¡Bienvenidos a Bolivia! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or just some rest and relaxation, this 10-day itinerary has something for everyone. From the hustle and bustle of La Paz to the surreal expanse of Uyuni Salt Flats, there is no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in this beautiful country. Climb to the viewpoints of La Paz to get stunning views of the city and explore Sajama National Park with its snow-capped volcanoes and ancient ruins. Cruise around Lake Titicaca and experience traditional floating islands while rafting on the rapids of Challapata River Valley. Discover Chacaltaya Glacier and Valle de la Luna before returning home from La Paz Airport refreshed and inspired by your time in Bolivia. This friendly itinerary will help you make the most of your trip!
Day 1: Arrive in La Paz and Explore the City
Welcome to La Paz, the highest capital city in the world! Upon arrival, you will be met with its stunning views, vibrant culture and bustling streets. Explore the top attractions in this incredible city by starting your day at Plaza Murillo. This impressive square is home to Bolivia’s presidential palace, the cathedral and several government buildings. After admiring the architecture, wander around the surrounding area and check out some of the unique street markets and colorful shops.
If a shopping spree is not your thing, take a cable car up to El Alto for a breathtaking panoramic view of La Paz. Don’t forget to take your camera because there are spectacular photographic opportunities from every angle. You can also visit several historic sites such as San Pedro Prison (now memorialized as a museum), San Francisco Church and Calle Jaen – one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Latin America.
For an authentic Bolivian experience, head over to El Mercado de las Brujas (The Witches’ Market) where vendors sell dried llama fetuses alongside medicinal herbs, handmade trinkets and other local crafts. Don’t miss out on trying some of the delicious street food like salteñas or juanes!
In the evening, enjoy drinks with friends at one of La Paz’ many bars or take part in one of the nightly cultural performances that light up this city’s nightlife scene. No matter where you choose to go or what you choose to do during your stay here in La Paz, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time!
Day 2: Climb to the Viewpoints of La Paz
La Paz is full of amazing places to explore and the incredible viewpoints should not be missed! Spend the day climbing up the steep slopes of La Cumbre, which at 4,650 meters above sea level offers spectacular views over the city. You will also find fantastic murals depicting Bolivia’s proud cultural identity among the boulders. Take a break from your hike up to admire the iconic Illimani Mountain rising in the distance. Once you reach the top of La Cumbre, you can look out over snow-capped peaks and colorful neighborhoods below, making it worth every step!
If you’re looking for an even more breathtaking view, head to Mirador Killi Killi. Here you can take in panoramic views of La Paz and its surroundings including El Alto City and Lake Titicaca. To make your visit even more memorable, don’t miss out on a visit to Chacaltaya Glacier – located only 20 minutes outside La Paz. The glacier is home to some of Bolivia’s oldest ice formation and offers stunning landscapes that no traveler should miss!
Day 3: Travel to Uyuni Salt Flats and Laguna Colorada
Climb aboard a 4×4, grab a snack and get ready for an exciting day of exploration! On Day 3 of your 10-day Bolivia itinerary, you’ll be heading to the Uyuni Salt Flats and Laguna Colorada. On the way there, marvel at the stunning mountain views that rise in all directions. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as llamas and alpacas that graze the terrain.
Once you arrive at the Uyuni Salt Flats, take some time to explore its surreal landscape. The white expanse of salt stretches on for miles, with nothing but sky above and vastness below. As you walk along it, watch as the glittering crystals reflect back up into the sunlit atmosphere. While here, take some amazing shots with the horizon’s bright blue sky and distant snowcapped mountains as your backdrop.
Afterwards, head off to nearby Laguna Colorada. This red lake is one of Bolivia’s most iconic attractions. Its beautiful hues come from algae growing within its waters that are then carried on by frequent winds across its surface. Observe flocks of flamingos standing atop its shores or gliding through its waters in search of food. Enjoy this site’s captivating beauty before ultimately making your way back for a much-deserved night’s rest!
Day 4: Take a Tour to Sajama National Park
Sajama National Park is a must-visit destination for any tourist visiting Bolivia. With its breathtaking mountain peaks, colorful wildlife and unique cultural history, it is one of the most fascinating places in the country. A full-day tour allows you to get up close and personal with this stunning corner of the world.
Your tour to Sajama National Park begins in La Paz where you will leave early in the morning and drive for about 6 hours until you reach your destination. Along the way, take advantage of the stunning landscapes that pass by as you gradually ascend to higher altitudes. The park itself sits at an altitude of over 4000 meters above sea level and is home to some of Bolivia’s highest mountains, including Sajama Mountain which stands at 6500 meters tall.
Once inside Sajama National Park, you can explore its incredible surroundings and go on multiple hikes through its many trails. Walk along the high altitude lakes or venture out into areas where unique wildlife can be found like llamas and alpacas. You can also admire traditional villages where locals still live according to centuries-old customs; this includes vibrant local festivals that are held every year in honor of their ancestors.
A visit to Sajama National Park would not be complete without a trip to ancient sites such as petroglyphs (rock engravings) and archaeological ruins from pre-Inca times. Also make sure not to miss out on seeing some spectacular sunsets from breathtaking viewpoints within the park! There are plenty of attractions for all types of travelers making it an ideal spot for a day tour from La Paz.
Day 5: Trekking in Huayna Potosi Mountain Range
Trekking in Huayna Potosi Mountain Range is an unforgettable experience. Located just west of the Bolivian capital, La Paz, this mountain range offers spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. The trek usually takes two days, with a night spent camping out in the mountain range’s base camp. Depending on the route chosen to climb up, you can reach over 6,000 meters above sea level.
