Current as of: August 8, 2025 - 14:18
Essential Bolivia Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Bolivia
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: APK
- Carbon Footprint: 89.1kg CO2e
Trip Overview
The best of Bolivia, picked by local experts to showcase a land of extraordinary diversity in just over a week
The mind-bending Uyuni salt flats. The spouting geysers. The giant cacti of Incahuasi Island. Bolivia is South America at its most spectacular. It’d take a whole lifetime to explore fully, so we’ve distilled the very best bits into this highlights-packed adventure. Guided by an expert tour leader, you’ll witness those extra-extraordinary landscapes, while also digging deep into the culture and history, including two unforgettable nights at a hotel built with salt.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (salt hotel), 5 Classic nights (hotels)
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Time spent at altitude
- Travel by private minibus, 4×4 and two internal flights
- Combine this trip with Discover Peru
- Some long drives and early starts
Highlights
- Discover the unique landscapes of Bolivia, their secrets unveiled by your tour leader
- Journey deep into the Uyuni salt flats, visiting otherworldly natural wonders
- Stay in the iconic Palacio de Sal, a hotel built from salt
- Learn the tragic history of Potosí from an ex-miner
- Marvel at the rusty vintage locomotives in the Train Cemetery
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Fitness and altitude: Sightseeing and some tours may involve walking up and down steep streets or on uneven steps/ground. As such, you should have a good level of mobility and reasonable fitness levels. The high altitudes can make even leisurely activities feel more tiring than at sea level. As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for more information and advice on how to limit the effects of altitude sickness.
Temperatures: Expect some low temperatures, particularly in the Uyuni salt flats, where it regularly falls well below freezing at night.
Drives: There are some long drives. In Uyuni, you spend considerable time in the 4×4 vehicle (four people in each vehicle), although there are plenty of stops to enjoy the landscape, take photos and explore on foot.
Facilities: Bolivia is less developed than many South American countries and things do not always happen as planned; expect the unexpected and approach travel here with an adventurous spirit.
Strikes: Strikes are not uncommon in Bolivia; while these are generally peaceful protests, they can result in roadblocks and disruption to travel. In this event, your tour leader may amend your itinerary to minimise any impact on the itinerary.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: La Paz
- End City: La Paz
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure starts in La Paz
Begin your adventure in the high-altitude city of La Paz, the well-connected start point of many Bolivian adventures.
At 5pm-6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Bolivian welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want more time in La Paz? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Qantu Hotel (or similar)
Fly to Uyuni • Explore the eerie Train Cemetery • Visit the silver town of San Cristóbal
Bid farewell to La Paz and fly to Uyuni, home of the iconic salt flats. Our journey takes us off the well-paved road, so we jump in 4x4s to transfer (five to six hours, including stops) to our hotel in the desert.
En route, we visit the Train Cemetery, a fascinating (and slightly eerie) collection of rusty vintage locomotives strewn in a barren landscape. We also stop in San Cristóbal, one of the largest silver-mining producers in the country, for a fascinating history lesson.
Accommodation: Tayka Del Desierto (or similar)
Discover the rusty-red Laguna Colorada, steaming geysers and Polques Thermal Baths
Our hotel’s location means we’re well placed to explore Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve today, a vast landscape featuring some of Bolivia’s great natural wonders.
Travelling by 4×4, our first stop is Laguna Colorada to see its rusty-red waters. Then, we marvel at active geysers, boiling mud lakes and steam pools, before heading to Polques Thermal Baths, where those willing to brave the cold air can enjoy a dip in the warm waters. After, we visit Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon) – a scenic end to today’s explorations.
Today’s driving time is approximately 12 hours.
Accommodation: Tayka Del Desierto (or similar)
Spot birds at Laguna Turquiri • Explore the otherworldly Valley of Rocks and Stone Tree
We’re back to exploring the incredible landscapes of Bolivia. Start at Laguna Turquiri this morning, an area known for its variety of flora and fauna, and particularly for its diverse bird species.
After, we visit a trio of scenic lakes, Cañapa, Hedionda and Honda, before we travel through the otherworldly landscapes of the Valley of Rocks and Stone Tree.
We arrive around 5pm at our hotel made from salt – it’s sure to be a highlight of the adventure for many.
Today’s driving time is approximately 12 hours.
Accommodation: Palacio de Sal (or similar)
Journey deep into the salt flats • Discover the giant cacti of Incahuasi Island
Today is the moment many will have been waiting for – our exploration of the largest salt flats on Earth. Jumping into 4x4s, we witness this incredible landscape up close, with the chance to see salt pyramids and, during the dry season, hexagonal salt tiles on the ground, which stretch as far as the eye can see.
