Active Bolivia

On this trip we will explore Bolivia’s stunning landscapes up close and on foot whenever possible. This active itinerary allows to you to trek (and bike) in some of the country’s most beautiful places. We begin with several easy walks at Lake Titicaca to slowly acclimatize to moving at 12,000 feet. We then return to La Paz for an excursion into the mountains to cycle the famous death road. After that, we venture to the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats where you can summit Tunupa Volcano and a... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE LA PAZ
DAY 2: LA PAZ - COPACABANA – ISLA DEL SOL
DAY 3: ISLA DEL SOL – ISLA DE LA LUNA – SAMPAYA - COPACABANA – LA PAZ
DAY 4: BIKING THE DEATH ROAD
DAY 5: LA PAZ – UYUNI – SALT FLATS – SUNSET ON TUNUPA
DAY 6: HIKE TUNUPA
DAY 7: SAN PEDRO DE QUEMES - SILOLI DESERT
DAY 8: SILOLI DESERT – UYUNI – LA PAZ
DAY 9: LA PAZ – LA RICONADA – LAGUNA JURIKHOTA
DAY 10: LAGUNA JURIKHOTA – AUSTRIA PEAK – LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA (CONDORIRI)
DAY 11: LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA – TUNI VILLAGE – LA PAZ
DAY 12: LA PAZ - HOME
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Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE LA PAZ
Upon arrival into La Paz, you are met and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimate. (B)

DAY 2: LA PAZ - COPACABANA – ISLA DEL SOL
After breakfast, your guide picks you up at your hotel for the three-hour ride to Copacabana, a beautiful town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. From here, we depart on a one-hour boat ride to Isla Del Sol on the southern part of the lake. We land near the Pilkokaina Inca ruins and begin our 1.5-hour hike to tonight’s lodging. While we walk slowly, taking time to enjoy the views and the fresh air, our bags are transferred via donkey to our comfortable ecolodge perched on the hill. In the late afternoon, venture out to a scenic point on the island that provides a perfect view of the Cordillera Real, where you will be later in your trip. Enjoy the sun setting over gorgeous Lake Titicaca. End the evening with a cozy dinner at the ecolodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: ISLA DEL SOL – ISLA DE LA LUNA – SAMPAYA - COPACABANA – LA PAZ
Early risers will be treated with a spectacular sunrise over the Cordillera Real and Lake Titicaca! After breakfast, descend from your ecolodge down to the village of Yumani. Along the way, you pass the “The Garden of the Incas” and visit the spring of Eternal Youth, where the Incas performed baptisms. If water conditions allow, our boat takes us to Isla De La Luna where you can explore Incan ruins and hike to another great viewpoint on the island’s ridge. Your guide can prepare a traditional apate lunch with many small dishes before descending into another small village.  If time allows and everyone is feeling good at the altitude, we can continue to the shore of Lake Titicaca and start an hour trek up to Sampaya, a traditional village that feels largely untouched by time. From the village we can continue another 45-minutes to a viewpoint at the crest of a hill. Here you have great views of the lakes and the islands you just explored. After taking in the views we return to the boat for the scenic ride back to Copacabana. There we hop in the car for our three-hour drive to La Paz.  Overnight in the capital city. (B,L)

DAY 4: BIKING THE DEATH ROAD
Today we head towards Coroico to ride the famous Death Road! With your positive attitude and our expert instruction and supervision, you can safely enjoy some of South America s most dramatic and beautiful scenery while hurtling down the road. In the morning you are picked up at your hotel for your scenic drive to La Cumbre at 15,400 feet where we begin the cycling portion of your adventure. From here we descend rapidly down a twisting asphalted road among mountain peaks, grazing llamas and alpacas and tiny villages. The road is now far less trafficked by cars and busses due to the construction of a more direct route. There will be plenty of stops for refreshments, photos, and rests along the way, givin  us time to take in the towering cliff faces, dramatic drops and ever greener vegetation. After a snack we descend further. Beyond a brief undulating section of road, we enter the jungle itself and the most challenging part of the ride. This infamous narrow dirt road is cut precariously into the side of the mountain and descends 6,500 feet. We ride through mist, low cloud and dust with 3,300-foot sheer drops off to our left and hulking rock overhangs and cascading waterfalls to our right. As we near the end of the ride it gets progressively hotter and dustier. By the time we finish our ride at Yolosoa we will be at 3,000 feet. We finish our adventure at La Senda Verde Animal Refuge where you can have a hot shower and a hearty meal before heading back to La Paz.  You can expect to return to the city between 8:00 and 10:00 PM ready for a good night’s rest. (B, L)

