Bolivia Itinerary

funkey_monkey

Hi I'm thinking of going to Bolivia this year and was hoping for some help in organising an itinerary. I like outdoors stuff and some history/culture. I like seeing the main sites and also getting slightly off the beaten track and seeing the 'real' country and not just the gringo trail.

My initial plan is as follows:

Day 1: Buenos Aires
Day 2: Travel to Cordoba - city tour
Day 3: Cordoba - Villa Carlos Paz
Day 4: Travel to Mendoza
Day 5: Mendoza - Wine Valley tour
Day 6: Travel to Salta
Day 7: Salta - Quebrada de Humahuaca
Day 8: Travel to San Pedro
Day 9: San Pedro - TATIO GEYSIRS & PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS
Day 10: Travel to Uyuni - HITO CAJON- GREEN LAGOON - RED LAGOON - OJO DE PERDIZ
Day 11: Uyuni - OJO DE PERDIZ - UYUNI SALT FLAT - COLCHANI
Day 12: Travel to La Paz
Day 13: La Paz - City Tour
Day 14: TIAWANAKU
Day 15: Depart


I'm thinking of expanding this trip to 25 days. Can anyone offer any advice on this trip?

Thanks.

sarkozy

I might add Potosí to your itinerary, if just for the history and the historical centry. I wish we could have made it to Tiawanaku, though we got as far as Lake Titicaca.

Have you considered a trip into the sub-tropical Yungas - not necessarily to Cochabamba, but somewhere accessible like Coroico?

Buenos Aires is a hard place to leave!

I guess you'll be saving time with internal flights and overnight bus journeys in Argentina?

Salta is worth it, Quebrada de Humahuaca is quite nice and day-trippable out of Salta. Do see the Inca mummies. While in the region, if you like wine and trekking, you could consider an overnight in Cafayate which is famous for its dry white and red torrontés wines. Then you can go to the border (I think via Salta).

You may need to factor in a night in somewhere like Tupiza (which is grand) after crossing into Bolívia.

Meathlass

Your're going a bit out of your way heading down to Mendoza when you could go from Cordoba straight to Salta and into Bolivia.

I would also add Potosí to your itinerary. You could easily spend 2 days in La Paz.

I did the opposite trip to you (went from Lake Titicaca to San Pedro and on to Chile) and I was floored with altitude sickness in Bolivia. I spent two weeks in pain, short of breath, constantly feeling hungover and flu like before I cut my loses and took a 27 hour bus trip from San Pedro to Santiago where I could finally breath again.

You might want to factor some rest days into your schedule to cope with this.

Also, most salt flat tours start in Uyuni and head to San Pedro so you'll be limited for choice but expect to spend 2 full days/nights doing that trip.

funkey_monkey

Thanks - I was actually thinking of dropping one of Cordoba or Mendoza out of the itinerary.

Did you stop off in any small towns/villages?

Any advice for a traveller - did you feel safe in Bolivia?

Was the Salt Flats tour good?

Blingy

The salt flats are amazing to see but whatever you do don't book the tour where you stay overnight in the 'hotel' on the salt flats. It was the greatest waste of time ever even if it was made of salt.

Don't forget to consider Rurrenabaque. We did some amazing tours jungle from here. Also liked lake titicaca for an overnight.
Bolivia is an Amazing place. Felt safe but as always be aware of your surroundings and try not to be a flashy tourist. Didn't have any problems with altitude as we had come from Peru so actually felt better than we had when in Peru. Just drink the Coca tea it certainly worked for me.
Have a great time!!

Meathlass

I was there in 2006 but felt completely safe. Not as touristy as other South American countries. Keep an eye out on local news reports - Bolivia has a tendency to have strikes and road closures due to ethnic unrest.

Yeah I'd drop Mendoza off your list. It's a nice city with nice winerys and great hostels with pools but with your limited time I'd stick to Cordoba and Salta.

The vast majority of people cross the salt flats on a tour (5 people in a jeep). Back in 2006 it cost me about $80 for the trip. I think there might be some public transport options but they won't take you to the lakes and volcanic areas that the area is famous for. I stayed in the salt hotel - yeah it's cold, not much of a hotel and fairly rough and poor but still a laugh. It was probably my 3rd toughest trip in South America in terms of lack of creature comforts, altitude sickness, cold, uncomfortable transport etc.

