This classic journey across the Andes takes in Bolivia’s most famous sites from ancient ruins and picturesque colonial towns to the dazzling natural landscapes in the south. From the colonial clutter of La Paz you venture up to Lake Titicaca and the enigmatic Island of the Sun before heading south to immerse yourself in the colonial treasure of Sucre and the tragic legacy of Potosi. The itinerary culminates in a three day jeep trip through the rugged mountains, volcanoes and multi-coloured lakes of the southern altiplano and includes the spellbinding Salar de Uyuni salt-lake.
Itinerary Highlights
Take a cable-car over La Paz
Enjoy a llama trek on the Island of the Sun
Wander the beautiful cobbled streets of colonial Sucre
Immerse yourself in the tragic legacy of Potosi
Experience the geological wonders of Uyuni & the south
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities (shared on the vessel)
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
13
Nights
Price Guide
$7795 – $8250 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Arrive in La Paz
Days 2-3
La Paz – Bolivia’s fascinating Capital
Enjoy a few days in La Paz, the highest capital city in the world and a fascinating clutter of colonial monuments and Aymara colour surrounded by steep canyon walls. Acclimatisation all going well, why not visit the classic sites – the witches market and the historic centre before venturing out to the eerie rock formations of the Valley of the Moon. La Paz is best explored via the “Teleferico” cable-car network which spans the city and gives you a unique perspective of the capital’s natural setting.
Days 4-6
lake Titicaca & the Island of the Sun
After breakfast, head north-west across the altiplano to reach the pretty colonial town of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. After visiting the impressive church, you will take a boat trip out to the fascinating Island of the Sun, legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation where you will join a llama trek to reach your lodge overlooking the distant snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. The “Isla del Sol” sits at the heart of Bolivian folklore, an island dotted with pre-colombian ruins and traditional villages, crisscrossed with trails that lead to picturesque coves, Inca sites and spectacular viewpoints. Here, you can hike, bike, paddle and explore the island or simply wind down and drink in the history and setting. On your final day, you will return to La Paz via the smaller Island of the Moon and the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco, Bolivia’s most enigmatic site and the capital of an ancient civilisation that flourished across Peru and Chile until 1000AD.
Days 7-8
The Colonial Gem of Sucre
A short flight south takes you to Sucre, Bolivia’s legal capital and a glorious colonial city awash with historic churches, ornate facades and sumptuous, white-washed mansions. At 2800m above sea-level, Sucre is a good thousand metres lower than La Paz and a wonderful spot to catch your breath amidst the city’s shops, markets, restaurant and museums. Visit the cathedral and the Casa de la Libertad where Bolivia ratified its independence from Spain and delve into the fascinating Asur Textile Museum, dedicated to retracing and recovering the lost techniques of the traditional weavers. For something quite different, you could also journey out to Cal Orck’o Park on the edge of Sucre and admire the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world.
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Day 9
The Tragic Legacy of Potosi & Cerro Rico
Continue south to Potosi, South America’s highest city perched at a dizzying 4100m above sea-level and a crumbling shell of glorious monuments owing to the tragic legacy of the Cerro Rico silver mine. Visit the country’s original Mint and entrance to the mine, Potosi’s once “Mountain of Silver” which continues to dominate the history, fortunes and landscape of the town.
Day 10-13
The Geological Wonders of Uyuni
Your journey continues south to the dusty frontier town of Uyuni surrounding by captivating highland landscapes and the awe-inspiring Uyuni Salt Lake, one of South America’s true natural wonders and a vast blinding expanse of white that stretches out to the horizon in all directions. Here, you will join a wonderful off-road adventure to explore the breathtaking southern highlands which straddle the border with Chile. This is a geological wonderland of deserts, salt-lakes, smoking volcanoes, petrified forests and thermal pools. Highlights include the “Sol de Mañana” geyser, the ochre-washed surreal landscapes of the Eduardo Avaroa National Park and the coloured lakes of Laguna Colorada and Laguna Blanca which teem with flamingo. On return to Uyuni, you will also have the chance to wander through the famous train cemetery where 19th century locomotives and carriages lie piled against each other slowly rusting away in the sun.
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Day 14
Return flight to La Paz for onward connections
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $7795 – $8250 per person
When to travel
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In the Andean highlands, the climate is determined largely by altitude. Days can be warm and bright during the day and bitterly cold at night dropping to below zero. The summer months between May to November are drier, colder and arguably the best time to travel. December to March coincides with the rainy season which often causes the great Salar de Uyuni saltlake to flood and makes roads impassable in the south. East of the Andean plateau, the subtropical “yungas” are warm and humid year around, even more so as you drop into the steamy Amazon basin.
Lowlands: The eastern parts of Bolivia, including cities like Santa Cruz, experience warm and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C. This is the rainy season in the lowlands. Highlands: The western regions, such as La Paz and Sucre, have milder temperatures ranging from 6°C to 15°C. It's the rainy season in the highlands as well, so expect some rainfall.
Lowlands: The rainy season continues in the eastern regions with temperatures similar to January (23°C to 32°C). Highlands: The western parts experience similar temperatures as well (6°C to 15°C).
Lowlands: The rainy season starts to subside, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C. Highlands: The rainy season also starts to ease up, with temperatures similar to February (6°C to 15°C).
Lowlands: The rainy season ends, and temperatures drop slightly, ranging from 21°C to 30°C. Highlands: The western regions experience a decrease in rainfall and temperatures (5°C to 15°C).
Lowlands: The weather becomes more pleasant with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 28°C. Highlands: Temperatures in the western regions continue to rise but are still relatively cool (2°C to 14°C).
Lowlands: June marks the start of the dry season in the eastern parts, with temperatures from 17°C to 27°C. Highlands: The western regions experience colder temperatures, especially at night (0°C to 13°C).
Lowlands: Dry season continues with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C. Highlands: Temperatures remain similar to June (1°C to 13°C).
Lowlands: Dry season persists, with temperatures from 18°C to 28°C. Highlands: The western regions experience slightly warmer weather (2°C to 14°C).
Lowlands: Dry season continues, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 29°C. Highlands: The western parts have similar temperatures to August (2°C to 14°C)
Lowlands: The weather remains dry and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C. Highlands: The western regions experience mild temperatures (5°C to 16°C).
Lowlands: The rainy season begins in the eastern parts, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C. Highlands: November is the beginning of the rainy season in the western regions as well, with temperatures from 7°C to 17°C.
Lowlands: The rainy season continues in the eastern regions, with temperatures from 23°C to 31°C. Highlands: The western parts experience the rainy season as well, with temperatures from 7°C to 16°C.
Options & Add on’s
Luxury Airstream Camper — As an alternative to staying in basic mountain lodges in Uyuni, what better way to explore the highlands than with your own vintage Airstream Camper? This is the height of style in Bolivia’s far south where you tour the great salt-lake with your private guide, driver and even chef. Please contact us for more information.
Extension into Chile’s Atacama Desert — Bolivia’s breathtaking highlands kiss the border with Chile and rather than returning to Uyuni and on to La Paz, it is easy to continue with your 4×4 jeep across the border into Chile’s Atacama, a natural combination that leads nicely onto Santiago and Chile’s far south. Please contact us for details.
Bolivia’s Amazon offers arguably the best best wildlife experience across the whole rainforest and is accessed via the steamy frontier town of Rurrenabaque, a short flight from La Paz.
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