Bolivia Itineraries: 10 Days to 2 Months

Planning Your Bolivian Adventure: Key Considerations

Bolivia is a country of staggering contrasts, from the high-altitude deserts of the Altiplano to the dense humidity of the Amazon basin. A bit of forward planning will ensure your journey is as smooth and rewarding as possible. Here are some essential factors to consider before you go.

Best Time to Visit Bolivia

Bolivia’s climate is defined by two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The best time for your trip depends largely on which regions you plan to visit and what you want to experience, particularly concerning the famous Salar de Uyuni.

Dry Season (April to October)

This period is generally considered the best time to travel throughout Bolivia. You can expect clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

• Pros: Conditions are perfect for trekking in the Andes and exploring the Amazon with fewer mosquitos. The Salar de Uyuni is a vast, white desert with its iconic cracked hexagonal patterns, allowing access to areas like Isla Incahuasi.
• Cons: As this is the peak tourist season, popular sites can be more crowded. Nights, particularly in the Altiplano and Uyuni, are frigid, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing.

Wet Season (November to March)

The summer months bring warmer temperatures and rain, which transforms the landscape into a lush, vibrant green.

• Pros: The rain turns the Salar de Uyuni into the world’s largest mirror, creating breathtaking reflections that are a photographer’s dream. The countryside is verdant, and there are fewer tourists.
• Cons: Heavy rains can cause significant travel disruptions, including road closures and flight delays. Amazon tours can be challenging due to muddy trails and a higher concentration of mosquitos.

Altitude Sickness: The Soroche Survival Guide

Many of Bolivia’s most famous destinations, including La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and the Salar de Uyuni, are located at altitudes exceeding 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). Altitude sickness, known locally as soroche, is a common concern for travelers. Symptoms can range from mild headache, nausea, and shortness of breath to more severe conditions.

Acclimatization is Key

The single most important and effective way to prevent altitude sickness is to allow your body time to adjust. Do not underestimate the effects of altitude. Plan to spend at least two to three days at a high-altitude city, such as La Paz or Sucre, before undertaking any strenuous activities like long treks or tours. On your first day, take it very easy: walk slowly, eat light meals, and get plenty of rest.

Local Remedies and Medication

If you experience mild symptoms, there are several ways to find relief:

• Coca Leaves: A traditional Andean remedy for centuries. Locals chew the leaves or drink it as a tea (mate de coca) to alleviate symptoms. It is widely and legally available in high-altitude regions.
• Medication: Acetazolamide (often sold as Diamox) can be taken as a preventative measure. It is essential to consult your doctor before your trip to see if it’s right for you and to discuss the correct dosage.
• Hydration and Diet: Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals and alcohol for the first few days at altitude, as they can exacerbate the effects of soroche.

Getting to and Around Bolivia

Navigating Bolivia is an adventure in itself. The country’s vast and varied terrain means that travel between regions can take time, but the journey often offers spectacular scenery.

International Gateways

Most international travelers arrive at one of two main airports: Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in the eastern lowland city of Santa Cruz, or El Alto International Airport (LPB), which serves La Paz and is one of the highest international airports in the world.

Domestic Travel Options

• Flights: For covering the large distances between major hubs like La Paz, Sucre, and Uyuni, flying is by far the fastest and most convenient option. Domestic airlines such as BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) and Amaszonas operate regular routes.
• Buses: The most common and economical way to travel around Bolivia. For long, overnight journeys, it is well worth booking a seat on a more comfortable coach. Look for cama (lie-flat) seats, which are comparable to business class on a plane, or semi-cama (reclining) seats for a better night’s sleep.
• Trains: The rail network in Bolivia is limited, but it offers some uniquely scenic journeys. The route from Oruro (south of La Paz) to Uyuni is a popular and comfortable alternative to the bus, offering wonderful views of the Altiplano landscape.

The 10-Day Bolivia Whirlwind: Gringo Trail Highlights

Itinerary at a Glance

For travelers with limited time, this fast-paced itinerary is designed to cover Bolivia’s most iconic and unmissable sights. It’s an intense but incredibly rewarding journey that takes you from the world’s highest capital city to stunning colonial towns and across the otherworldly landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni. Prepare for dramatic shifts in altitude and scenery on this classic “Gringo Trail” adventure.

