Signature Bolivia: The final frontier
15 days from £4,800
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer to your hotel, close to the city centre.
The dynamic city of Santa Cruz doesn’t quite reflect how most people imagine Bolivia. With plate glass and concrete, the sparkle of luxury four-wheel drive vehicles, and good restaurants and shopping malls the rapidly growing city wears its new-found oil wealth on its sleeve.
This prosperous lowland metropolis is wholly different from its Andean sisters, in climate, in politics and in ethnic mix. People have poured in from the altiplano to join German Mennonites, Brazilians and even Japanese in search of a better life. The sun can be fierce, the siestas always long, with heavy rain showers in the summer months.
One of the main attractions of Hotel Cortez is the location, it’s just a 20min walk to the central plaza of Santa Cruz along a wide boulevard lined with restaurants, bars, banks and ATMs. This modern property has 184 rooms distributed in two blocks either side of a pretty garden, terrace and good-sized swimming pool – it gets hot and humid in Santa Cruz, the water isn’t heated but you’ll enjoy the opportunity to cool off.
The old block, by the road, has two floors, while the three-year-old executive block (recommended) has nine, all modernised with small but bright guest-rooms and contemporary bathrooms. The rooms are plainly decorated but have digital safe, cable TV, black-out curtains, guest-controlled air-conditioning and sound proofing.
There is an excellent restaurant on site and a comprehensive buffet breakfast is served. There is also a small fitness room and spa with sauna, Wifi and computers with internet access available 24 hours.
You’ll have a guided tour of the city, purpose-built in a series of rings. You will visit the huge, shady main square, the baroque cathedral which dominates it, and the indigenous Abasto craft shops.
After the tour you might decide to explore the city some more: there are lovely parks with lawns, fountains and street art, tawdry but fascinating street markets selling everything from mobile phones, electric saws to gold jewellery and mangoes, spread over the streets around the handsome colonial core.
Coffee shops, open air bars and ice-cream parlours abound – if you need a breather.
One of the main attractions of Hotel Cortez is the location, it’s just a 20min walk to the central plaza of Santa Cruz along a wide boulevard lined with restaurants, bars, banks and ATMs. This modern property has 184 rooms distributed in two blocks either side of a pretty garden, terrace and good-sized swimming pool – it gets hot and humid in Santa Cruz, the water isn’t heated but you’ll enjoy the opportunity to cool off.
The old block, by the road, has two floors, while the three-year-old executive block (recommended) has nine, all modernised with small but bright guest-rooms and contemporary bathrooms. The rooms are plainly decorated but have digital safe, cable TV, black-out curtains, guest-controlled air-conditioning and sound proofing.
There is an excellent restaurant on site and a comprehensive buffet breakfast is served. There is also a small fitness room and spa with sauna, Wifi and computers with internet access available 24 hours.
Depart Santa Cruz and ascend into the mountains towards Bermejo, within the biodiverse Amboró–Los Volcanes region where Amazonian, Andean and Chaco ecosystems meet. From Bermejo, a short four‑wheel‑drive transfer brings you to Refugio Los Volcanes, set in a private reserve amid striking red sandstone cliffs and dense subtropical forest. On arrival, enjoy a gentle walk to a nearby waterfall before lunch at the lodge.
The afternoon offers guided walks suited to different fitness levels, with opportunities to spot orchids, tree ferns, monkeys and colourful birdlife. A highlight is the Condor Walk, a scenic hike to a natural viewpoint overlooking the forest canopy and dramatic cliffs.
Dinner is served at the lodge, followed by an optional short night walk to experience the sounds, wildlife and clear skies of the forest after dark.
Accessible via a scenic drive from Santa Cruz, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat immersed in nature, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and disconnecting from urban life. The property is designed with sustainability in mind, using solar energy and supporting local conservation efforts. Guest rooms are housed in a simple, rustic building and offer basic comforts: private bathrooms with hot showers, solar-powered lighting, and views of the surrounding forest.
Interiors are modest but clean, with an emphasis on natural materials. Two separate communal buildings serve as the heart of the lodge, where guests gather for meals and trip planning by the open fires. The kitchen prepares fresh, home-style dishes using local ingredients – typically a mix of salads, meats, pasta, and fruit – served in a relaxed, family-style setting. There’s no formal restaurant, but meals are included and tailored to guests’ dietary needs when requested. Walking trails begin right on the lodge’s doorstep and wind along rivers, up mountains or through tropical forests rich in orchids, butterflies, and birdlife. Routes can be selected based on fitness, adventure, wildlife, weather or views.
