Day 1 : Departure
Depart your home country on a flight to Santa Cruz.
Meal plan: n/a
18 days
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This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Intro
Discover hidden gems and undiscovered aspects of iconic regions on this tour of Bolivia’s best kept secrets. Explore historic Jesuit Missions and the living heritage of Chiquitos, and savour high-altitude wine at the Uvairenda vineyard. Take a boat across the serene waters of Lake Titicaca to meet the villagers of Isla de Quewaya, a floating island made of reeds. Walk across a remote stretch of the vast Uyuni salt flats and delve into the curiosities of the Witches’ Market. Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs at Toro Toro National Park and you explore its stunning caves. Relax and get to know the locals in Cochabamba, the ‘city of eternal spring’.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Dinosaur footprints, Toro Toro National Park
- Lake Titicaca, largest lake in South America
- The dizzying heights of El Alto
- Tiahuanaco, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary
- World's largest salt flats
Places Visited
Santa Cruz - Concepción - Cochabamba - Toro Toro National Park - Tarata - Anzaldo - La Paz - Lake Titicaca - El Alto City - Tiahuanaco - Coroico
What's Included
Arrival & departure transfersGround transport with driver
Domestic flights
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks
Day 2 : Arrive in Santa Cruz
On arrival into Santa Cruz (typically in the very early morning) you will be met by a Travel the Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 10.30am. Spend the rest of the day touring the city, key sites will include Casa de le Culture and both the Ethno-Folkloric and Natural History Museums. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Santa Cruz is a city in the eastern central area of Bolivia, and the largest city in the country. It is currently considered one of the most rapidly growing cities in the world. The city was founded in 1561 by the Spanish, but moved locations in 1595 to its current location. The city is well-known for its diversity, colonial buildings, and vibrant tropical atmosphere.
Casa de la Cultura is the centre of cultural life within Santa Cruz. The building is split into two levels and surrounds a large courtyard. With a theatre on the top floor, the Casa also hosts exhibitions, classes, and meetings about city developments. It has been active since 1968.
The National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (MUSEF) is a museum dedicated to the unique characteristics of Bolivia’s many cultures. Founded in 1925, its main purpose is the educate people on the ethnic diversity of the country, and to preserve artefacts. Some items on display include costumes, masks, fabrics, and weapons.
The Noel Kempff Mercado Museum of Natural History is named after a Bolivian biologist. The museum houses many animal, mineral and plant specimens, as well as a library and photography exhibit. Its mission is to contribute knowledge and support conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity.
Casa de la Cultura is the centre of cultural life within Santa Cruz. The building is split into two levels and surrounds a large courtyard. With a theatre on the top floor, the Casa also hosts exhibitions, classes, and meetings about city developments. It has been active since 1968.
The National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (MUSEF) is a museum dedicated to the unique characteristics of Bolivia’s many cultures. Founded in 1925, its main purpose is the educate people on the ethnic diversity of the country, and to preserve artefacts. Some items on display include costumes, masks, fabrics, and weapons.
The Noel Kempff Mercado Museum of Natural History is named after a Bolivian biologist. The museum houses many animal, mineral and plant specimens, as well as a library and photography exhibit. Its mission is to contribute knowledge and support conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity.
Day 3 : Santa Cruz - Concepción
Depart Santa Cruz and travel to Concepción. Stop en route at Jesuit Missions, where you will visit the Jesuit Mission of San Javier. Overnight in Concepción.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos are made up of six separate towns. They were founded as reductions, meaning settlements of Christianised Indians, by the Jesuits in the 17th and 18th century. They combine Catholic architecture with local tradition and provide a living heritage of Chiquitos. The six missions are collectively recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Day 4 : Concepción - Santa Cruz
Spend the morning visiting Concepción. Later, take a tour a crafts workshop, before visiting Concepción museum and the orchid garden. Enjoy a classical music display from local children and return to Santa Cruz. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Concepción is a town located in the lowlands. It is best known as part of the Jesuit Mission of Chiquitos. Founded in 1699, it was a mission place for the Christianisation of the Gurani people. Much of the town is unpaved and covered in a distinctive red dust. It was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1990.
