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Tour Overview
This trip arrives to places of high altitude, it is possible to suffer from altitude sickness because of this, regardless of your age or physical health. Please see the ‘trip planning’ section of our website for more important information on this. Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical conditions with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatising to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.
You’ll be spending a fair amount of time in a 4WD crossing some bumpy surfaces. This is the best way to see the sights in and around Uyuni, and is all part of the adventure.
In Bolivia (especially in Uyuni), quite often things don’t go to plan. For example, an attraction may be closed for the day with no notice or reason. Although this doesn’t happen very often, please be prepared for the possibility.
Making your way across the Andean Desert and salt flats isn’t exactly luxurious. Temperatures in the area can be very cold, especially at night, so bring warm clothes with you. Meals are simple, toilet facilities are basic, showers can be cold, and the multi-share accommodation is dormitory-style. This is all part of the adventure. Without a doubt, this amazing experience will be one of the highlights of your trip to South America.
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Highlights
Explore the hustle and bustle of La Paz
Take in the cultural history of Potosi & Sucre
Experience the surreal and expansive plains of Salar de Uyuni
Places You'll See
Playa Balandra in La Paz
Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz
Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz
Playa Balandra in La Paz
La Paz, Baja california, Mexico
Itinerary
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At 3,600 masl, you’ll feel like you’re among the stars in La Paz. Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the centre of industry. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz’s indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. After a welcome briefing you can maybe head out into the city, situated in the middle of a vast volcanic crater. Breathe the ‘thin’ air, marvel at the sight of buildings clinging to the canyon sides, and explore the lively streets like Calle Jaen. ...more ...less
Day 2
:
La Paz - Uyuni
Location: Uyuni
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, leaving La Paz behind you’ll travel by private vehicle to Uyuni – the town & gateway to Bolivia’s acclaimed salt flats. You’ll head off around 8.30 am this morning and will arrive late in the afternoon, so be sure to have a book or some podcasts ready, with some snacks on hand. Along your way, stop for some lunch with your group.
Arriving in Uyuni feels a bit like you’ve reached the end of the road, which in many ways is true. This remote small town sits on the edge of the high altiplano – a wilderness that extends for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Once arrived, check in and relax into your hotel in Uyuni town. Although basic, your accommodation for tonight is clean and comfortable, and maybe the last time you’ll have a hot shower for a few days!
Day 3
:
Salar de Uyuni
Location: Colchani
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Dormitory
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Uyuni is the start point of your 4WD excursion into Salar de Uyuni and the Andean Desert. This morning you’ll stop by the Train Cemetery, three kilometres outside of Uyuni Town, connected to it by the old train tracks, and see where families of abandoned locomotives rust slowly in the sun.
Continuing on to the town of Colchani, which produces salt the old-fashioned way, before heading into the salt flats. Endless skies meet endless white plains, and it’s a pretty hypnotic sight – don’t forget to snap loads of photos! Stop by an intriguing salt hotel and drive to an island of cacti that rises like a jagged reef in the desert. Known as Isla Inca Wasi, or Fish Island, this fossil-strewn outcrop was once the top of an ancient volcano, and you’ll have the chance to go on an optional hike here.
Following a long day, you’ll head south to a small village and your homestay-style accommodation. Settle in and enjoy your stay!
After breakfast, continue driving through the incredible landscapes of the Andean Desert, with another day deep in the wilderness. Pass by Chiguana Salt Lake, the still-active Ollague Volcano, and other small lakes of different colours – perhaps with a flamboyance of flamingos standing nearby!
Continuing on to Siloli Desert, which is known for its mountain of seven colours, Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) rock formation, and some pretty epic vistas. You’ll also get the chance to venture into an Andean wildlife reserve (Reserva de Eduardo Avaroa) and hike around the Laguna Colorada (Red Lake), keeping an eye out for llamas, flamingos, vicunas, and foxes along the way.
Once all the sightseeing is over for another day, retire to your dormitory accommodation in a local Huayllajara community for a well-earned rest and dinner included.
Day 5
:
Salar de Uyuni - Uyuni
Location: Uyuni, Laguna Verde
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving your lodge nice and early to try and catch the sunrise over the surrounding geysers. These bubbling fumaroles are especially active in the morning, thanks to the cold air. There may be an opportunity to stop at a local hot spring for a quick dip (optional), then to Laguna Verde to take some pictures of the water’s striking green hues.
Afterward, pass through more barren desert landscapes, some of which are frequently compared to Salvador Dali’s paintings. Onwards to Capina Lake, Valle de Rocas (Rock Valley), and the San Cristobal mining town.
You’ll arrive back in Uyuni around 5 pm to spend the night at your leisure – after the last few days in the Bolivian wild, this could be the right time to find a comfy local restaurant for an optional dinner and drinks with your travel crew.