If you are looking for a more challenging day on foot, you may choose to take on the Summit Walk – a rewarding hike through the heart of Amboró National Park. The trail leads you through dense forest for the first few hours, immersed in deep, lush vegetation and the constant sounds of the natural world. As you gain altitude, the landscape gradually opens out until you reach a mirador at around 800 metres. From here, the views are spectacular, with sweeping perspectives across the surrounding valleys and, with a little luck, the chance to spot condors circling on the thermals below. This is a demanding walk and requires a very good level of fitness, but the scenery and sense of achievement make it exceptionally worthwhile. A box lunch is included to enjoy along the way.
For those who prefer a gentler pace, alternative hikes and shorter walks are available, allowing you to explore the park’s extraordinary forests and wildlife without the sustained climb.
Accessible via a scenic drive from Santa Cruz, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat immersed in nature, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and disconnecting from urban life. The property is designed with sustainability in mind, using solar energy and supporting local conservation efforts. Guest rooms are housed in a simple, rustic building and offer basic comforts: private bathrooms with hot showers, solar-powered lighting, and views of the surrounding forest.
Interiors are modest but clean, with an emphasis on natural materials. Two separate communal buildings serve as the heart of the lodge, where guests gather for meals and trip planning by the open fires. The kitchen prepares fresh, home-style dishes using local ingredients – typically a mix of salads, meats, pasta, and fruit – served in a relaxed, family-style setting. There’s no formal restaurant, but meals are included and tailored to guests’ dietary needs when requested. Walking trails begin right on the lodge’s doorstep and wind along rivers, up mountains or through tropical forests rich in orchids, butterflies, and birdlife. Routes can be selected based on fitness, adventure, wildlife, weather or views.
Travel from the cloud-forest setting of Los Volcanes towards one of Bolivia’s most intriguing archaeological sites, El Fuerte de Samaipata. On arrival, you enjoy a guided visit, bringing the site to life with insight into its pre-Inca origins and its later importance to both the Inca and Spanish worlds. Carved directly into the rock, the vast ceremonial platform and surrounding ruins sit dramatically on a hillside, offering wide views across the landscape and a strong sense of the region’s deep cultural layers.
After the visit, you continue on to the small town of Samaipata, where you stop for lunch and have time for a gentle walk through the relaxed streets. The town’s low-key, creative atmosphere and mountain backdrop provide a pleasing contrast to the morning’s archaeological focus.
Later, you are transferred to your hotel, arriving with time to settle in and enjoy the setting at leisure.
The layout features cobbled paths, whitewashed façades, and individually themed guest houses arranged around a central plaza, creating a whimsical and welcoming atmosphere. Each unit is styled to represent a different part of a traditional town — from a chapel to a carpenter’s workshop — with thoughtful decorative touches and garden views.
The hotel offers a peaceful setting with panoramic views over the valley. Facilities include a small outdoor pool, sun terrace, garden, and a cosy restaurant serving international dishes. Breakfast is included, while there’s also a bar and outdoor fireplace, adding to the relaxed ambiance. Rooms vary in size and layout, but all include private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and basic amenities such as minibars and seating areas.
Depart Samaipata and transfer back to Santa Cruz, travelling through changing landscapes as the Andean foothills give way to the city’s broad plains. On arrival at the airport, take a short domestic flight to Sucre, Bolivia’s graceful constitutional capital.
On landing, transfer to your hotel in the city centre. The remainder of the day is at leisure – an ideal opportunity to relax after the journey or to take a first unhurried stroll through Sucre’s whitewashed streets and colonial plazas at your own pace.
Once a stately house and stables, the small colonial Parador Santa Maria la Real is situated very close to the main square in Sucre. Décor is in keeping with the period in which the house was built, with brightly painted courtyards and atriums and a peppering of antiques, religious paraphernalia and potted plants. The elegant and well-equipped rooms and suites have wooden floors and comfy antique beds, and each looks out onto a patio lined with arched colonnades.
Facilities include a restaurant, spa, Jacuzzi and attractive roof terrace with great panoramic views of the city. There is also an art gallery located in a previously undiscovered large cellar and tunnel, where intimate meals can also be arranged. In fact, it’s a great choice for couples all round.