Day 5 : Santa Cruz - Samaipata - Santa Cruz
Rise early for transfer to Samaipata and spend the day exploring the archeological site. Later, enjoy a tour of Uvairenda Winery before returning to Santa Cruz. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Uvairenda is a boutique winery and vineyard. Creating a natural balcony, these grapes grow 1,800 metres above sea level, giving the wine a very distinctive taste.
Day 6 : Santa Cruz - Cochabamba
Transfer to the airport for flight to Cochabamba. On arrival, travel to visit Pairumani. Sights will include the Santa Teresa Church, Palacio Portales, the 'Heroines of the Coronilla' Monument and the Christ of the Concordia. Overnight in Cochabamba.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Cochabamba is a city nestled in a valley of the Andes mountain range. Founded in 1571, the city is known as “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate. Cochabamba is rich in art, culture, and Bolivian cuisine, including traditional street food. It acts as the country’s industrial hub, producing cars, cosmetics and other products.
Pairumani is a public park in a central valley of Cochabamba. The park includes tall pine trees, clear ravines, and the old power plant that once brought power to the city. It also provides great views of Cochabamba.
The Santa Teresa Church was first built in 1760, with Baroque-style architecture and interior decoration. The church is undergoing a gradual restoration, although it is still an active convent. The cloistered nuns live a completely solitary lifestyle, cut off from the modern world. The church is known for its domed roof which can be seen from afar.
The Heroines of the Coronilla Monument was built to commemorate the Bolivian women’s struggle for independence in 1812. To mark the 200 year anniversary, the monument was illuminated to highlight the importance of women’s rights.
Christ of the Concordia, or Cristo de la Concordia, is a large statue of Christ found atop San Pedro Hill in Cochabamba. Completed in 1994, it surpassed Christ the Redeemer as world’s tallest statue of Christ, despite being modelled on the Brazilian idol.
Pairumani is a public park in a central valley of Cochabamba. The park includes tall pine trees, clear ravines, and the old power plant that once brought power to the city. It also provides great views of Cochabamba.
The Santa Teresa Church was first built in 1760, with Baroque-style architecture and interior decoration. The church is undergoing a gradual restoration, although it is still an active convent. The cloistered nuns live a completely solitary lifestyle, cut off from the modern world. The church is known for its domed roof which can be seen from afar.
The Heroines of the Coronilla Monument was built to commemorate the Bolivian women’s struggle for independence in 1812. To mark the 200 year anniversary, the monument was illuminated to highlight the importance of women’s rights.
Christ of the Concordia, or Cristo de la Concordia, is a large statue of Christ found atop San Pedro Hill in Cochabamba. Completed in 1994, it surpassed Christ the Redeemer as world’s tallest statue of Christ, despite being modelled on the Brazilian idol.
Day 7 : Cochabamba - Toro Toro
Transfer to Toro Toro National Park, passing through the villages of Tarata and Anzaldo. Travel to Umajalanta, where you will spend the afternoon touring the cave, before continuing your journey to Toro Toro. Overnight in Toro Toro.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Tarata is a small village to the south of the Cochabamba region. It has maintained much of its traditional colonial architecture and is known for its museums, cathedrals and other religious structures. The locals often sell handmade arts and crafts, as well as a traditional thin sausage.
Anzaldo is a town in the Cochabamba region. It is known for its yarn weaving, from which the locals make jumpers and ponchos. Chicha, an alcoholic maize based drink, is also made here. The surrounding area is made up of very steep mountain ranges with little vegetation.
Umajalanta Cave is the most visited natural attraction in Toro Toro National Park. With an entrance standing at 20 metres high and 30 metres wide, this cave is quite spectacular. Calcareous rock, sandstone, stalagmites and stalactites make up this 4600 metre- long cave, which has a river running through its heart.
