- Enjoy a three-day Salar de Uyuni 4x4 adventure, which includes the train cemetery, salt flats, Incahuasi (cactus) Island, colourful lagoons, geysers and ancient volcanoes
- Discover the pre-Columbian Unesco World Heritage sites of El Fuerte and Tiwanaku
- See the giant tree ferns and spectacular landscape of Amboró National Park
- Visit La Recoleta viewpoint overlooking the White City of Sucre
- Learn about the colonial and silver mining heritage of Potosí
- Walk to the Fountain of Eternal Youth on Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca
- Embark on an afternoon city tour of La Paz, including the cathedral and cable car ride
![Incahuasi Island, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,c_lfill,x_w_mul_0.5,y_h_mul_0.5,g_xy_center,w_360,h_270/exodus-web/2021/12/46393.jpg)
Highlights of Bolivia
- Home
- South America
- Bolivia
- Culture
- Highlights of Bolivia
Reviews
Add your own reviewHighlights of Bolivia
Bolivia is an amazing country, well worth visiting and certainly worth putting near the top of the list of places to go. It exceeded our expectations and delivered an wonderful experience; the landscapes, the history, the culture, everything about the trip was just so good. It is such a shame it is only a two week trip, spending an extra day in the Atacama Desert and additional time in La Paz and Sucre would have been wonderful, we would happily have spent three weeks enjoying just the Highlights of Bolivia.
Most Inspirational Moment
Without doubt the Atacama Desert was the highlight, such an amazing place. We travelled great distances and saw amazing landscapes and magnificent sights in the off-road vehicles. The whole group felt very let down by the fact Exodus wanted to squeeze four adults and a driver into each 4x4 vehicle, especially when the men were all over 6'. We overcame this by clubbing together and hiring an additional vehicle at our own expense. There is no way it would have been comfortable and practical to have three adults in the back seats. Exodus, take note and cost in the right number of vehicles to avoid upsetting your clients, or we won't come back.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia, our group leader, was amazing, such a wonderful, caring and attentive tour leader; nothing was ever too much trouble for her. Her knowledge of her country, its culture and its history was exceptional, so too her knowledge of the flora and fauna of the various places we visited.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't put it off, visit Bolivia, it really is amazing.
A very special trip
Fabulous tour taking in many of the highlights of this wonderful country. Stunning scenery, interesting history, rich culture and great food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Journey to, and arriving at, the Refugio on day one, completely surrounded by extinct volcanoes covered in lush vegetation.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was a wonderful leader. She is a genuine, caring person who connected with everyone in the group. She spotted and resolved any potential issues, often before the group noticed anything was awry. She is passionate about showcasing her country and has a deep knowledge of its history and culture which she shared enthusiastically.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go now! Bolivia still feels relatively unexplored and authentic. If you have time, arrive before the tour and spend a couple of days in Santa Cruz and then stay on in La Paz for three days at the end. There’s plenty to see and do.
Some of the greatest desert scenery in the world
This Bolivia tour includes a fantastic variety of landscapes and experiences but for all of us on the tour the highlight was the desert scenery in particular the salt flats. Go before too many other tourists discover it! There is a lot of travelling and some long days but it is worth it. Julia our guide was quite simply one of the best tour guides I’ve had in around 40 group tours. Bolivia is a poor country but the people are friendly and we had no problems with strikes or roadblocks. Don’t be put off by the trip note warnings about altitude sickness, perhaps we were lucky but in our group no-one had anything worse than a short-lasting slight headache.
Most Inspirational Moment
The desert scenery in general and the salt flats in particular, there is quite simply nothing like them. But La Paz was also a very interesting setting and learning about the hard life of the miners of Potosi from the very entertaining ex-miner was an enjoyable if sobering experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was excellent. She was great at organising us, always told us what to expect and had great knowledge of all the places and sights we visited and the history behind them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In the highlands it is cold in June to August so take plenty of warm clothes in layers as it warms up during the day. Some of the hotels we stayed in didn't have great heating so bear that in mind as well. Be prepared for the long days but it is definitely worth it! A few people in my group left the tour in La Paz so they could have more time there, an option which in hindsight I wished I'd considered as the tour doesn't spend much time there.
Challenging but worth it
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and it showed. Many roads are unpaved. People subsist on a daily budget – don’t work that day, don’t eat. But, although the trip has some challenges – altitude, long, dusty transfers, road blocks and strikes around Santa Cruz, the sites are spectacular and worth a bit of discomfort.