Day 1-3: La Paz & Acclimatization

Your adventure begins by flying into El Alto International Airport (LPB), perched high above La Paz. The transfer from the airport down into the city’s canyon-like bowl is a breathtaking introduction to the dramatic geography. The first day is crucial for acclimatization. At over 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), the altitude is significant, so take it easy: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and consider trying some coca tea (mate de coca), a local remedy for altitude sickness.

Once you’ve found your footing, La Paz offers a vibrant tapestry of culture and chaos to explore. Key activities include:

• Mi Teleférico: This modern cable car system is the city’s public transport, offering unparalleled views of the sprawling urban landscape nestled among the Andean peaks. A ride on several different lines provides a fantastic and affordable city tour from above.
• Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas): Wander through stalls selling a curious array of folk remedies, spiritual offerings, and traditional Aymara items, including dried llama fetuses used in rituals to bless new homes.
• Calle Jaén: Step back in time on one of the city’s best-preserved colonial streets, a narrow, cobblestoned lane lined with brightly colored buildings that house a collection of small, interesting museums.

If you feel up to it, an optional day trip to the nearby Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) offers an easy excursion to a bizarre, moon-like landscape of eroded sandstone spires and canyons.

Day 4-6: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

From La Paz, you can take a short flight or a comfortable overnight bus to the dusty frontier town of Uyuni, the launching point for tours of the salt flats. The standard and highly recommended way to experience this region is on a 3-day, 2-night 4×4 tour. These tours pack in an incredible amount of surreal scenery and unforgettable experiences.

The journey across the vast, white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni is the main event. During the dry season, you’ll see the iconic hexagonal salt patterns, while the wet season transforms it into a giant, flawless mirror. Highlights of the multi-day tour typically include:

• Isla Incahuasi: A rocky, coral-like island rising from the salt, covered in towering, ancient cacti. The view from the top is spectacular.
• Salt Hotel: Spend a night in a hotel constructed almost entirely from blocks of salt, a truly unique lodging experience.
• High-Altitude Lagoons: Journey into the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve to witness stunning, mineral-rich lakes like the blood-red Laguna Colorada, filled with flamingos, and the emerald-hued Laguna Verde at the foot of the Licancabur volcano.
• Geysers and Hot Springs: Visit the bubbling mud pools of the Sol de Mañana geyser field at sunrise and take a restorative dip in the Termas de Polques hot springs, a welcome moment of warmth in the chilly Altiplano.

Day 7-8: Sucre, The White City

After your salt flats tour concludes, you’ll travel to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital. This can be done via a long bus ride or by flying from Uyuni (often connecting through La Paz or Santa Cruz). The change in atmosphere is immediate. Sucre is a tranquil and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its pristine, whitewashed colonial buildings and pleasant, lower-altitude climate.

Spend your days exploring the charming city center, relaxing in a café in the main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and visiting key sites. Don’t miss the House of Liberty (Casa de la Libertad), where Bolivia’s declaration of independence was signed. For a truly unique sight, head to the Dinosaur Park (Cal Orck’o) on the city’s outskirts to see a massive limestone wall covered in thousands of authentic, fossilized dinosaur footprints.

Day 9-10: Potosí’s Silver Mines & Departure

A short morning bus ride (around 3 hours) takes you from Sucre to Potosí. At over 4,000 meters (13,400 feet), it is one of the highest cities in the world, with a history as dramatic as its altitude. Potosí was once the source of immense wealth for the Spanish Empire, built on the silver extracted from the mountain that looms over it, Cerro Rico (“Rich Hill”).

The main reason to visit Potosí is to take a tour of the cooperative mines inside Cerro Rico. This is not a typical tourist excursion but a powerful and sobering look into the lives of the miners. Visitors are guided through dark, narrow tunnels to witness the grueling conditions that have changed little over centuries. It is an experience that requires sensitivity and respect. The tour provides profound insight into the city’s tragic history and the economic realities that persist today. Acknowledging the harshness of the environment and the labor of the miners is central to this visit.

After the tour, you can travel back to Sucre for a more relaxed final evening or make your way to La Paz to connect with your international departure flight, bringing your whirlwind tour of Bolivia to a close.

