Essential Bolivian Salt Flats & Andean Culture

Type of Trip: Culture, Nature Length: 10 days Season: May-November Rating: Grade II

Bolivia, one of South America’s most colorful, natural and insulated nations, captures the imagination of adventure travelers. It comprises the most intact indigenous culture on the continent, with dozens of native languages still spoken alongside Spanish. Bolivia is home to the world’s most high-altitude capital city, La Paz (11,930′ feet above sea level!). World-famous Salar de Uyuni – the planet’s biggest salt flat – has become an iconic landscape, with its vast otherworldly whiteness.

Visitors who venture into landlocked Bolivia are warmly received in its pleasant Spanish-colonial cities. The history-rich mining town of Potosi and vibrant local markets give a snapshot of traditional Andean life. A visit to the mythical Lake Titicaca, a crown jewel of the region, completes the Bolivian highland experience.

Trip Highlights:

• Walk the cobbled streets of Sucre’s colonial district
• Hunt for handicrafts at the colorful open-air market of Tarabuco
• Take in the vastness of Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat
• Explore the pre-Inca ruins site of Tiahuanaco
• Meet local boat builders in the Lake Titicaca community of Huatajata
• Hike ancient trails on Island of the Sun on Lake Titicaca
• Sight-see in La Paz, where modernity and indigenous culture intersect

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART USA
Take an overnight flight to Santa Cruz, Bolivia via La Paz.

DAY 2: SANTA CRUZ / SUCRE
Connecting flight to Sucre, introduction to this enchanting colonial city.

DAY 3: TARABUCO / SUCRE
Weekly native market in Tarabuco, afternoon visit to dinosaur park near Sucre.

DAY 4: POTOSI / UYUNI
Overland journey with stop in Potosi mining town, onward drive to Uyuni.

DAY 5: SALT FLATS OF UYUNI
Full day to explore the salt flats, walk to Tunupa volcano and Tahua village.

DAY 6: SALT FLATS OF UYUNI
Second day on the salt flat, visit Isla Pescado oasis, search for rare wildlife.

DAY 7: UYUNI / TITICACA LAKE
Reach La Paz via a local flight, drive to Lake Titicaca and stay at an ecolodge on the shore.

DAY 8: LAKE TITICACA
Navigate Lake Titicaca and visit its islands via hydrofoil boat ride.

DAY 9: TIAHUANACO / LA PAZ
Overland journey back to La Paz for a city tour, learning about Tiahuanaco ruins en route.

DAY 10: LA PAZ / USA
Transfer to the airport of La Paz.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.

Departures

On Request any week throughout the season (May-Nov) for a minimum of four participants.
This trip is customizable according to your travel dates and preferences.

2024 Land Cost

4-6 participants: from $6,150 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $5,700 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $1,250

p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.