Your guided city tour takes you to the Casa de la Libertad, an impressive house on the main square where the declaration of Bolivian Independence was signed in 1825 and La Recoleta, a Franciscan convent which offers splendid views over the valley. It has beautiful cloisters and gardens where an ancient cedar tree still stands. The adjoining chapel is notable for its intricate woodcarvings. In the third cloister is a museum exhibiting sculptures, paintings and other religious works.
You also visit the ASUR indigenous Art Museum – a 17th century colonial building. Exhibits include ancient textiles, musical instruments, costumes and ritual artefacts. A highlight is the Weavers’ Gallery, where you learn about indigenous techniques and designs.
Should you be in Sucre on a Sunday however you’ll be offered an optional (extra cost) excursion to the extraordinary indigenous market at Tarabuco, where the local costume includes a headdress based on the Spanish colonialists’ helmets. Their russet and gold weavings are celebrated worldwide for their intricate embroidery. (In this case the city tour of Sucre will take place the previous day).
Once a stately house and stables, the small colonial Parador Santa Maria la Real is situated very close to the main square in Sucre. Décor is in keeping with the period in which the house was built, with brightly painted courtyards and atriums and a peppering of antiques, religious paraphernalia and potted plants. The elegant and well-equipped rooms and suites have wooden floors and comfy antique beds, and each looks out onto a patio lined with arched colonnades.
Facilities include a restaurant, spa, Jacuzzi and attractive roof terrace with great panoramic views of the city. There is also an art gallery located in a previously undiscovered large cellar and tunnel, where intimate meals can also be arranged. In fact, it’s a great choice for couples all round.
A scenic 3hr drive to Potosí along a paved road ascending to the high plains of the stark wilderness of the altiplano, passing crops of peas, beans and cereals.
At an altitude of 4,090m Potosí is the highest city in the world. Its former wealth lay in its silver; today it lies in the vestiges of its history and the grand buildings born from a city that was quite literally founded on a mountain of wealth – the Cerro Rico (Rich Hill) with its rich seams of silver.
Today you’ll find ornate churches, monuments, neat cobbled streets and the Casa Real de la Moneda (Royal Mint), one of South America’s finest colonial buildings. The tunnels which honeycomb the Cerro Rico, are as dark and poisonous as the city’s gruesome past.
However, with its narrow streets and grandiose architecture it is one of Bolivia’s great treasure troves. Your walking tour takes you to some of the city’s principal historical attractions. These include San Lorenzo church, with its baroque façade of flesh coloured stone mined from the nearby hills. Inside, works of art adorn the ornate altar along with two original paintings by Holguin.
Also visit Santo Domingo church and the vast 16th century Cathedral.
You’ll also visit the Casa de Real de la Moneda which occupies an entire block near the cathedral. This mint created the currency for the entire Spanish Empire. The museum has a fascinating history, comprising not just the Royal Mint, but also a prison, fortress, and HQ for the Bolivian army during the Chaco War. The museum displays crafted silverware, oil paintings and Bolivia’s first locomotive train.
More than just a hotel, this unique property is a rural hacienda in a fertile valley (at 3600m the altitude is 400m lower than Potosí, 30 minutes’ drive away, and therefore attractive to anyone wary of staying at high altitudes). It’s a dairy farm but also a museum housed in buildings which can trace their history back to 1557.
It has 8 small, comfortable, but certainly not luxurious guest rooms and serves simple home-cooked meals. The original owner was the Controller of the Royal Mint, and since then it has been passed down to various aristocratic families, the heirlooms of whom now adorn the walls of the main house. The library’s catalogued collection includes a wide range of volumes, some very old, in several languages. Much of the furniture dates from the colonial period, and there’s an arms and artefact collection displayed its own gallery. There’s a separate chapel. So isolated is this spot that there is no public transport and electricity has to be provided by the farm’s own ancient generator.
Continue by road across the bleak altiplano en route to Uyuni, travelling through dusty landscapes punctuated by weird wind-fashioned rock formations. It is in this region that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are reckoned to have ambushed hapless folk transporting money and minerals to and from the mines.
Upon arrival in Uyuni you can look around this isolated, chilly highland town and visit the “train cemetery” full of abandoned, rusting engines evocative of more prosperous and dynamic times.