Day 6
:
Potosi
Location: Potosi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saying ‘goodbye’ to Uyuni, you’ll catch a local bus for about 4 hrs along the scenic route to Potosi, where you’ll arrive in the early afternoon. Potosi has had a turbulent past, centred mostly around its mining successes and failures. Once; it was the predominant supplier of silver to colonial-era Spain, Potosi briefly celebrated life as one of the richest cities in the world.
Explore the architectural remnants of this period of industry on a leader-led orientation walk, then the afternoon and evening are yours. Perhaps visit the Santa Teresa Convent Museum to observe the art and treasures on display inside the convent’s original walls or the National Mint Museum.
Day 7
:
Sucre
Location: Sucre
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a lazy morning exploring Potosi, take a local bus early in the afternoon and arrive in Sucre after approximately 4 hours, disembarking in the temperate valley city. Bolivia’s official capital, Sucre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and has retained the flavour of its colonial heritage in its churches, museums, and ancient mansions. Most of the town’s colonial buildings have been whitewashed, earning it the nickname the ‘White City’. On arrival, you’ll have some free time to get your bearings of the city.
Day 8
:
Sucre
Location: Sucre
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a few days to explore Bolivia’s capital. After an orientation walk, compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko, where 68-million-year-old footprints have been discovered. This is the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world, over 12,000 of them! Then, you might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta, a 400-year-old convent on top of the hill that provides great views over the city and is home to a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings. Or maybe head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to rub shoulders with Sucre’s affluent residents and investigate the extravagant interior of the Senora de la Merced.
Day 9
:
Sucre
Location: Sucre
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, set out for an included hike along the ancient Pre-Incan path known as the Chataquila trek. The trek is relatively easy being that it is mostly downhill. On the way down enjoy the stunning views of the Andes and the valleys. In the afternoon,you will have time to further explore. Adrenaline junkies might like to take to the surrounding peaks for some excellent mountain biking options or perhaps give hang gliding a shot. Most of today and tomorrow are free to take up some additional optional activities in and around town, so it’s up to you what you’d like to do and see! Bolivian dance show, or textile museum, anyone?
Day 10
:
Sucre - La Paz
Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz
La Paz, Baja california, Mexico
Cathedral of La Paz, La Paz, Mexico
Playa Balandra in La Paz
Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz
Playa Balandra in La Paz
Location: La Paz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is free to explore Sucre before catching a flight back to La Paz (approx 40 min).
Day 11
:
La Paz
Playa Balandra in La Paz
La Paz, Baja california, Mexico
Playa Balandra in La Paz
Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz
Cathedral of La Paz, La Paz, Mexico
Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz
Location: La Paz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the final day of your tour and there are no activities planned, so you are free to leave at any time. With so much to see and do, you might want to spend an extra day or two checking out of the city. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
What's Included
Accommodation
8 Nights Hotel Accommodation + 2 Nights Homestay
Fully Guided
Yes.
Meals
As detailed in the itinerary.
Transport
All transportation in destination location
What's Not Included
Additional Services
Not Included.
Insurance
Not Included.
International Travel
Not Included.
Mode of Transport
Bus, Overland Vehicle & Flights
Check out our Q&As
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Medium.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes.
What is the maximum group size?
20 People at max.
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes.
How long has the tour company been trading?
For 3 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Always
What documents will I receive before I travel?
This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour
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Reviews from travellers on this tour
Matthew Richard Ivor Jones
UK
Backpacker Special Per�
20-Jan-2024
Great Tour! Unu Raymi organized a great tour for me. Including a customized visit to Lake Titicaca on top of the Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu tour. The guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and took me through some interesting history and spectacular views.
Trek Hound
Jim Bennett
USA
Cerro Plata & Penitentes-Mendoza-Argentina
02-Feb-2024
It was awesome! Nicolas was a nice guide-enjoyed 100%
Trekkeroo!
Vilma Linares
Dominicana Republic
Coast to Cusco & Jungle
10-Oct-2023
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges is the best. They planned our amazing trip to Peru- Edwin our guide- and Jesus our driver. James managed our trip through airport accidents and transportation strikes making sure we didn�t miss any of the main highlights of our trip. Truly amazing! I highly recommend it and would certainly go back on our next incredible journey.
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Fun Group!
Rainnie
Thailand
Ausangate Circuit Trek
20-Jan-2024
That's an insane unforgettable trekking experience with your team! We are so satisfied with their professionalism and enthusiasm! Milton did a great job he is an expert and he took good care of us! He is so passionate about his love of hiking & trekking. Along the trek he shared his knowledge about everything the Andeans local languages and community beliefs. Our cook was a wonder to us :) He was so fun friendly and chilled. He knows how to cook.
...more ...less
Born to Trek
Jenny Thwaite
Australia
Cotahuasi Canyon
20-Jan-2024
An avid trekker! I have been to Peru many times and trekked in many places with many different companies but I feel that my experience with Unu Raymi Expeditions has been the absolute and ultimate best.
Trekkeroo!
