Bolivia Tour–Uyuni, Uturuncu, Sun Island & Huayna Potosí 19D/18N

Day 1 · From home USA, Canada, Englan, Europe flight - Arrival to Bolivia- Santa Cruz de la Sierra

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   La Paz

   3 hours

   International Departure & Arrival in Bolivia

   Your adventure begins with an international flight from USA, Canada, England, or Europe to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. As Bolivia’s largest city and main international gateway, Santa Cruz provides a convenient entry point into the country.

   Upon arrival at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz, you will go through immigration and customs. Our team will be there to assist with transfers, ensuring a smooth transition to your hotel. Santa Cruz, located at a lower altitude, offers a gentle introduction to Bolivia before heading to higher elevations.

   After resting and recovering from your flight, you may have time to explore the city’s vibrant markets, colonial plazas, and lush tropical surroundings before continuing your journey deeper into the Andes.

Hotel

Day 2 · Arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 460 m

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   Santa Cruz

   4 hours

   We arrive in the subtropical city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in the afternoon. The city is also the largest city in Bolivia. Colonial architecture alternates with modernity. Transfer to the hotel and relax. We can take in our first impressions of the city on a stroll through the city.

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Hotel

Day 3 · Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 460 m – Sucre, 2800 m

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   Sucre

   9 hours

   In the morning we fly from Santa Cruz to Sucre in about an hour. Sucre is considered the colonial jewel of Bolivia. We visit the "White City", which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Hotel.

Day 4 · Sucre – Potosí

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   Potosi

   8 hours

   Today we arrive in Potosí; the air is already thin at 4000 m. Visiting the silver mines and the colonial town is an impressive experience. Both have been declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO. This day will help you get used to the altitude.

   Accommodation in the hotel.

Hotel

Day 5 · Potosí – Uyuni

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   Uyuni

   9 hours

   The bus now takes us through a wild, sparsely populated landscape. We will see hundreds of llamas on the impressive journey to Uyuni. On the way to Uyuni we visit the village of Pulacayo and its mine. In the 18th century, the Pulacayo mine was the second largest silver mine in Bolivia, dug to a depth of up to 1000 meters. We visit the village, which is reminiscent of a Wild West film, and then enjoy the onward journey across the barren Altiplano.

   Overnight stay in a hotel.

Hotel.

Day 6 · Uyuni - Isla Pescado - Jirira/Tahua

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   Salar de Uyuni

   9 hours Admission included

   We set off in our 4x4s towards the large salt desert. On the way we visit a small salt industry before the long journey (100 km) across the salt lake. We try to orient ourselves on the horizon so that we can reach the volcanic island in the middle of the lake. We go on a short hike on the impressive island covered with cacti. After a picnic on the island, we drive, again orientated towards the horizon, across the snow-white salt lake to the Tunupa volcano.

   Overnight stay in the salt hotel at the foot of the Tunupa.

Hotel.

Day 7 · Trekking at the foot of the Tunupa volcano

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   Tunupa Volcano

   14 hours Admission included

   Early in the morning we go on a hike at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. The unique view of the largest salt lake in the world (approx. 12,000 km²) is overwhelming. We feel like we are at the end of the world in this deserted region! Approx. 3 - 5 hours hike. Depending on the group's condition and altitude adjustment, we can climb up to 4,900 m.

   Overnight stay in the salt hotel at the foot of the Tunupa.

Salt Hotel.

Day 8 · Tahua, 3700 m – Laguna Hedionda – Ojo de Perdiz, 4600 m

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   Laguna Hedionda

   9 hours Admission included

   We drive 80 km across the salt lake, then we cross the Chiguana desert and come to the route of the volcanoes, where we can even see the smoke from the Volcán Ollagüe. Our easy hike takes us through lagoons where countless flamingos frolic in their pink dress. Once we reach the high plateau of the Siloli desert, we are presented with a spectacular view of the volcanoes of the Andes. It is fantastic when we can watch from the hotel how the sky and sun change color in the evening. This is followed by a breathtaking starry sky in the middle of the desert.

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Hotel.

Day 9 · Ojo de Perdiz, 4600 m – Laguna Colorada – Quetena Chico, 4200 m

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   Laguna Colorada

   9 hours

   Another highlight is ahead of us! It's worth starting early, because the morning light transforms the Avaroa National Park into a fairytale landscape. Shimmering colors at the Laguna Colorada, thousands of flamingos and a unique volcanic landscape combine to create a picture of superlatives. The geysers at 4800 m provide a contrast, from where we take a short hike to the Laguna Chalviri. Hot water pools invite you to take a spontaneous swim. We reach Quetena Chico along the picturesque Quetena Canyon.

   Overnight stay in a simple Andean hotel.

