Journey through Bolivia

Bolivia is one of South America's best-kept secrets, boasting an array of historical and cultural attractions as well as some mind-blowing landscapes. You will stay in the chaotic capital of La Paz, visit one of the largest navigable lakes in the World; Lake Titicaca, see the splendour of the vast Salar de Uyuni and on a more cultural level you will spend time in Sucre and the silver mining town of Potosi, amongst other places. This is a fantastic introduction to Bolivia taking you to some of its most breath taking sights.

Tour Includes:

  • 8 nights in a 3 to 4 Star accommodation. 5 nights in boutique hotels. 1 night in a traditional lodge. 1 night overnight train in a sleeper cabin.
  • 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches.
  • Private vehicle, normally a saloon car for one or two people.
  • Local English Speaking Guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees.
  • Private transfers to and from all airports


Departures: Daily

Flight Inclusive Price:
Based on return economy class flights with Lan Chile from London Heathrow to La Paz, via Madrid and Lima. This will add 2 days onto your itinerary. UK Airport Passenger Duty and airport taxes are also included.

Tour Prices:
Whilst all best endeavours are made to ensure the prices for private journeys on our website are accurate - given the nature of peak season air supplements and fuel surcharges - prices given above may vary depending on departure date and availability.

How to book your Private Journey

Journey through Bolivia

Journey through Bolivia

Day 1: La Paz
On arrival to La Paz you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel to settle in and you will have the afternoon at leisure to acclimatise and relax after your long journey.

Day 2: La Paz
Morning free in La Paz. This afternoon you will be taken on a half day guided tour of the city visiting the indigenous, colonial and modern areas, the Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market, handicraft street and witnessing some breathtaking panoramas. Return to your hotel for the evening. (B)

Day 3: La Paz - Huatajata via Tiwanaku Ruins
Today you will leave the World's highest capital city to go to one of the World's highest navigable lakes. Today you will travel 70km from the city to the important archaeological site of Tiwanaku, which is over 1000 years old where you will spend time exploring the site before driving to the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Huatajata - Isla del Sol
This morning you will take the hydrofoil to Copacabana where you will visit the Shrine of the Dark Virgin before continuing to Sun Island, stopping en route at Moon Island. An optional lunch can be included at the archaeological & panoramic Uma Kollu Restaurant, where you may also take a look at the small handicraft market. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Isla De Sol
After breakfast we'll take a scenic trek to Chincana (the labyrinth) - a set of pre-Inca ruins. These ruins were believed to be a support facility for the Island's Shrine. It's a three hour trek and you'll return by motor-boat after a picnic lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Isla del Sol - La Paz
After breakfast you will sail to the island of Parati, where an important archaeological cache of ceramic artefacts were recently discovered in the middle of the town's football pitch! Cruising on you will disembark on Kalauta Island, taking a gentle two hour walk across the island through local villages, visiting ancient necropolis and funerary towers, to reach the Urus-Iruitos floating islands. The islands are unique to Lake Titicaca and you will visit a community project set up to help the Uruitos people sustain their traditional way of life. You will also stop for an Indian style Aptapi lunch, before heading back to La Paz. (B, L)

Day 7: La Paz - Sucre
This morning you will be transferred to La Paz airport in El Alto to catch your flight to Sucre- Bolivia's most attractive city and a UNESCO world monument. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation before having a guided city tour to see the various sites, including the Recoleta and San Francisco churches, the House of Liberty where Simon Bolivar secured the independence of Bolivia, and the Indian textile museum. Return to your hotel at the end of the day. (B)

Day 8: Sucre - La Candelaria, via Tarabuco
You will be collected from Sucre and taken by road to La Candelaria. On route we will have a break at the colourful, sprawling Tarabuco market which takes place every Sunday. Here we'll have the chance to see an amazing array of textiles, weavings, clothing and medicinal paraphernalia. The market is a lively affair, and it offers a great insight into Bolivian culture and a chance to meet local people. (B,L)

Day 9: La Candelaria - Potosi
You will be collected from La Candelaria to Potosi (via Sucre), a journey of approximately four hours and you may stop en-route if you see some photo opportunities on your journey. (B,L)

Day 10: Potosi
Today you will visit the silver mines at Potosi. You will start by visiting the miners market to buy gifts for the miners and from here visit the museum and shrine to the God of the underworld before descending into the mine. This afternoon take a half day city tour Potosi with your guide, which has been declared a "World Heritage Site". Visit the main sights including La Casa de la Moneda and finish with a walk around the old town to the main square and to Santa Teresa Convent. (B)