The 2-Week Explorer: Salt Flats, Cities, and Jungle

Itinerary at a Glance

With two weeks, you can experience Bolivia’s most dramatic contrasts without feeling rushed. This itinerary builds upon the classic high-altitude circuit by adding a memorable journey into the lush, wildlife-rich Amazon basin. It combines the otherworldly landscapes of the salt flats, the charm of colonial cities, and the vibrant biodiversity of the jungle.

Week 1: The Altiplano & Colonial Cities (Days 1-8)

The first week follows the core path of the 10-day journey, covering La Paz, the Uyuni Salt Flats, Sucre, and Potosí. The additional time allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you more opportunity to acclimatize properly and immerse yourself in each location. Rather than moving every other day, you can settle in and explore more deeply.

• Spend an additional day in La Paz. This gives you time for a compelling day trip, such as exploring the pre-Incan ruins of Tiwanaku or cycling the famous Yungas Road, without sacrificing exploration of the city itself.
• Alternatively, use the extra day in Sucre. The city’s pleasant climate and tranquil atmosphere invite a slower pace. You can enjoy its cafes, museums, and courtyards, or plan a visit to the surrounding countryside.
• If your timing aligns, consider a day trip from Sucre to the Tarabuco Market. Held only on Sundays, this vibrant, authentic market is a fantastic place to see traditional textiles and experience local culture.

Week 2: Amazon Basin Adventure (Days 9-14)

After a week in the stark, high-altitude landscapes of the Altiplano, the second half of your trip descends into the humid, green world of the Bolivian Amazon.

Day 9: Fly from La Paz (LPB) to Rurrenabaque. This short but spectacular flight takes you over the snow-capped Cordillera Real and down into the dense jungle canopy. Rurrenabaque is a small, bustling town on the Beni River that serves as the primary gateway for Amazon tours.

Day 10-12: Choose your Amazon experience. Most tour operators in Rurrenabaque offer two distinct types of 3-day/2-night tours.

Pampas Tour (Wildlife Focus)

This is the most popular option for guaranteed wildlife sightings. You’ll travel by motorized canoe along the river through wetlands and savanna. The open landscape makes it easy to spot a remarkable amount of fauna, including capybaras, squirrel monkeys, pink river dolphins, countless bird species, and caimans lining the riverbanks. It is also a prime location for finding anacondas.

Jungle Tour (Immersion Focus)

For a more immersive rainforest experience, a jungle tour takes you deep into the protected Madidi National Park. Here, the focus is on trekking through dense primary rainforest. Your guide will teach you about the complex ecosystem, pointing out medicinal plants, intricate insect life, and tracks of larger, more elusive animals like jaguars or tapirs. While wildlife sightings are less guaranteed due to the thick vegetation, the experience of being in the heart of the jungle is profound.

Day 13: On the final day of your tour, you will travel back to Rurrenabaque, typically arriving in the afternoon. This gives you time to rest and reflect on your jungle adventure before your departure the next day.

Day 14: Fly from Rurrenabaque back to La Paz to connect with your international flight home or to continue your South American journey.

The 3-Week Adventurer: Andes, Amazon, and Culture

Itinerary at a Glance

With three weeks, you can move beyond the main tourist trail and truly immerse yourself in Bolivia’s astounding diversity. This itinerary combines high-altitude wonders, colonial history, Andean trekking, the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, and a final plunge into the Amazon basin. It’s a comprehensive journey for those who want to experience the country’s varied landscapes and cultures up close.

Week 1: La Paz and the Salt Flats (Days 1-7)

Your adventure begins in the dizzying heights of La Paz. Dedicate the first two days to acclimatizing to the altitude, exploring the city’s vibrant markets and taking in the panoramic views from the Mi Teleférico cable car system. On day three, take a day trip to the Tiwanaku archaeological site, the mysterious and powerful center of a pre-Incan civilization that dominated the southern Andes.

From La Paz, take an overnight bus or a short flight to Uyuni to begin your 3-day/2-night tour of the Salar de Uyuni. This 4×4 expedition will take you across the vast, white expanse of the salt flats, past cactus-studded islands, and into the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, where you’ll witness fiery red lagoons, bubbling geysers, and otherworldly desert landscapes.

