Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in
La Paz and spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude while exploring the city's unique geography and vibrant culture from panoramic viewpoints.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at El Alto International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in
La Paz. Take it extremely easy today as the city sits at 3,640 meters (11,942 feet). Rest, hydrate with coca tea, and allow your body to adjust. Take a gentle walk around your neighborhood to get oriented without overexerting yourself.
3-4 hours
$15-20 (airport transfer)
Arrange airport pickup in advance through your accommodation
Lunch
A traditional restaurant in Sopocachi serving light Bolivian fare
Bolivian
Budget
Afternoon
Mirador Killi Killi
Take a taxi to this panoramic viewpoint for your first stunning overview of
La Paz's unique bowl-shaped geography. The city sprawls across a canyon with snow-capped Mount Illimani dominating the horizon. This gentle introduction offers spectacular photos without strenuous activity, perfect for your first altitude-adjustment day. Spend time absorbing the city's dramatic setting.
1-2 hours
$5-10 (taxi and entrance)
Evening
Light dinner and early rest
Dine at a nearby restaurant serving soup and simple dishes to aid altitude adjustment, then retire early to help your body acclimatize
Where to Stay Tonight
Sopocachi neighborhood, La Paz (Mid-range hotel with oxygen available)
Central location with restaurants and services nearby, plus access to supplemental oxygen if needed during acclimatization
Drink coca tea continuously throughout the day and avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours to minimize altitude sickness symptoms
Day 1 Budget: $60-80
Explore
La Paz's fascinating cultural sites including the famous witches market and venture to the otherworldly Valle de la Luna just outside the city.
Morning
The Witches Market and walking tour
Join a guided walking tour through
La Paz's historic center, culminating at The Witches Market where Aymara women sell traditional remedies, dried llama fetuses for good luck, and medicinal herbs. Learn about indigenous Andean beliefs and browse unique handicrafts. The market offers fascinating insight into Bolivia's living indigenous traditions and makes for memorable photos and cultural understanding.
3 hours
$15-25 (guided tour)
Book through Alpaca Steps – Cultural Walking Tours in
La Paz for authentic local perspective
Lunch
A local market restaurant serving salteñas and traditional soups
Bolivian street food
Budget
Afternoon
Valle de la Luna
Travel to this extraordinary geological formation just outside
La Paz, where erosion has created a landscape resembling the moon's surface. Walk through the maze of clay and sandstone spires, pinnacles, and canyons formed over millions of years. The bizarre formations and desert-like terrain create an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photography and geological appreciation.
2-3 hours
$10-15 (transport and entrance)
Evening
Dinner in Zona Sur
Explore the modern southern district for international dining options and evening strolls in a more contemporary
La Paz setting
Where to Stay Tonight
Sopocachi neighborhood, La Paz (Same mid-range hotel)
Continue acclimatization in the same location before tomorrow's journey
Visit Valle de la Luna in late afternoon when the golden light enhances the formations' colors and shadows
Day 2 Budget: $65-90
Travel overland or by air to Uyuni, the gateway to Bolivia's most iconic attraction, arriving in time to explore the small desert town.
Morning
Travel to Uyuni
Take either a morning flight (1 hour) or overnight bus from
La Paz to Uyuni. If flying, you'll have aerial views of the Altiplano's stark beauty. The bus journey, while long, offers ground-level perspectives of rural Bolivia. Arrive in Uyuni, a dusty frontier town that serves as the launching point for salt flat expeditions.
1 hour flight or 10-hour bus
$80-120 (flight) or $15-25 (bus)
Book flights well in advance as they fill quickly during peak season
Lunch
A pizzeria or international cafe in Uyuni town center
International
Budget
Afternoon
Plaza de las Banderas Uyuni and train cemetery
Explore Uyuni's main plaza featuring flags from around the world, then visit the famous train cemetery on the outskirts where 19th-century British locomotives rust in the desert. These abandoned trains, once used for mineral transport, create haunting photo opportunities. Walk among the oxidized metal giants and learn about Bolivia's mining history.
