Bolivia general information and map
Capital: Sucre
There are no direct flights to Bolivia from the UK, however Aerosur now flies to Santa Cruz from Madrid, Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Miami. There are also regular flights from Madrid (Barajas) and other European/non-European countries to the international Airport in El Alto, La Paz. We recommend if you are flying straight to Bolivia where possible you fly to Santa Cruz and then move onto Sucre and La Paz allowing your body to acclimatize to the very high altitude in La Paz. It is also possible to enter Bolivia overland from the North via Peru and from the South via Argentina.
Time: GMT minus 4 hours
Try not to miss: Uyuni is a one horse town in the high Altiplano, but is also the gateway to the largest and most spectacular salt flats in the world that cover an area of some 12,000 square kilometers. Allow at least one full day to explore this bizarre landscape with your guide and four wheel drive vehicle, although some of our guests prefer to spend up to 3 full days here.
Potosi is town of contrasts and once reputed to have been the richest city in the world. Valuable minerals have been mined here more or less continuously for the last 500 years and it is said a bridge could be built from Potosi to Madrid from mined silver alone. A visit to the cooperative mines provides a fascinating insight into the miner’s lifestyle, whereas the colonial side of town contains some fine architecture, including the coin museum and Bolivia’s only pedestrian street.
Sucre is actually the capital city of Bolivia, and at an altitude of some 2,500 meters nearly 1500 meters lower than La Paz or Potosi. Reaching this beautiful colonial city and its stunning main square surrounded by buildings of great character and antiquity is akin to entering another world, specially if the visitor has come down from the high Altiplano. We recommend a stay of at least two nights in this most charming and beautiful of all Bolivian cities.
The extraordinary high altitude city of La Paz is a sight to behold, especially at night when millions of twinkling lights appear hemmed in by the steep mountains that form that natural boundary for the city. The Tiwanaku ruins lie between La Paz and Lake Titicaca, a legacy of one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas whose culture collapsed around a thousand years ago due to a prolonged drought.
Travellers passing through Bolivia en route to Peru will visit Lake Titicaca last of all during their tour of this country. Lake Titicaca, which is the highest navigable lake in the world and falls within the boundaries of both Bolivia and Peru, was home to a race of people who lived on reed islands in order to evade the all conquering Incas. We recommend a hydrofoil cruise and overnight stay on Sun Island at the charming posada de Inca eco lodge, from which base the island can be explored.
Most visitors to Bolivia concentrate on the high altitude sights and cities described above, however a visit to Santa Cruz is to experience the tropical climate of the lowlands, from where Jesuit settlements are accessible. The Madidi National Park in the north west of the country includes a large sector of pristine Amazon rain forest within its 4.5 million acres that is home to 44% of all new world species of mammal and more than a thousand species of bird. We can also arrange the best golden dorado fly fishing in the world in the Bolivian Amazon, please contact us for details.
Visas: No visa is required for visits of up to 90 days for UK citizens.
Why Bolivia: Because it is an unspoilt country rich in culture and physically very beautiful. Sandwiched between the better known and more accessible countries of Argentina and Peru, Bolivia is an unmissable destination for travellers with enough time on their hands to indulge a comprehensive South American itinerary, and also a worthy destination in its own right.
Wild & Exotic Bolivia sample itinerary entering overland from Argentina and exiting through Peru
Summary
This itinerary has been designed for the traveller entering Bolivia overland from the north west province of Salta in Argentina, before continuing into Peru via Lake Titicaca in northern Bolivia. This is an excellent way to see a large and important part of central Southern America and is strongly recommended for those with enough time. All our guests will be met on arrival in both Bolivia and Peru by their private guide and assisted with customs and immigration. Visitors entering Bolivia having done a tour of Salta province will already be partially adjusted to the high altitude that can cause problems if sufficient time is not take to acclimatise. This carefully thought out Bolivian itinerary is the product of Wild and Exotic’s “hands on” research and incorporates many of the unmissable sights and destinations of this remote and beautiful country, including the silver mining town of Potosi, the largest salt flats in the world, the magical city of La Paz, the ancient ruins at Tiwanaku, and in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet, where we have sourced a small, charming and perfectly located hotel on Sun Island for your relaxation and pleasure. All our guests will be accompanied during their time in Bolivia by a private, English speaking guide. The programme can be run just as effectively from north to south, which is entering via Peru and leaving via Salta in Argentina, and can also be personalised to suit your own requirements.
