will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to Potosi (approx. 4 hours of driving). Potosi is one of the highest cities in the world (approx. 4000 meters above sea level). In the afternoon, you will visit the old city center with its main square, statues, benches, fountains and many historical buildings. You will also visit the most important museum in Potosi named Casa Nacional de Moneda. You will learn about the story of silver mining.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide and entrance fees.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 5: Mine tour to Cerro Rico, Transfer to Sucre
After breakfast we will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the silver mine Cerro Rico (rich mountain). The Cerro Rico was the richest source of silver in the history of mankind. 80% of all the world’s silver came out of this mine, which increased the wealth of the entire planet. This wealth produced the construction of new cities and empires and served to finance some of the wonders of the world. As a result of mining operations in the mountain, the city of Potosí was once one of the largest cities in the New World. After lunch we will drive you to Sucre (this drive takes approx. 3 hours). Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide and entrance fees.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 6: City tour with either Tarabuco Market or Cretaceous Park
After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel to visit Plaza 25 de Mayo, this is Sucre’s main square. There is a statue of the famous liberal and the first president of Bolivia, Antonio José de Sucre. After visiting the plaza you will visit La Casa de la Libertad (House of Liberty), where the famous ‚Acta de la Independencia‚ was signed. Afterwards you visit the Museum of Indigenous Art ASUR, where you can see exquisite fabrics. If there is time we will either visit Tarabuco Market (only on Sundays and 1 1.5 hour drive from Sucre) or Cretaceous Park instead, the largest dinosaur footprint site in the world.
The service includes: private transport, bilingual guide and entrance fees.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 7: Fly to La Paz, Half Day tour to Tiwanaku
Today, the Uyuni tour package draws to an end. The driver will bring you to Sucre airport for you to take the flight back to La Paz. Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will pick you up and proceed to Tihuanacu Ruins. It is one of the world’s oldest and highest city ruins, with anywhere from 30.000 to 70-000 residences during its peak time from 500 to 900AD. You can see many ruins of houses, gates, temples, roads, sculptures, and irrigation system. After visiting Tihuanacu we will drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight stay in premium accommodation.
Day 8: La Paz Departure, Airport drop-off
According to your flight schedule, the driver will bring you to the airport on time for you to catch your flight. We hope that you enjoyed your time with us in amazing Bolivia!