Blingy

Iguazu Falls were amazing if you have time!

funkey_monkey

Already been to IF and loved it.

Only regret is the last time going to Patagonia (TdelP) and not going on down to Ushuia.

Is there really nothing in central Argentina to see!?!

sarkozy

Meathlass wrote: »

Your're going a bit out of your way heading down to Mendoza when you could go from Cordoba straight to Salta and into Bolivia.

I would also add Potosí to your itinerary. You could easily spend 2 days in La Paz.

I did the opposite trip to you (went from Lake Titicaca to San Pedro and on to Chile) and I was floored with altitude sickness in Bolivia. I spent two weeks in pain, short of breath, constantly feeling hungover and flu like before I cut my loses and took a 27 hour bus trip from San Pedro to Santiago where I could finally breath again.

You might want to factor some rest days into your schedule to cope with this.

Also, most salt flat tours start in Uyuni and head to San Pedro so you'll be limited for choice but expect to spend 2 full days/nights doing that trip.

I think you've two options - get to Bolívia via Iguazú, or go via Mendoza. However, I don't know if there's a relatively straight route from Mendoza up to Salta.

I did forget to mention the altitude. I felt terrible by the time I got to Potosí, the highest city in the world (La Paz is only the highest capital in the world). Do take it seriously. I swear it's the reason all my stuff got stolen in Potosí bus station. After reporting the theft and staying an extra night in the city, I took a stroll down to the central market which has its own coca leaf section. I bought a bag and drank ferocious amounts of coca tea. It's really important to stay hydrated when sick with altitude, and I'm not endorsing drug use when I say I really recommend coca for the altitude. It's a light analgesic that helps with blood circulation and definitely takes the edge off the sickness. But the only solution in the short-term is to descend 200m or so for a night. By the time we got to Oruro and on to La Paz, things were fine. Cusco took my breath away because it's so hilly, but it was fine.

As regards safety, I'd echo others. If you're not stupid, ask people the best way to do things, places not to go, times not to go out, you'll be fine. You just need to exercise common sense. Do keep valuables and back-up money and cards in a hidden wallet. Don't have valuables hanging off you. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance. La Paz is a pretty fun town.

For some reason, despite getting my stuff stolen, of all the countries we visited on the trip, Bolívia is still the one I'd go back to.

funkey_monkey

Here is my initial itinerary in more detail - I'm thinking of cutting out Mendoza and Cordoba:

Can you please comment on this detailed itinerary saying what is good, bad and what it is missing in terms of sights, activities and places. I get the feeling that I'm missing out on some rural places off the gringo trail which might appeal to me.

One day has to come out of the trip for cycling Death Road. Just not sure what else I'm missing. I'd be very grateful of feedback on this initial draft of my itinerary:


DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES:
Arrival
Overnight at Monserrat Apart Hotel


DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES/CÓRDOBA
Flight to Cordoba
City Tour Excursion
You will be taken to the City tour including the most important points of the city. You visit the historical city centre, composed of San Martín square, the Town Hall “Cabildo” and the
Cathedral. Then you arrive at Nueva Córdoba neighbourhood, with its cultural centres, such as the Provincial Arts Museum Emilio Caraffa, the Fine Arts Museum Evita Perón and the
elegant “Paseo del Buen Pastor” The tour ends at the famous “Manzana Jesuítica”, the Jesuit Block, declared World Heritage Site, with its church “La Compañía de Jesús”, the chapel
of the “Virgen de Lourdes”, the antique University, currently a museum of the history of UNC, and the traditional Monserrat college. Return to the hotel.
Overnight at Merit Gran Hotel Victoria.