The clue to what makes Luna Salada extraordinary and unique is in its name, which translates as ‘salt moon’. Built almost entirely of salt blocks, this isolated hotel overlooks the spectacularly surreal Uyuni salt flats from a low bluff, giving the impression of being on the edge of another planet.
Except for the tiled bathrooms, all the walls and floors of this incredible property are made of compacted salt crystals, which shimmer in the sunlight. Even the furniture is mostly made of salt, made homely with cushions and Bolivian textiles.
Guestrooms are modest but all have heaters, electric blankets and cosy bedspreads. The rooms are built along one side of a long corridor, with a sitting area and large bay windows framing wonderful views of the salt flats.
Travel by 4WD vehicle to the Salar de Uyuni. The bleak plains of the southern altiplano make for an austere, uncompromising wilderness, scoured by bitter gales, where cut-glass lakes and un-trodden, luminous salt pans reflect the vast dome of an icy sky.
At 3,650m the salar is the highest salt desert in the world and arguably the largest, covering over 12,000 sq km. When the rains fall, the desert is turned into a mirror, salt plains and sky fuse, and the world is turned upside down. In the dry season, however, the dazzling white of the salt crystals extends as far as the eye can see: an other-worldly sight.
While its few wind-buffeted Aymara inhabitants scratch a meagre living from the dusty soil, there are landscapes of unexpected variety and surreal beauty. You’ll observe desolate, denuded peaks, sunlit lagoons of gem-stone clarity and a white sea of salt that bends the horizon.
Conditions permitting, travel on to the foothills of the Tunupa volcano and the village of Coquesa with its ancient fort and preserved mummies. The road takes you deep into the salar to the Isla de Pescadores, a small volcanic island covered in giant cacti. Return to Uyuni.
The clue to what makes Luna Salada extraordinary and unique is in its name, which translates as ‘salt moon’. Built almost entirely of salt blocks, this isolated hotel overlooks the spectacularly surreal Uyuni salt flats from a low bluff, giving the impression of being on the edge of another planet.
Except for the tiled bathrooms, all the walls and floors of this incredible property are made of compacted salt crystals, which shimmer in the sunlight. Even the furniture is mostly made of salt, made homely with cushions and Bolivian textiles.
Guestrooms are modest but all have heaters, electric blankets and cosy bedspreads. The rooms are built along one side of a long corridor, with a sitting area and large bay windows framing wonderful views of the salt flats.
Transfer to the airport for your 1hr flight to La Paz. If it is clear you will have staggering views of the landscape, and will appreciate the vastness of the altiplano.
Set in a deep canyon, dominated by the snow-capped peak of Mount Illimani, La Paz (3,632m) is the highest capital in the world. The colonial core around Plaza Murillo retains much of its quirky Spanish charm, lively with families and children with balloons at the weekend.
Beyond, there are cavernous indigenous markets with restaurant grills open to the street and narrow alleyways lined with museums, churches and craft shops. Ambulant vendors in felt bowler hats and colourful shawls crouch below the skyscrapers in tree-lined modern avenues.
One of La Paz’s first boutique offerings, La Casona is a quirky, atmospheric place with modern designs augmenting its original colonial structure of terraces and towers.
Wooden floors, gabled ceilings, brick arches and brightly painted columns convey the historic ambience that has been preserved in the building’s careful renovation.
The décor in the individual rooms is more minimalist with box beds, plain walls and contemporary marble-effect bathrooms. Each has a private balcony, and the apartments have fitted kitchenettes and dining areas.
The restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean dishes, has an excellent reputation in the city and, in common with the ethos of boutique hotels, the management and staff take good service very seriously.
A further selling point is the hotel’s excellent central location, within strolling distance of the colonial central core of cobbled streets, huge indigenous markets and modern commercial district.
At first sight La Paz is an anarchic jumble of buildings clinging to craggy slopes and marching down a sinuous river bed.
But partly owing to this topography it’s easy to get around, the streets are tightly packed and crammed with interesting features. A city tour takes you to the narrow lanes around the colonial heart, exploring markets such as the famous Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market) as well as the stately boulevards of the modern business and residential neighbourhoods.
How the city’s structure knits together is best appreciated from the air, and it is now possible for you to enjoy stupendous views from a cable-car erected primarily to relieve traffic congestion on the commuter routes between La Paz city centre and the city of El Alto on the canyon rim, hundreds of metres above. Eventually this system will be the largest urban cable-car network in the world: for now, it has the added asset of being a superb new attraction for visitors.
