Highlights
- Enjoy an urban trek in the highland metropolis of La Paz
- Hike along the shores of sacred Lake Titicaca
- Visit the Fountain of Youth at Island of the Sun
- Experience the great Uyuni Salt Flats
- See flamingos and llamas at Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to La Paz! | La Paz |
| Day 2 | La Paz Urban Trek | La Paz |
| Day 3 | Lake Titicaca & the Island of the Sun | Isla del Sol |
| Day 4 | Island of the Sun Day Tour | La Paz |
| Day 5 | The Great Uyuni Salt Flats | Colchani |
| Day 6 | Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve | Siloli |
| Day 7 | Thermal Waters & Dali Desert | La Paz |
| Day 8 | Departure from La Paz |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to La Paz!
Welcome to La Paz! A representative will greet you at El Alto International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
Once you are settled, you'll have a a cup of coca tea, which will energize you and help you get used to the altitude. At 11,942ft (6,440m), La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world, and there is 50% less oxygen here than than at sea level.
While you acclimatize, a representative will go over the itinerary, answer any questions you may have, and give you inside tips about Bolivia.
Tonight, we recommend that you take it easy and rest well.
Day 2: La Paz Urban Trek
Today, you will take the famous "Mi Teleférico" cable car up to El Alto, one of La Paz' suburbs. Then, you'll “trek” your way down to the center of the city.
You will take to the streets like a local during the 4-hour descent through markets, neighborhoods, plazas, and alleyways. After reaching El Alto—at a dizzying 13,615ft (4,000m) above sea level, one of the highest cities in the world!— prepare to be dazzled by the views of the Andes. Enjoy the sights of La Paz as you walk down through the “Hanging Neighborhoods” that surround the city.
To top it off, you will take a micro or local bus (think oldie Bluebird school buses painted a rainbow of colors) to the heart of the markets area. Here, you’ll be able to shop around and go to different markets, including the famous Witch’s Market.
You'll have the evening free to rest or explore more of the city at night.
Day 3: Lake Titicaca & the Island of the Sun
Wake up bright and early to make your way towards the sacred Lake Titicaca.
Once out of the metropolis, you'll travel through the altiplano or high plains, eventually reaching the lake, which is the highest body of water in the world. Lake Titicaca crosses Bolivia and Peru and is one of the largest lakes in the entire continent. Enjoy the fantastic scenery of farms and fishing villages on the way to Copacabana.
"Copa" is a small town on the edge of the lake, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and take a stroll around town. You can then head down to the beach, and take a ferry to the Island of the Sun, your final destination for the day.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Island of the Sun Day Tour
Isla del Sol, or Island of the Sun, is the legendary birthplace of the Inca and holds great spiritual and cultural significance for Bolivians and Andean people.
Today, you will have a beautiful short trek to the southern part of the island, visiting the Inca Stairs and the Fountain of Youth. You will learn about the significance of the island to Inca cosmogony as you take in marvelous views.
Once the tour is over, you'll head to the island's small port for a return journey to Copacabana, and from there back to La Paz.
Day 5: The Great Uyuni Salt Flats
It's an early start today as you head to El Alto International Airport for a 60-minute flight to the southern town of Uyuni—the gateway to the Uyuni Salt Flats and Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. You'll be picked up from the airport, and the journey will begin with a short visit to the famed train cemetery, full of rusting train cars that were once used to transport minerals and people to and from Uyuni.
You'll then continue to the salt-harvesting village of Colchani to see how locals harvest and produce salt. After this, you will reach the vast Uyuni Salt Flats. Visit the bizarre Incahuasi Island, covered in enormous cacti, and take time to appreciate the amazing views of the flats.
During dry season, the flats are split into hexagons that go on as far as the eye can see. This is perfect for taking fun optical illusion photos. In the wet season, the flats flood to create a perfect mirror, rendering even the most mundane object beautiful.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset in the middle of the endless expanse of glittering salt before returning to Colchani.
Tour time: Approximately 8-10 hours with stops
Day 6: Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve
After breakfast, you'll continue your adventure through the lunar landscapes of the southern altiplano at Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. As the country's most visited protected area, the reserve boasts volcanos, deserts, colorful lagoons, and Andean wildlife, such as pink flamingos and llamas.
Enjoy lunch next to one of the region’s multi-colored lagoons. Then, you'll continue to Siloli Desert, where you'll witness the wonder of the famous Stone Tree, formed by years of wind erosion. The tour will finish with a visit to the red-colored Laguna Colorada. It will then be time to head to your accommodation for a well-earned rest.
Tour time: Approximately 8-10 hours with stops
Day 7: Thermal Waters & Dali Desert
After an early breakfast, you'll have the option to take a dip in local thermal waters. Known for their healing abilities, these thermal waters may be just what you need after so much excitement. Then, your journey through the landscapes of the southern altiplano continues.
You'll turn back toward the northeast and travel through the Siloli Desert (also known as the Dali Desert), passing by the Green Lagoon along the way. You'll reach Uyuni mid-afternoon and check-in for your evening flight back to La Paz.
Once in La Paz, you'll be transferred to your accommodation to rest.
Driving time: Approximately 8-10 hours per day with stops
Day 8: Departure from La Paz
It's time to say goodbye to Bolivia! After you have breakfast and spend a final morning enjoying La Paz, a driver will pick you up at your hotel. You'll be taken to the airport to catch your flight.
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