DAY 3: CÓRDOBA
Villa Carlos Paz Excursion
Departing from Córdoba, passing through La Calera, the hydroelectric plant and San Roque Dam, the oldest in the province. Then you come to the city of Villa Carlos Paz, one of the
most popular tourist city of the province of Córdoba, we will visit the famous cuckoo clock and then the old center, new center visit until you get to the chairlift which is optional .
Overnight at Merit Gran Hotel Victoria


DAY 4: CÓRDOBA/MENDOZA
Flight to Mendoza
Overnight at Urbana Suites Hotel


DAY 5: MENDOZA
Central Valley Wine Route Excursion
Mendoza is one of the world capitals of the Malbec wine. This tour will go around two collards in the heart of the Central Region of Mendoza that comprises: Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo.
In this area there are several types of grapes: Criolla Grande, Moscatel Rosado, Cereza, Bonarda, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, among others. If we mention the advantages of this
region, we could say: there are plenty of lands, the youth of the vineyards and the agro-ecological characteristics that have proved to be optimal for the growth of the grapes of
high quality.
Overnight at Urbana Suites Hotel


DAY 6: MENDOZA/SALTA
Flight to Salta
Overnight at Del Vino Boutique Salta Hotel.


DAY 7: SALTA Quebrada de Humahuaca Excursion
This is a trip along the Gorge that was declared World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO because of the colorful landscapes and cultures that make up this one-of-the-kind destination.
The tour will actually begin in the Purmamarca Village where you will be able to look closely at the well-known Seven Colors Hill, the town Church and the Craft Market located around
the square. Then the vehicle will head northwards up to Tilcara town, where there will be a stop so as to visit the old Pucara (Fortress in Quechua language) and the Archeological
museum before arriving in Huacalera; that place exhibits a wonderful landscape in a hill named “the skirt of the Colla woma” due to the shape it has. The next point is Uquia, with its
church located just before the town of Humahuaca and hre, you will get off the vehicle so as to visit the monument to the Native Indian made by the artist Soto Avendaño. After lunch
and heading back to the south, it will be possible to admire the hill nicknamed “the Paintor´s Palette” just on the side of the town Maimara. There will be stop in the city of San Salvador
de Jujuy in order to visit the Cathedral which exhibits an amazing piece functioning as a pulpit and that was made by the sculpture Lola Mora. You will return to Salta along the old
road by a cliff and framed by exuberant subtropical vegetation until the arrival in the city of Salta. Overnight at Del Vino Boutique Salta Hotel.


DAY 8: SALTA/SAN PEDRO
Bus from Salta ti San Pedro de Atacama.
Overnight at Altiplánico Hotel.


Day 09 San Pedro de Atacama
TATIO GEYSIRS & PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS (9HRS)
Departing around 4:30 am (departure time depend of the time of the year), from the hotel to the Geysers del Tatio located at 98kms from San Pedro and at 4.300 mts.
We arrive at the geysers around 7:00am. Enjoy a picnic style breakfast and a guided stroll through this geothermal field to see the geysers and pools of boiling water and mud.
The area takes on an almost surreal look at sunrise. Once the sun has risen and the thermal activity is calmed somewhat, we move to the area of the hot springs for a rejuvenating
soak in 40°C water before beginning the return trip towards San Pedro. On the way back we visit the Puritama Hot Springs and the opportunity to enjoy these warms waters that
emanate from beneath the rocks and surrounding vegetation. Puritama was developed by Hotel Explora and has been equipped with change rooms, toilets and sauna. After time
to enjoy the facilities offered by Puritama we return to San Pedro de Atacama. Recommendations: comfortable shoes, sun glasses, sun screen, mineral water, warm clothes, cap,
clothes according to the weather in the altitude. **Entrance fees and box breakfast included
Overnight at Altiplánico Hotel.


Day 10 San Pedro de Atacama
Transfer from the selected hotel to Hito Cajón (Bolivian Border).
Uyuni
DAY 1: HITO CAJON- GREEN LAGOON - RED LAGOON - OJO DE PERDIZ Depart from Hito Cajon (border between Chile and Bolivia) and enter to the National Reserve of Andean
Fauna Eduardo Avaroa and visit the Green Lagoon, an impressive aquatic mirror that resembles a giant emerald with a particular brightness in the mornings and afternoons;
its color is due to the high magnesium content in the water. In the proximities of this lagoon is the Licancahur Volcano (5,868 m). Continue to Sol de Mañana (Morning Sun) a
place where it is possible to appreciate fumes, geysers and volcanic holes. This landscape remains us the origins of the earth. The next stop will be the Red Lagoon, populated
by 3 species of flamencos (among them the famous James) this lagoon is very impressive because of its red color, that is due to the fine sediment accumulation of the same
color on the surface, as well as the pigmentation of a certain type of seaweed. Box lunch. Continue the journey crossing the Siloli desert where passengers will be able to
appreciate an interesting rock formation well-known as Stone Tree, and observe the llamas, vicuñas and particular rodent denominated viscacha. Arrive to Ojo de Perdiz.
Accommodation at Hotel Tayka Del Desierto.


