Bolivia

Uyuni, Lipez, Madidi Tour

11 days | 10 nights
Private tour
From On request per person

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Tour Description

11-Day Custom Travel – Wild Landscapes and Cultural Echoes of Bolivia

2-Week Bolivia, Uyuni, Lipez, Madidi Tailor-Made Tour

Discover Bolivia’s most iconic and untouched corners on an 11-day immersive journey crafted for the adventurous traveler. From the bustling heights of La Paz to the lunar salt flats of Uyuni, the technicolor deserts of Lípez, and the lush depths of Madidi National Park, this experience offers a vivid tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and ancient traditions.

Your adventure begins in La Paz, the world’s loftiest capital, nestled within a dramatic bowl of snow-capped peaks. Dive into the city’s pulsing heart with a tour of the City Center, where colonial churches stand beside bustling markets. Meet Bolivia’s everyday heroes during the unforgettable Shoe Shiner City Tour, a local perspective into the resilience and creativity of urban life. Participate in a moving Andean Ceremony, connecting with age-old spiritual traditions still very much alive. Then, step into the alien terrain of the Moon Valley, a maze of clay spires and canyons shaped by time and wind.

Next, journey south to the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flats — an endless sea of white reflecting the sky. Drive across the crystalline plain, where the horizon seems to vanish, and visit Incahuasi Island, an ancient coral oasis dotted with towering cacti. The surreal beauty here invites playful photography and quiet reflection alike.

From Uyuni, head into the remote reaches of North Lípez. In the village of San Pedro de Quemez, experience the warmth of rural life amidst volcanic ridges and colorful lagoons. This high-altitude wilderness stuns with silence and stark, natural majesty.

The landscapes only grow more dramatic as you continue into South Lípez. Traverse the windswept Siloli Desert, where rust-red sands meet jagged stone formations like the wind-carved Árbol de Piedra. Enter the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, home to surreal treasures: the blood-red waters of Laguna Colorada, flocks of flamingos framed against volcanic horizons, the shimmering Laguna Verde mirrored beneath the towering Licancabur Volcano, and the ghostly terrain of the Dali Desert. At dawn, stand before the steaming, bubbling Sol de Mañana Geysers, a geothermal landscape alive with energy.

After the raw beauty of the Altiplano, a dramatic shift awaits as you descend into the emerald heart of Madidi National Park — one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Glide down jungle rivers by canoe, and step into ancient rainforest on guided hikes that unveil rare flora and elusive wildlife. As night falls, venture into the dark for a nocturnal observation walk, where glowing eyes and echoing calls reveal the secrets of the Amazon after dusk.

Every element of this 11-day journey has been designed by Latin Discoveries Travel Experts to harmonize discovery, comfort, and connection. Whether you're marveling at geological wonders or meeting the soul of Bolivia through its people, this custom expedition promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience rooted in authenticity and awe.

Ready to uncover Bolivia’s wild soul and cultural heartbeat? Let’s craft your journey.

Destinations

Bolivia

Trip at a glance

Visits

LA PAZ: City Center, Shoe Shiner City Tour, Andean Ceremony, Moon Valley

UYUNI: Salt Flats, Incahuasi Island

NORTH LIPEZ: San Pedro de Quemez, North Lipez Lagoons

SOUTH LIPEZ: Siloli Desert, Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Arbol de Piedra, Laguna Verde, Sol de Manana Geysers, Dali Desert, Laguna Colorada

MADIDI NATIONAL PARK: canoe ride, jungle hikes, nocturnal wildlife observation

 

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 Acclimatization in La Paz, Moon Valley half-day Tour

Morning

Arrival in El Alto, La Paz international airport, meet and greet with your private guide, transfer to La Paz city (1 hour 15 min). 

Free morning to acclimatize yourself. La Paz is the highest capital in the world with an altitude of 11,940 ft (3640 metres). 

