DAY 1: FLY ARRIVE TO LA PAZ, DAY IN LA PAZ
Today, we have the opportunity to explore downtown La Paz, including the fascinating Witches' Market, the beautiful San Francisco Cathedral, and the main squares. 🏙️ We can also visit the incredible Moon Valley, located just a 30-minute drive from downtown. This surreal landscape offers short hiking circuits, making it feel as if you are walking on the surface of the moon. 🌕
After settling into your hotel, you can take a relaxing cable car ride to admire breathtaking views of the city from above. This is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the vibrant city of La Paz. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover more about immersive travel on our Travel Differently page.
Overnight: Qantu Hotel, La Paz
DAY 2: VISIT OF THE SALT FLATS OF UYUNI
The magical Uyuni Salt Flats are among Bolivia’s most famous attractions, and walking on this vast white expanse truly feels like you are on another planet. 🚀 However, keep in mind that conditions here are challenging! The altitude is high, and it can be both cold and dry. We recommend packing warm clothes, a good winter jacket, gloves, and a woolen hat to stay comfortable during the night. Don't forget a bandana to protect your face from the dust. 🧤
Our program starts early with a 6:30 AM transfer to La Paz airport (a 30-minute drive), where we’ll catch a local flight to Uyuni at 8:30 AM. The flight takes about 35 minutes, and once we arrive, we’ll be met by our transfer (4x4 jeeps) and head to the main office, where we can leave our bags and grab breakfast. Afterward, we begin the tour at 10 AM, with the first stop being the iconic train cemetery, where you can explore old rusting trains from Bolivia’s past. 🚂
We then proceed to Colchani to witness how salt is processed before arriving at the salt flats themselves. Here, we’ll see the "Ojos de Sal," where water bubbles up through the salt plains, creating mesmerizing views. This is the perfect moment for capturing unforgettable photos of this unique landscape.
DAY 3: UYUNI SALT FLATS + VOLCANOES, LAGOONS, AND FLAMINGOES
On the second day at the salt flats, we’ll observe salt mounds ready for transport and visit the original salt hotel, now a historic site. We’ll also visit the Inca Huasi Island, famous for its giant cacti and the stunning views it offers of the surrounding salt flats. 🌵
After enjoying ample time for photos, we head toward the village of San Juán, where we’ll spend the night in a salt hotel. Though accommodations in this remote area are basic, with shared bathrooms and limited shower availability, staying in a hotel made entirely of salt is a truly unforgettable experience.
DAY 4: ENTER THE EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE
After an early breakfast, we leave to explore the stunning landscapes further south. As we enter the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, we pass through the Chiguana Desert, surrounded by extinct volcanoes, including the semi-active Volcán Ollague. 🏞️
Our journey continues as we visit high-altitude lagoons, such as Cañapa, Hedionda, and Honda, where we’ll see three different species of flamingo. We then make our way through the surreal Siloli Desert, where you’ll marvel at the famous "Tree of Rock," before arriving at the magnificent red-colored Laguna Colorada. 🦩
After our journey, we return to Uyuni around 5-6 PM and catch a 50-minute flight back to La Paz, where you will stay overnight at Qantu Hotel.
DAY 5: COPACABANA - SUN ISLAND (LAKE TITICACA)
This day begins with a trip to Copacabana, located on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca, home to the ancient Tiwanaku civilization. 🚤 After enjoying a beautiful 4-hour drive with views of the Central Cordillera, we’ll arrive in Copacabana and enjoy a delicious lunch by the lake.
In the afternoon, we’ll board a shared boat to Sun Island. Upon arrival, we’ll take a short hike to the archaeological complex of Pilkokaina, an Inca palace built of stone and mud. Next, we’ll descend the Inca stairs, known as Yumani, and visit the Fountain of Youth. 🏞️ As we walk along this path, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca. We’ll return to Copacabana around 5 PM, where you’ll settle into your hostel for the evening.
DAY 6: CITY TOUR OF COPACABANA - RETURN TO LA PAZ
After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning exploring Copacabana. We’ll visit its famous church, home to the Virgin of Copacabana, and take a stroll through local markets. You’ll also have the opportunity to ascend the hill of Calvary, a site of pilgrimage where locals show their devotion to the Virgin. 🌄
After a late lunch around 2 PM, we’ll take transportation back to La Paz, arriving in the evening.
DAY 7: FLY HOME
After transferring to the airport, your amazing Bolivian adventure comes to an end. Thank you for choosing to travel with us, and we look forward to seeing you again on another immersive travel experience!