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Trip Report
Unforgettable Bolivia: A 7-Day Adventure Through Stunning Cities and Enchanting Landscapes
One week in Bolivia. I was traveling around the main cities and attractions of Bolivia. The trip started and ended in Santa Cruz with La Paz, Uyuni and Sucre visited in between.
+ 5
Highs & Lows
Don’t miss the worlds highest large lake - lake titicaca
A lot of the country is at high altitude making some of the trip dizzy and a little nautious.
Itinerary Overview
Bolivia is a deceiving in its size as a country. I travelled the country in 4 weeks however this could be shortened and also very easily lengthened. There is a lot to do in Bolivia from experiencing the contrasting major cities to going the the vast array of different landscapes. The Amazon rainforest, the Andes, the salt flats, the pantanal are some of the more significant examples of the various landscapes. Be prepared for the difficulties in narrowing down your itinerary.
La Paz Stunning views, ancient ruins, nice hike
1+lake Titicaca. The best access here from Bolivia is from La Paz to Copacabana which is only a short bus journey, less than 5 hours. There is not a lot in Copacabana it is mainly used for the transfer by boat to isla del sol. Isla del sol the biggest island located in the middle of the lake. We stayed on the island for two nights as we wanted to relax and take in the great mountain views and 360 degree view of the lake. The island could easily be done in a day tour but it was nice to spend a couple of nights to do the island trek and take in the scenery. The accommodation was great and there were also a few good restaurants. Las Velas is a really nice (slightly expensive) vegetarian restaurant next to a mirador spot, great for sunset and lasagnas! Also for Robbie Williams fans he was played the whole time for some reason lol. This is a must do for Bolivia I had a great experience.
We then headed back to la Paz on the third day via the same way we came. Boat to Copacabana, bus back to La Paz.
Uyuni Biggest salt flats in the world. Very out of the ordinary with great views and good picture opportunities
1+When arriving by bus you have little option but to arrive very early in the morning (5.30am!). As soon as you get off the bus people are asking you to go on their tours. We were too tired to listen and spent a night in Uyuni. there isn’t a lot to do so I would recommend trying to go on a tour the same day. The tour and the salt flats were really cool and worth the experience. you visit the salt flats and the atacama desert on the way. We also visited a cool lake with canyons but I’m not sure if every tour does this. Be prepared for a lot of sitting in the Jeep with very bumpy roads. You have to travel quite long distances per day so this part can get tedious. You return back to Uyuni on the third day we headed back to uyuni and left that night on the bus to Sucre. Definitely a worthy tour if you have the time. Also if you’re planning to go to Chile you can do this from the tour on the last day.
Take plenty of water and snacks on the trip as they are not provided and make sure to do the 3 day tour not the 2 day in order get the full experience, including pink flamingos!
Q & A
What would you have changed?
I would have taken my time more to acclimatize to altitude for lake titicaca and gone straight onto the tour in Uyuni rather than spending the day here.Anything go wrong during the trip?
Slight illness from altitude but nothing major.Restaurant recommendations?
Las velas for Lake Titicaca and if you eat in Uyuni the Memo’s cafe bistro is a good option.Tips you would give a friend?
Be wary of altitude. Take a lot of water for your tourPacking tips?
Pack your warm clothes. It can get cold. Also sunscreen for lake titicaca as it is really easy to burn due to altitude.Transportation Tips?
local buses and uberAny surprises?
no
Lodging
In Copacabana I stayed in Sol y Lago. This is a 10 minute walk from the town but the included breakfast was good and the views were even better. A lot of space to chill out. On Isla del Sol I stayed at cabanas ecological santo campo. This I recommend if you’re traveling in a couple. Really clean rooms, hot showers, breakfast with a view of the lake. Highly recommend.
Salty Desert Aventours. This was the company we did the salt flat tour with. Good company, option of English speaking guide, accommodations were basic on one night but there aren’t many other options.