Day 1: Arrive in La Paz
Your adventure begins in La Paz. You’ll probably feel the altitude right away — La Paz sits at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, so take it easy today. Stroll through the city’s unique alleys and old streets while sipping mate de coca, an herbal tea that helps with altitude sickness.
In the afternoon, visit Mercado de las Brujas (the Witches’ Market). Whether you’re into spiritual stuff or not, it’s a fascinating place to see weird and wonderful items like llama fetuses and good luck charms.
End the day by taking a ride on the Teleférico, the city’s sky-high cable car system, which offers incredible views of La Paz’s bowl-shaped landscape, with the stunning Illimani Mountain in the distance.
Day 2: Explore La Paz
Kick start your full day in La Paz with a visit to Plaza Murillo, the city’s main square surrounded by historical buildings, including the Presidential Palace. From here, head over to Calle Jaén, one of the best-preserved colonial streets, where you’ll find small museums and cafes.
In the afternoon, descend into Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), where otherworldly rock formations make you feel like you’re trekking on another planet. It’s just outside the city and can be visited quickly, giving you extra time to wander around El Alto’s market back in the city or try salteñas, Bolivia’s delicious version of empanadas.
Day 3: Day Trip to Tiwanaku
Head to Tiwanaku, one of the most important pre-Inca archaeological sites in South America. Located about 1.5 hours from La Paz, a visit here will take you back to the ancient Tiwanaku civilization, which flourished hundreds of years before the Inca Empire.
The massive stone structures and monoliths will leave you in awe as you explore the Temple of Kalasasaya and the mysterious Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun). You can visit with a guide to get the full historical perspective or explore on your own.
Day 4: Bike Ride Down Death Road
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is your day. Take on the infamous “Death Road,” a thrilling bike ride that starts high in the cold, foggy mountains and winds down to the lush, warm Yungas region.
The ride isn’t as dangerous as the name suggests (as long as you go with a reputable tour guide), and it’s hands down one of the most exciting experiences in Bolivia. Enjoy the change in landscape as you descend from 4,650 meters (15,260 feet) to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in just a few hours.
Day 5: Bus to Copacabana
Today, take a scenic bus journey (about 3.5 hours) to Copacabana, a small town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The drive itself is beautiful, with views over the sapphire-blue lake and snow-capped mountains.
Once there, stroll around the town to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, the town’s most famous religious site. Grab dinner at a lakeside restaurant where the trout, fresh from the lake, is a must-try.
Day 6: Visit Isla del Sol
Take a boat in the morning to Isla del Sol, the legendary birthplace of the Inca sun god. The island is peaceful, with plenty of ancient ruins to explore. You can either take a short hike or tackle the full north-to-south island trek, known for its stunning views.
There are opportunities to stay overnight on Isla del Sol, but for a more relaxed experience, head back to Copacabana in the afternoon for another evening by the lake.
Day 7: Travel to Sucre
Today, make your way to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutionally recognized capital. You can either take a direct flight from El Alto or catch an overnight bus from La Paz. Either way, you’ll be arriving in one of Bolivia’s most charming colonial cities.
Sucre sits at a lower altitude than La Paz, so you won’t have to deal with the same high-altitude effects. It’s a laid-back city, perfect for a little wandering and relaxation after several days of travel and adventure.
Day 8: Discover Sucre
Sucre is full of beautiful whitewashed buildings, museums, and churches. Begin the day with a visit to La Recoleta, a peaceful monastery located on a hill with panoramic views of the city.
In the afternoon, head to the Parque Cretácico (Dinosaur Park) to see hundreds of real dinosaur footprints preserved in rock. End your day enjoying the city’s colonial vibe at one of the many open-air cafes around Plaza 25 de Mayo.
Day 9: Hike to Maragua Crater
If you’re up for more adventure, take a day trip or multi-day hike to the Maragua Crater, a stunning geological formation near Sucre. The trek is relatively long, but hikers are rewarded with incredible rock formations, local villages, and even more dinosaur footprints along the way.
If hiking isn’t your thing, spend today exploring more of Sucre at a leisurely pace. Visit the Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia’s Declaration of Independence was signed, and just enjoy the laid-back vibe of the city.
Day 10: Travel to Potosí
Hop on a bus (around 3-4 hours) to Potosí, once one of the richest cities in the world due to its massive silver mines. You can see evidence of the city’s glorious past in its stunning colonial architecture and churches.
In the evening, settle down with a local meal (try the picante de pollo or mondongo) to fuel up for a busy day exploring Potosí tomorrow.
Day 11: Visit Cerro Rico Mines
With a guide, visit the Cerro Rico silver mines, which were the backbone of the Spanish Empire’s wealth in the 16th century. You’ll get a sense of the difficult working conditions that miners endure, making it a humbling and eye-opening experience.
In the afternoon, explore the city’s colonial streets, visit the Convento de San Francisco, or just relax in a café as you absorb the city’s rich history.
Day 12: Bus to Uyuni
Next, head to Uyuni by bus (around 6-7 hours). Once you’ve arrived, stretch your legs by exploring the town or checking out the quirky Train Graveyard, where old steam trains were left to rust in the desert decades ago.
Get a good night’s sleep, because tomorrow you’ll be heading to one of the most famous natural wonders in South America: Salar de Uyuni.
Day 13: Explore Salar de Uyuni
Start early for a full-day tour of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. This place is truly unreal, with its endlessly flat, white landscape that makes for perfect optical illusion photos.
You’ll visit highlights like the famous “Salt Hotel” and Isla Incahuasi, a tiny island covered in oversized cacti that offer 360-degree views of the flats. With luck, you might even catch a sunset over the salt flats. If you’re visiting during the rainy season (November to March), the flats turn into an incredible mirror of the sky.
Day 14: Return to La Paz
End your trip with a return to La Paz. You can take a bus or a flight, depending on your schedule. If you have any time left, relax and enjoy one last stroll through this dynamic city. Whether it’s souvenir shopping or enjoying Bolivia’s street food, today’s your final taste of this amazing country.
This 14-day itinerary gives you the perfect mix of Bolivia’s highlights with time for relaxation and cultural immersion. You’ll visit breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and world-class cities while soaking in the local vibe and having a blast along the way.
Leave a reply