10-Day Bolivia Travel Itinerary
Bolivia is an incredible country filled with stunning landscapes, rich indigenous culture, and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From exploring the salt flats to wandering through vibrant markets, this 10-day itinerary will let you see the best of what’s on offer while leaving room to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown to guide you through.
Day 1: Arrive in La Paz
Start your trip by landing in La Paz, one of the highest capital cities in the world. At over 3,600 meters, the altitude can be overwhelming, so take it easy today. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and chew coca leaves to help acclimatize.
Once you’re settled in, stroll through the city. Start with Plaza Murillo to see the government buildings, then head to Mercado de las Brujas (“Witches’ Market”). You’ll find potions, talismans, and all kinds of mystical herbs.
End your day with a cable car ride. The Teleférico offers stunning views of the city and is one of the world’s highest cable car systems.
Day 2: Valle de la Luna and City Exploration
Today, venture out to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), just outside La Paz. This surreal area is filled with spiky, eroded rock formations that feel like another planet. It’s only a short drive away and you can easily explore the valley in a couple of hours.
For lunch, indulge in some Bolivian cuisine. Try salteñas, a type of baked pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and sometimes eggs.
In the afternoon, if you’re feeling up for it, visit the Museo Nacional de Etnografía y Folklore to learn more about Bolivia’s indigenous history and cultures. Alternatively, find a cozy café to take it easy and acclimatize further.
Day 3: Copacabana and Lake Titicaca
Take a bus in the morning toward Copacabana, a small town located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. The ride is scenic, offering breathtaking views of the Andean mountains and the vast lake as you approach.
Once there, wander through the town center, check out the white-stone Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana, and explore the shores of Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world.
In the afternoon, consider taking a boat trip out to Isla del Sol, an island with ancient Inca ruins and peaceful hiking trails. Stay overnight in Copacabana.
Day 4: Isla del Sol
Today is all about Isla del Sol. Take a ferry in the morning to the island and spend your time hiking. The northern part of the island has more ruins, including the famous Inca sacred rock.
Explore the small villages along the way, stop for tea, and speak with the locals to learn about their day-to-day lives. The clear skies and views across Lake Titicaca are stunning. Return to Copacabana in the afternoon, and catch a comfortable overnight bus back to La Paz.
Day 5: La Paz to Uyuni
In the morning, take a short flight or overnight bus to Uyuni, the gateway to the immense Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats). Before heading out, stock up on some snacks and water, and be sure to have layers of clothing—it gets cold out there!
Spend the rest of the day in Uyuni town. Walk around, check out the small town square and grab dinner in one of the local restaurants. Get an early night’s sleep, as tomorrow you’ll start your salt flats adventure.
Day 6: Salar de Uyuni Tour
It’s time for the highlight of the trip! Join a full-day or multi-day tour of the Salar de Uyuni. The salt flats stretch over 10,000 square kilometers and are mind-blowingly huge.
Start with a stop at the Train Graveyard, where abandoned trains rest as relics of the country’s mining days. Then, head into the salt flats themselves—the sheer whiteness and endless reflection are surreal. Your guide will show you how to take fun perspective photos using the flat terrain.
End the day at Isla Incahuasi, a cacti-covered rock in the middle of the flats. If you’re doing a multi-day tour, you’ll spend your night in a basic salt hotel, which offers a truly unique experience.
Day 7: Salt Flats and Eduardo Avaroa National Park
If you opted for a multi-day tour, today’s itinerary will take you deeper into the Eduardo Avaroa National Park. You’ll pass through colored lakes like Laguna Colorada, which is a vivid red due to its algae. It’s also home to thousands of flamingos.
You’ll also visit thermal pools, geysers, and surreal desert landscapes like Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree). Spend the night in a remote lodge—there’s no Wi-Fi here, but that’s part of the charm.
Day 8: Uyuni to Sucre
After finishing your salt flats adventure, catch an overnight bus or a quick morning flight to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital. Sucre is lower in altitude than La Paz, so you’ll feel more comfortable with the change.
Take it easy today. Wander through the colonial streets. Visit Plaza 25 de Mayo and check out Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia’s declaration of independence was signed. If you’re up for it, hike up to La Recoleta for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Day 9: Explore Sucre
Sucre is much calmer and more relaxed than La Paz, so today can be a day to recharge. Walk through the local markets, where you’ll find fresh fruit, handicrafts, and everyday goods.
Be sure to visit the dinosaur footprints at Cal Orck’o—it’s the world’s largest collection of dinosaur tracks, imprinted on a limestone wall. You can join a guided tour to learn more about these ancient creatures.
Use the evening to enjoy some of Sucre’s excellent local cuisine. You can find great grilled meats and traditional soups.
Day 10: Fly Back to La Paz and Departure
On your final day, take a short flight back to La Paz. Depending on your flight schedule, have a bit more time to explore any areas of the city you might have missed or pick up some last-minute souvenirs.
If you’ve got the energy, visit the El Alto market (open on Thursdays and Sundays), where you can find practically everything—from clothes to electronics to local foods.
As your trip comes to an end, head to the airport with memories of Bolivia’s unique landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible diversity you’ve experienced over the last 10 days.
Travel safe and enjoy Bolivia!
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