Highlights of Bolivia

• 10 nights in hotels, two nights in a salt hotel and two nights in an ecolodge
• Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
• Time spent at altitude
• Travel by private minibus, 4×4, boat and three internal flights
• Some long drives and early starts
• Part of the Aldo Kane Collection

All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included. Some of the lunches are box lunches while others are restaurant meals. Where meals are not included, your leader can recommend a variety of local restaurants. Drinking water will be provided in large containers to minimise the amount of single-use plastic bottles; please bring a refillable bottle with you. Bolivian cuisine is a fusion between Spanish and Andean traditions and varies from one region to another. In the lowlands, fruit, vegetables, yucca and fish are abundant whereas in the altiplano these are less readily available and there are more spiced dishes to combat the cold. Bolivian cuisine has a reputation for its meat dishes but corn (maize), quinoa and potatoes are also part of the staple diet. Common street food and snacks include salteñas (baked pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables), buñuelos (sweet or savoury bread, often stuffed with cheese) and papas rellenas (deep-fried battered stuffed potatoes). Popular main dishes include pique a lo macho (a kind of beef stir-fry, served with chunky chips), picante de pollo (spicy chicken) and tucumanas (a sort of pasty). In Sucre, try mondongo (crispy fried pork called chicharron, which is usually accompanied by corn, potatoes and a rich chilli sauce) and in La Paz sample a sandwich de chola (pork sandwich).

Differences in topography and climate separate the lowlands and highlands of Bolivia into distinct areas. Weather conditions vary significantly from region to region.

Lowlands, including Santa Cruz: A humid tropical climate with clear-cut wet and dry seasons and an average temperature of 30C (86F). The rainy season (extending from late September to May) has an annual rainfall average of 40in-150in (1,000mm-4,000mm). The heavy rainfall is caused by winds blowing in from the Amazon rainforest. From May, there is less rain and more blue sky due to drier winds.

Altiplano (highlands), including Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Sucre, Potosí and Uyuni: Climate varies from cool and humid to semi-arid. The average annual temperature ranges from 15C to 27C (60F to 80F) but in the dry season it’s more likely to be 10C-15C (50F-59F) with the coldest temperatures occurring in the southwestern portion of the Altiplano during June and July. Nights can drop to around freezing point. In Salar de Uyuni, night-time temperatures in the dry season may fall as low as -15C (5F), particularly from May to August. Between April and September, there is a chance of snow, especially to the north of the highlands, but it is not very common. The unrelenting rainy season occurs between December and March, but we do not run any departures at that time as getting around can be difficult and treacherous.

Bolivia is less developed than many of its South American counterparts and things do not always happen as planned; expect the unexpected and approach travel here with an adventurous spirit.

Note - November 5, 2023 departure - please note that for the Flight Inclusive itinerary, 1 day pre and 1 day post hotel in Santa Cruz have been added to the itinerary due to Air Europa schedule changes.  Land Only itinerary remains the same.  Please consult with our sales representative for details.

Fitness and altitude

There is a walk through the jungle of Amboró National Park and a walk to our lodge at the top of Isla del Sol. The sightseeing around archaeological sites and tours of some of the cities may involve walking up and down steep streets or on uneven steps/ground. As such, you should have a good level of mobility and a reasonable level of fitness.

Although this trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate), the altitude can make physical activity feel more tiring than at sea level. As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for more information and advice on how to limit the effects of altitude sickness. The tour allows for gradual acclimatisation, spending two days in Sucre (9,185ft/2,800m) before continuing to Potosí (13,320ft/4,060m), Salar de Uyuni (ranging between 11,975ft/3,650m and 15,910ft/4,850m), La Paz (11,940ft/3,640m) and Isla del Sol (13,120ft/4,000m). The maximum altitude on this trip is 15,910ft (4,850m) at Sol de Mañana – please ensure your insurance covers you up to this altitude.  Note - Oxigen is carried on the bus rides in Sucre, Potosi and Uyuni (salar).

Temperatures

Due to the altitude, you should expect some low temperatures, particularly during the Salar de Uyuni adventure when it regularly falls well below freezing at night.

Drives

There are some long drives and in Uyuni you will spend considerable time in the 4x4 vehicle, although there will be plenty of stops to enjoy the landscape, take photos and explore on foot.

Facilities

Samaipata is little-visited and accommodation and facilities here, and also in Uyuni town, are basic.

Strikes

Strikes are not uncommon in Bolivia; while these are generally peaceful protests, they can result in roadblocks and disruption to travel. In this event, your leader will amend your itinerary if necessary to minimise any impact on the itinerary.