Itinerary
Day 1: On arrival at the Bolivian border in Villazon city you will be met and transferred to Tupiza, a journey of 2 hours. This afternoon you will visit Quebrada de Palala. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Mitru (D)
Day 2: Today you will have the chance to go on an excursion to the surroundings of Tupiza, visiting El Sillar and San Vicente. Afterwards you will be transferred to the train station in Tupiza in time for your train to Uyuni (journey time approx 5 ½ hours). On arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel Tambo Aymara or hotel los Girasoles depending on the season.
Day 3: Today will be a full day visit to the Great Uyuni Salt Lake where you will explore the 12,000 square kilometre flats accompanied by your private guide and driver in a 4 x 4 vehicle. These are the largest salt flats in the world, and sight include Cochani, Ojos de Agua, Museo de Sal. Please note the flats may not be accessible during the summer rainy season from November to April. You will have stop to explore the rocky, cactus covered island of Incahuasi on foot before enjoying lunch at Mongo’s restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Luna Salada, an extraordinary hotel built entirely of salt and overlooking the vast expanse of the salt lake. (B, L, D).
Day 4: Today you will be transferred by a private vehicle from Uyuni to Potosí, a journey of approximately 5 hours through stunning wild and rocky scenery that is home to llamas and vicuña with only a handful of small villages encountered during the entire journey. This road is currently being upgraded from dirt to tarmac, which will reduce the journey to around 3 ½ hours. At 4000 metres, this is the second highest town in Bolivia (only El Alto is higher). On arrival in Potosí you will have lunch before visiting Santa Teresa convent and the churches of Potosí. Overnight at Hotel Cima Argentum (B, L)
Day 5: This morning you will visit the Casa de La Moneda coin museum and the cooperative mine before being transferred in a private vehicle from Potosi to Sucre after lunch, a journey of approximately 3 hours. A visit to the cooperative mine provides a fascinating insight into the miner’s livers including their daily purchases of coca leaves (which are chewed for an hour before starting work) sticks of dynamite, cheap cigarettes, and bottles of 96% proof alcohol, the latter offered as a gift to the gods. Other notable places of interest in Potosi include the cathedral and church of San Francisco. Aside from the grim mine workings and the narrow streets and tiny houses of the native half of Potosi, the colonial half is surprisingly elegant and charming. On arrival in the beautiful white city of Sucre you will be transferred to the Hostal De Su Merced for a 2 night stay (B, L),
Day 6: Today is spent relaxing amongst fabulous colonial surrounding, you may like to visit the many churches and museums such as Museum textil Asur, the Museum of La Recoleta and San Felipe de Nery church and explore this famous colonial city from the base of Hostal De Su Merced. (B)
Day 7: Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to check in to your flight to La Paz. On arrival you will be met and transferred on a tour of the city, which is overlooked by the majestic Illimani mountain. The City of La Paz dates from pre Hispanic times with all their traditions and magic rites on its streets. The indigenous, colonial and modern areas, Indian Market, Witch Doctor’s Market. Overnight at the Hotel Camino Real Suites in Calacoto, which enjoys a fashionable but quiet location with many bars and nice restaurants only a 20 min taxi ride away.
Day 8: This morning you will be transferred to Tiwanaku Ruins (a journey of approximately 3 ½ hours), the most magnificent ruins in Bolivia and one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, which include the Sun Gate, the Temple of Kalasasaya and the Pyramid of Akapan. The Tiwanaku culture was an agrarian based economy with an estimated population of 115,000 inhabitants, who were outstanding in agriculture, architecture and medicine, as well as in social organization. The state controlled agriculture produced surplus wealth to support the urban centre and administrative system, but the Tiwanaku civilization collapsed around 1,000 AD due to an economical crisis caused by prolonged drought. After visiting Tiwanaku ruins you will be transferred back to your hotel in La Paz for an overnight stay.