Week 2: Colonial Heartlands & Andean Trekking (Days 8-14)

After your salt flats tour concludes, travel from Uyuni to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital. Spend a day or two exploring its pristine white-washed buildings and tranquil courtyards. From Sucre, you can easily take a day trip to Potosí to learn about its dramatic history as the silver-mining capital of the Spanish Empire. The main event of this week, however, is an incredible trek into the surrounding countryside.

The Maragua Crater Trek

This trek offers a profound connection to the Andean landscape and its people. It’s a journey back in time, through a geological wonder shaped like a massive crater and dotted with small Quechua-speaking communities.

• Duration and Logistics: The trek typically takes two or three days. You can arrange a guided tour in Sucre, which includes a guide, meals, and accommodation in local homes or basic shelters. For experienced hikers comfortable with navigation and carrying their own gear, it is also possible to do the trek independently.
• Highlights: The route takes you along ancient Inca paths, past colorful rock formations, and offers opportunities to see genuine dinosaur footprints fossilized in stone. The experience of hiking through the crater and staying in a traditional village provides a unique insight into a way of life that has changed little over centuries.

Week 3: Lake Titicaca and the Amazon (Days 15-21)

Returning to La Paz, your journey shifts north to the world’s highest navigable lake. A scenic bus ride will take you to Copacabana, a pleasant town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. From here, take a ferry to Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), the mythical birthplace of the Inca Empire. The best way to experience the island’s tranquility and sacred sites is to hike from north to south and stay overnight in a small guesthouse run by a local family.

After returning to La Paz, you’ll trade the high-altitude plains for the lush, humid jungle. A short flight takes you to Rurrenabaque, the gateway to the Amazon. Here, you’ll embark on a 3-day tour, choosing between a wildlife-focused Pampas tour to see monkeys, capybaras, and pink river dolphins, or a more immersive Jungle tour in Madidi National Park. On your final day, you will fly from Rurrenabaque back to La Paz to connect with your departure flight, filled with memories from every corner of Bolivia.

The 1-Month Deep Dive: The Full Bolivian Circuit

Itinerary at a Glance

For those with the luxury of time, a month in Bolivia allows for a grand circuit that reveals the country’s incredible diversity. This itinerary connects the high-altitude Andes with the colonial heartlands, the southern deserts with the surprising wine country, and finally descends into the lush eastern lowlands. It’s a journey that offers a complete and nuanced picture of Bolivia’s landscapes, cultures, and history. For more on why Bolivia is such a compelling destination, see our guide to why Bolivia.

Week 1: High-Altitude Arrival

The first week is dedicated to careful acclimatization and immersion in the iconic landscapes of the Altiplano. Starting in the world’s highest capital provides a necessary buffer before exploring the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca.

• La Paz (3-4 days): Arrive and dedicate the first two days to adjusting to the altitude. Explore the city at a gentle pace, riding the Mi Teleférico cable car system for panoramic views and wandering through the Witches’ Market. Once acclimatized, adventurous travelers might consider the famous “Death Road” cycling tour, a thrilling descent from the high mountains to the Yungas cloud forest.
• Lake Titicaca (2-3 days): Travel by bus to the lakeside town of Copacabana. From here, take a ferry to Isla del Sol, the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. Spend the day hiking the length of the island, passing ancient ruins and small villages, and arrange to stay overnight in a local guesthouse. The tranquility and star-filled skies over the lake are an unforgettable experience.

Week 2: The Southwest Circuit

This week takes you deep into the surreal, high-altitude desert landscapes of Bolivia’s southwest. The journey begins with a scenic train ride and culminates in a multi-day 4×4 expedition through salt flats and red rock canyons reminiscent of the American West.

• Travel to Uyuni: From La Paz, travel to Oruro to catch the scenic and comfortable train to Uyuni, the dusty gateway town to the salt flats.
• Salar de Uyuni Tour (3-4 days): Embark on a classic 4×4 tour across the world’s largest salt flat. The journey includes the iconic hexagonal salt patterns, Isla Incahuasi with its giant cacti, high-altitude lagoons teeming with flamingos, and bubbling geysers. Opt for a 4-day tour that conveniently concludes in the southern town of Tupiza, avoiding a long drive back to Uyuni. For an in-depth look at this natural wonder, check out our Uyuni Salt Flats Travel Guide.
• Tupiza (2-3 days): Discover a landscape straight out of a Western film. The area around Tupiza is defined by dramatic red rock canyons and multi-colored mineral hills. The best way to explore this region, once a hideout for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is on horseback, riding through narrow gorges and dusty riverbeds.

