Highlights
- Tour the Bolivian cities of La Paz, Sucre, and Potosí
- Cruise around Lake Titicaca in a catamaran
- Ride a cable car high over La Paz and the Andes
- Learn about the silver mining history of Potosí
- Wander down the cobblestoned streets of colonial Sucre
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sightsee in La Paz | La Paz |
| Day 2 | Explore Lake Titicaca | La Paz |
| Day 3 | Tour Sucre's Historic Center | Sucre |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a Walking Tour of Potosí | Colchani |
| Day 5 | Visit the Salt-Harvesting Capital of Colchani | Colchani |
| Day 6 | Explore the Ruins of Tiwanaku | La Paz |
| Day 7 | Depart La Paz - End of Trip |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Sightsee in La Paz
Welcome to Bolivia! Spend the day exploring La Paz. You'll have time to explore the popular Witches' Market, where you can purchase medicinal herbs, and visit the San Francisco Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the city. You’ll see the main square, Plaza Murillo, continuing onward to the southern neighborhoods and a fascinating geological anomaly called Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) because of its bizarre, moon-like surface. End the day with a cable car ride, taking in panoramic views of La Paz.
Day 2: Explore Lake Titicaca
Today you'll day-trip to the glimmering shores of Lake Titicaca. First thing in the morning, transfer to Copacabana. Enjoy a brief visit to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Copacabana, then board a catamaran and sail to the Island of the Sun. On this legendary island, known as the cradle of the Inca Empire, you'll go to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, the Pachamama terraces, a handicraft center, and several scenic lookout points. You'll also have the chance to sail on a traditional Totora raft. Then board the catamaran again, enjoying a buffet lunch and the majestic panorama of Lake Titicaca as you travel to the port. Head back to La Paz in the evening.
Day 3: Tour Sucre's Historic Center
This morning, a driver will pick you up and take you to Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia. This is the place where early resistance movements began, seeking to overthrow the Spanish colonial government. On your guided tour of the city, you will learn about the city's role in Bolivian history and in the history of Latin America. You will visit La Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia's proclamation of independence from Spain was signed. You will also visit the Museum of Indigenous Art (ASUR), featuring textiles from the southern Andes, art by indigenous groups from the region, and original pieces by local artists. Enjoy a relaxing dinner before your overnight in Sucre.
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Day 4: Enjoy a Walking Tour of Potosí
After breakfast this morning, a guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a three-hour journey to the colonial city of Potosí, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you arrive, you'll go on a walking tour of the city, strolling down streets lined with colonial architecture, stopping into the artisan market and the Cathedral Basilica of Potosí, and visiting the famous National House of the Mint (Casa Nacional de la Moneda). Considered one of South America’s finest museums, it takes up a whole city block. Since its construction in the mid-18th century, the building has also served as a prison and the headquarters of the Bolivian army. Continue to Colchani, where you'll spend the night.
Day 5: Visit the Salt-Harvesting Capital of Colchani
This morning, after an early breakfast, explore the salt-harvesting village of Colchani to see how the locals produce salt. Then you'll visit the famed "train cemetery" that's filled with rusting train cars once used to transport minerals and people to and from Uyuni. You'll enjoy a walk around the otherworldly Incahuasi Island in the afternoon. Covered in enormous cacti, it boasts amazing views of the nearby salt flats. You'll marvel at the sunset over the salt flats before getting some rest at your hotel in Colchani.
Day 6: Explore the Ruins of Tiwanaku
Today your guide will take you to the ruined city of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the main temples, some of which are still under excavation, including the Pyramid of Akapana, Kalasasaya, and Puma Punku, and the inspiring Gateway of the Sun and Gateway of the Moon. In addition to these traditional examples of Tiwanaku's architecture, giant monoliths and figurative representations are scattered throughout the archeological complex. Their construction remains a mystery: huge stone blocks (the heaviest weigh 45 tons each!) were placed with such precision that not a single gap exists between them. In the evening, head back to La Paz for one last night on the town before flying out the next day.
Day 7: Depart Bolivia - End of Trip
It's time to say goodbye to Bolivia! Head to the airport to catch your flight. Safe travels!
More Bolivia Itineraries
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