Day 11: Potosí - Uyuni
Today you will be collected from Potosí and taken to the Salt Flats at Uyuni, a journey of approximately 5 hours. Situated in south western Bolivia, the town of Uyuni is on the edge of one of the most arresting sites on the planet - over 10,000 square kilometres of blindingly white salt. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Uyuni - Oruro
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel early to watch the sun rise over the surreal landscape of the salt desert before heading out onto the vast, impressive Salar de Uyuni. Your journey will take you to the local salt factory, the Tunupa volcano, cold-water springs, Fish Island and other smaller islands. You'll also stop at caves formed by underwater volcanic eruptions and fossilised coral reefs - here you'll find the Coquesa mummies. You will have day use of a hotel in Uyuni before being transferred to the station for your overnight train back to Oruro. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Oruro - La Paz
On arrival to Oruro you will be met and privately transferred to La Paz for the final night of your trip. (B)

Day 14: La Paz
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport where your tour will end. (B)


How to book your Private Journey

Journey through Bolivia

Without flights

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 
1 Jan 12 - 31 May 15Adult Price From£3,510 £275 Make an Enquiry
Adult Price From£2,590 £275

With flights from the UK

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 

* Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

Journey through Bolivia

Please select the regions you are interested in.

El Hostal De Su Merced

Sucre

Once you have stayed at this hotel, you can rest assured that you have slept in the best small hotel in Bolivia. The...

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Rosario Hotel

La Paz

Hotel Rosario is a Colonial style hotel in the central La Paz with traditional décor and furnishings and a...

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Hacienda La Candelaria

La Candelaria

A three hour drive from Sucre through the rolling hills and tiny villages of rural Bolivia brings you to the 200 year...

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Luna Salada Hotel

Uyuni and Salt Flats

Located on an elevated piece of land on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Luna Salada is a fantastic hotel built...

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Inca Utama Hotel And Spa

Lake Titicaca Bolivia

The colonial hacienda boutique hotel Posada del Inca is located on the top of the Island of the Sun. Now restored into...

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Posada Del Inca Lodge

Isla del Sol

Posada del Inca is a lovely 21 roomed traditional hotel on Sun Island, offering guests a peaceful and comfortable place...

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Hotel Cima Argentum

Potosi

Hotel Cima Argentum is a small lodge in Potosi with just 17 rooms and suites. The suites have two bedrooms, so are...

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How to book your Private Journey

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More useful information when travelling to:
Bolivia

Flight Information

There are no direct flights to La Paz from London. The only way to reach Bolivia with one stop is via Miami with American Airlines, a journey of around 20 hours. There are faster routes with two changes using a combination of airlines.

Useful Tips

• La Paz is the best place to buy local handicrafts

• Take warm clothes as night temperatures in the highlands can be very cold

• Feel free to barter at local markets, it’s the general custom

• Try a 'saltena', which is a local type of cornish pasty

• Watch the world go by at Mirador Café in La Paz

When To Go

Bolivia has two distinct seasons: summer (November to April) is the rainy season, so it is best to visit during the winter months (May to October) when the roads are in better condition and the climate more comfortable. That said you will experience every kind of climate in Bolivia at any time of year (often in one day!) with temperatures soaring and dropping with the sun.

Packing List

Below is a list of general items you might take with you on a Wild Frontiers trip to Bolivia.

Luggage:
It is best to use a soft bag - rucksack/hold-all/duffel bag - so it can be transported and stored more easily.
A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main luggage is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

Clothing:
In general you should bring clothes you feel comfortable with, so as a guide we suggest a packing list like this:
• 4 x Light cotton shirts or T-shirts, short sleeved and long.
• 2/3 pairs of cotton trousers. If preferred, women can wear dresses and skirts
• 2 x Lightweight jumpers or sweatshirts
• Good quality fleece or warm jumper
• Warm jacket
• Down jacket or warm ski jacket
• Set of lightweight waterproofs (poncho provided)
• Warm nightwear
• Swim suit or trunks
• Gloves
• Warm Hat
• Wide brimmed sun hat or cap
• Change of clothing for the evenings
• An extra “outfit” if you’d like to dress up a bit on occasion
• Pair of recreational shoes (adventure sandals or trainers)

