Custom Bolivia

Bolivia is South America's highest, most altiplanic and probably most authentic country. Landlocked between 100 and 6,542 m, with 12 million inhabitants 60% of indigenous origin, it blends Andean altiplano, Yungas valleys, Madidi Amazonia and Chaco savannas. Seven UNESCO sites, including the Uyuni Salt Flat — the world's largest, a perfect mirror in the rainy season — colonial Sucre, Potosí with its Cerro Rico silver mines, and pre-Inca Tiwanaku. La Paz, the world's highest capital (3,600 m, up to 4,100 m at El Alto), stretches beneath Illimani (6,462 m), linked by the planet's longest urban cable car. To the south, Lake Titicaca (3,812 m) is the mythical cradle of the Incas; to the east, Madidi hosts 11% of the world's bird species. Independent since 1825 thanks to Bolívar, Bolivia preserves 37 official languages, a unique cuisine (quinoa, 4,000 potato varieties, llama) and the Andes' largest carnival (Oruro). We design your custom trip across urban, altiplanic, colonial and Amazonian Bolivia, guided by French-speaking Bolivians and lodged in salt hotels, colonial boutiques or eco-lodges.

Highlights

  • Uyuni Salt Flat: 10,582 km² of salt — World's largest salt desert, at 3,656 m. Rainy season (Dec-April): perfect mirror. Salt hotels (Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada). Iconic sunrise.
  • La Paz: world's highest capital — 3,600 m, El Alto 4,100 m. Mi Teleférico 30 km (longest urban system). Witches' Market, Moon Valley, Illimani 6,462 m, altiplanic gastronomy.
  • Lake Titicaca: cradle of Inca cosmogony — 3,812 m, world's highest navigable lake. Sun Island (Manco Cápac birth according to mythology), Copacabana basilica 1601, Aymara and Uros peoples.
  • UNESCO Sucre 1991 white city — 1538 constitutional capital, 1825 independence proclaimed, 4 cathedrals, Casa Libertad, archives. Mandatory white facades since 1825.
  • UNESCO Potosí 1987 & Cerro Rico — World's highest city 4,067 m. Silver mines that financed Spanish Empire 17th century. 8 million slaves died. Casa de la Moneda 1572.
  • Madidi & Bolivian Amazonia — National park 18,958 km², 11% of world's birds, continent's highest biodiversity per km². Chalalán, Sadiri eco-lodges under canopy.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for Bolivia?

May-October: Andean dry season, blue sky, Madidi accessible. December-April: Uyuni Salt Flat in perfect mirror (iconic photos) but Madidi inaccessible. March our favorite to combine Salar mirror + dry altiplano.

Is altitude sickness (soroche) a risk?

Yes, La Paz at 3,600 m and Salar at 3,656 m, Sud Lipez at 4,200 m can cause soroche. Our protocol: 2 nights Sucre (2,800 m) before La Paz, coca mate, hotel backup oxygen, Acetazolamide with doctor's agreement. 95% of our travelers acclimatize without problem.

How many days to visit Bolivia?

Essential altiplanic Bolivia (Sucre + Salar + La Paz + Titicaca): 10 nights. With Madidi Amazonia: 13 nights. Peru combo (Machu Picchu): 14 nights. Chile combo (Atacama): 13 nights.

Does the 2024-2025 economic crisis affect travel?

Yes, dollar shortage in Bolivia since 2023 — bring USD cash (€200/day). Moderate inflation. Possible strikes. Our logistics compensate: fuel supply, validated hotels, private transport. Trip remains excellent.

Is a visa required?

No for French/Europeans up to 90 days. Passport valid 6 months after return. Yellow fever vaccination booklet if Amazonia/Madidi passage.

Can you combine Bolivia with Peru or Chile?

Yes. Peru: luxury bus Cusco-Puno-Copacabana-La Paz (2 days, Titicaca crossing). Chile: 4×4 Sud Lipez-San Pedro de Atacama (1 day). Recommended combo: Machu Picchu + Salar + Atacama 16-18 nights.

Is Madidi worth the Amazonian detour?

Absolutely yes. Continent's highest biodiversity per km² (11% of world's birds). Chalalán community eco-lodge (2002 Equator Prize). 4 nights min recommended to observe night fauna and lagoon sunrise.

What budget for 12 nights?

Comfort: €3,100-3,900/person. Premium: €4,200-5,500. Excellence (Atix, Tayka del Desierto, private Chalalán): €6,200+. Flights, hotels, domestic flights, Salar 4×4, Madidi included.

Can you go to Salar in mirror and dry season?

March ideal: Salar still in mirror (residual water), rains stopped, Sud Lipez practicable, Andean landscapes still green. It's our favorite period.

Why New Horizons by Lisa for Bolivia?

10 years of local partnerships, French-speaking driver-guides (Boaventura Salar, Marco Potosí, Tiwanaku archaeologists), community Chalalán Madidi eco-lodge, mastered altitude acclimatization, 2024 dollar crisis management, French-speaking 24/7 support.