One of La Paz’s first boutique offerings, La Casona is a quirky, atmospheric place with modern designs augmenting its original colonial structure of terraces and towers.
Wooden floors, gabled ceilings, brick arches and brightly painted columns convey the historic ambience that has been preserved in the building’s careful renovation.
The décor in the individual rooms is more minimalist with box beds, plain walls and contemporary marble-effect bathrooms. Each has a private balcony, and the apartments have fitted kitchenettes and dining areas.
The restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean dishes, has an excellent reputation in the city and, in common with the ethos of boutique hotels, the management and staff take good service very seriously.
A further selling point is the hotel’s excellent central location, within strolling distance of the colonial central core of cobbled streets, huge indigenous markets and modern commercial district.
It’s a 2.5hr drive (shared tourist transport) to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca which attracts many pilgrims who make the trip often from great distances on foot.
Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, is also the most sacred in the Andes. Set on the grassy altiplano, it is a body of deep sapphire water lapping shores of fertile silt where cereals and vegetables are cultivated from a surprisingly large number of relatively prosperous indigenous communities. The local people use the swaying tortora reeds to build their traditional boats and even islets and homes (the Uros Islands). The birdlife is abundant and varied, bird-watching can be extremely rewarding here.
You’ll board a hydrofoil to take you across the lake to Moon Island. Visit the Iñak Uyu Sun Virgins temple, considered to be one of the most important ruins on the lake. From there it’s a 10min crossing to Sun Island, birthplace of the Inca gods. Take a scenic walk along Inca trails to your hotel in time for lunch.
You have the afternoon free to explore the island trails, dotted with ancient ruins and tiny villages, and not a car or road in sight.
A former presidential summerhouse, this rustic 17th-century hacienda is an attractive and serene place to stay on the enchanting Isla del Sol.
The charming, friendly Posada del Inca Isla del Sol prides itself on drawing power from solar energy and working hand in hand with the local community to help retain its traditions. There are just 20 simply furnished rooms, equipped with a heater and electric blanket to ward off the chill of nights spent at high altitude. The restaurant serves local dishes, and there’s an oxygen bar.
There are Inca artefacts and restored antiques peppered around the property. The hotel is reached via a flight of steep steps followed by an uphill path – worth the climb for the panorama that unfolds at the top. Guests are frequently amazed by the spectacular views across the cobalt waters of Lake Titicaca, and by the utter tranquillity of the island: there are no motorised vehicles here.
Descend to Yamani harbour and visit the Inca stairways and Sacred Fountain, believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Lunch at the archaeological and panoramic Uma Kollo restaurant, which has lake views from its balcony and original Inca walls.
Cross the lake to Copacabana (30mins) before boarding the bus to Huatajata, visiting the Andean Eco-Village at Hotel Inca Utama. The project encompasses all aspects of local culture and nature, and includes reed boat and altiplano museums, a handicrafts workshop, mortuary towers and botanical garden.
Continue back to La Paz (approx 1hr). (Although travelling on shared transport services you will be accompanied by your own guide, who will lead you around the visitor sites on a private basis).
One of La Paz’s first boutique offerings, La Casona is a quirky, atmospheric place with modern designs augmenting its original colonial structure of terraces and towers.
Wooden floors, gabled ceilings, brick arches and brightly painted columns convey the historic ambience that has been preserved in the building’s careful renovation.
The décor in the individual rooms is more minimalist with box beds, plain walls and contemporary marble-effect bathrooms. Each has a private balcony, and the apartments have fitted kitchenettes and dining areas.
The restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean dishes, has an excellent reputation in the city and, in common with the ethos of boutique hotels, the management and staff take good service very seriously.
A further selling point is the hotel’s excellent central location, within strolling distance of the colonial central core of cobbled streets, huge indigenous markets and modern commercial district.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Bolivia - La Paz and the altiplano
At a dizzying 3,632m, La Paz is the world’s highest capital, its colourful, closely-packed buildings tumbling down a canyon beneath the ice-jacketed peak of Illimani. Beyond the city, the vast altiplano unfolds into windswept plains, ancient ruins and indigenous communities that have shaped this corner of the Andes for centuries.