Day 9: This morning you will be collected from your hotel after an early breakfast and transferred to Huatajata harbor on the shores of Lake Titicaca, a journey of 2 hours. On arrival in Huatajata you will board the boat for the hydrofoil cruise to visit the Urus Iruitos Floating island and Quewaya sustainable project. You will continue to on to Sun Island to visit “Pilcocaina” or Sun Temple. You will disembark here and follow the path along the contours of the hill above Lake Titicaca to the pposada del Inca Eco Lodge, which occupies a private hill top location amongst mature trees with panoramic views out across the lake (B, L, D).
Day 10: Today can be spent at your leisure at Sun Island where you can enjoy walking and relaxing beside this beautiful lake. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Chincana ruins if you wish (this is at extra cost and can be paid direct). Overnight Posada del Inca Eco Lodge (B, L, D).
Day 11: Today you will visit the Inca Staircase & Sacred fountain and taste the sacred water believed to give eternal youth & happiness and have lunch at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant before visiting the small handicraft market. You will be transferred by boat to Copacabana, where you will visit the shrine and market before being transferred to Puno passing the churches of Pomata & Juli. On arrival at Puno in Peru you will be transferred to your hotel for the onward leg of your journey. (B, L)
Notes:
Please note this itinerary is a sample itinerary only and can be modified and refined according to client’s requirements.
The price of this itinerary is based on double accommodation on bed and breakfast rate except where otherwise described as shown on the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner) and is inclusive of all activities and transfers described. The price does not include items of a personal nature, gratuities, etc.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is available on this website under the general info tab.
Wild & Exotic Bolivia sample itinerary entering by air
This itinerary has been designed for the traveller entering Bolivia by air and has been carefully co-ordinated to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness. Guests spend a relaxing day on arrival in the subtropical climate of Santa Cruz before flying on to the beautiful colonial city of Sucre, which lies at an altitude of 2,500 metres. After two days here guests climb another 1500 metres on the road transfer to the silver mining outpost of Potosi before continuing to the other unmissable Bolivian destinations, which include the largest salt flats in the world, the magical city of La Paz, and in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet, where we have sourced a small, charming and perfectly located hotel on Sun Island for your relaxation and pleasure. All our guests will be accompanied during their time in Bolivia by a private, English speaking guide. This carefully thought out Bolivian itinerary is the product of Wild and Exotic’s “hands on” research and incorporates many of the unmissable sights and destinations of this remote and beautiful country, and can also be personalised to suit your own requirements.
Day 1: You will be met on arrival at Santa Cruz and transferred to the hotel Los Tajibos for an overnight stay. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and tropical gardens where you can relax and unwind after your flight.
Day 2: The following morning you will be transferred for the flight to Sucre. On arrival in this beautiful colonial city you will be transferred to the Hostal De Su Merced for a 2 night stay. In the afternoon you will be given a private guided tour of the city (B, L),
Day 3: Today is spent relaxing amongst fabulous colonial surrounding and acclimatizing to the 2,500 metre altitude. You may like to visit the many churches and museums such as Museum textil Asur, the Museum of La Recoleta and San Felipe de Nery church and explore this famous colonial city from the base of Hostal De Su Merced. (B)
Day 4: This morning you will be transferred in a private vehicle to Potosi, a journey of approximately 3 hours. On arrival at Potosi you will have lunch before visiting Santa Teresa convent, the churches of Potosí, the Coin Museum, and the cathedral. Aside from the grim mine workings and the nearby narrow streets and tiny houses of the native half of Potosi, the colonial half is surprisingly elegant and charming. At 4000 metres, this is the second highest town in Bolivia (only El Alto is higher). Overnight at Hotel Cima Argentum (B, L).
