Bolivia 5 Day Itinerary

Bolivia 5-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: La Paz

  • Arrival at El Alto International Airport (LPB)
  • Transfer to La Paz (30 min) - Take a taxi or pre-book shuttle service
  • Check-in at Hotel (recommendations: Hotel Rosario del Valle, Hotel Las Dolores)
  • Visit Museo de la Coca and learn about the history of coca leaf in Bolivia
  • Explore the bustling Witches’ Market (Mercado de Hechicería)
  • In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (try saltena, a traditional Bolivian pastry)
  • Overnight stay in La Paz

Things to know:

  • La Paz is the highest administrative capital city in the world (3,640 meters or 11,940 feet above sea level). Take it easy and drink plenty of water!
  • Bolivian currency: Boliviano (BOB)
  • Spanish is the official language, but many people speak Aymara and Quechua.

Day 2: La Paz - Tiwanaku - Lake Titicaca

  • Early morning departure to Tiwanaku archaeological site (1 hour drive)
  • Explore ancient ruins of the Tiwanaku Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Tiwanaku
  • Afternoon transfer to Copacabana, on the shores of Lake Titicaca (2 hours drive)
  • Check-in at Hotel (recommendations: Hotel Las Olas, Hotel Rosario del Inca)
  • Evening stroll around Copacabana town and visit the Virgin of Copacabana Basilica
  • Overnight stay in Copacabana

Things to know:

  • Best time to visit Tiwanaku is early in the morning to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight
  • Take a sweater or jacket as it can get chilly, especially in the evening.

Day 3: Lake Titicaca - Isla del Sol

  • Breakfast at your hotel in Copacabana
  • Transfer by boat to Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) (1 hour)
  • Visit Inca Steps, Chinkana ruins, and Pilkokaina Inca Temple
  • Lunch on Isla del Sol (pre-arrange with your tour operator or restaurant recommendations at your hotel)
  • Afternoon exploration of the island, visit the Yumani hot springs if desired
  • Return to Copacabana in the evening
  • Overnight stay in Copacabana

Things to know:

  • It is best to hire a guide on Isla del Sol for a more enriching experience
  • Remember sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as it can get very sunny on the island.

Day 4: Lake Titicaca - Uyuni

  • Breakfast at your hotel in Copacabana
  • Transfer by bus to Desaguadero border crossing (2 hours drive)
  • Cross into Bolivia and continue to Uyuni (3 hours drive)
  • Check-in at Hotel (recommendations: JW Marriott Hotel Uyuni, Luna Salada)
  • Afternoon rest and acclimatize as altitude in Uyuni is even higher than La Paz
  • Overnight stay in Uyuni

Things to know:

  • It is important to have enough time to adjust to the high altitude before starting a 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour.

Day 5: Uyuni - Salar de Uyuni Tour - Uyuni

  • Early morning departure for a 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour (can be arranged with a local tour operator)
  • Explore the world’s largest salt flat, visit stunning natural formations, and spot wildlife such as flamingos
  • Overnight stays in simple shelters on the salt flats (tour includes all meals, sleeping bags, and transportation)
  • Return to Uyuni on Day 3 afternoon or early evening
  • Departure from El Alto International Airport (LPB)

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of many countries do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Please check the latest requirements for your nationality before traveling to Bolivia.

Transportation:

  • It is recommended to use organized tours or reliable local transportation services for safety and convenience.