Essential altiplanic Bolivia
Duration : 12 days
Route : Sucre (2 nights) → Potosí (1) → Uyuni Salt Flat (2 nights, salt hotel) → La Paz (3 nights) → Lake Titicaca, Sun Island (1 night) → return La Paz (1)
Custom travel to Bolivia
Bolivia is probably South America's most authentic country. Landlocked between 100 and 6,542 m of altitude, 60% indigenous across 37 official languages, it juxtaposes Andean altiplano, colonial valleys, and Amazon. Seven UNESCO sites tell its story: the Uyuni Salt Flat, the world's largest, turned into a giant mirror in the rainy season; white Sucre, the constitutional capital where independence was signed in 1825; Potosí and its Cerro Rico silver mines; pre-Inca Tiwanaku. La Paz, the world's highest capital (3,600 m), unfurls beneath Illimani (6,462 m) and is crossed 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 alone shelters 11% of the world's bird species. Allow ten to fifteen days to combine altiplano, colonial sites, and Amazon — a destination designed bespoke, between salt hotels, colonial residences, and indigenous eco-lodges.
Highlights
- Uyuni Salt Flat: 10,582 km² of salt, a perfect mirror in the rainy season
- La Paz and Mi Teleférico, the world's longest urban cable car
- Sucre (UNESCO 1991), cradle of Bolivian independence (1825)
- Potosí (UNESCO 1987) and Cerro Rico, the memory of colonial silver
- Lake Titicaca at 3,812 m, the Sun Island and the Aymara people
- Madidi National Park: 11% of the world's bird species
Sample itineraries
Complete Bolivia + Madidi Amazon
Duration : 15 days
Route : Sucre + Potosí + Salar + La Paz + Titicaca (10 nights) → La Paz–Rurrenabaque flight → Madidi, Chalalán eco-lodge (3 nights) → return La Paz (1)
Peru–Bolivia combo: Machu Picchu and Salar
Duration : 16 days
Route : Lima (1) → Cusco and Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu (4 nights) → luxury bus Cusco–Puno–Copacabana → Sun Island (1) → La Paz (2) → Sucre (1) → Uyuni Salt Flat (2) → return La Paz
When to go
Bolivia is best visited from May to October: it's the Andean dry season, the sky is blue, the Uyuni Salt Flat is crossed by 4×4 on its salt pavement, and Madidi stays accessible and comfortable. To see the Salar turned into a mirror, you need the rainy season instead, from December to April; on the downside, La Paz and Sucre then have daily storms and Madidi becomes impassable. March is a fine compromise (Salar still in mirror, rains tailing off). Oruro Carnival, UNESCO-listed in 2001, takes place in mid-February and requires booking nearly a year ahead.
- Andean dry season (May – October) — Altiplano, dry Salar, and accessible Madidi
- Mirror season (December – February) — Uyuni Salt Flat reflecting the sky 360°
- End of mirror season (March – April) — Salar still in mirror + drying altiplano
- Transition (November) — Combining altiplano + Amazon
Practical information
Bolivia is generally safe, but altitude requires careful acclimatization: two nights in Sucre (2,800 m) before La Paz (3,600 m), coca mate on arrival, hotels equipped with backup oxygen, and medical advice for possible Acetazolamide prophylaxis. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory if you visit the Amazon. Temperature swings are significant (25 °C day / 0 °C night): bring layers, UV sunglasses, and SPF 50 sunscreen. Since 2023, Bolivia has been experiencing a dollar shortage: plan around €200/day in USD cash, as ATMs and cards do not suffice. In La Paz, beware of pickpockets on Sagárnaga Street and at the Witches' Market. No visa for Europeans, the UK, US, and Canada (≤ 90 days, passport valid 6 months).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Bolivia trip?
May to October for the Andean dry season and the Madidi Amazon. December to April if you want to see the Uyuni Salt Flat in perfect mirror mode. March is a fine compromise.
How long for a Bolivia trip?
Minimum 10-12 days to combine Sucre, Potosí, the Uyuni Salt Flat, La Paz, and Titicaca. 14-15 days to add the Madidi Amazon. 16 days for a Peru-Bolivia combo (Machu Picchu + Salar).
Is altitude sickness a risk?
Yes, La Paz (3,600 m), the Salar (3,656 m), and Sud Lipez (4,200 m) can cause soroche. My protocol: two nights in Sucre (2,800 m) before La Paz, coca mate, hotel backup oxygen, and prophylaxis on medical advice.
What budget for a custom Bolivia trip?
As a guideline: €3,100-3,900 per person in Comfort (10-12 days, excluding flights); €4,500-5,500 in Premium; from €6,200 in Excellence. Paris-La Paz flights: €1,200-1,600.
Do I need a visa for Bolivia?
No visa for Europeans, the UK, US, and Canada for stays under 90 days. Passport valid 6 months after return. Yellow fever vaccine mandatory if you visit the Amazon.
Can I combine Bolivia with Peru or Chile?
Yes. With Peru: luxury bus Cusco–Puno–Copacabana–La Paz and Titicaca crossing. With Chile: 4×4 from Sud Lipez to San Pedro de Atacama. The full Machu Picchu + Salar + Atacama combo fits in 16-18 days.
Is the Madidi Amazon worth the detour?
Absolutely. Madidi has about 11% of the world's bird species and the continent's richest biodiversity per km². The Chalalán community eco-lodge (2002 Equator Prize) is an ideal gateway. Allow 3-4 nights minimum.
How to get around Bolivia?
By domestic flights (Amaszonas, Boliviana de Aviación) between La Paz, Sucre, Uyuni, Rurrenabaque, and Santa Cruz, and by private 4×4 for the Salar and Sud Lipez. In La Paz, Mi Teleférico (30 km) is the most practical way to cross the city.
Does the 2024-2025 economic crisis affect travel?
The dollar shortage in Bolivia since 2023 means you should bring around €200/day in USD cash. Occasional strikes are possible: we adapt the itinerary in real time thanks to French-speaking 7/7 support. The trip remains excellent.