2-3 hours
$5-10 (taxi to cemetery)
Evening
Tour preparation and early dinner
Confirm tomorrow's salt flat tour details, pack essentials, and dine early at a local restaurant serving hearty Bolivian food
Where to Stay Tonight
Uyuni town center (Simple hotel or hostel)
Central location near tour departure points and restaurants
Bring extra batteries and memory cards for your camera—the salt flats are incredibly photogenic and you'll take far more photos than expected
Day 3 Budget: $90-140
Experience the surreal beauty of the world's largest salt flat with perspective-bending photos, hexagonal patterns, and blindingly white horizons.
Morning
Salt Flats exploration
Depart early for the Uyuni Salt Lake, an otherworldly 10,000-square-kilometer expanse of white salt crust. Visit the salt processing facility, walk on the hexagonal salt patterns, and take creative perspective photos using the flat's endless horizon. The morning light creates perfect conditions for photography as the white surface reflects the blue sky.
4 hours
$50-70 (full-day tour included)
Book a 3-day/2-night tour for the complete experience including colored lagoons
Lunch
Picnic lunch on the salt flats provided by tour
Packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Ojos del Salar and Isla Incahuasi
Visit the Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt Flat), where salt water bubbles up creating circular pools. Continue to Incahuasi
Island, covered with giant cacti some over 1,000 years old. Hike to the
island's peak for 360-degree views of the white expanse. The contrast between the stark white salt and the ancient green cacti is spectacular.
3-4 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Sunset on the salt flats
Watch the sunset paint the salt flats in pink and orange hues, then stay for stargazing—the clear, high-altitude skies offer incredible celestial views
Where to Stay Tonight
Salt hotel on the edge of the flats (Unique hotel constructed from salt blocks)
Authentic experience sleeping in a building made entirely of salt, located for optimal sunrise access
Bring sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen—the sun's reflection off the white salt is intense and can cause snow blindness
Day 4 Budget: $70-100
Continue through the stunning high-altitude desert landscape visiting colored lagoons, geysers, and surreal rock formations in Bolivia's southwest.
Morning
Colored lagoons exploration
Journey through the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, stopping at Laguna Cañapa and Laguna Hedionda where pink flamingos feed in mineral-rich waters. The lagoons' colors—ranging from turquoise to red—result from algae and minerals. Spot vicuñas, Andean foxes, and three species of flamingos in this high-altitude desert ecosystem at over 4,000 meters elevation.
4-5 hours
Included in multi-day tour
Lunch
Simple meal at a basic refuge in the reserve
Basic Bolivian
Budget
Afternoon
Rock formations and desert landscapes
Visit the Stone Tree (Arbol de Piedra), a wind-sculpted rock formation rising from the desert, and explore the Siloli Desert's surreal landscape. The afternoon light enhances the red and ochre colors of the volcanic rocks and sand. Stop at various viewpoints to photograph the stark beauty of this Martian-like terrain.
3-4 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Basic refuge accommodation
Settle into very basic shared accommodation in the reserve—expect cold temperatures and minimal facilities but spectacular isolation
Where to Stay Tonight
Eduardo Avaroa Reserve (Basic mountain refuge with shared rooms)
Only accommodation option in this remote area, necessary for multi-day tour itinerary
Temperatures drop well below freezing at night—bring a warm sleeping bag liner even if the tour provides blankets
Day 5 Budget: $60-80
Experience sunrise at steaming geysers, visit the stunning red lagoon, then journey back to Uyuni completing your salt flat adventure.
Morning
Sol de Mañana geysers and hot springs
Wake before dawn to visit the Sol de Mañana geothermal field at 4,850 meters, where boiling mud pools and fumaroles release sulfurous steam into the frigid morning air. The contrast between the freezing air and boiling ground creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Afterward, warm up in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
3 hours
Included in tour
Lunch
Packed lunch during journey back to Uyuni
Packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Laguna Colorada and return journey
Visit Laguna Colorada, a shallow red-colored lake filled with flamingos. The red color comes from algae and sediments, creating one of Bolivia's most photographed landscapes. Begin the long journey back to Uyuni, arriving in the evening, with stops at various viewpoints along the way showcasing the Altiplano's diverse scenery.
