- Enjoy a three-day Salar de Uyuni 4x4 adventure, which includes the train cemetery, salt flats, Incahuasi (cactus) Island, colourful lagoons, geysers and ancient volcanoes
- Discover the pre-Columbian Unesco World Heritage sites of El Fuerte and Tiwanaku
- See the giant tree ferns and spectacular landscape of Amboró National Park
- Visit La Recoleta viewpoint overlooking the White City of Sucre
- Learn about the colonial and silver mining heritage of Potosí
- Walk to the Fountain of Eternal Youth on Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca
- Embark on an afternoon city tour of La Paz, including the cathedral and cable car ride
- Part of the Aldo Kane collection

Highlights of Bolivia
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- Highlights of Bolivia
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Reviews
Add your own reviewChallenging but worth it
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and it showed. Many roads are unpaved. People subsist on a daily budget – don’t work that day, don’t eat. But, although the trip has some challenges – altitude, long, dusty transfers, road blocks and strikes around Santa Cruz, the sites are spectacular and worth a bit of discomfort.
Most Inspirational Moment
The time in the desert and the salt flats. I'd seen images of the salt flats and was not disappointed, but the desert was a revelation - lakes streaked with crimson and white, or a vivid blue. Multi-hued mountains in the 'Salvador Dali' desert, Flocks of flamingos, rocks carved by the wind into fantastic shapes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Melanie was outstanding. She coped so well with the road blocks - often negotiating our way through, or finding ways around. The group trusted her judgement. I owe her a special thank you. When walking in the jungle at Refugio de los Volcanos, I hit my head on a tree branch. I bled so much and the only way out was a 4-wheel drive up a steep and rocky track. Although it was Sunday evening she managed to summon a doctor, who opened up his clinic, cleaned, stitched and dressed the wound and gave me some antibiotics - all for the equivalent of £7! As we moved around, she always located somewhere for my dressing to be changed. Fantastic service. I should also mention our drivers, especially those in the desert who organised a lovely lunch in the middle of the flats and later, sunset drinks and snacks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Being an Exodus group, the attitude to the challenges of the trip was, 'it's all part of the adventure.' Go with a similar approach and you won't be disappointed. The strikes and road blocks around Santa Cruz, and also some of the long road trips, made getting food difficult. As I'm diabetic, the snacks available in shops weren't suitable, so packing some healthier options would have been a good idea. On the plus side, I lost 4kg!
Fantastic trip to Bolivia
It was a really busy but completely rewarding experience. We got a real flavour of the whole country, with its diverse landscapes, welcoming people and ancient culture. Our guide Julia was superb. Her knowledge of the history, diverse peoples, land and nature really enriched the experience and her care in ensuring we weren’t floored by our time at altitude helped greatly. On some days we were often lucky enough to be the only visitors to some sites which added to the amazing atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend visiting now before it gets too busy in the coming years.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some of the landscapes in the Atacama desert are breath-taking, as are the salt flats. We never felt like we were on a well-trodden tourist route which made it feel very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was superb. Flexible, open and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the culture particularly indigenous life. She was also excellent fun!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long journeys and the effects of altitude. But go now!
Suggestions
It was an unforgettable trip and I'd really love to revisit Bolivia more extensively having had this introduction.
You have to go!
An exhausting trip as so much travel involved but entirely worth it – Julia our guide was exceptional – we all agreed best guide we have ever had and should surely win guide of the year award! Also, we were blessed to have an amazing group so that made the times and experiences should be shared well with fond memories and laughs along the way. The county itself is diverse and massive – lots of bumpy roads and long drives. But, you will be wowed and rewarded with every new destination. It was a real adventure and not a ‘holiday’ as such – came back knackered but so pleased i went – well worth seeing and so glad we had a exceptional guide and great group!
Most Inspirational Moment
loved the lakes and the salt flats
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional - Julia is the best i have ever had as guide - best ever!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long travel on uneven roads - but you will be rewarded with the destinations that seem to get better as trip progresses
Suggestions
It is expensive but well worth it - accommodation the majority of the time was v good for Bolivian standards.
Excellent first experience of South America
This was a really good trip.
Came home with a real sense of having seen the diversity and contrast between the different areas that Bolivia has to offer.
Having quite a few two night stop overs in some of the locations added to the whole trip.
We crammed a lot in, but it didn’t feel too rushed.
Most Inspirational Moment
The amazing landscape just kept giving from start to finish, but I guess standing on the Salt Flats at Uyuni and driving through the spectacular wilderness of Alti Plano had to be the most inspirational moments of the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Melany was just fantastic. She kept us all well organised and well informed at all times. Her general, cultural and historical knowledge of all the different places that we visited was really good, along with her knowledge of South America as a whole.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of layers for the different climates between the low lands and the higher altitudes and you will be fine.