Bolivia - Uyuni salt flats
Discover one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth, where endless white salt stretches to the horizon and sky merges seamlessly with land. From the surreal Salar de Uyuni to colourful mineral-rich lagoons and volcanic scenery, south-west Bolivia offers one of South America’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
Bolivia - Sucre and Potosi
Wander the whitewashed streets of Sucre, stand where Bolivia declared independence, and climb to Potosí, the silver city that once bankrolled an empire. In the southern highlands, these two colonial cities sit a few hours apart, one elegant and sunlit, the other high, weathered and heavy with history.
Bolivia - Santa Cruz and the Oriente
Eastern Bolivia is little visited by tourists, but it’s brimming with variety, vitality and living history – tropical forests, Jesuit missions, vast wetlands and a lowland culture that couldn’t feel further from the Andean landscapes most people associate with the country. Santa Cruz, Bolivia holidays offer wildlife, history and adventure.
This is a highlights holiday with a strong adventurous undercurrent, where reaching many of Bolivia’s most compelling places is part of the experience itself. Often described as the most authentic country in Latin America, Bolivia is also among the most colourful, with highland communities maintaining a distinctive blend of religious traditions, vividly woven dress and haunting pipe music.
In the tropical lowlands around Santa Cruz, an unexpected mix of cultures and a fast‑growing economy create a striking contrast to the Andean heartland. Beyond the urban centres, access becomes more challenging and landscapes more dramatic. In the forested foothills of Amboró National Park, the reserve of Los Volcanes reveals towering red sandstone formations rising from dense subtropical forest, while time is also spent around Samaipata, exploring fertile valleys and the enigmatic site of El Fuerte – a vast carved rock platform set high above the surrounding countryside.
The journey continues to Sucre, Bolivia’s graceful constitutional capital. An elegant, sun‑dappled colonial city, its whitewashed façades and arcaded plazas reflect its long‑standing role as the country’s cultural and intellectual centre. From here, travel on to Potosí, once among the richest cities on earth, where the legacy of silver mining is written into the dramatic skyline and grand but weathered architecture.
A dramatic drive across the high altiplano leads to Uyuni, crossing stark, wind‑scoured landscapes of immense scale and isolation. Time is spent exploring the town and the surrounding salt flats, staying overnight in a distinctive salt hotel and venturing out by 4WD onto the vast white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni, one of South America’s most extraordinary natural sights.
La Paz delivers a dramatic change of pace – intense, energetic and set high in a natural bowl beneath a vast, ice‑clad Andean peak, with one of South America’s most vivid networks of street markets. The journey concludes peacefully on the Island of the Sun, where snow‑capped mountains are reflected in the deep cobalt waters of Lake Titicaca, providing a tranquil counterpoint to the scale and drama of the landscapes that precede it.
Sophie Barber
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
2 flights (1hr); Several scenic road journeys.
- Accommodation
The unique and characterful accommodation on this trip reflects Bolivia’s glorious multi-layered history and culture.
Our city hotels are often converted colonial buildings with plenty of historic charm but modern comforts. This adventurous holiday also visits some remote locations where accommodation options are limited, however we have selected what in our view is the best available and some have considerable charm, including a hotel constructed from salt.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, dinner days 8 and 9; full board days 3, 4, 5, 10 and 13. Some lunches are packed box lunches.
- Summary Of Nights
15 days, 14 nights: Santa Cruz 2; Amboro 2; Samaipata 1 ; Sucre 2; Potosí 1; Uyuni 2; La Paz 2 ; Sun Island 1 ; La Paz 1.
- Trip Suitability
There are a few long days of travel on this trip, but as for the most part you have private transport you will have maximum comfort and can make a stop at will.
If you have a disability or other special requirements, please contact us.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Climate
The climate in Santa Cruz is tropical and humid, with temperatures rising to 40°C in the summer months of Dec-Mar. It can rain at any time, but there is also plenty of sun. As you climb into the mountains on your journey towards Sucre the air is fresher and temperatures significantly lower.
Most rain falls Dec-Mar in both Sucre and Potosí: there is a little less sunshine in this period in what are otherwise sunny cities. Potosí is at a higher altitude and can be very cold at night, especially in Jun-Jul.
On the salt flats, most rain falls between January and April when the roads can be very muddy and the itinerary around Uyuni is subject to change. The dry season, Jun-Sep, guarantees sun and an easy drive across the flats, but it’s cold at night with temperatures falling below zero.