6-7 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Arrival in Uyuni and celebratory dinner
Enjoy a hot shower and proper meal at a local restaurant after three days in remote areas
Where to Stay Tonight
Uyuni town center (Comfortable hotel)
Appreciate modern amenities after basic refuge accommodations
Tip your driver and cook at the end of the tour—they work hard in challenging conditions and gratuities are expected
Day 6 Budget: $65-90
Travel from the desert highlands to
Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its white colonial architecture.
Morning
Travel to Sucre
Take a morning bus from Uyuni to Sucre, a journey of approximately 6-7 hours through changing landscapes. The route descends from the high Altiplano through valleys, offering views of rural Bolivian life. Arrive in Sucre, a beautiful colonial city with white-washed buildings, pleasant climate, and rich history at a more comfortable 2,750 meters elevation.
6-7 hours
$10-15
Book bus tickets the day before departure
Lunch
Stop at a roadside restaurant during the bus journey
Simple Bolivian
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and historic center orientation
Check into your accommodation and take a leisurely walk around Sucre's stunning
Plaza 25 de Mayo, surrounded by elegant colonial buildings. Explore the whitewashed streets, visit the cathedral, and soak in the city's refined atmosphere. Sucre's well-preserved architecture and pleasant weather make it one of Bolivia's most charming cities.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Rooftop dining with city views
Dine at one of the rooftop restaurants overlooking the illuminated colonial center
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic center of Sucre (Colonial-style boutique hotel)
Central location within walking distance of all major attractions and restaurants
Sucre's pleasant climate and lower altitude make it perfect for recovery after the harsh conditions of the salt flat tour
Day 7 Budget: $60-85
Explore Sucre's museums and colonial architecture, then visit an extraordinary paleontological site with thousands of dinosaur tracks.
Morning
Museums and colonial architecture
Visit the
Casa de la Libertad where Bolivia's declaration of independence was signed, then explore the Recoleta viewpoint for panoramic city views. Wander through the San Francisco church and museum, and browse the indigenous textile museum showcasing Bolivia's weaving traditions. The city's compact center makes walking tours pleasant and educational.
3-4 hours
$10-15 (museum entrances)
Lunch
A traditional restaurant in the historic center serving Chuquisaqueño specialties
Regional Bolivian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Huellas de Dinosaurios (Cal Orck'o)
Visit this remarkable paleontological site featuring over 5,000 dinosaur footprints on a limestone cliff face. The tracks, from at least eight species, date back 68 million years. A guided tour explains how the tracks were preserved and the species that created them. The viewing platform offers close-up views of this extraordinary fossil record.
2-3 hours
$8-12 (entrance and transport)
Evening
Evening stroll and local cuisine
Explore the illuminated
Plaza 25 de Mayo and surrounding streets, then dine at a local restaurant serving traditional Sucre dishes
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic center of Sucre (Same colonial-style hotel)
Continue enjoying the central location and colonial atmosphere
Many museums close on Mondays—plan accordingly to avoid disappointment
Day 8 Budget: $70-95
Journey to the remote
Torotoro National Park, known for its dramatic canyons, caves, and more dinosaur tracks in a spectacular geological setting.
Morning
Travel to Torotoro
Take an early bus or arranged transport to
Torotoro National Park, a 4-5 hour journey through increasingly rugged terrain. The small village of Torotoro sits at the entrance to one of Bolivia's most spectacular but least-visited parks. Arrive and register with the park office, where guides are mandatory for all activities.