Day 5: This morning you will visit the cooperative mine at Potosi, which provides a fascinating insight into the miner’s lives including their daily purchases of coca leaves (which are chewed for an hour before starting work) sticks of dynamite, cheap cigarettes, and bottles of 96% proof alcohol, the latter offered as a gift to the gods. You will have lunch in Potosi before transferring by road to the Hotel Luna Salada, an extraordinary hotel built entirely of salt and overlooking the vast expanse of the salt lake. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and passes through stunning wild and rocky scenery that is home to llamas and vicuña with only a handful of small villages encountered during the entire journey. This road is currently being upgraded from dirt to tarmac, which will reduce the journey to around 3 ½ hours. You will arrive in time to relax at this amazing hotel before dinner. (B,L,D).
Day 6: Today will be a full day visit to the Uyuni Salt Lake where you will explore the 12,000 square kilometre flats accompanied by your private guide and driver in a 4 x 4 vehicle. These are the largest salt flats in the world, and sight include Cochani, Ojos de Agua, Museo de Sal. Please note the flats may not be accessible during the summer rainy season from November to April. You will have stop to explore the rocky, cactus covered island of Incahuasi on foot before enjoying lunch at Mongo’s restaurant and returning to the hotel after further explorations in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Luna Salada, (B, L, D).
Day 7: Today you will be transferred by private 4×4 vehicle to the city of La Paz, stopping en route for lunch in Oruro, this is an 8 – 9 hour journey. Alternatively it is possible on certain days of the week to catch the overnight train (the train journey to Oruro takes 7 hours) followed by road transfer to La Paz. On arrival in La Paz for an overnight stay at the Hotel Camino Real Suites in Calacoto, which enjoys a fashionable but quiet location with many bars and nice restaurants only a 20 min taxi ride away. La Paz is overlooked by the majestic Illimani mountain and dates from pre Hispanic times with all their traditions and magic rites on its streets. (B,L)
Day 8: This morning you will leave La Paz after lunch for your visit the Tiwanaku Ruins (a journey of approximately 90 minutes), the most magnificent ruins in Bolivia and one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, which include the Sun Gate, the Temple of Kalasasaya and the Pyramid of Akapan. The Tiwanaku culture was an agrarian based economy with an estimated population of 115,000 inhabitants, who were outstanding in agriculture, architecture and medicine, as well as in social organization. The state controlled agriculture produced surplus wealth to support the urban centre and administrative system, but the Tiwanaku civilization collapsed around 1,000 AD due to an economical crisis caused by prolonged drought. After visiting Tiwanaku ruins you will be transferred to the Utama Inca hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca, a journey of approximately 2 hours. (B,L, D)
Day 9: This morning you will board the boat for the hydrofoil cruise to visit the Urus Iruitos Floating island and Quewaya sustainable project. You will continue to on to Sun Island to visit “Pilcocaina” or Sun Temple. You will disembark here and follow the path along the contours of the hill above Lake Titicaca to the Posada del Inca Eco Lodge, which occupies a private hill top location amongst mature trees with panoramic views out across the lake (B, L, D).
Day 10: Today can be spent at your leisure at Sun Island where you can enjoy walking and relaxing beside this beautiful lake. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Chincana ruins if you wish (this is at extra cost and can be paid direct). You can also visit the Inca Staircase & Sacred fountain and taste the sacred water believed to give eternal youth & happiness and have lunch at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant before visiting the small handicraft market nearby. Overnight Posada del Inca Eco Lodge (B, L, D).
Day 11: Today you will leave Sun Island by hydrofoil in the early afternoon for your transfer back to La Paz and overnight accommodation at the Hotel Camino Real Suites (B,L)
Day 12: Depending on the departure time of your international flight there may be time for a private guided tour of the city, after which you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward international flight. (B)
Notes:
Please note this itinerary is a sample itinerary only and can be modified and refined according to your requirements.
The price of this itinerary is based on double accommodation on bed and breakfast rate except where otherwise described as shown on the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner) and is inclusive of all activities and transfers described. The price does not include items of a personal nature, gratuities, etc.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.