DAY 5: LA PAZ – UYUNI – SALT FLATS – SUNSET ON TUNUPA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Uyuni. We immediately head to the village of Colchani where locals extract and process salt. Learn about the interesting aspects of the geological history of the Uyuni´s Salt Lake and the current natural processes of salt formation that has continued for thousands of years.  You’ll also observe the Ojos de Sal (or salt eyes), where ice cold healing water bubbles through the salt. This water originates from an underground river at the Tunupa Volcano. As we begin our crossing of the salt flats, we pass the first hotel made entirely from salt blocks, now converted into a small museum. We continue to Isla Incahuasi, where we enjoy lunch followed by a hike among the island’s huge cacti. This hike provides 360-degree views of the endless Uyuni Salt Lake from above. In the afternoon, we continue our crossing towards Tunupa Volcano, a unique location for an amazing sunset that colors up the landscape of the salt lake. Overnight in the village of Tahua.  (B,L,D)
 
*It is possible to arrange additional touring of the Salt Flats under the stars in the evening. This should be arranged directly with your guide and driver on the day in order to take into account weather conditions. Please contact us for more details.

DAY 6: HIKE TUNUPA
After breakfast we will begin our trek up one of the most accessible routes of the Tunupa Volcano (17,457 feet), which will take about 6 hours. Make sure you have your camera ready to take some unique shots of Uyuni´s Salt Lake and surrounding inactive volcanoes from the height. After your return to the base, our trip will continue crossing the endless salt lake south to San Pedro de Quemes. We arrive by sunset to San Pedro de Quemes where we will stay in a comfortable hotel.  (B,L,D)

DAY 7: SAN PEDRO DE QUEMES - SILOLI DESERT
Have a hearty breakfast before today’s adventure which is full of incredible Altiplano landscapes and wildlife. After we depart from our hotel, we head south to observe the Ollagüe Volcano, which is currently mildly active. We pass several stunning lagoons -Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda, and Ramaditas - which offer views of 3 different flamingo species: the James, the Andean and the Chilean, as well as wild troops of vicuna. We end in the late afternoon in the Siloli Desert. Spend the night at Tayka Del Desierto Hotel.  (B,L,D)

DAY 8: SILOLI DESERT – UYUNI – LA PAZ
After breakfast, set off to explore the natural attractions of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, where you’ll see the Arbol de Piedra, the eroded rock in the shape of a tree.  We also visit the spectacular Laguna Colorada where it is possible to observe thousands of flamingos feeding in the red water. The drive continues to the Sol de Mañana geysers and a pool of natural hot springs with safe bathing temperatures. Be sure to bring your suit! You are welcome to soak for a while with views over a flamingo-filled lagoon. Afterwards, continue to the Salvador Dali Rocks. Wind and water erosions have shaped these rocks into absurd forms in the middle of the Altiplano desert. Further on we will have spectacular views of the Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca at the base of the Licancabur Volcano. In the late afternoon, we return to Uyuni for your returning flight to La Paz.  Overnight in the capital city.  (B,L)
DAY 9: LA PAZ – LA RICONADA – LAGUNA JURIKHOTA
At 8:00 AM, after a hearty breakfast, you are picked up at your hotel and we set off on the three-hour journey to La Riconada. We have lunch at the trailhead and begin our trek at 14,100 feet. Our first challenge is to slowly ascend to reach a mountain pass at 16,400 feet.  If we have a clear weather, we will enjoy beautiful views as we take a break to catch our breath. We then descend approximately 400 meters to our base camp. We will spend the night in an incredible location at 15,250 feet, surrounded by snowy peaks, a glacier and Laguna Jurikhota—which we can explore later if we wish. You will be ready for a delicious dinner prepared for you by our trekking team. (B,L,D)
 
Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours

DAY 10: LAGUNA JURIKHOTA – AUSTRIA PEAK – LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA (CONDORIRI)
Wake to the sun rising over the mountains at Laguna Jurikhota. We begin today’s trek by ascending up a steep slope to reach Laguna Congelada, nested at an altitude of 16,075 feet at the foot of Condoriri Mountain (18536 ft.). This jewel is fed by two glaciers literally falling off the mountain, into the icy water. From here we keep climbing to a second pass called Paso Austria (17, 060 ft.). As we descend, we’ll find ourselves on the other side of Condoriri towards Pequeño Alpamayo. This will be our base camp for the night at the edge of Laguna Chiarkhota (15, 321 ft.). Your team will prepare camp for the night while you enjoy the beautiful alpine views. (B, L, D)
 