Hotel

Day 10 · Uturuncu volcano, 6008 m

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   Stop 1

   14 hours

   Today we are climbing a 6000m peak! We first go to the Lipes Mountain Range with its volcanoes and lagoons in off-road vehicles, then continue up to 5400m. The technically easy 6008m high Uturuncu is actually possible for all trekkers, as we are very well acclimatized. Additional local guides accompany us on the climb so that no one is alone if they have to turn back early. We climb the 600m to the summit at a leisurely pace in 4 hours. The view is indescribable, we are at the top of the Uturuncu. We need another 2 hours for the descent. In the afternoon we are back in Quetena Chico and celebrate our summit success.

   Overnight stay in a simple Andean hotel.

Andean Hotel.

Day 11 · Quetena Chico, 4200 m – Uyuni, 3671 m

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   Uyuni

   12 hours

   Early in the morning we drive back over the impressive plateaus via San Cristóbal to Uyuni. On the way we can see the shy vicuñas or the Andean ostrich. Shortly before Uyuni we visit the ghostly train cemetery, a sign of a glorious past.

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 12 · Uyuni, 3671 m – La Paz, 3700 m

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   La Paz

   12 hours

   Now we fly to La Paz and land in the suburb of El Alto at 4000 m. In the afternoon we will tour the city of La Paz.

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Hotel.

Day 13 · Trekking in the Condoriri Range

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   Lake Titicaca

   12 hours

   The Cordillera Real stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Titicaca. That's where we want to go. After a short drive, we start today's trek at 4300 m; it will be a varied day. In about 3 hours we slowly climb to 4600 m, past the deep blue lagoons. The glaciers of the 5648 m high Tuni Condoriri shine in the background. Again and again we come across llamas and alpacas as well as viscachas, rabbit-like rodents. The descent takes us about 2 hours. We continue by car along Lake Titicaca. We have lunch in a local restaurant before marveling at the vastness of Lake Titicaca from a beautiful vantage point. Towards the evening we reach the vibrant Copacabana.

   Overnight stay in the hotel, beautifully situated on Lake Titicaca.

Hotel Lodge

Day 14 · Copacabana, 3800 m – Sun Island, 3800 m

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   Isla del Sol

   10 hours

   Today we experience a boat trip on Lake Titicaca along the Cordillera Real. We drive to the Lourdes Caves and undertake a three-hour trek through the beautiful landscape of Sampaya. From there we return by boat to Copacabana.

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Hotel Ecolodge

Day 15 · Copacabana, 3800 m – La Paz, 3700 m

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   La Paz

   12 hours

   Now the mountaineers head towards Potosí, while everyone else heads straight to La Paz. In La Paz we take time to visit the colourful Indian markets or the various buildings and churches from the colonial era. La Paz is a city of contrasts. The centre of the highest city in the world with a population of over a million is at 3650 m.

   Guests who have booked the tour to the 6088 m high Huayna Potosí climb in the afternoon in around 3 hours to the refugio at 5200 m.

Hotel in La Paz

Day 16 · Ascent of Huayna Potosí, 6088 m

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   Huayna Potosi

   16 hours Admission included

   We set off at 1:30 a.m. After a good three hours we reach the shoulder of Huayna Potosí. After another three hours we reach the highest point. We are standing on the summit of Huayna Potosí at 6,088 m above sea level. The impressive panorama stretches across Lake Titicaca to La Paz and the 6,439 m high Nevado Illimani. We descend to the high camp and drive back to La Paz.

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Refugio basic on Huayna Potosi

Day 17 · Alternative program La Paz

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   La Paz

   16 hours

   Just 10 km from the city center is the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), which offers beautiful photo opportunities with its bizarre erosion formations. We then hike through the Palca Canyon for around 2 to 3 hours. Photographers will get their money's worth again today, such a natural wonder simply has to be captured in pictures. In front of us rises the 6439 m high Illimani with its white glaciers - what a contrast!

   Overnight stay in the hotel.

Hotel

Day 18 · La Paz – Santa Cruz

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   Santa Cruz

   8 hours

   Today everyone can spend the day as they wish. La Paz has a lot to offer. Colonial La Paz with palaces and churches or the local markets. Float over the city in a gondola: ten different gondola lines offer a fantastic bird's eye view. In the afternoon we take a short flight back to the starting point of our trek in Santa Cruz. Now a wonderful trip comes to an end and you enjoy the final dinner in a traditional restaurant in Santa Cruz. Let the contrasting Bolivia trip come to an end in tropical warmth. Overnight

   stay in the hotel.

Hotel

Day 19 · Santa Cruz – back to Home to USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, etc

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   Santa Cruz

   3 hours

   Return to Your Country: Farewell to Bolivia

   After a fulfilling adventure in Bolivia, it's time to head back home. Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel, our team will assist you with your check-out and transfer to Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for your return flight.

   Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to relax in the airport before boarding. The airport offers modern facilities, including duty-free shopping and local Bolivian crafts as souvenirs.

   Your return flight will take you from Bolivia back to Europe, USA, Canada, or England. The journey typically involves one or more stopovers depending on your airline and flight route. You can expect a comfortable flight with a welcoming arrival back to your home country.

   Upon your arrival, our team will ensure that all logistics are handled for smooth transit to your home or connecting flights, if needed.

   We hope that you’ll carry the memories of Bolivia’s breathtaking