Great Experience but too full on at times
Bolivia is stunning and the salt flats and Lake Titicaca did not disappoint. It was incredibly cold despite thermals and down jacket etc so be prepared. Accommodation was outstanding in some cases (Palace of Salt and Lake Titicaca) and in others the best available eg in the desert it was basic but the only one available. Very rushed with a lot of early starts and not time to get bored! Would have preferred more time to explore La Paz and felt rushed at times. Great food and as a vegetarian I was pleasantly surprised. Melanie was a fantastic guide who worked her socks off to make the trip work with a big group and diverse dietary requirements. Go with a sense of adventure and expect to have flights delayed and itinerary changes which are an inevitable part of travelling in Bolivia. Overall an awesome but exhausting experience. Thanks Melanie and Trehan from Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Salt flats and Lake Titicaca. Do the trek on the island if you can - exhausting at altitude but so rewarding too. Buying a stick of dynamite to give the miners at Potosoi! Seeing vacuna and lamas flamingos and an Andean fox.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional. Melanie was so kind and helpful with our large group of very experienced travellers. Wise head on young shoulders. Mel made the trip for me. Always smiling and laughing even with crises that seem to be inevitable in travelling in Bolivia. She deserves a medal!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do take care regarding the advice on the cold and altitude. This is a totally full on trip rather than a relaxed holiday! Expect to be exhausted at times but repaid with stunning scenery.
Suggestions
Just to thank my group for being friendly and supportive even when we were all exhausted cold and in some cases ill. Hope Donna and John OK. Thanks guys!
A wonderful introduction to Bolivia.
An energetic holiday that packed things in, on a daily basis. We saw all that was promised & much more. Although tiring, as we moved on for most days, but extremely enjoyable, informative and interesting. We learnt a lot about a country we knew little about before we went. Highly recommended, but you need to be able to walk.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many unforgettable events & places - parades, marching bands & street dancing in Sucre, fantastic pre Incan archaeological ruins, impressive Baroque cathedrals & churches, spectacular scenery, places with beautiful jacoranda trees in purple bloom, women in colourful costumes, especially in La Paz, numerous rocks that were a geologists paradise, Lake Titicaca & a trip on a reed boat’ but our three day adventure by jeep, to Iyuni and the salt flats stood out. We saw desert scenery, ’ bubbling mud pools, experienced hot springs and visited the vast salt flats, as well as staying in the splendid Salt Hotel, it was a pity we were only there for one night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco, our group leader was very experienced. He was extremely caring & solicitous & made sure everyone was ok. Several people had tummy upsets & Marco produced medicine where necessary. He was very knowledgeable with an excellent command of English.He was also ably assisted by Linda from the office in La Paz, who was also friendly & very caring, checking every detail. She too spoke excellent English. Our third guide, Ericka was monitoring the trip as it was only the second recent trip.by Exodus. In several places we had local guides’ who were also very knowledgeable & spoke good English. I especially enjoyed Leroy on our trip to Iyuni who giggled at every opportunity & was instrumental in fishing out large quantities of salt crystals from below the salt crust. Also George we had at the end in Lake Titicaca & LaPaz. He too had excellent English & explained everything with enthusiasm. He was very dedicated to his job, & took us and a fellow traveller, to our hotels in La Paz on the last night’ while the rest of the group flew to Santa Cruz for their flight home. They all were superlative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is a considerable amount of walking’ so make sure you have walking boots with a good grip. The was especially important on Isla Del Sol in Lake Titicaca. Walking poles there were also advantageous. We took a travelling kettle, tea & coffee with us. Important if you like early morning teà though milk was not usually available. Don’t pack too many clothes, Like others we took too much.. Strong insect repellent is a must in some places., with sunscreen/ sunblock especially in the Salt Flats with UV sunglasses. Hand gel was also useful on many occasions, though Marco had a supply, as well as toilet paper in toilets where we stopped by the roadside. Don’t forget a light towel if you want to go for a dip in the hot pools. We bought puffa jackets with hoods before we left & these were excellent. They are light, warm, wind proof & waterproof/ showerproof, with the added benefits of scrunching up small. I would recommend packing them into a small plastic bag. A good camera is another must as there is so much to photograph., Jeans were useful when it got cold, thought the bedsocks recommended by Exodus we’re not necessary. I managed with a pair of walking boots and a pair of trainers, though I would have liked a pair of light shoes , especially for the evenings. I also had a pair of slipper socks which were handy for bedrooms. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs as there many lovely things on sale very cheaply. The Witches Market in La Paz was a good place to shop.
