Bolivia 3 Day Itinerary

Bolivia 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz & Tiwanaku

Morning:

  • Arrival at El Alto International Airport in La Paz. Transfer to your hotel and acclimatize to the high altitude (La Paz is at 3,640 meters above sea level).
  • Breakfast at a local café.
  • Visit Museo de la Coca, an informative museum about the history and cultural significance of coca leaf in Bolivia.
  • Explore the bustling Witches’ Market (Mercado de Hechiceria), where traditional medicines, handicrafts, and offerings are sold.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local eatery. Try Salteña, a Bolivian empanada filled with meat, vegetables, and olives.
  • Take a half-day tour to the ancient city of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour from La Paz. Explore its impressive ruins and learn about the Tiwanaku civilization.
  • Return to La Paz in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant.

Things to know:

  • Bolivia’s official language is Spanish, but many people also speak Aymara and Quechua.
  • Taxis are readily available, or you can use the safe and affordable public transport system (micros).
  • Altitude sickness is a common issue in La Paz, so drink plenty of coca tea and water, and take it easy on your first day.

Day 2: Death Road & Yungas

Morning:

  • After breakfast, embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure by biking down the infamous Death Road (Camino de la Muerte). This former highway is now a popular tourist destination for thrill seekers.
  • Lunch at a roadside eatery or pack a picnic to enjoy during the bike ride.

Afternoon:

  • Continue your journey to the nearby Yungas, where you can explore the lush cloud forests and visit the Museo Cablecar San Pedro. This interactive museum showcases the history, culture, and ecology of the Yungas region.
  • Visit the San Pedro de Tiquina Island on Lake Titicaca. Take a boat tour around the island and learn about its indigenous communities.
  • Return to La Paz in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant.

Things to know:

  • The Death Road bike ride can be challenging, so make sure you are physically fit and have protective gear.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions in the Yungas - it can be cold and rainy.

Day 3: Lake Titicaca & Sun Island

Morning:

  • Early morning transfer to Copacabana, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat tour to Sun Island (Isla del Sol), one of the most sacred islands in the lake.
  • Explore Inca ruins, visit the fountain of youth, and swim in the clear waters of the lake.
  • Lunch on Sun Island.

Afternoon:

  • Continue your boat tour to Lake Titicaca’s South Bay, where you can visit a local Aymara community. Learn about their traditional customs and way of life.
  • Return to Copacabana in the evening for dinner at a lakeside restaurant.

Things to know:

  • Bolivia is home to some of the world’s highest navigable lake, so be prepared for high altitude.
  • Make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong on the water.

Visa Requirements:

Citizens from many countries do not require a visa to enter Bolivia for tourism purposes and can stay for up to 90 days. Always check the current requirements for your nationality before travel.

Transportation:

Taxis, micros (minivans), and tourist shuttles are common forms of transportation in Bolivia. For longer journeys, consider booking a tour that includes transport or hiring a private driver.