The weather in La Paz and Lake Titicaca is dry from late Apr-Oct with daytime temperatures in the high teens/low 20s° C in the sun. Dec-Jan (nominally summer) can be cloudy, and chilly at this altitude (3,500-3,800m).
- Altitude
Your stays in Sucre (2,800m), Potosi (4,090m), Uyuni (3,656m), La Paz (3,632m) and Lake Titicaca (3,812m) are at high altitude. Because the trip gains altitude slowly, most people are only mildly affected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol for the first couple of days at altitude), you should be OK. Symptoms vary: most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. If you don’t recover in a day or two speak to our representatives; in very rare instances it is necessary to descend to lower altitudes.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
If you travel in the Andean dry season, May to October, it will be warm in the sunshine but at altitude chilly in the shade, and at night so you’ll need layered clothing, including fleece, hat, scarf and gloves. From November to April you can expect some rain so you should add waterproofs. In both seasons sunblock, sunglasses and good walking shoes or boots are necessary. Bring a little light loose clothing for the warmer climate in the lowland east.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns in both countries, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. There are many ATMs in Santa Cruz in La Paz and they are also present in Sucre and Potosí; in many you can withdraw pesos or US dollars. Select “Savings Account” from the menu, even for a debit card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
Since you are also visiting remote places with few facilities, we recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Bolivia it is the peso Boliviano.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements, including advice on yellow fever and malaria tablets. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- When's the best time to visit Bolivia?
The weather can be a critical factor: the altiplano highlands look their best in the sunlight Apr-Oct, in Dec-Jan it can be dull and chilly at this altitude (3,500-3,800m). The lowlands of the east are hot and humid all year around.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What's the official language of Bolivia?
Spanish is the official language of Bolivia.
- What is the national currency of Bolivia?
Peso Boliviano is the national currency of Bolivia. Notes in local currency (and in some cases US dollars), can be withdrawn from ubiquitous ATMs in principal cities and some smaller towns; there are many money exchanges (casas de cambio) and banks which exchange US dollars (a few accept euros or sterling but the rate may be poor).
When withdrawing money from an ATM using a debit card, you are offered a choice of account type from which to make your withdrawal: select ‘Credit Card’ (ie NOT Current account or Savings Account options).
- What's the time difference between Bolivia and UK?
The time difference between Bolivia and the UK is GMT -4 hrs.
- Do I need a visa for Bolivia?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Bolivia?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What countries combine well with Bolivia?
If you’re planning a trip to South America there are some perfect destinations to combine with a holiday in Bolivia. Try a visit to Peru via Lake Titicaca, 122 km and a couple of hours’ drive from La Paz; or even a holiday in Chile, entering the country via the dazzling salt lakes of Uyuni.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Bolivia?
The key festivals and cultural events in Bolivia are:
Gran Poder: La Paz, Late May/early Jun annually: processions of groups of indigenous dancers in costume, with historical and cultural themes.
Carnival: Oruro, La Diablada, Feb-Mar: One of the most eye-catching on the continent, with parades of people in elaborate costumes. - How do I adapt to the altitude in Bolivia?
Much of Bolivia is occupied by stunning high Andean terrain, with La Paz at 3,500m.
Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air.You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking.
We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude. If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude. If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.
Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk.
If you still have questions, please contact us and one of our Travel Experts will be happy to help.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Discover a surreal landscape of endless salt, blindingly white in the dry season or mirroring the sky in the wet season.
Visit the historic mint that once overflowed with the wealth of South America’s richest city.
Haggle for souvenirs at the colourful market of Tarabuco, where locals in traditional Yampara costume come to trade every Sunday.
Take a guided tour of the world’s highest capital city, visiting the notorious Witches’ Market. Some excursions include a visit to the contorted rocks of the Valley of the Moon.
Visit the opulent, restored jesuit mission churches hidden away in the villages of the remote Bolivian interior.
Explore the forested trails and waterways of a pristine national park alive with birds, animals and tropical plants.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Delightful rural accommodation on a dairy farm with a museum and chapel close to Potosí.
Small and elegant colonial hotel in the centre of Sucre, decorated in a style befitting its history but with nods to contemporary interior design.
Small, magical hotel built of salt, with ethereal views of Bolivia’s stunning Uyuni salt flats.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
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