4-5 hours
$15-25 (transport)
Arrange transport through your Sucre accommodation or book a tour package
Lunch
A simple restaurant in Torotoro village
Basic Bolivian
Budget
Afternoon
Cañon de Toro Toro exploration
Hike into the spectacular Cañon de Toro Toro, a dramatic gorge with towering rock walls. The trail descends into the canyon following a river, passing waterfalls and swimming holes. The geological formations reveal millions of years of earth history. This moderately challenging hike rewards with stunning scenery and the opportunity to swim in natural pools.
3-4 hours
$15-20 (guide and park entrance)
Guides are mandatory and can be hired at the park office
Evening
Village dinner and stargazing
Dine at one of the village's basic restaurants, then enjoy the clear night sky—Torotoro's remote location offers excellent stargazing
Where to Stay Tonight
Torotoro village (Simple guesthouse or hostel)
Limited accommodation options in this remote location, but adequate for adventure travelers
Bring cash—there are no ATMs in Torotoro and card payments are not accepted
Day 9 Budget: $55-75
Explore Torotoro's remarkable caves before traveling to Santa Cruz, descending from the highlands to Bolivia's tropical lowland metropolis.
Morning
Caverna Umajalanta
Explore the Caverna Umajalanta, Bolivia's largest cave system featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. The guided tour takes you deep into the mountain through narrow passages and large chambers. Bring a headlamp as lighting is minimal. The cave is home to unique blind fish species found nowhere else on earth.
3-4 hours
$15-20 (guide and entrance)
Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don't mind getting muddy
Lunch
Quick meal in Torotoro village before departure
Basic Bolivian
Budget
Afternoon
Travel to Santa Cruz
Begin the long journey to Santa Cruz, Bolivia's largest city and economic hub. The route can be done via Sucre (backtracking) or direct if transport is available. This represents a dramatic transition from highland canyon country to tropical lowlands. Arrive in the evening to a completely different climate and atmosphere—warm, humid, and cosmopolitan.
8-10 hours total travel
$25-40 (transport)
Consider flying from Sucre to Santa Cruz if budget allows to save time
Evening
Arrival and dinner in the tropics
Settle into Santa Cruz's warm tropical evening, dine at a modern restaurant, and adjust to the dramatic climate change
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Santa Cruz (Mid-range hotel with air conditioning)
Central location for exploring Santa Cruz with essential AC for the tropical heat
Santa Cruz is hot and humid—pack light clothes and embrace the tropical atmosphere after the highland cold
Day 10 Budget: $70-100
Experience Bolivia's tropical side with visits to a butterfly sanctuary and unique sand dunes surrounded by jungle, showcasing the country's ecological diversity.
Morning
Biocentro Guembe Mariposario
Visit this impressive biocentro featuring a large butterfly house with hundreds of tropical species, orchid gardens, swimming pools, and nature trails. The butterfly enclosure allows close encounters with colorful species in a lush tropical setting. The facility also includes rescued wildlife and demonstrates lowland ecology, providing a relaxing contrast to recent adventure activities.
3-4 hours
$15-25 (entrance and transport)
Arrive early to see butterflies most active
Lunch
On-site restaurant at Biocentro Guembe serving tropical cuisine
Tropical Bolivian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Lomas de Arena Regional Park
Explore this unique ecosystem where massive sand dunes rise incongruously from tropical forest. Walk or sandboard down the dunes, then cool off in nearby lagoons. This geological oddity—desert dunes surrounded by jungle—creates a surreal landscape. The park offers easy trails and swimming opportunities in a distinctive environment found nowhere else.
3 hours
$10-15 (entrance and transport)
Evening
Santa Cruz nightlife and cuisine
Experience Santa Cruz's vibrant restaurant scene with excellent grilled meats and tropical fruits, then explore the lively evening atmosphere around the main plaza
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Santa Cruz (Same mid-range hotel)
Convenient for tomorrow's early departure to the Amazon
Santa Cruz restaurants serve some of Bolivia's best food—try majadito (rice with jerky) and tropical fruit juices
Day 11 Budget: $75-105
Fly to
Rurrenabaque, gateway to the Bolivian Amazon, and begin your jungle adventure with afternoon wildlife spotting.