Day 11 Uyuni
DAY 2: OJO DE PERDIZ - UYUNI SALT FLAT - COLCHANI
Breakfast. Depart towards Uyuni Salt Flat and Incahuasi Island, this island is located in the heart of the salt flat and is the greatest of a group of islands that represents an
isolated ecosystem. The island is populated with a cacti species that measures up to 12 meters high (26, 25 feet), providing an impressive overview.

Arrival to Uyuni. Transfer to the salt hotel.
During the rainy season, from November to March, the salt flat could be flooded - in that case passengers will visit the train cemetery, the Colchani village where it is
possible to observe the extracting salt process by hand. Visit the salt eyes, impressive for its geology and cross the salt flat as much as possible to enjoy a beautiful landscape.
The entire salt flat is completely cover with water and it becomes in a white giant mirror where the sky is reflected perfectly and everything seems to be floating in the air.
This scenery is a paradise for photography lovers because of the effects that can be achieved.
Box lunch is served in the middle of the salt flat. It is advisable to wear sandals to enjoy the warm water of the salt.
Accommodation at Hotel Luna Salada


Day 12 Uyuni
DAY 3: COLCHANI-UYUNI
19.00 Bus from Uyuni to Potosi.
Potosí 00:00 Transfer from the bus station to your hotel.
Overnight at Colonial Hostel.


Day 13 Potosí
CITY TOUR IN POTOSI AND CASA DE LA MONEDA (HALF DAY):
You will visit the most important and interesting places of the city, which was declared UNIVERSAL HERITAGE OF MANKIND by UNESCO. You will visit San Lorenzo Church where
you will appreciate its beautiful façade, Casa de la Moneda Museum, the exterior of the Tower of Company, the exterior of the Arch of Cobija and the artisans market in the
colonial area of the city.
Overnight at Colonial Hostel.


Day 14 Potosí
17:00 Bus to Potosi to Sucre. Shared Service.
Sucre 20:00 Transfer from the bus station to your hotel.
Overnight at Villa Antigua Hotel.


Day 15 Sucre
CITY TOUR IN SUCRE AND JATUN YAMPARA (FULL DAY):
Visit to the House of Freedom Historical Museum or the Textile Asur Museum, the Convent of La Recoleta Museum and its viewpoint, the Convent of San Felipe Nery, Bolivar Park
and the main historical monuments. Lunch in a restaurant. The excursion continues visiting Jatun Yampara Community one of the most ancient cultures of the continent. You will
observe the process of making ceramics and textiles. Then you will visit the community's Museum of Native Clothing, and appreciate their archeology, agriculture and their
Medicinal Herbs exposition. You will observe the native constructions and their customs. You will participate in a typical offering to Mother Earth. Return to Sucre.
Overnight at Villa Antigua Hotel.


Day 16 Sucre
Bus to Santa Cruz
Overnight at Los Tajibos Hotel.


Day 17 Santa Cruz
F/D SAMAIPATA RUINS
Sightseeing: The most important example of stone architecture in the American Continent. The Samaipata Fort is located 120 Km. west of Santa Cruz. We will visit the Cuevas
waterfalls on the way and then ascent to the archaeological region of the millennial haven of the Bolivian East and one of the most important in America: the Archaeological
Complex and Ceremonial Temple "The Fort" that was inhabited by diverse pre-Columbus cultures, such as the Amazon and the Inca civilizations. After lunch in a local restaurant,
we will visit the town, the church and the archeological museum. Service Includes: Private transport, bilingual guide, lunch, refreshment, admission fees.
Overnight at Los Tajibos Hotel.


Day 18 Santa Cruz
Flight to La Paz
Overnight at Europa Hotel.


