Bolivia-6-day-itinerary

Bolivia: A 6-Day Adventure Itinerary

Visa Requirements: Most nationalities can enter Bolivia visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the specific requirements for your country beforehand.

Currency: Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)

Transportation: Domestic flights are available but expensive. Buses are the most common and affordable option, with varying levels of comfort.

Things to Know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Bolivia has high altitudes. Acclimatize slowly by spending your first few days in lower elevations like Sucre. Drink plenty of water and coca tea.
  • Spanish: Spanish is the official language. Learning basic phrases will be helpful.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in La Paz & City Exploration (3650m)

  • Fly into El Alto International Airport (LPB).
  • Take a taxi or pre-booked transfer to your accommodation in La Paz.
  • Explore the colourful Witches’ Market and the impressive San Francisco Church.
  • Ride the Mi Teleférico cable car system for panoramic views of the city.

Day 2: Salar de Uyuni (3656m)

  • Take an early morning bus from La Paz to Uyuni (approx. 8 hours).
  • Join a guided tour of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.
  • Witness breathtaking sunrise views, visit Incahuasi Island with its giant cacti, and capture surreal perspective photos on the vast white landscape.

Day 3: Exploring the Highlands (4000-5000m)

  • Continue your Salar de Uyuni tour, visiting lagoons teeming with flamingos, geysers erupting steam, and otherworldly rock formations like the “Arbol de Piedra” (Stone Tree).
  • Overnight in a rustic salt hotel.

Day 4: Back to La Paz & Relaxing Evening

  • Return to Uyuni and catch a bus back to La Paz.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening at a traditional Bolivian restaurant, savouring local dishes like salteñas (savoury pastries) or silpancho (breaded beef cutlet).

Day 5: Sucre – The White City (2810m)

  • Take a morning bus from La Paz to Sucre (approx. 6-8 hours).
  • Explore the charming colonial streets of Sucre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit the Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia declared its independence, and marvel at the ornate architecture of the Catedral Metropolitana.

Day 6: Dinosaur Footprints & Departure (2810m)

  • Take a day trip to Parque Cretácico, a fascinating site with dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner in Sucre before catching your flight or bus onwards.

Optional Activities:

  • Death Road Cycling: For adrenaline seekers, experience the infamous Death Road on a guided mountain bike tour.
  • Lake Titicaca: Visit Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, sacred islands on Lake Titicaca, and learn about traditional Aymara culture.
  • Amazon Rainforest: Explore the Amazon basin with a multi-day jungle trek.

Tips for Travellers:

  • Pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically in Bolivia.
  • Bargain for souvenirs and transportation.
  • Stay hydrated and be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.