Morning
Take a short morning flight from Santa Cruz to
Rurrenabaque, a small jungle town on the Beni River. The 30-minute flight offers aerial views of the transition from lowland plains to dense
Amazon rainforest. Arrive in this frontier town where the adventure tourism industry centers on jungle and pampas tours into pristine wilderness.
1 hour including transfer
$80-120 (flight)
Book flights in advance; the small planes fill quickly
Afternoon
Meet with Native tours
Rurrenabaque & Pampas tours to begin your jungle experience. Take an afternoon boat ride on the Beni River to your jungle lodge, spotting caimans, capybaras, and various bird species along the way. Settle into your rustic accommodation and take a sunset walk to begin experiencing the Amazon's incredible biodiversity.
4-5 hours
$60-80 (first day of multi-day tour)
Book 3-day pampas tour in advance for best wildlife viewing
Evening
Night walk and jungle sounds
Join a guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife, then fall asleep to the symphony of jungle sounds
Where to Stay Tonight
Pampas region near Rurrenabaque (Basic jungle lodge with mosquito nets)
Immersive jungle experience in wildlife-rich area
Bring a powerful flashlight for night walks and wear long sleeves despite the heat to protect against mosquitoes
Day 12 Budget: $100-140
Experience exceptional wildlife viewing in the pampas wetlands, including anacondas, pink dolphins, monkeys, and countless bird species.
Morning
Pampas wildlife boat tour
Explore the wetlands by motorized canoe, getting remarkably close to wildlife. The pampas offer some of
South America's best wildlife viewing—spot howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capybaras, caimans, and numerous bird species including macaws and toucans. Your guide will navigate channels looking for anacondas and the rare pink river dolphins.
4 hours
Included in multi-day tour
Lunch
Return to lodge for lunch prepared by tour staff
Simple meals
Budget
Afternoon
Anaconda search and swimming with dolphins
Wade through shallow waters searching for anacondas—guides are expert at spotting these massive snakes. Later, swim in the river alongside pink river dolphins, an unforgettable experience. The afternoon also offers opportunities to fish for piranhas using simple handlines. The pampas' open terrain provides better wildlife viewing than dense jungle.
4 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Sunset wildlife viewing and caiman spotting
Take an evening boat ride to spot caimans by flashlight—their eyes reflect red in the darkness—and watch the spectacular pampas sunset
Where to Stay Tonight
Pampas region near Rurrenabaque (Same basic jungle lodge)
Second night allows for full-day wildlife experiences
Wear water shoes or old sneakers for wading—the pampas activities involve getting wet and muddy
Day 13 Budget: $65-90
Morning wildlife activities before returning to
Rurrenabaque and flying back to
La Paz for your international departure or journey continuation.
Morning
Wake early for a final morning boat ride when animals are most active. Spot birds feeding and monkeys moving through riverside vegetation. Return to
Rurrenabaque by mid-morning, arriving with time to shower and freshen up after your jungle adventure. Browse the town's artisan shops for last-minute souvenirs.
4 hours
Included in tour
Afternoon
Take an afternoon flight back to
La Paz, reversing the morning's aerial journey over the Amazon basin and Andes. Arrive in
La Paz with time to connect to international flights or spend a final evening in the capital. The dramatic return to high altitude marks the end of your diverse Bolivian adventure spanning salt flats, colonial cities, canyons, and jungle.
1 hour flight plus transfers
$80-120 (flight)
Book return flight coordinated with international departure
Evening
Departure or final
La Paz evening
If time permits, enjoy a farewell dinner in
La Paz reflecting on two weeks of extraordinary experiences before your international departure
Where to Stay Tonight
Near La Paz airport if needed (Airport hotel for early departures)
Convenient for international flights, though many travelers depart same day
Allow extra time at
La Paz airport—altitude can make you move slower and lines can be long during peak hours
Day 14 Budget: $90-130