Bolivia Day Excursions: Tiwanaku, Tarabuco, Maragua
Advisory as of October 2026. A nationwide state of exception was decreed in Bolivia in June 2026. Protests and road blockades can cut off highways with little warning, including routes to airports, and petrol and diesel are often short. Britain’s FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Chapare Province, including Villa Tunari, and the US also warns against going there. Check the FCDO travel advice and US advisories first, and treat any day trip as one that might need to become an overnight.
Excursions that fit in a day
A day trip in Bolivia means a bus ride, a market or a ruin, and a late return. Distances look short on a map but mountain roads are slow, so aim to leave at first light. The boliviano floated in 2026 and traded near 12 to the dollar in late October, so the fares below are approximate and move.
Tiwanaku from La Paz
The ruins lie 72 km west, a drive of about an hour and a half, at 3,850 m. Local minibuses depart near the General Cemetery for roughly Bs 15, while organised tours cost about Bs 150 to 250 before the Bs 100 or so entry ticket. UNESCO listed the site in 2000. Expect a big open plateau with wind, sun and little shade, and carry water.
Coroico and the Yungas
Dropping from the Andes into warm green valleys, the road to Coroico leads to coffee, citrus and coca farms. The paved route takes a long day. Death Road tours also finish in this area, and they should be done only with a licensed guide. In the wet season, landslides and blockades can close the road with no notice, and the sanctuary at La Senda Verde near Yolosa may be out of reach.
Tarabuco from Sucre
On Sundays, Yampara families come down from the hills in black hats and woven ponchos to trade at Tarabuco, about 65 km from Sucre and 1.5 to 2 hours away. Shared rides run around Bs 10 to 15 and agency shuttles around Bs 40 to 60. Ask before you photograph anyone, and keep small notes for crafts.
Maragua crater from Sucre
The route starts about 40 km west of Sucre at a hillside chapel and follows an old stone path through a red gorge to the Maragua syncline, with dinosaur tracks and a waterfall nearby. Guided day tours were quoted at around Bs 180 to 250 per person. You will walk for hours, so wear boots and carry lunch.
Potosí from Sucre
The silver city is around 155 km to the south-west, about three hours by road, with bus fares of about Bs 20 to 30. It is possible as a day, but a very full one, and it sits near 4,000 m against Sucre’s 2,810 m. Spend a night if you can. The mint museum and convent are explained in the guide to attraction tours .
Valle de la Luna
A shorter outing from the centre of La Paz, this eroded clay maze in Mallasa takes a few hours. Entry has been about Bs 15.
Things to take
- Altitude care: rest on arrival, drink water and speak to a doctor before travel. Coca tea is a custom and not a proven treatment.
- Cash: carry bolivianos in small notes, as ATMs outside the cities often run dry.
- Timing: check bus departure times the day before and aim to be back before dark.
Read more: Group activities in Bolivia and the 2 day Bolivia plan .
To book a driver or group tour, search GetYourGuide Bolivia day trips .