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

DAY 11: LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA – TUNI VILLAGE – LA PAZ
After breakfast, today we leave Condoriri behind us and walk the base of the famous Mountain Aguja Negra (Black Needle Mountain). With luck, we will have a clear view as we reach Jallayko Pass at 16,486 feet. After a short rest we continue our walk to drop into a beautiful valley called Jistaña. From here we go up again to another pass called Tillipata (16,404 feet) to enjoy more spectacular scenery over beautiful lagoons. These views are t a reward for our efforts. Later on, enjoy a downhill walk until Tuni village. This is where our car and driver will be waiting to transfer us back to Paz. After two nights of camping, enjoy your final night in Bolivia in the comforts of a lovely hotel. (B,L)

Trekking time: 5 hrs

DAY 12: LA PAZ - HOME
Your guide will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your international flight home, marking the end of Southern Explorations services. (B)

Maps

Active Bolivia

Pricing
2-3 Travelers
$3,750
4 or more
$2,995
Domestic Airfare: La Paz/Uyuni/La Paz - $350

BOLIVIAN VISA: All US Citizens are required to have a Tourist Visa to enter Bolivia. The cost is $160. This visa can be obtained in advance or at the border crossing. A visa is not required for Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and most European citizens if visiting for less than 90 days. Visas are required for citizens of some Asian and African countries and for those coming from countries with risk of Yellow Fever.
Included in tour cost
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • All hotel accommodations
  • All listed activities
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Airport taxes, international and local
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear
  • Sleeping bags
  • Optional activities
  • Visa fee

Active Bolivia

Trip Dates
We can offer this trip on any set of dates that work for you. Please contact us for more details.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 to Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Available
Isla Del Sol
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
La Paz
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
San Pedro de Quemez
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Siloli Desert
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Tahua
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
  • 3 Star
     Included Hotel (subject to availability) 

One Day

Bolivia - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose an itinerary?
A: We offer both active and cultural tours that visit different regions including the Salt Flats, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, La Paz and the Andes. These tours vary in length and level of accommodation. Our Adventure Travel Coordinators would be happy to chat with you to help you find the itinerary that best meets your needs and interests.

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Bolivia?
A:

As of December 15, 2019 US Citizens, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and most European citizens don’t need a visa to enter Bolivia. Please check with your country's state department or international travel serivce for the most up to date information. 


Q: When is the best time to go to Bolivia?
A: Most areas in Bolivia are truly year-round destinations, but your itinerary may vary based on whether you travel in the dry season (May – December) or the rainy season (January – April). Our itineraries posted online are for the dry season, but we are happy to send you details on the rainy season alternatives as well. This can be particularly nice for photographers as the reflections off the salt flats are incredible. If you are totally flexible, September – November can be especially nice months because the temperatures are warmer than in the height of the winter in June and July. Please check with your Adventure Travel Coordinator for more details.

Q: What is a typical day like on an Bolivia trip?
A: A typical day in Bolivia  will vary from tour to tour, but generally, you can expect your guide to pick you up to start your excursions right after breakfast with a full day of scheduled activities or sightseeing. A lunch break is included and you’ll retire to your hotel in the late afternoon with evenings free.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Bolivia?
A: Our Bolivia trips vary in level of activity, so the requirements differ based on itinerary. Please check our physical ratings for each itinerary to see what may be required of you when assessing your ability to enjoy a trip. All of our trips in Bolivia are at a minimum moderate physical rating due to the altitude. All of our standard tours include destinations of at least 12,000 feet above sea level. If you have any specific questions, please contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator. We have personal experience with these trips and can help you decide whether a trip is right for you.
Q: How much time do I need to visit Bolivia?
A: Most of our Bolivia itineraries are at least eight days in length, but we can potentially create shorter custom itineraries if needed.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: For the best guide availability and selection in hotels, we recommend booking three to six months in advance. Holidays and the summer months book up more quickly, so more advance planning is ideal. For the holiday season, we recommend booking at least eight months in advance.
Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?
A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.
Q: Do you use certified guides?
A: Our guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We only hire guides who are native to the destination and are licensed or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A: In major cities we offer a variety of hotels ranging from historic boutique properties to modern, design-centered hotels. Throughout the rest of Bolivia we work with a combination of community-run lodges and boutique hotels. The majority of the properties are family-run or locally owned. All of our accommodations are clean and comfortable, with private bathrooms and hot water. We offer basic or luxury options in many locations, depending on taste and budget, but some locations have more rustic accommodations due to their remote nature.
Q: Do tours include airfare?
A: Travelers are responsible for their own international airfare. Internal flights are quoted separately from our base trip costs. We will include any necessary internal flight pricing in your quote.
Q: How many people are on your tours?
A: Our Bolivian tours are private, with a guide and vehicle just for your family or group, with the exception of the Amazon lodge visits which will be in small groups. If you are open to having others join your departure, please let us know.
Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?
A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary.  This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need