Anzaldo is a town in the Cochabamba region. It is known for its yarn weaving, from which the locals make jumpers and ponchos. Chicha, an alcoholic maize based drink, is also made here. The surrounding area is made up of very steep mountain ranges with little vegetation.
Umajalanta Cave is the most visited natural attraction in Toro Toro National Park. With an entrance standing at 20 metres high and 30 metres wide, this cave is quite spectacular. Calcareous rock, sandstone, stalagmites and stalactites make up this 4600 metre- long cave, which has a river running through its heart.
Day 8 : Toro Toro
Spend the day exploring Toro Toro National Park. Walk along the Toro Toro River and look out for dinosaur prints at Toro Toro Canyon. Travel to El Vergel, where you have the opportunity to swim in natural pools. Overnight in Toro Toro National Park
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Toro Toro National Park can be found in the northern Potosí department. Founded 250 years ago the park features an array of fossils, dinosaur footprints, maze-like limestone caves and pre-Inca ruins. It is also the home of the endangered Red-fronted Macaw which can only be seen in this area of Bolivia.
El Vergel is a waterfall found at the bottom of 800 steps in Toro Toro National Park. Filled with ferns and tropical vegetation, the area provides a green alternative to the vast brown rock formations of the park. The waterfall cascades into crystal clear swimming pools and natural ponds.
El Vergel is a waterfall found at the bottom of 800 steps in Toro Toro National Park. Filled with ferns and tropical vegetation, the area provides a green alternative to the vast brown rock formations of the park. The waterfall cascades into crystal clear swimming pools and natural ponds.
Day 9 : Toro Toro - Cochabamba
Depart Toro Toro and travel to visit the archeological site of Siete Vueltas. Continue to Cochabamba for overnight.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Siete Vueltas is the Passage of Seven Turns, an angular spiral road in Potosí. The road offers an interesting insight into the Colonial architecture of the area. Strangely, there are not actually seven turns in the road, so the name is somewhat of a mystery. Some of the sights along the way include petrified tortoises and fish teeth.
Day 10 : Cochabamba - La Paz
Transfer to Cochabamba airport for flight to La Paz. On arrival, spend the rest of the day touring the city of La Paz. Highlights will include San Francisco Church, the Witches' Market and the Plaza Murillo. Later, travel to the southern zone of La Plaz where you can buy local alpaca clothing. Overnight in La Paz.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
The Witches' Market in La Paz is full of strange and fascinating products. Dried frogs, llama foetuses, owl feathers and aphrodisiac potions are amongst some of the unusual wares on sale. Witch doctors wander the market offering their fortune telling services.
La Paz is the de-facto capital city of Bolivia. Founded in 1548, it was built within a canyon at around 4,000m above sea level. The altitude directly impacts the city's sociocultural landscape, as the lower the altitude, the more affluent the area. The city is full of market streets, museums and street performers.
La Paz is the de-facto capital city of Bolivia. Founded in 1548, it was built within a canyon at around 4,000m above sea level. The altitude directly impacts the city's sociocultural landscape, as the lower the altitude, the more affluent the area. The city is full of market streets, museums and street performers.
Day 11 : La Paz
Rise early to visit the mañaneras (early morning markets) and watch them at work. Travel up to El Alto City to see the Cholets of the Aymara nouveau riche. Later, enjoy views of the city from above as you take a cable car to Cemetery Station. Have a meal of fresh trout at the Fish Market, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in La Paz.
Meal plan: n/a
El Alto is the highest major metropolis in the world at 4,150m above sea level. Once a suburb of La Paz, El Alto declared political independence in 1985. Known for its heavy traffic and busy streets, it is home to the biggest
open air
market in
Bolivia,
and offers unrivalled views over the city of La Paz.