Ben Connolly
UK
Backpacker Special Peru Edition
21-Jan-2022
We have had the time of our lives and the best is still to come. We are very happy with everything! We loved Puno and everything else has been amazing :) Thanks
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform unu raymi tour operator & lodges, 60 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 44 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of unu raymi tour operator & lodges charges.
Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Best of Bolivia (La Paz, Uyuni, Potosi & Sucre) – 11 Days
11 Days Starting and ending in La Paz, Bolivia
Visiting:
La Paz, Uyuni, Colchani, Siloli, Laguna Verde, Potosi, Sucre
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You’ll head off around 8.30 am this morning and will arrive late in the afternoon, so be sure to have a book or some podcasts ready, with some snacks on hand. Along your way, stop for some lunch with your group.\r\n\r\nArriving in Uyuni feels a bit like you’ve reached the end of the road, which in many ways is true. This remote small town sits on the edge of the high altiplano – a wilderness that extends for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Once arrived, check in and relax into your hotel in Uyuni town. Although basic, your accommodation for tonight is clean and comfortable, and maybe the last time you’ll have a hot shower for a few days!","lat":"-20.460353","lng":"-66.826065"},{"title":"Day 3: Salar de Uyuni","name":"Colchani","description":"Uyuni is the start point of your 4WD excursion into Salar de Uyuni and the Andean Desert. This morning you’ll stop by the Train Cemetery, three kilometres outside of Uyuni Town, connected to it by the old train tracks, and see where families of abandoned locomotives rust slowly in the sun.\r\n\r\nContinuing on to the town of Colchani, which produces salt the old-fashioned way, before heading into the salt flats. Endless skies meet endless white plains, and it’s a pretty hypnotic sight – don’t forget to snap loads of photos! Stop by an intriguing salt hotel and drive to an island of cacti that rises like a jagged reef in the desert. Known as Isla Inca Wasi, or Fish Island, this fossil-strewn outcrop was once the top of an ancient volcano, and you’ll have the chance to go on an optional hike here.\r\n\r\nFollowing a long day, you’ll head south to a small village and your homestay-style accommodation. Settle in and enjoy your stay!","lat":"-20.299179","lng":"-66.936254"},{"title":"Day 6: Potosi","name":"Potosi","description":"Saying ‘goodbye’ to Uyuni, you’ll catch a local bus for about 4 hrs along the scenic route to Potosi, where you’ll arrive in the early afternoon. Potosi has had a turbulent past, centred mostly around its mining successes and failures. Once; it was the predominant supplier of silver to colonial-era Spain, Potosi briefly celebrated life as one of the richest cities in the world.\r\n\r\nExplore the architectural remnants of this period of industry on a leader-led orientation walk, then the afternoon and evening are yours. Perhaps visit the Santa Teresa Convent Museum to observe the art and treasures on display inside the convent’s original walls or the National Mint Museum.","lat":"-19.572281","lng":"-65.755006"},{"title":"Day 7: Sucre","name":"Sucre","description":"After a lazy morning exploring Potosi, take a local bus early in the afternoon and arrive in Sucre after approximately 4 hours, disembarking in the temperate valley city. Bolivia’s official capital, Sucre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and has retained the flavour of its colonial heritage in its churches, museums, and ancient mansions. Most of the town’s colonial buildings have been whitewashed, earning it the nickname the ‘White City’. On arrival, you’ll have some free time to get your bearings of the city.","lat":"-19.035345","lng":"-65.259213"},{"title":"Day 8: Sucre","name":"Sucre","description":"Take a few days to explore Bolivia’s capital. After an orientation walk, compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko, where 68-million-year-old footprints have been discovered. This is the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world, over 12,000 of them! Then, you might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta, a 400-year-old convent on top of the hill that provides great views over the city and is home to a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings. Or maybe head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to rub shoulders with Sucre’s affluent residents and investigate the extravagant interior of the Senora de la Merced.","lat":"-19.035345","lng":"-65.259213"},{"title":"Day 9: Sucre","name":"Sucre","description":"Today, set out for an included hike along the ancient Pre-Incan path known as the Chataquila trek. The trek is relatively easy being that it is mostly downhill. On the way down enjoy the stunning views of the Andes and the valleys. In the afternoon,you will have time to further explore. Adrenaline junkies might like to take to the surrounding peaks for some excellent mountain biking options or perhaps give hang gliding a shot. Most of today and tomorrow are free to take up some additional optional activities in and around town, so it’s up to you what you’d like to do and see! Bolivian dance show, or textile museum, anyone?","lat":"-19.035345","lng":"-65.259213"},{"title":"Day 10: Sucre - La Paz","name":"La Paz","description":"This morning is free to explore Sucre before catching a flight back to La Paz (approx 40 min).","lat":"-16.489689","lng":"-68.119294"},{"title":"Day 11: La Paz","name":"La Paz","description":"Today is the final day of your tour and there are no activities planned, so you are free to leave at any time. With so much to see and do, you might want to spend an extra day or two checking out of the city. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).","lat":"-16.489689","lng":"-68.119294"}]
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