Suggestions
If you are reasonably fit & don’t mind a bit of walking, go for this trip. It is no way relaxing as each day was packed full of adventures. Some days were very long with early starts. Many in our group said they would have liked more time in various places, especially the Salt Flats, but then it would have been more expensive & extended the trip. Personally I would have liked another night on Isla Del Sol as it looked a very interesting place. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. It is one to be remembered & offers has something for everone as well as giving us an insight to a fascinating country & culture.
Beautiful Bolivia
There are areas of Bolivia that are outstanding and I feel very unique in the world.
It was so satisfying and enjoyable travelling around the Alti Plano, it is out of this world.
Most Inspirational Moment
Uyuni was wonderful. It isn't all salt pan. In fact we only spent one day on salt pan. That was what made it so wonderful. We went to see the salt and saw so much extra interesting stuff. Thoroughly enjoyed the company and support of the drivers and local tour guide. Treated exceptionally and all told had an unforgettable time there. Sand, Salt, Rocks, Grass land, Lagoons, Wildlife (including rabbits with long tails but forgot their name), Flamingoes (lots) and LLamas/Alpacas/Vicuna.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was trying very hard. He speaks very good English.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be ready to go slowly in Altiplano. Its high and less oxygen. You can experience a lethargy, but I don't remember any of our group having altitude sickness. But this isn't a walking holiday so relaxed is ok. I remember some of the group getting sun burnt so cover up and use sun screen. There is lots of opportunity for photography so keep equipped with all cards and batteries.
Suggestions
Uyuni and the Altiplano is must see place in the world. theres nothing like it.
Highlights of Bolivia
This holiday provided a great introduction to a fascinating country. Wonderful landscapes , busy but picturesque towns and cities. Very friendly people wherever we went and colourful too.
Most Inspirational Moment
The main reason for going on the trip was for the few days in the Salar de Uyuni. That didn't disappoint, I would have loved another couple of days in that area of Bolivia at a slower pace to take in all the wonderful sites and take loads more photographs. The cable car trip in La Paz was a surprise highlight, flying low over the city and looking into peoples gardens.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was a great leader. Helpful and informative and always cheerful. If any problems occurred (eg.vehicle breakdown) he had a solution to hand and on we went. He was ably assisted by all the drivers we had during the two weeks as well the local guides.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip has something for everyone. Masses of history, good hotels, great food, wonderful scenery, friendly locals and of course the superb salt plains plus a few hundred dinosaur footprints. Go and enjoy.
Suggestions
Some walks (especially the first) were a bit tougher than expected but Marco ensured that the slower walkers were encouraged and not made to feel as though we were (read' I was') being a nuisance.
Lots of variety and stunning scenery
This was the second trip to Bolivia that Exodus organised, and there are still perhaps a few things that could be changed in terms of the itinerary, that said we had a brilliant holiday which exceeded our expectations in terms of what we saw and did.
From crowded cities, to the countryside, the salt plains and iconic Lake Titicaca, with flamingos and lamas along the way. It is a very scenic and vibrant country with people dressed in fabulous colours.
There is something for everyone in this trip, history, culture, nature and different food to try. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending a trip to Bolivia to experience all it has to offer.
Most Inspirational Moment
Without doubt the three day 4WD jeep safari to the Salar de Uyuni. We saw the train cemetery, salt flats which are half the size of Wales, lagoons, and cactus island. Some of the days were long, but we felt that we saw it all and as we are unlikely to go back then it was good to pack it in, although perhaps an extra day here would have been good. We had great fun taking optical illusion photos on the salt plains, as well as other surprises the guide and jeep drivers laid on for us. The scenery was just beautiful, I took a lot of photos but there were so many photo opportunities I could have been there twice as long !
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was enthusiastic about his country and genuinely wanted us to enjoy it. His English is excellent and he explained a lot of things to us along with local guides.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely go if you are thinking about it. the trip notes say take lots of layers, this is good advice as its pretty hot at times, but did get quite cold also. I took far to much, there were opportunities to wash a few things out even though we move hotels regularly. Sun screen a must, particularly on the salt plains when some people got pretty burnt, hats and sunglasses to vital for here. We thought there would be lots of nice coffee in hotels at breakfast but often it was a jar of instant, so coffee bags might be a good idea. Be prepared to feel the effects of the altitude, most were tired and a bit breathless at times from it, its manageable though and the guides do look out for you and carry oxygen if it was necessary.
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Sunday Friday
05 Nov 2023 03 Nov 2023
Sunday Monday
19 Nov 2023 20 Nov 2023
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View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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