13 Days • 12 Nights
Grand Bolivia: Highlands, Salt Flats & Amazon
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Dramatic La Paz and sacred Lake Titicaca
- Whitewashed colonial Sucre and Potosi
- The surreal Uyuni salt flats
- Wildlife-rich Madidi rainforest
- Cable cars, reed islands and salt hotels
- Highlands and Amazon in one journey
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 13-day journey.
Met at El Alto airport and transferred down into La Paz. Take it easy to acclimatise, with a gentle welcome dinner.
A guided tour of dramatic La Paz, the cable cars, the Witches' Market and the Valle de la Luna.
You travel to sacred Lake Titicaca and Copacabana, with a boat trip to the Isla del Sol.
You return to La Paz and fly to Sucre, Bolivia's beautiful whitewashed constitutional capital, exploring its colonial plaza and churches.
A day exploring Sucre, the House of Freedom, the textile culture and the Cal Orcko wall of dinosaur footprints.
You travel via Potosi, once the richest city in the Americas, visiting the Casa de la Moneda, then continue to Uyuni for the salt flats adventure.
A full day exploring the surreal Salar de Uyuni by 4x4, the blinding-white salt, cactus islands and perspective photography.
A final morning on the salt flats before flying back to La Paz.
You fly down to the lowlands and travel by boat up the jungle river to a community-run eco-lodge in Madidi National Park.
A full day exploring the biodiverse rainforest, walking trails and cruising creeks in search of monkeys, macaws, caimans and countless birds.
A day of river safaris and jungle walks, spotting pink river dolphins, capybaras and nocturnal creatures on a night walk.
You travel by boat and fly back up to La Paz, with a farewell dinner in the highland capital.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, having journeyed across all of Bolivia.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 12 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, full board on the salt flats and at the jungle lodge
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights or 4x4 transport as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- La Paz and Sucre tours, Titicaca and Potosi excursions, a 4x4 Uyuni tour, a Madidi jungle programme and domestic flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Requirements vary by nationality, many (including UK and EU) do not need a visa for short stays, while others, including US citizens, do; a passport valid for at least six months and, sometimes, proof of onward travel and a yellow fever certificate for jungle areas are required. We advise you fully
- Altitude: Much of Bolivia sits very high, La Paz is around 3,600 metres and the Uyuni salt flats over 3,600 metres, so altitude sickness is a real consideration; we build in acclimatisation, and you should ascend gradually, rest, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol at first
- Currency: The currency is the Boliviano; carry cash, especially in rural areas and the salt flats, as cards are accepted only in cities and larger hotels. US Dollars in good condition can be exchanged
- Best time to visit: The dry season (May to October) is best for the highlands and the salt flats, with clear skies; the wet season (November to March) can turn the Uyuni flats into a spectacular mirror but may limit access to some areas
- The salt flats: Uyuni is explored by 4x4 with local drivers over remote terrain; conditions are basic in places, temperatures swing from hot days to freezing nights, and we brief you on what to pack and expect
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended (and sometimes required) for the Amazon lowlands; bring sun protection for the intense high-altitude sun, warm layers for cold nights, and drink bottled or purified water
- Getting around: Bolivia's distances and terrain mean itineraries combine domestic flights, 4x4s and boats; roads can be rough and journeys long, which is part of the adventure, and everything is arranged for you
- Culture & power: Bolivia has a strong indigenous Aymara and Quechua culture; please ask before photographing people and respect local customs. Power is 220V with type A and C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the thirteen-day grand tour?
It is the only way to experience all of Bolivia, highlands, colonial cities, salt flats and Amazon, at a relaxed pace with time to enjoy each. Nothing of the country's remarkable variety is missed.
Is this trip physically demanding?
It involves altitude, long drives, basic accommodation in remote areas and jungle activity, so a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure help. It is deeply rewarding, and we pace it carefully and advise fully on what to expect.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner and full board on the salt flats and jungle sections where dining options are limited. Other meals are left free with our recommendations.
How serious is the altitude in Bolivia?
It is a genuine consideration, as La Paz and Uyuni sit very high. We build in time to acclimatise and pace the ascent, and you should rest, stay hydrated and take it easy on arrival. We advise fully and can suggest precautions; those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor.
Do I need a visa for Bolivia?
It depends on your nationality, many do not need one for short stays, while some, including US citizens, do. We confirm exactly what you need, along with any yellow fever certificate for jungle areas, when you book.
When is the best time to visit Bolivia?
The dry season (May to October) is best for the highlands and salt flats with clear skies, while the wet season can create the famous Uyuni mirror effect but may limit some access. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
What is the Uyuni salt flats experience like?
Uyuni is explored by 4x4 with local drivers across a vast, otherworldly white expanse, with lagoons, geysers and cactus islands. Conditions are remote and basic in places, and nights are cold, but it is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of highlands, salt flats, jungle and colonial cities, add Lake Titicaca or the Amazon, change the pace and tailor accommodation to your comfort and budget.
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