Bolivia Highlights

Intrepid Travel · 11 days

4.2

19 Reviews

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Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore the best of Bolivia on this 11-day adventure through dramatic cities, remote Andean villages and lunar-like deserts.

Highlights

Explore one of the world’s highest cities, La Paz! Take an urban cable car for epic valley views, shop for potions in the Witches Market or hunt for the best choripan (Bolivian hot dog).
Buckle up for a 4WD adventure through the Andean Desert. Barren, haunting and spectacular, the laws of earthly physics seem to bend on the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats.
Choose to visit the otherworldly landscape of Valle de la Luna – a maze of canyons and colossal clay spires that makes you feel you’re walking on the moon.
Get close to 68-million-year-old dinosaur footprints and visit grand mansions in the historic capital of Sucre.
Learn about Bolivia’s past as you explore the narrow streets and Spanish architecture of Potosi, which was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Plane,4X4,Local bus,Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

La Paz, Bolivia

Finishes

La Paz, Bolivia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz

Hola! Welcome to Bolivia. Sitting in a deep canyon 3600 m above sea level, you’ll feel on top of the world in La Paz. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe head out for a walk with your local leader and group. While Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is bigger and has a lot happening! Perhaps visit the weird and wacky Witches Market, grab a drink in the bohemian streets of Calle Jaen or take to the sky in an urban cable car – make sure your camera is charged because the views of the surrounding peaks are pretty special.

Included Activities:

La Paz - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market' - Free
La Paz City Tour & Moon Valley (40 USD)
La Paz - Tiwanaku Archeological site (Shared service) (50 USD)
La Paz - Coca Museum (20 BOB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: La Paz – Uyuni

Leave La Paz this morning and travel by private vehicle to Uyuni – the gateway to Bolivia’s acclaimed salt flats. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, so be sure to have a podcast and snacks ready. Uyuni feels a bit like you've reached the end of the road, which is true in a way. This remote town sits on the edge of the high altiplano – a wilderness extending hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. After checking into your hotel, the evening is yours to relax. Although basic, the rooms are clean and comfortable – and it may be the last time you’ll have a hot shower for a few days!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Salar de Uyuni

Uyuni is the starting point of your 4WD adventure to Salar de Uyuni in the Andean Desert. This morning, you’ll stop by the eerie Train Cemetery where abandoned locomotives rust in the sun. Continue to Colchani – a town that produces salt the old-fashioned way, before heading into the salt flats. With endless skies that meet endless white plains, it's a hypnotic sight! Then, pop into an intriguing salt hotel and drive to an island of cacti that rises like a jagged reef in the desert. Known as Isla Inca Wasi, or Fish Island, this fossil-strewn outcrop was once the top of an ancient volcano – you’ll have the chance to go on an optional hike here. Continue south to your homestay-style accommodation in a small village and refuel with an included dinner.

Included Activities:

Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'

Accommodation:

Mixed Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Desierto Siloli – Laguna Colorada

After breakfast, hit the road through the incredible wilderness of the Andean Desert. Pass by Chiguana Salt Lake, the active Ollague Volcano and other small lakes of various colours – perhaps with a streak of pink if flamingos are nearby! Continue to the Siloli Desert – known for its seven-coloured mountain and Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) rock formation. You’ll also visit an Andean wildlife reserve (Reserva de Eduardo Avaroa) and hike around the Laguna Colorada (Red Lake) – keep an eye out for llamas, vicunas and foxes along the way. After a big day, head to your accommodation in a local community (either Huayllajara or Polques) for a well-earned rest and an included dinner.

Included Activities:

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Salar de Uyuni – Uyuni

Rise early to try to catch the sunrise over the surrounding geysers. These bubbling fumaroles are especially active in the morning thanks to the cold air. There may also be an opportunity to visit a hot spring for an optional morning dip. After, drive through more barren landscapes – some of which are frequently compared to Salvador Dali’s paintings – to the strikingly green Laguna Verde, Valle de Rocas (Rock Valley) and the San Cristobal mining town. You’ll return to Uyuni around 5 pm to spend the night at your leisure. After a few days in the desert, you may want to check out a local restaurant with your group for an optional dinner and drinks.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Potosi

This morning, say goodbye to Uyuni and board a local bus for a scenic ride to the city of Potosi in Bolivia's southern highlands. Potosi has a turbulent past, centred mostly around its mining successes and failures. Once the leading supplier of silver to colonial-era Spain, it briefly claimed to be one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Explore the architectural remnants of this period on an orientation walk with your leader, followed by free time for the rest of the day. Perhaps visit the National Mint Museum or the Santa Teresa Convent Museum to see the art and treasures within the convent’s original walls.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Sucre

After a free morning in Potosi, take a local bus to the temperate valley city of Sucre, Bolivia's official capital. Sucre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and has retained much of its colonial heritage in its churches, museums and mansions. Most of the colonial buildings have been whitewashed, hence the city's nickname, the 'White City'. When you arrive, the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or find your bearings. Tonight, maybe see if your group wants to grab dinner – Sucre is known for mondongo (pork ribs) and saltenas (Bolivian empanadas).

Optional Activities:

Potosi - National Mint of Bolivia (60 BOB)
Potosi - Santa Teresa Convent Museum (33 BOB)
Potosi - Cerro Rico mine tour (150 BOB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Sucre

Spend the day exploring Bolivia’s capital. After an orientation walk with your leader, compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko – home to 68-million-year-old footprints and the world’s largest collection (over 12,000!) of dinosaur footprints. Then, you might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta – a 400-year-old convent with a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings and great city views. Or maybe head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to mingle with Sucre's affluent residents and wander the ornate interior of the Senora de la Merced.

Included Activities:

Sucre - Dinosaur Footprints
Sucre - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

Sucre - Church of San Felipe Neri (17 BOB)
Sucre - Casa de la Libertad (30 BOB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Sucre

Today, set off for a hike along the ancient Pre-Incan path known as the Chataquila trek. This (mostly downhill) trek is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the Andes. You have free time for the rest of the afternoon. There are plenty of optional activities in and around town, so what you get up to is up to you! Bolivian dance show or textile museum, anyone?

Included Activities:

Sucre - Chataquila Pre-Inca trek

Optional Activities:

Sucre - Museum of Textiles (35 BOB)
Sucre - Bolivian Dance Show (150 BOB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Sucre - La Paz

Depending on flight time and availability, you’ll fly back to La Paz in the morning or afternoon. When you arrive, maybe visit the Coca Museum to learn about the history and significance of the coca plant in South American cultures – or just kick back at your hotel.

Optional Activities:

La Paz - Coca Museum (20 BOB)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: La Paz

Your Bolivian adventure comes to an end after breakfast. With no activities planned, you’re free to leave anytime. With so much to see and do, you might want to spend an extra day or two in the city – just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2930

AUD $2,637

(Tour only)

Offer ends 18 Sep, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Explore the best of Bolivia on this 11-day adventure through dramatic cities, remote Andean villages and lunar-like deserts.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Oct 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Andrea

Traveled, December 2023

01/19/2024

Loved experiencing and learning about Bolovia from intrepid! Saw places that would be much more difficult to do independently. Wendy was an excellent tour leader. Highly recommend.

4.0

Christine

Traveled, November 2023

12/14/2023

Wow! Book a trip to Bolivia and you’ll be amazed by the sights in the cities, desert, salt flats and everything in between. Our guide, Henry, was so welcoming and shared so much about his country. The long days driving were worth the views we encountered once we arrived. If you get a chance, book the cooking experience in Sucre. You’ll get to help prepare and taste authentic local food and cocktails.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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