The cholets of El Alto are brightly coloured mansions designed by architect Freddy Mamani. The word ‘cholet’ is a combination of ‘chalet’ and ‘ chola ’, meaning indigenous woman. Mamani uses Incan ruins as his inspiration in order to bring Andean architecture back to Bolivia. These buildings celebrate traditional culture and the new found wealth of the country. There are over 70 cholets in El Alto alone.
The cholets of El Alto are brightly coloured mansions designed by architect Freddy Mamani. The word ‘cholet’ is a combination of ‘chalet’ and ‘ chola ’, meaning indigenous woman. Mamani uses Incan ruins as his inspiration in order to bring Andean architecture back to Bolivia. These buildings celebrate traditional culture and the new found wealth of the country. There are over 70 cholets in El Alto alone.
Day 12 : La Paz - Lake Titicaca - La Paz
Travel to Lake Titicaca, enjoying views of the Cordillera Real Mountain Range. Stop in Huatajata village to visit the Paulino Esteban Museum. Later, travel by boat to Pariti Island where you will learn more about Tiahuanaco culture. Continue your journey on to Isla de Quewaya, before returning to Huatajata. Return to La Paz for overnight.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Pariti Island is a spiritual island located on Lake Titicaca. Archaeologists uncovered hundreds of Tiahuanaco ceramics buried on the island by a wealthy settlement during an Incan ritual. These historic artifacts are displayed on the island.
Isla de Quewaya is a floating island on Lake Titicaca. The island itself is made from totora reed and is currently home to 32 families. The locals make almost everything out of totora reed including their houses, boats, and most of their amenities. They sustain themselves by growing their own produce in hand-built greenhouses.
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. Located in the Andes Mountains between Peru and Bolivia, it is considered the highest navigable lake in the world in terms of elevation.
Isla de Quewaya is a floating island on Lake Titicaca. The island itself is made from totora reed and is currently home to 32 families. The locals make almost everything out of totora reed including their houses, boats, and most of their amenities. They sustain themselves by growing their own produce in hand-built greenhouses.
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. Located in the Andes Mountains between Peru and Bolivia, it is considered the highest navigable lake in the world in terms of elevation.
Day 13 : La Paz - Tiahuanaco - La Paz
Travel to the archeological site of Tiahuanaco, where you will see examples of Tiahuanaco culture including the Gateway of the Sun, the Pyramid of Akapana, the Temple of Kalasasaya and the Semi-Subterranean Temple. Take a tour of the museum, before later visiting Pumapunku Pyramid. Return to La Paz, stopping en route at Laja village. Overnight in La Paz.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Tiahuanaco is a pre-Columbian ruined city that was once the seat of culture for the people of Tiahuanaco. It is believed the ancient city existed between 400 and 900AD. Although the modern city has been built on top of it, there are some untouched protected remains that reflect the cultural and political significance of what once was. Some restoration began in 1960, and the archaeological site has since been recognised by UNESCO.
Pumapunku Pyramid is part of the large temple complex of Tiahuanaco. Research dates the initial construction of the pyramid back to 536 AD. It consists of a terraced earthen mound faced with blocks. Pumapunku translates to ‘The Door of the Puma’.
Laja, a small town 36km from the city centre, was the original site of La Paz. Spanish conquistadores decided to move the city after they found Laja's colder temperature to be unsuitable. Laja is known for its colonial church, thought to be made from the stones of a nearby ancient site. Locals also make and sell a traditional flat bread made without fat or yeast.
Pumapunku Pyramid is part of the large temple complex of Tiahuanaco. Research dates the initial construction of the pyramid back to 536 AD. It consists of a terraced earthen mound faced with blocks. Pumapunku translates to ‘The Door of the Puma’.
Laja, a small town 36km from the city centre, was the original site of La Paz. Spanish conquistadores decided to move the city after they found Laja's colder temperature to be unsuitable. Laja is known for its colonial church, thought to be made from the stones of a nearby ancient site. Locals also make and sell a traditional flat bread made without fat or yeast.
