Uyuni Highlands Explorer

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

Uyuni Highlands Explorer

Trip 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.

Uyuni Highlands Explorer

Dates & Rates

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.

Uyuni Highlands Explorer

Accommodations

SUCRE: HOTEL PARADOR SANTA MARIA — A quintessential boutique hotel, Parador Santa Maria is a renovated 18th century colonial estate. Carefully restored details from this era of nobility and spledor still shine through today. With a location in the historical heart of Sucre, it couldn’t be closer to the Main Square.

UYUNI: HOTEL LUNA SALADA — An incredible feat of construction, the Hotel Luna Salada is Uyuni’s most fascinating hotel. Located on the “shore” of the Salt Flat, it looks out on the landscape’s expansive whiteness. At Hotel Luna Salada, you’ll enjoy the most comfortable stay to be found in the area.

TITICACA: INCA UTAMA HOTEL & SPA — Inca Utama Hotel & Spa is a tasteful resort on a secluded shore of Lake Titicaca. It combines stylish decor and high-quality service with details from Andean culture. The hotel features spa services with indigenous treatments, as well as the Andean Roots eco-village modeled after traditional Bolivian villages.

LA PAZ: PRESIDENTE HOTEL — Experience the comfort and refinement of a top hotel in La Paz, Bolivia. With 103 rooms and 18 suites, Hotel Presidente has earned its place as a landmark in the city center. Relax and acclimate to the high altitude at Club Oasis, the hotel’s recreational area featuring an indoor heated pool, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna.

UYUNI UPGRADE OPTION:
AIRSTREAM CAMPER
Airstream campers offer a unique way to experience the remote, sparsely populated region of Uyuni. The upgrade is in place of Day 5 and Day 6 at the Luna Salada Hotel. These shiny new Airstream Campers cater for up to two guests, surprising them with luxurious amenities!

Uyuni Highlands Explorer

Extensions

Travelers with a few extra days might wish to extend their program with a 3 to 4 day add-on to the Amazon rainforest and wildlife-rich pampas near Rurrenabaque. A 3-day pre-extension to Santa Cruz and lush Amboro National Park also complements this itinerary. Other possibilities include an overland extension to Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama from the Salt Flats of Uyuni, or an overland extension to Peru from Lake Titicaca.

These add-on services can be used to extend our published Bolivia trips and may be added before or after your main program. They also can be used as ideas for developing segments of a private adventure. All extensions require a minimum of 2 participants.

Contact us to develop a customized extension.