Most Inspirational Moment
The time in the desert and the salt flats. I'd seen images of the salt flats and was not disappointed, but the desert was a revelation - lakes streaked with crimson and white, or a vivid blue. Multi-hued mountains in the 'Salvador Dali' desert, Flocks of flamingos, rocks carved by the wind into fantastic shapes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Melanie was outstanding. She coped so well with the road blocks - often negotiating our way through, or finding ways around. The group trusted her judgement. I owe her a special thank you. When walking in the jungle at Refugio de los Volcanos, I hit my head on a tree branch. I bled so much and the only way out was a 4-wheel drive up a steep and rocky track. Although it was Sunday evening she managed to summon a doctor, who opened up his clinic, cleaned, stitched and dressed the wound and gave me some antibiotics - all for the equivalent of £7! As we moved around, she always located somewhere for my dressing to be changed. Fantastic service. I should also mention our drivers, especially those in the desert who organised a lovely lunch in the middle of the flats and later, sunset drinks and snacks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Being an Exodus group, the attitude to the challenges of the trip was, 'it's all part of the adventure.' Go with a similar approach and you won't be disappointed. The strikes and road blocks around Santa Cruz, and also some of the long road trips, made getting food difficult. As I'm diabetic, the snacks available in shops weren't suitable, so packing some healthier options would have been a good idea. On the plus side, I lost 4kg!
Fantastic trip to Bolivia
It was a really busy but completely rewarding experience. We got a real flavour of the whole country, with its diverse landscapes, welcoming people and ancient culture. Our guide Julia was superb. Her knowledge of the history, diverse peoples, land and nature really enriched the experience and her care in ensuring we weren’t floored by our time at altitude helped greatly. On some days we were often lucky enough to be the only visitors to some sites which added to the amazing atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend visiting now before it gets too busy in the coming years.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some of the landscapes in the Atacama desert are breath-taking, as are the salt flats. We never felt like we were on a well-trodden tourist route which made it feel very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was superb. Flexible, open and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the culture particularly indigenous life. She was also excellent fun!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long journeys and the effects of altitude. But go now!
You have to go!
An exhausting trip as so much travel involved but entirely worth it – Julia our guide was exceptional – we all agreed best guide we have ever had and should surely win guide of the year award! Also, we were blessed to have an amazing group so that made the times and experiences should be shared well with fond memories and laughs along the way. The county itself is diverse and massive – lots of bumpy roads and long drives. But, you will be wowed and rewarded with every new destination. It was a real adventure and not a ‘holiday’ as such – came back knackered but so pleased i went – well worth seeing and so glad we had a exceptional guide and great group!
Most Inspirational Moment
loved the lakes and the salt flats
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional - Julia is the best i have ever had as guide - best ever!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long travel on uneven roads - but you will be rewarded with the destinations that seem to get better as trip progresses
Excellent first experience of South America
This was a really good trip.
Came home with a real sense of having seen the diversity and contrast between the different areas that Bolivia has to offer.
Having quite a few two night stop overs in some of the locations added to the whole trip.
We crammed a lot in, but it didn’t feel too rushed.
Most Inspirational Moment
The amazing landscape just kept giving from start to finish, but I guess standing on the Salt Flats at Uyuni and driving through the spectacular wilderness of Alti Plano had to be the most inspirational moments of the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Melany was just fantastic. She kept us all well organised and well informed at all times. Her general, cultural and historical knowledge of all the different places that we visited was really good, along with her knowledge of South America as a whole.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of layers for the different climates between the low lands and the higher altitudes and you will be fine.
Great Experience but too full on at times
Bolivia is stunning and the salt flats and Lake Titicaca did not disappoint. It was incredibly cold despite thermals and down jacket etc so be prepared. Accommodation was outstanding in some cases (Palace of Salt and Lake Titicaca) and in others the best available eg in the desert it was basic but the only one available. Very rushed with a lot of early starts and not time to get bored! Would have preferred more time to explore La Paz and felt rushed at times. Great food and as a vegetarian I was pleasantly surprised. Melanie was a fantastic guide who worked her socks off to make the trip work with a big group and diverse dietary requirements. Go with a sense of adventure and expect to have flights delayed and itinerary changes which are an inevitable part of travelling in Bolivia. Overall an awesome but exhausting experience. Thanks Melanie and Trehan from Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Salt flats and Lake Titicaca. Do the trek on the island if you can - exhausting at altitude but so rewarding too. Buying a stick of dynamite to give the miners at Potosoi! Seeing vacuna and lamas flamingos and an Andean fox.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional. Melanie was so kind and helpful with our large group of very experienced travellers. Wise head on young shoulders. Mel made the trip for me. Always smiling and laughing even with crises that seem to be inevitable in travelling in Bolivia. She deserves a medal!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do take care regarding the advice on the cold and altitude. This is a totally full on trip rather than a relaxed holiday! Expect to be exhausted at times but repaid with stunning scenery.
A wonderful introduction to Bolivia.