The trekking routes include a variety of trails that vary in difficulty and distance, making them suitable for all skill levels. There are also a variety of amenities available along the way such as rest stops and bathrooms. In addition to breathtaking views of La Paz and its surrounding valleys, you’ll be able to observe some unique wildlife such as llamas and alpacas along your journey.
For those who are more experienced hikers or mountaineers looking for a challenge, there are several technical routes available where climbers can use ice axes and crampons. If you’re looking for something less strenuous but still rewarding with amazing views, then consider taking one of the less technical routes which will take you through stunning scenery and past glaciers before reaching your final destination at Huayna Potosi summit – an unforgettable experience!
Day 6: Boat Trip on Lake Titicaca
Experience the beauty of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, on your sixth day in Bolivia. Depart from La Paz and take a breathtakingly scenic drive to Copacabana, a lakeside town located on the Bolivian portion of the lake. Once there, you can board one of the local boats to explore the islands of Uros, where locals live off fishing and tourism. The islands are made entirely out of reeds with houses built atop them and have fascinating customs unique to their culture. You’ll also see stunning floating islands made of tortora reeds that have been around since pre-Inca times.
The next stop on your boating tour is Isla del Sol. We recommend spending at least half a day here as it’s considered one of Bolivia’s most sacred sites due to its connection with Inca mythology. Wander through traditional villages and explore ancient ruins while taking in breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca. Afterward, enjoy lunch near Challapampa beach before returning to Copacabana for your return trip to La Paz.
Day 7: Explore Sucre, Bolivia’s White City
Sucre, Bolivia’s White City, is a must-see on your 10-day itinerary. With its colonial architecture and vibrant culture, Sucre is one of the most historically significant cities in Bolivia.
Start your day with a visit to Catedral de Sucre. From the outside, you can see the impressive baroque façade of the cathedral, built in 1621 by Jesuits. Inside, marvel at the intricately painted ceiling and walls depicting religious scenes from the Bible.
Next, head to Casa de la Libertad, the site of Bolivia’s independence declaration in 1825. This national monument houses original documents from that momentous event and offers guided tours in Spanish and English.
Take a break at Parque Bolívar where you can admire traditional Bolivian music being performed by locals dressed in traditional costumes. In this park is also located La Recoleta which served as a Jesuit monastery during colonial times and now stands as a museum displaying religious artifacts from that era.
For lunch try out Pica Pica restaurant for typical Bolivian food like salteñas (savory pastries) or locro de papa (potato soup). End your day with some shopping at Calle Jaen where you can find artisanal souvenirs like handmade jewelry and colorful textiles from local artisans. No trip to Sucre would be complete without sampling the delicious local ice cream!
Day 8: Rafting Adventure in Challapata River Valley
If you are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, a rafting trip down the Challapata River Valley in Bolivia is the perfect choice. Get ready to experience some of the most breathtaking views and rapids in South America!
Make sure you are properly equipped with a helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit before heading out on your rafting excursion. The river’s currents can be quite powerful, so you want to make sure you stay safe throughout your journey. You will be guided by experienced local guides who know all about the region’s geography and wildlife. Be prepared to spot different species of birds, mammals and reptiles as you paddle through the rapids.
You will also have opportunities to take breaks along the way to swim in tranquil areas or explore nearby caves. Once you reach the end of your journey, you will be rewarded with even more spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys and cascading waterfalls. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures so that you can remember this amazing experience forever!
This unforgettable day trip is perfect for anyone looking for a unique way to explore Bolivia’s natural beauty while pushing their limits. If you are looking for an exciting adventure, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Day 9: Discover Chacaltaya Glacier and Valle de la Luna
Chacaltaya Glacier and Valle de la Luna offer a one-of-a-kind experience for those looking for an adventurous day in Bolivia. The Chacaltaya Glacier is the highest ski resort in the world, located at an altitude of 5,421 meters (17,785 feet) above sea level. This majestic glacier is fast disappearing due to global warming, so you should definitely make sure to visit it while you can! From here, you’ll be able to enjoy dramatic views of snow-capped mountains stretching all the way to the horizon.
Valle de la Luna is another must-see destination on your day trip from La Paz. This surreal landscape was created by thousands of years of erosion and offers some truly spectacular views. Take a walk through this valley and explore its otherworldly rocky formations that are scattered throughout the area – don’t forget to bring a camera! Once you’ve finished exploring this unique landscape, take a break at one of its many viewpoints and admire the amazing panoramic views before heading back towards La Paz.
Day 10: Depart for Home
As your 10-day trip to Bolivia comes to an end, you’ll want to make sure that your last day is spent exploring the unique landmarks and experiences of this incredible country. From the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats to rafting in Challapata River Valley and trekking in Huayna Potosi Mountain Range, you’ve certainly taken advantage of all that Bolivia has to offer. On your last day, take a moment to reflect on the amazing journey you’ve been on. Don’t forget to snap some final photos before packing up and heading for home! As you depart from Bolivia, be sure to carry with you lasting memories of the culture, landscape and people that have made this experience so special.
Conclusion
As you depart Bolivia, be sure to take away with you many fond memories of the breathtaking landscapes and fascinating cultures that make this country such a unique destination. From exploring the vibrant city of La Paz to taking a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, challenging yourself in Huayna Potosi Mountain Range, rafting in Challapata River Valley and discovering Chacaltaya Glacier and Valle de la Luna, Bolivia offers endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. Whether you are seeking an adrenaline-filled holiday or looking for a more peaceful experience, Bolivia is sure to provide an unforgettable journey through its many wonders.