Equipment:
The following is useful extra equipment for your trip:
• Travel towel, travel soap and toiletries
• Torch and spare batteries (LED head-torch keeps your hands free)
• Pair of good quality sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Plug adapter (see ‘Electricity’ section)

Personal First Aid Kit:
• Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
• Antibacterial dry hand wash
• Painkillers: paracetamol & ibuprofen
• Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
• Travel motion-sickness tablets if required (e.g. natural ginger tablets)
• Diarrhoea remedies
• Antihistamines
• Cold/flu decongestants
• Mosquito Repellent
• Insect bite cream
• Laxatives
• Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips/Blister pads
• Sunscreen (30+ factor)
• Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
• Contact lenses and solution if required
• Tweezers
(A kit with most of this in is available at www.nomadtravel.co.uk)

Optional Extras:
• Ear plugs (if sharing a room / camping)
• Alarm clock
• 3-4 plastic carrier bags are very useful for dirty washing, dirty shoes and rubbish
• Binoculars
• Small packs of tissues
• Money belt or secure pouch for money and passport etc.
• Eye patches if light affects your sleep
• Sewing kit/scissors
• Writing materials
• Spare batteries/camera memory cards
• Swiss Army knife
NB: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are rare. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Hand Luggage:
Although it is very rare that luggage goes missing on flights, it has been known to happen and so it’s a good idea to carry a spare top, toothbrush, wash kit, underwear and any other essentials in your hand luggage so that you can at least freshen up while waiting for your bags to catch you up. If you wear your sturdy shoes/boots it will also reduce weight in your luggage and keep them safe.

Practical Information

Time:
Bolivia is 4hrs behind GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com

Food and Alcohol:
Bolivian cuisine has a great variety of dishes mainly meat, fish and poultry blended with herbs and spices. The diet also consists of fresh fruit and vegetables. Bolivian food is not always spicy but occasionally is accompanied by sauce ‘la llajwa’ which is made of tomatoes and locoto (hot chillies). Some traditional dishes include Majao which is a rice dish with eggs, beef and fried banana; ‘Silpancho’ meat served with rice and potatoes; Pacumutu is a rice dish with grilled beef, fried yucca and cheese; ‘Saltenas’ and ‘Empanadas’ which are meat or vegetable pies; ‘Locro’ is a soup made with rice, chicken and banana and ‘Chicharron de Pacu’ made with the local Pacu fish, rice and yucca.

Alcohol is available throughout Bolivia.

Electricity:
Those bringing video & digital cameras that require battery chargers should also bring a 2-pin European-style adapter. In most hotels you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug.

Money:
In Bolivia the unit of currency is the Boliviano.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com

A few points to help you plan:
• Payments are mainly made in cash.
• Travellers Cheques can only be exchanged in La Paz so useless once outside the city.
• If using ATM machines, be sure to notify your bank before you travel; please don’t rely on this method of accessing cash.
• It is strongly recommended you travel with US dollars as Euros and Sterling are difficult to change once outside of the capital.
• It is useful to bring lots of small denomination notes (even a $50 note is considered large) Notes need to in good condition otherwise exchanging them is difficult.

Language & Religion:
With Spanish as its official language, Bolivia has lots of other strings to her language bow. The largest minority language is Quechua followed by Aymara, both linked to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, with another 34 minority languages within the country. The large majority of Bolivians are Roman Catholic, although over the last few decades there has been an increase in the traditional ethnic Inca Religion. Within the Inca’s Empire there were a number of polytheistic religions, practiced by a variety of different people.

Cultural Sensitivity:
At Wild Frontiers we are very aware of the ethical impact tourism can have on ancient cultures. We realise that taking a group of tourists through such a region can have a negative impact on the lives of those who live there and on all our tours we therefore go to great lengths to minimise the negative and accentuate the positive…after all, there are also many good things that the tourist can bring.

To help this process we ask that our clients do not hand out pens or sweets to children. As one sign in Egypt emphatically put it, ‘Please don't make beggars out of our children!' No matter how well intentioned, in our opinion the dolling out of free gifts fosters a ‘beggar mentality' that is ultimately extremely destructive to a society. In addition we do not condone giving out money to beggars or ‘students'.

However, we also realise that we are exceptionally privileged to be travelling in areas where most of the people have far less than us and that the desire to ‘help' can be very powerful. As a result we ask that you refer to your trip dossier for information on the Wild Frontiers Foundation which supports specific projects in the areas where we travel.

Photography:
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

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