An energetic holiday that packed things in, on a daily basis. We saw all that was promised & much more. Although tiring, as we moved on for most days, but extremely enjoyable, informative and interesting. We learnt a lot about a country we knew little about before we went. Highly recommended, but you need to be able to walk.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many unforgettable events & places - parades, marching bands & street dancing in Sucre, fantastic pre Incan archaeological ruins, impressive Baroque cathedrals & churches, spectacular scenery, places with beautiful jacoranda trees in purple bloom, women in colourful costumes, especially in La Paz, numerous rocks that were a geologists paradise, Lake Titicaca & a trip on a reed boat’ but our three day adventure by jeep, to Iyuni and the salt flats stood out. We saw desert scenery, ’ bubbling mud pools, experienced hot springs and visited the vast salt flats, as well as staying in the splendid Salt Hotel, it was a pity we were only there for one night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco, our group leader was very experienced. He was extremely caring & solicitous & made sure everyone was ok. Several people had tummy upsets & Marco produced medicine where necessary. He was very knowledgeable with an excellent command of English.He was also ably assisted by Linda from the office in La Paz, who was also friendly & very caring, checking every detail. She too spoke excellent English. Our third guide, Ericka was monitoring the trip as it was only the second recent trip.by Exodus. In several places we had local guides’ who were also very knowledgeable & spoke good English. I especially enjoyed Leroy on our trip to Iyuni who giggled at every opportunity & was instrumental in fishing out large quantities of salt crystals from below the salt crust. Also George we had at the end in Lake Titicaca & LaPaz. He too had excellent English & explained everything with enthusiasm. He was very dedicated to his job, & took us and a fellow traveller, to our hotels in La Paz on the last night’ while the rest of the group flew to Santa Cruz for their flight home. They all were superlative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is a considerable amount of walking’ so make sure you have walking boots with a good grip. The was especially important on Isla Del Sol in Lake Titicaca. Walking poles there were also advantageous. We took a travelling kettle, tea & coffee with us. Important if you like early morning teà though milk was not usually available. Don’t pack too many clothes, Like others we took too much.. Strong insect repellent is a must in some places., with sunscreen/ sunblock especially in the Salt Flats with UV sunglasses. Hand gel was also useful on many occasions, though Marco had a supply, as well as toilet paper in toilets where we stopped by the roadside. Don’t forget a light towel if you want to go for a dip in the hot pools. We bought puffa jackets with hoods before we left & these were excellent. They are light, warm, wind proof & waterproof/ showerproof, with the added benefits of scrunching up small. I would recommend packing them into a small plastic bag. A good camera is another must as there is so much to photograph., Jeans were useful when it got cold, thought the bedsocks recommended by Exodus we’re not necessary. I managed with a pair of walking boots and a pair of trainers, though I would have liked a pair of light shoes , especially for the evenings. I also had a pair of slipper socks which were handy for bedrooms. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs as there many lovely things on sale very cheaply. The Witches Market in La Paz was a good place to shop.
Beautiful Bolivia
There are areas of Bolivia that are outstanding and I feel very unique in the world.
It was so satisfying and enjoyable travelling around the Alti Plano, it is out of this world.
Most Inspirational Moment
Uyuni was wonderful. It isn't all salt pan. In fact we only spent one day on salt pan. That was what made it so wonderful. We went to see the salt and saw so much extra interesting stuff. Thoroughly enjoyed the company and support of the drivers and local tour guide. Treated exceptionally and all told had an unforgettable time there. Sand, Salt, Rocks, Grass land, Lagoons, Wildlife (including rabbits with long tails but forgot their name), Flamingoes (lots) and LLamas/Alpacas/Vicuna.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was trying very hard. He speaks very good English.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be ready to go slowly in Altiplano. Its high and less oxygen. You can experience a lethargy, but I don't remember any of our group having altitude sickness. But this isn't a walking holiday so relaxed is ok. I remember some of the group getting sun burnt so cover up and use sun screen. There is lots of opportunity for photography so keep equipped with all cards and batteries.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Friday
12 Oct 2024 11 Oct 2024
Saturday Sunday
26 Oct 2024 27 Oct 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 5 400 €
Optional Single Supplement
+720 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
17 May 2025 16 May 2025
Saturday Sunday
31 May 2025 01 Jun 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 640 € Book with 1 410 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +840 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
07 Jun 2025 06 Jun 2025
Saturday Sunday
21 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 5 760 € Book with 1 440 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +840 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
05 Jul 2025 04 Jul 2025
Saturday Sunday
19 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 640 € Book with 1 410 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +840 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
16 Aug 2025 15 Aug 2025
Saturday Sunday
30 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 760 € Book with 1 440 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +840 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
13 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025
Saturday Sunday
27 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 5 640 € Book with 1 410 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +840 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
16 May 2026 15 May 2026
Saturday Sunday
30 May 2026 31 May 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 6 240 € Book with 1 560 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +960 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
06 Jun 2026 05 Jun 2026
Saturday Sunday
20 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 6 360 € Book with 1 590 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +960 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
04 Jul 2026 03 Jul 2026
Saturday Sunday
18 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 6 240 € Book with 1 560 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +960 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
15 Aug 2026 14 Aug 2026
Saturday Sunday
29 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 6 360 € Book with 1 590 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +960 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
12 Sep 2026 11 Sep 2026
Saturday Sunday
26 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 6 240 € Book with 1 560 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +960 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.