Highlights
- Ride a cable car high over the city of La Paz
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiwanaku
- Sail around Lake Titicaca on a catamaran cruise
- See the cradle of the Inca Empire on the Island of the Sun
- Explore the dazzling expanse of the Uyuni salt flats
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the Ruins of Tiwanaku | La Paz |
| Day 2 | Go on a Cable Car Tour of La Paz | La Paz |
| Day 3 | Explore Lake Titicaca | Uyuni |
| Day 4 | See the Uyuni Salt Flats | La Paz |
| Day 5 | Depart La Paz - End of Trip |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Ruins of Tiwanaku
Welcome to Bolivia! 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 to your hotel in La Paz to get some rest.
Day 2: Go on a Cable Car Tour of La Paz
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A unique adventure awaits today: you'll explore La Paz on the city's cable car system. Established in 2017, the Mi Teleférico transit system features a network of lines that criss-cross the city. Your full-day tour will take you on six different lines, from the adjacent city of El Alto to La Paz's bohemian neighborhood of Sopocachi with its modern buildings, bustling squares, and public parks. The tour will end with a stroll along colonial Jaen Street. The evening is free to explore and dine on Bolivian cuisine in a local restaurant.
Day 3: Explore Lake Titicaca
Today you'll move on 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. You'll catch a flight from the airport in La Paz to Uyuni in the evening. Check into your hotel and get some rest before the next day's excursion to the salt flats.
Day 4: See the Uyuni Salt Flats
First thing in the morning, you'll begin an unforgettable excursion through the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Start by visiting Uyuni's small salt museum (which was constructed with salt). Then you'll continue to tour the immense white expanse of the salar, or salt flat, stopping for one-of-a-kind photo ops as you go. Then you'll walk around the otherworldly Incahuasi Island. Covered in enormous cacti, it boasts amazing views of the flats. Continue onward to the salt-harvesting village of Colchani to see how the locals produce salt. Finally, 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 fly back to La Paz in the evening.
Day 5: Depart Bolivia
It's time to say goodbye to Bolivia. Head to the airport to catch your flight out. Safe travels!
More 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.
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