There are wonderful photo opportunities throughout the year, and we have time to create some fun pictures.
In the middle of the salt flats, we come to Incahuasi Island, known for its giant cacti and unusual fossils. This small island is an amazing sight, and we can walk across it for 360-degree views from the top.
After more photo opportunities, we watch the sun set, with the light casting shadows and reflections on the water.
Today’s driving time is approximately five to six hours.
Accommodation: Palacio de Sal (or similar)
Potosí mine tour from a former silver miner • City tour to see silver rush-era buildings
Bid farewell to the salt flats as we transfer (four hours) to Potosí. It was here the Spanish colonial empire made their riches, forcing thousands of indigenous people to extract huge quantities of silver through slave labour.
At the entrance to the Cerro Rico mine, we hear from a former miner about its world-changing legacy and tragic past. Our experience takes us to a mining market, where vendors sell dynamite and chemical products used in the extraction process. Then, we visit an ingenio, a factory in which minerals are extracted, separated and processed. Finally, we see an active mine to learn how the workers get in and out (though we’re not allowed in there ourselves!).
After, embark on a walking orientation tour of the city itself, seeing the colonial structures funded by the 16th-century silver rush.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Teresa (or similar)
To Sucre • Fly to La Paz
Leaving Potosí in the morning, we head to Sucre, the capital of Bolivia, to catch our flight to La Paz, which typically includes a connection in Santa Cruz or Cochabamba.
The evening is free to celebrate the adventure – your tour leader can arrange a group dinner where you can relive your favourite moments together.
Accommodation: Qantu Hotel (or similar)
Adventure ends in La Paz
Our Bolivia trip ends in La Paz after breakfast, and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Continue your South American adventure on Discover Peru, which you can join after this trip. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Altitude Warning: This trip includes one or more nights over 9,845ft (3,000m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute altitude illnesses; if left untreated, this can be life-threatening. Most should expect to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe altitude illnesses and, if a customer requires extra care, arrangements such as a rapid descent will be made.
Exodus itineraries are informed by the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) Guidelines for the Prevention of Altitude Illnesses and designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation. Due to terrain and/or logistical factors, there may be nights where the sleeping altitude gain is more than 1,640ft (500m), increasing the risk. The WMS highlight that because the rates of acclimatisation and physiologic responses to high altitude vary considerably between individuals, the recommendations given, although generally effective, do not guarantee successful prevention. Participants should be aware of the inherent risk posed by altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can affect a person’s ability to acclimatise, making them more susceptible to acute altitude illnesses. Those with pre-existing conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, those who have suffered with altitude sickness before, or those with concerns about overall physical ability, should consult their doctor before booking. The drug Diamox (acetazolamide) may aid acclimatisation in some individuals. Those considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its suitability, side-effects, and a prescription. Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our customers in achieving their goals, there may be times when a leader decides to delay or stop someone’s ascent based on their condition.
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).
Accommodation
Salt hotel and Classic hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we pair solo passengers together in a room. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Single supplement from USD 1492
Food & Drink
Bolivian cuisine is a fusion between Spanish and Andean traditions and varies from one region to another. Common street food and snacks include salteñas (baked pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables), buñuelos (sweet or savoury bread, often stuffed with cheese) and papas rellenas (deep-fried battered stuffed potatoes).
Popular main dishes include pique a lo macho (a kind of beef stir-fry, served with chunky chips), picante de pollo (spicy chicken) and tucumanas (a sort of pasty).
Drinking water is provided in large containers to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles; please bring a refillable bottle with you.
Transport
A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary depending on group size: travel is by private minibus/coach and two internal flights.
In Uyuni, we spend three days exploring the salt flats and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve by 4×4. There is usually four passengers per vehicle.
Weather & Seasonality
Differences in topography and climate separate the lowlands and highlands of Bolivia into distinct areas. Weather conditions vary significantly from region to region.
Altiplano (highlands), including Sucre and Uyuni: Climate varies from cool and humid to semi-arid. The average annual temperature ranges from 15C to 27C (60F to 80F) but in the dry season it’s more likely to be 10C-15C (50F-59F) with the coldest temperatures occurring in the southwestern portion of the Altiplano during June and July. Nights can drop to around freezing point. In Uyuni, night-time temperatures in the dry season may fall as low as -15C (5F), particularly from May to August. Between April and September, there is a chance of snow, especially to the north of the highlands, but it is not very common. The unrelenting rainy season occurs between December and March, but we do not run any departures at that time as getting around can be difficult and treacherous.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start point: Qantu Hotel, Av. Illampu 740, La Paz, Bolivia
Phone: +591 2 2451694
Arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: El Alto International Airport (LPB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: La Paz
Location end: La Paz
What To Take
Essential Equipment
You will encounter a range of temperatures throughout this trip and the best solution is to bring lots of layers. Below is not an exhaustive packing list but some essential items you should take in addition to your normal daily clothing.