Week 3: Colonial Cities & Wine Country

Leaving the rugged landscapes behind, this week is a journey into Bolivia’s cultural and surprisingly epicurean heartland. You’ll explore the country’s burgeoning wine region before delving into the immense wealth and history of its colonial centers.

• Tarija (2-3 days): Take a bus from Tupiza to Tarija, the heart of Bolivia’s wine country. With its pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere, Tarija offers a welcome change of pace. Spend your days visiting local vineyards to sample the region’s high-altitude wines and the national spirit, Singani.
• Fly or Bus to Sucre: From Tarija, take a flight or a comfortable overnight bus to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital.
• Sucre & Potosí (4-5 days): Dedicate ample time to these two historically linked cities. Explore Sucre’s pristine white-washed colonial architecture and visit the House of Liberty. Then, take a day trip or an overnight excursion to Potosí. A visit here provides a profound and sobering look at the history of silver mining at Cerro Rico, the mountain that financed the Spanish Empire for centuries.

Week 4: The Road to the Lowlands

The final week involves a dramatic descent in altitude as you travel east towards Bolivia’s tropical lowlands. This leg of the journey offers a glimpse into a completely different side of the country, from bohemian mountain towns to the bustling economic capital.

• Travel to Samaipata (via Santa Cruz): The journey from the highlands to the lowlands is a long one, typically involving a bus or flight to Santa Cruz, followed by a shorter bus or taxi ride up to Samaipata.
• Samaipata (3-4 days): Settle into this tranquil, bohemian town nestled in the foothills of the Andes. Samaipata is the perfect base for exploring two distinct attractions: the pre-Inca ceremonial site of El Fuerte and the incredible biodiversity of Amboró National Park, where you can hike through lush cloud forests. You might also find our guide to out of the beaten track places in Bolivia helpful for discovering more unique spots.
• Santa Cruz (1-2 days): Conclude your journey in Bolivia’s largest city. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a modern, tropical metropolis. Enjoy the warm climate, explore the central plaza, and savor the lowland cuisine before catching your departure flight from Viru Viru International Airport (VVI).

The 2-Month Immersion: Living and Breathing Bolivia

Itinerary Philosophy: Slow Travel and Flexibility

Two months in Bolivia offers the luxury of time, transforming a trip from a checklist of sights into a genuine immersion. This is not a rigid day-by-day schedule but a framework for deep exploration. The philosophy here is slow travel: linger in places that captivate you, enroll in a Spanish course, find a volunteer opportunity, or simply allow for the spontaneous detours that lead to the most memorable experiences. This pace allows you to move beyond the surface and connect with the country’s rhythm, its people, and its profound cultural and natural landscapes. For advice on what to expect and how to behave, consult our Bolivia do’s and don’ts.

Month 1: The Altiplano & Andean Core

The first month is dedicated to acclimatizing and exploring the heart of the Andes. By basing yourself in and around La Paz, you can establish a routine, improve your Spanish, and undertake some of South America’s most rewarding high-altitude adventures. This period is about building a foundation of understanding and physical conditioning for the rest of your journey.

• La Paz & Cordillera Real (2-3 weeks): Use La Paz as your high-altitude hub. The extended time allows you to truly settle in and explore beyond the main tourist sites.
• Settle into a neighborhood and consider taking intensive Spanish lessons. This will profoundly enrich your interactions for the remainder of your trip.
• Undertake serious trekking in the stunning Cordillera Real. Beyond single-day excursions, this is your chance for multi-day classics like the Condoriri Trek, a challenging circuit around glacial lakes and jagged peaks.
• For experienced and well-acclimatized mountaineers, the ultimate challenge is summiting Huayna Potosí. This is a popular “first 6,000er” and can be done on a 2 or 3-day guided tour, offering an unforgettable accomplishment and unparalleled views of the Andes.