Day 14 : La Paz - Coroico
Depart La Paz and take the old road to Coroico, enjoying dramatic scenery and panoramic views along the way. On arrival in Coroico you will visit coffee, coca and citrus fruit plantations. Visit the local market and stop off at the town's lookout point, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Coroico.
Meal plan: n/a
La Paz is the de-facto capital city of Bolivia. Founded in 1548, it was built within a canyon at around 4,000m above sea level. The altitude directly impacts the city's sociocultural landscape, as the lower the altitude, the more affluent the area. The city is full of market streets, museums and street performers.
Coroico is a hill-top town surrounded by mountains. Due to its lower altitude, the weather in this area is much warmer than many other regions of Bolivia, with higher oxygen levels. Originally a gold mining town, Coroico offers stunning vistas and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a favourite for hikers.
Coroico is a hill-top town surrounded by mountains. Due to its lower altitude, the weather in this area is much warmer than many other regions of Bolivia, with higher oxygen levels. Originally a gold mining town, Coroico offers stunning vistas and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a favourite for hikers.
Day 15 : Coroico - La Paz
Transfer to the Cotapata National Park where you will visit the Senda Verde Wildlife Refuge. Visit the nearby Afro-Bolivian communities, before travelling to La Paz. Overnight in La Paz.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 2003. Its primary focus is to provide care and treatment to sick, mistreated and abandoned wildlife. In recent years, it has used its status to educate people on the increase of illegal animal trafficking in Bolivia. Animals at the sanctuary include jaguars, ocelots and spectacled bears.
Day 16 : La Paz - Uyuni
Travel to the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats, stopping en route to visit the settlement of Colchani. See giant cacti, birds and vizcachas on Isla del Pescado. Spend the rest of the day touring the salt flats, staying to watch the sunset. Overnight in Uyuni.
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
Uyuni is a city located in southwestern Bolivia. It is renowned for its large salt flats, considered the largest in the world. Founded in 1889, the city’s main economy revolves around mining and tourism.
The Uyuni Salt Flats or ‘Salar de Uyuni’ are the world’s largest at 10,582 sq kilometres. They were once part of a large prehistoric lake and contain around 50-70% of the world’s known lithium reserves. Several types of flamingo use the salt flats as their breeding ground.
Colchani is a small one street town on the outskirts of the Uyuni Salt Flats. It is the only place salt from Uyuni is processed. Colchani produces 25,000 tonnes of salt from the flats annually.
Isla del Pescado is a cactus-covered mound that stands out on the vast salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. It is believed the name ‘Island of Fish’ comes from the fish-like shape of the mound when viewed from above.
The Uyuni Salt Flats or ‘Salar de Uyuni’ are the world’s largest at 10,582 sq kilometres. They were once part of a large prehistoric lake and contain around 50-70% of the world’s known lithium reserves. Several types of flamingo use the salt flats as their breeding ground.
Colchani is a small one street town on the outskirts of the Uyuni Salt Flats. It is the only place salt from Uyuni is processed. Colchani produces 25,000 tonnes of salt from the flats annually.
Isla del Pescado is a cactus-covered mound that stands out on the vast salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. It is believed the name ‘Island of Fish’ comes from the fish-like shape of the mound when viewed from above.
Day 17 : Uyuni - La Paz
Explore more of the salt flats of the Uyuni region. Take a tour in the Chantani Museum, see Tunupa Volcano and visit the Coquesa Mummies. Return to La Paz for overnight.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Tunupa is a dormant volcano found on the Uyuni Salt Flats. It is the centre of many legends surrounding the origin of the flats. There is a cave within the volcano that houses the remains of Incan villagers known as the Coquesa mummies.
Day 18 : Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Bolivian Cuisine (1-5 days)
Discover Bolivia through its sweet and savoury treats
Active Bolivia (1-10 days)
Take on Bolivia's adventure activities
Hidden Bolivia (18 days)
Lost missions, Inca ruins, cloud forests & remote canyons
Classic Bolivia (15 days)
Colonial towns, salt flats, cloud forests & sublime lakes