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- High SPF sunscreen and lip balm (the sun is strong at altitude)
- UV-blocking sunglasses – the salt flats give off a dazzling glare when it is sunny
- Sunhat/cap
- Woolly hat, gloves and thick bed socks
- Thermal leggings/top
- Warm jumper/fleece – it can get very cold at night in the highlands/Uyuni
- Waterproof/windproof jacket – even if it doesn’t rain this will add warmth
- Down/synthetic insulated jacket (particularly if travelling from May to August)
- Swimwear and a sarong/thin towel – there is usually the chance to swim in the lagoons in Uyuni
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Lightweight trousers (pants)
- Walking boots/shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Copy of your passport – it is advisable to carry one with you in Bolivia
Optional Equipment
- Camera
- Hand sanitiser
- Torch (flashlight)
- Personal music player/tablet/book
- Pack of playing cards/travel games
Practical Information
Visa
Bolivia
British Citizens, most Western European nationals, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities do not require visas. US citizens who are not of Bolivian origin need a visa of which full details are available on www.boliviawdc.org. If you are in any doubt, please contact the nearest Bolivian Embassy.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/bolivia
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/bolivia
- United Kingdom: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/bolivia
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Bolivia.html
Please note: You also need to fill out the Bolivian customs declaration form (formulario 250) before arriving in Bolivia and before leaving.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online.
Please note: not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the Visa Waiver Program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
Vaccinations and Health
Bolivia
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.
A Yellow Fever certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Bolivia. Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older travelling to areas below 2,300m east of the Andes Mountains. These areas include the entire departments of Beni, Pando, and Santa Cruz, and some areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz and Tarija.
Malaria is present throughout the year however, with the exception of the northern provinces of Beni and Pando (the Amazon region), and Nor Cinti province in the south, the risk of Malaria is low and antimalarial tablets are not usually recommended, although may be considered for certain higher risk travellers. If visiting the Amazon region in the north, Malaria precautions are essential. If visiting Nor Cinti province, Malaria precautions may sometimes be recommended for certain travellers.
You should be aware that Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever are present in the Amazon region in northern Bolivia – these are non-preventable diseases caused by daytime biting mosquitoes. You should always apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers while in the rainforest to avoid being bitten.
Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
Bolivia's time zone: America/La_Paz (UTC -04:00)
Electricity
Bolivia's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and C (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Bolivia's currency: Bolivian boliviano (BOB)
ATM Availability
ATMs are a good way to get Bolivianos and are available in all major cities in Bolivia and Uyuni town (but not the rest of the 4×4 trip). Most international credit and debit cards are accepted, but you should inform your bank you are travelling to Bolivia and check if your card will work in the local ATMs (fees may apply).
Credit card acceptance is increasing, but generally they can be used only at the large (and more expensive) restaurants and shops.
If bringing a foreign currency to exchange, we recommended US dollars, as they are the most widely accepted exchange currency (US notes should be clean and unmarked).
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Small change is useful in Bolivia and may be needed for things such as using public toilets throughout the itinerary (usually 1 or 2 boliviano).
Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously. Allow about 100-140 bolivianos (US$15-US$20) per person for each meal not included in the tour price to eat at good restaurants. Cheaper food is abundant at small cafes, although sanitary conditions at these places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily available for around 7-14 bolivianos (US$1-US$2) or less each.
For the domestic flight from Uyuni to La Paz, an airport tax of 11 bolivianos (US$1.60) is payable at the airport in cash. Please ensure you have some change with you for this.
Tipping
In Bolivia, it has become customary for local staff to receive tips, which can be an important source of extra income for hard-working crew. Whether to tip and how much to tip should be a personal decision. US dollars are the preferred currency for tips.
Tipping kitty: On this trip, we recommend running a tipping kitty. This means we tip as a group, and individuals don’t need to worry about giving out small tips to various people who have helped (ie drivers, local guides and hotel staff). We suggest a contribution of US$5 per person per day.
Tour leader: Our tour leaders are fairly paid for their role but are always grateful for recognition of their skills and hard work. Tips should be based on their performance and engagement with the group. If you are happy with their work, we recommend somewhere around US$5 per person per day, but customers are encouraged to contribute what they feel happy giving.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
