Day Trips from Bolivia
The best excursions and trips you can do in a day
Full-Day Trips
Worth dedicating a whole day to explore.
Tiwanaku Archaeological Site
$25-40 (public transport) / $60-90 (tour with guide)Journey to one of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites in South America, the ancient capital of the Tiwanaku civilization that flourished between 500-1000 AD. Marvel at the precision-cut monolithic stones, the iconic Gate of the Sun, and the mysterious Pumapunku temple complex that continues to baffle archaeologists with its advanced engineering.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
$15-25 (entry fee ~$3, transport ~$10-20)Explore this unusual landscape of eroded clay spires and canyons that resembles the surface of the moon, located surprisingly close to La Paz. The dramatic rock formations, created by wind and water erosion over millennia, offer excellent hiking trails and spectacular photo opportunities, during golden hour when the mineral-rich rocks glow in shades of red and purple.
Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol
$50-80 (bus ~$15, boat ~$10, entry fees ~$5)Experience the world's highest navigable lake and the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilization. While most visitors stay overnight, a well-planned day trip from La Paz captures the essence of this sacred lake, including boat crossings to Isla del Sol with its ancient Inca steps, traditional Aymara communities, and panoramic views across the deep blue waters to the snow-capped Cordillera Real.
Coroico and the Yungas (Death Road)
$80-120 (bike tour) / $25-40 (independent travel)Descend from the high Andes to the subtropical cloud forests of the Yungas on one of the world's most spectacular mountain roads. Whether you brave the famous Death Road (North Yungas Road) on a mountain bike tour or take the safer new highway, the journey drops 3,600 meters through multiple climate zones, ending in the laid-back town of Coroico with its swimming pools, waterfalls, and excellent bolivia food scene.
Salar de Uyuni (Day Trip from Uyuni Town)
$30-50 (shared tour, lunch included)Witness the planet's largest salt flat, a blinding white expanse that transforms into a perfect mirror during wet season (November-March). While multi-day tours are standard, a single-day 4x4 excursion from Uyuni town covers the salt flat itself, Isla Incahuasi with its giant cacti, and the Train Cemetery, offering a taste of this unusual landscape for those with limited time in their bolivia itinerary.
Tarata and Cochabamba's Valle Alto
$20-35Discover Bolivia's most pleasant climate and finest colonial architecture in the towns of Tarata and Cliza, set among fertile valleys known as the 'breadbasket of Bolivia.' This lesser-visited region offers beautifully preserved churches, traditional markets, and some of the best bolivia restaurants for authentic valley cuisine, all within easy reach of Cochabamba.
Samaipata and El Fuerte
$40-70Explore the mysterious pre-Inca fortress of El Fuerte, a massive carved rock site that served as ceremonial center for multiple civilizations. Combined with the charming colonial town of Samaipata—Bolivia's unofficial expat haven with excellent cafes and a microclimate perfect for wine production—this makes an ideal cultural day from Santa Cruz.
Maragua Crater Trek
$45-75 (tour with lunch)Hike into a massive eroded crater near Sucre that resembles a smaller version of Arizona's Canyon de Chelly, featuring dinosaur footprints, indigenous cave paintings, and traditional weaving villages. This full-day trek offers dramatic geological formations, authentic rural encounters, and physical challenge without technical difficulty.
Half-Day Options
Shorter excursions when time is limited.
Chacaltaya and Valle de las Ánimas
$25-40Visit what was once the world's highest ski resort (now glacier-free) for impressive views of La Paz and the Cordillera Real, combined with a walk through the Valley of the Souls' dramatic rock formations. Excellent for acclimatization.
Sucre's Dinosaur Park (Cal Orck'o)
$8-15See the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints at this active paleontological site just outside Bolivia's constitutional capital. Over 5,000 tracks from 8 species are visible on a near-vertical wall.
Jardín Botánico Martín Cárdenas (Cochabamba)
$5-12Explore Bolivia's most important botanical garden with over 6,000 plant species, including extensive cactus and orchid collections. A peaceful escape showing the country's extraordinary biodiversity.
La Paz Cable Car Circuit
$3-8Experience Mi Teleférico, the world's highest and longest urban cable car system, for panoramic views across the city and access to El Alto's famous Thursday and Sunday markets. An essential La Paz experience.
Santa Cruz Biocentro Guembe
$15-25Relax at this eco-resort featuring butterfly domes, orchid gardens, and natural swimming lagoons. Perfect for families seeking nature without long travel from Santa Cruz.
Day Trip Tips
Make the most of your excursions.
- Start early—most attractions are 2-4 hours from city centers, and afternoon weather in the Andes can deteriorate rapidly with afternoon storms common
- Book shared tours the day before in tourist hubs like Uyuni and La Paz; private transport can often be negotiated for groups of 3+
- Carry cash in small denominations—many rural attractions and community tourism sites don't accept cards, and ATMs are scarce outside major towns
- Dress in layers regardless of season; bolivia weather varies dramatically with altitude, and you may experience four seasons in one day
- Consider altitude acclimatization before strenuous day trips—spend 2-3 days in La Paz or Sucre before attempting hikes above 4,000 meters
- Sunday travel can be challenging with reduced transport schedules; Tuesday-Thursday often offers best availability and fewer crowds
- Purchase bolivia travel insurance that covers adventure activities like mountain biking and high-altitude trekking, as medical evacuation from remote areas is expensive
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or similar) as mobile data is unreliable outside cities; mark your accommodation before departing