Day 19 La Paz
CITY TOUR AND THE MOON VALLEY (3 HOURS):
You will be picked up from the hotel to visit the famous Witches Market and the San Francisco Colonial Church. The tour will continue to Plaza Murillo where the Cathedral,
the Government Palace and the National Congress buildings are located. Then, you will visit the famous colonial Jaen Street where you will see interesting museums, followed
by a visit to a replica of the semi-subterranean temple of Tiwanaku’s Culture. To change scenery the tour will continue to the residential areas of Obrajes, Calacoto and La Florida.
The tour will end with a visit to the unique Moon Valley, where you will have the opportunity to walk around, and visit a ceramic workshop where you will see a demonstration of
the pottery's art.
Overnight at Europa Hotel.


Day 20 La Paz
TIAWANAKU (8 HOURS):
At proper time you will visit Tiwanaku Ruins located at 72 Km. from La Paz, capital of the civilization of the 700 B.C. , during that great time, the Capital of Tiwanaku was the largest
in the world and considered “The Cradle of American Civilization”. This pre-Inca ruins started endless archeological debates and the oldest radiocarbon test shows a result of 1,580 B.C.
Visiting the Temple of Kalasasaya (Sun), the Puerta del Sol, Semi-subterranean Temple (Earth), the Pyramid of Akapana, Puma Punku Temple and finally the museum where an
impressive collection of objects and instruments observed ancient civilizations.
Overnight at Europa Hotel.


Day 21 La Paz
F/D ROYAL MOUNTAIN RANGE
Depart to visit Chacaltaya Hill (5345 m.), at one hour from downtown La Paz. At an altitude of over 5000 m. On a clear day Chacaltaya offers a breathtaking view of the high plateau,
neighboring peaks and Titikaka Lake. Then we head for Zongo, on the way we pass several lagoons, all of them at the foot of the spectacular Huayna Potosi Mountain. We will visit
an ancient Aymaran cemetery where local miners were laid to rest. We will enjoy the landscape of the ice covered summits and waterfalls, until arriving to the platform with
sensational views all around. Service Includes: Private transport, box lunch, water, bilingual guide and admission fee.
Overnight at Europa Hotel.


Day 22 La Paz
TITICACA CATAMARAN DAY CRUISE LA PAZ - LA PAZ
Early land transfer to Copacabana’s Sanctuary, after breakfast we board the Catamaran Cruise Ship, sailing to the Sun Island, birthplace of the Inca Empire.
In this legendary island is visited the Garden, Stairs and Fountain of the Inca, then the itinerary includes a visit to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, the largest private tourist attraction
of Bolivia, including the underground museum of Ekako, the traditional medicine and the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders display centers, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a
handicraft center, the Intica’s lounge and at the Manco Kapac look out of the largest Andean camelids.
Also, the Inti Wata Complex of Sun Island includes a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titicaca traditional vessel for a panoramic visit to the Pilkokaina Inca Palace.
Afterwards board the Catamaran Cruise Ship to Chúa Harbor while enjoying a lunch buffet, land transfer to La Paz.
Overnight at Europa Hotel.


Day 23 La Paz
YUNGAS-COROICO (DAY 1):
You will be picked up from the hotel to visit the subtropical area of Yungas. From the highest point of the journey known as “La Cumbre” (4650 m.s.n.m.) you will observe some
snow-caped peaks and a twisting road. You will continue the trip descending gradually towards the subtropical area surrounded by changing vegetation. Along the way you can
observe giant ferns, American bamboo and several species of local orchids. After a 50 Km. journey, at the end of the paved road, the scenery becomes more interesting: hulking
rocks, waterfalls and ever greener vegetation, getting around an area of fruit trees, coca plantations, coffee plantations and a variety of butterflies species. You will arrive to
Coroico approximately at 11:30, straight to the hotel, where you will get your room and have lunch. In the afternoon, you will go for a walk around Coroico town, a small tourist
village characterized by the presence of descendants of Africans. Later, you will go towards the “Calvario”, a viewpoint where you will enjoy magnificent views of the town and
also of the Yungas region.
Dinner and overnight stay in a rustic top tourist class hotel.


Day 24 La Paz
YUNGAS - COROICO (DAY 02):
After breakfast departure to the Waterfalls area for a walk amidst the lush nature and warm weather; visit to coca plantations, coffee and fruit trees.
Overnight at Europa Hotel.


Day 25 La Paz

funkey_monkey

Hi, been thinking more about this and I'm planning to remove Mendoza and Cordoba as they don't appeal to me.

Any help or suggestions on the remainder of the plan?