Highlights of Bolivia - 9 days
Highlights of Bolivia - 9 days
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Bolivia and Chile, exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of the region. Begin in La Paz, one of the world's highest capitals, and delve into its vibrant markets and museums. Discover the ancient ruins of Tiahuanacu and the bustling miner's market in Potosi. Marvel at the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flats and the unique Fish Island. Traverse the stunning landscapes of the Valley of the Giants and the multi-colored Laguna Colorada, home to James Flamingos. Conclude your adventure in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, nestled in the expansive Atacama Desert. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals included, this small group tour offers an unforgettable cultural experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz
Location: La Paz
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Bolivia, upon arrival you'll be met at La Paz airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore the highest capital city in the world.
Day 2: La Paz
Location: La Paz
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll enjoy a full day tour of the scenic city of La Paz - visit world-class museums like the Gold, Murillo and Costumbrista, explore traditional street markets and head up to the Mirador de Killi Killi for fantastic views over the city. Later you'll marvel at the geological formations of the Valley of the Moon, located 10km outside the city.
Day 3: Potosi
Location: Potosi
Accommodation Name: Overnight Bus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travelling through the Bolivian Highlands, you get the opportunity to see the Aymara Indian's way of life - one of the oldest American cultures. It is considered the cradle of the American man and one of the most advanced cultures in development at that time. Their main constructions which you will visit are the Kalasasaya Temple to see its Gate of the Sun, the monoliths Ponce and Fraile, the Akapana pyramid and the Semi underground temple. Visit the old colonial village of Tiahuanaco, where you can see the use of stones from the ruins in their constructions. You also visit the Puma Punku Temple, an example of extremely high quality in stone carving. Tonight we travel by overnight bus to Potosi.
Day 4: Potosi
Location: Potosi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arriving early on day 4, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you depart to the miner’s market “Calvario”, where you will be able to buy coca leaves and cigarettes, which can be given to the miners. You’ll continue to the silver mines where you can visit the private, cooperative mines and watch the miners at work. Exploration of the silver began in the colonial period and is maintained today using the same working tools. You shall see the traditional rites where the miners pray to Tata Ckajcha or make the “Ch’alla” to the “Tio“(God of the mines, owner of the silver).
Day 5-6: Uyuni / Salar De Uyuni Region
Location: Uyuni
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a guided tour of colonial Potosi, dating from the days when this city, the highest in the world, was larger than either London or Paris. A gorgeous example of native artwork with many pretty churches and temples including the church of San Lorenzo. Also visit the National Mint of Bolivia before transferring to Uyuni. On day 6 depart for the incredible salt flats of Uyuni. Arrive into Colchani which is the best place to observe the methods of salt extraction from the salar. Included today is a trip to Fish Island, a unique oasis with giant cacti reaching 10m high. There’s also time to see the cemetery of trains where the remains of 19th century steam locomotives rest. Enjoy lunch out on the salt flats. Lunch is taken in the middle of the Salt Flats and later on continue to the archaeology museum of Coqusa and on to the exclusive Hotel Palacio de Sal built entirely of salt. This evening opt for a night stroll through the eerie surroundings.
Day 7: Villa Mar
Location: Villa Mar
Accommodation Name: Villa Mar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Villa Mar enroute visiting the colonial church of San Cristobal, the villages of Culpina and Alota and the famous rock formations of the Valley of the Giants. You’ll also visit local cave paintings and the fort of Tomas Lakjas
Day 8: San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
On the morning of day 8 visit the multi-coloured Laguna Colorada where James Flamingos flock. The rich red colouration is derived from algae and plankton, which thrive in its minerals. Continue to Laguna Verde where the Licancahur Volcano looms large. Along the way visit the Sol de Manana geysers, the Chalviri thermal waters and the Valle de Dali. This is a site of intense volcanic activity. After lunch cross the border into Chile and enjoy the impressive views of the Atacama Salar with a beautiful view of the Licancábur Volcano of 5916 meters of altitude as you transfer to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 9: San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the end of services with a departure transfer to Calama Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Standard (superior and deluxe available on request) -
English-speaking guides
Services of English-speaking guides at local sites are included.
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Overnight bus
An overnight bus from La Paz to Potosi is included.
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Transfers and tours
All relevant transfers and tours on a private basis, apart from the overnight bus, are included.
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Guided tour of La Paz
A full day guided tour of La Paz is included.
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Guided tour of Tiahuanaco ruins
A half day guided tour of Tiahuanaco ruins and Puma Punku is included.
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Guided tour to El Calvario miners’ market
A half day guided tour to El Calvario miners’ market and the mine is included.
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Guided tour of Potosi
A half day guided tour of Potosi is included.
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Excursion to Uyuni Salt Flats
A full day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats is included.
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Visits to San Cristobal and villages
Visits to the church of San Cristobal and the villages of Culpina and Alota are included.
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Visit to Laguna Colorada and Sol de Manana geysers
A visit to the Laguna Colorada and the Sol de Manana geysers enroute to San Pedro de Atacama is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes an overnight bus from La Paz to Potosi and all relevant transfers and tours on a private basis, except for the overnight bus. Airport transfers are provided upon arrival in La Paz and departure from Calama.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of standard accommodation with an option to upgrade to superior. Experience a unique stay at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, built entirely of salt, and an overnight bus journey to Potosi.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes a full day guided tour of La Paz, a half day guided tour of the Tiahuanaco ruins and Puma Punku, a half day guided tour to El Calvario miners’ market and the mine, a half day guided tour of Potosi, and a full day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 7 nights of standard accommodation, with superior accommodation available upon request.
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Is there any transportation provided between locations?
Yes, the tour includes an overnight bus from La Paz to Potosi and all relevant transfers and tours on a private basis apart from the overnight bus.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in La Paz, Bolivia, and ends in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
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Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years old.
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What are some of the key sites visited during the tour?
Key sites include the archaeological site of Tiahuanacu, the Miner's market of Calvario, the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Valley of the Giants, Laguna Colorada, and the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights of Bolivia - 9 days
9 Days Starting in La Paz, Bolivia and ending in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Visiting: La Paz, Potosi, Uyuni, Villa Mar, San Pedro de Atacama
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1235/HOBO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 22
Age range:
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians