5 Days in Bolivia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Urban Adventure in La Paz

This exhilarating 5-day trip, featuring a bike ride on Death Road and a cable car tour high above La Paz, proves that you don't have to venture far outside the capital city to have an unforgettable adventure.

Welcome to Bolivia! You'll start the trip with a trip to the ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see pyramids and giant monoliths, marveling at the architectural precision of structures built out of huge stone blocks. The next day, you'll soar high above the city on a cable car tour of the capital, riding over to the adjacent city of El Alto on the Mi Teleférico transit system, established in 2017.

On day three, you'll go on a thrilling bike ride through the Yungas cloud forest. Follow your guide along Death Road—don't worry, you'll be fully outfitted in top-notch safety gear — enjoying incredible views of the dramatic surrounding scenery along the journey. Then you'll visit an Afro-Bolivian community to learn about the tradition of coca leaf farming and the significance of the coca leaf in Andean cultures. Enjoy one more night out on the town in La Paz before the trip ends. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore La Paz & Lake Titicaca 

Immerse yourself in the culture and hospitality of Bolivia on this 5-day itinerary that features boating on Lake Titicaca, an overnight stay in an indigenous community, easy guided hikes, and sightseeing in the vibrant capital city of La Paz.  

Begin the tour at Lake Titicaca. You'll visit the lakeside village of Copacabana, taking some time to explore the Inca and pre-Inca ruins before hopping on a ferry and riding to the island of Isla del Sol. You'll hike to your hotel on the island and enjoy a peaceful night's rest. On day two, you'll board a ferry once more to travel to the agrotourism project in the indigenous community of Santiago de Okola. You'll stay with a host family and learn about local traditions and ways of life before finishing the night around an open bonfire.

It's time to move on to La Paz on day three. The afternoon is yours to explore: go for a guided hike in the Hamputuri Valley, if you like, or opt for a food tour around the city. You'll do some organized sightseeing on day four, enjoying a guided city tour that includes a ride on the city's impressive cable car system. Visit the popular Witches' Market and Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) with its bizarre, moon-like surface. Sample modern Andean cuisine at a restaurant in the city before the adventure comes to a close. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover the Atacama Desert & the Uyuni Salt Flats

Spot flamingos in the wild, gaze at snow-capped volcanoes, explore the mystical landscapes of the Atacama Desert, and marvel at the white expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats on this adventurous 5-day tour through Bolivia and Chile. 

Welcome to Chile! Kick off the trip in the Atacama Desert. Spend an evening walking around the village of San Pedro de Atacama, dining in a restaurant, and looking up at the starry sky, before getting some rest. On day two, you'll venture into the desert, visiting the Valley of the Moon and the Valley of Death. Try sandboarding on the dunes or just hike around, pausing to watch the dramatic sky at sunset. Have dinner in the village.

On day three, you'll cross the border into Bolivia. In the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, you'll see pristine lagoons that serve as natural habitats for bright pink flamingos and other wildlife. Stop at the Sol de Mañana geysers and go for a dip in the hot springs. Continuing onward, you'll see the striking Green Lagoon and Red Lagoon. Overnight in Colchani before exploring the incredible Uyuni Salt Flats on day five. You'll transfer to La Paz to catch your flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Adventure in the Bolivian Amazon 

Discover the diverse wildlife, jungle landscapes, and indigenous cultures of the Bolivian Amazon on this quick but meaningful 5-day tour of Madidi National Park and the rainforest.

The adventure begins in Rurrenabaque. Climb into a canoe for a trip through the Bala Gorge and along the Quiquibey River toward Pilón Lajas Indigenous Territory Park and Biosphere Reserve. You'll spend the night in the jungle village of Asunción del Quiquibey and visit Mapajo, a community-run eco-tourism project. Learn about medicinal plants on a walking tour and spot caimans on a nocturnal hike before falling asleep to the sounds of the nighttime rainforest. The next day, you'll have the chance to learn about weaving, farming, and hunting with members of the native Mosetén and Tsimané tribes. 

The second part of the trip takes you into the heart of Madidi National Park. You'll base yourself at the Madidi Jungle Ecolodge, owned and run by indigenous people, while going on excursions to view macaws, parrots, and monkeys. On a guided hike, you'll see forest plants and trees and learn about their spiritual and cultural significance to the native population. Sample a local dish, dunucuabi (catfish wrapped in leaves), before boating back to Rurrenabaque and continuing to La Paz to catch your flight out. Learn more

More Great Bolivia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Bolivia? Check out these other Bolivia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.