To avoid altitude sickness (common when landing in La Paz), we strongly advise against any strong physical effort or any alcohol consumption. 

Afternoon

Afternoon transfer to the Moon Valley (30 min South of La Paz). 

Discover a unique place, a real lunar landscape adorned with eroded sedimentary formations, fairy chimneys and high spires (2 hours). 

Transfer back to your hotel in La Paz (30 min). 

Evening

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in La Paz. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 2 LA PAZ SHOE-SHINER CITY TOUR, FREE AFTERNOON

Morning

Experience La Paz through the eyes of a lustra botas, or shoe shiner, on this unique walking tour that reveals the city’s heartbeat from street level. Your guide shares his personal journey as you explore the vibrant, chaotic, and deeply human side of Bolivia’s capital.

This socially-driven experience, created by Hormigón Armado and the Bolivian Foundation of Art and Culture, offers rare insight into a marginalized yet vital community.

Begin at the Central Station of the Red Line Teleférico, with sweeping aerial views of La Paz and El Alto. Continue to the General Cemetery and nearby flower and fish markets — bustling hubs of daily life and commerce.

Wander through Avenida Baptista and Tarapacá, known for print shops and souvenirs, then visit Mercado de Uruguay to sample local flavors like herbal teas and api, a warm purple corn drink.

Finish at Avenida Max Paredes, where you'll discover the iconic clothing of cholas paceñas and the cultural identity woven into every shawl, skirt, and hat.

This tour offers more than sightseeing — it's an intimate look into the soul of La Paz, guided by those who know it best.

An English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.

Afternoon

Free afternoon to explore the city.

Evening

Free evening and overnight at your hotel in La Paz. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 FLIGHT TO UYUNI, TRAIN CEMETERY, LAGOONS, SILOLI DESERT

Morning

Transfer to the airport for your direct flight to Uyuni (45 min).

Begin your 3-day adventure into the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, the High Andean Jewels, and the famous Uyuni Salt Flats.

Start with a visit to the Train Cemetery, where rusted locomotives from the 19th and 20th centuries lie abandoned, offering a haunting glimpse into Bolivia’s mining past. Then, explore the nearby town and the historic Church of San Cristobal.

Continue by private 4x4 to the stunning Turquiri Lagoon at 4,261 meters above sea level. Known as the Black Lagoon for its dark waters, it’s home to endemic black ducks and surrounded by surreal rock formations and large patches of yareta, a rare high-altitude plant.

A picnic lunch is included during this scenic excursion.

Afternoon

Travel to the High Andean Jewels, a breathtaking region named for its vibrant and serene lagoons nestled between 4,000 and 4,200 meters elevation. Visit shimmering lakes such as Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda, and Ramadita, each showcasing unique colors and tranquil waters — a true portrait of Bolivia’s natural beauty.

Continue to the Paseo del León, an ochre and beige canyon with striking geological formations sheltering yareta plants. Your journey then leads to the vast and otherworldly Siloli Desert, where surreal landscapes await your discovery.

Evening

Arrival and installation at your hotel in the desert. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Picnic lunch
  • Dinner at the hotel

Day 4 SILOLI DESERT, GREEN AND RED LAGOONS

Morning

Early departure to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, a stunning natural wonder in southern Lipez famed for its surreal deserts and vibrant lagoons. Travel through the windswept Siloli Desert at 4,000 meters, home to the iconic Stone Tree, a volcanic rock sculpted by erosion. Continue to Sol de Mañana (4,850 m), a geothermal area of steaming geysers and fumaroles, known for its powerful volcanic activity and potential for renewable energy.

Next, visit the Polques hot springs in the Chalviri Salt Flat for a relaxing open-air bath at 4,000 meters altitude. Cross the surreal Dali Desert, with rock formations reminiscent of the painter’s works. End the morning at the dazzling Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) at 4,350 meters, whose bright green waters owe their color to high magnesium content.

Afternoon

After a picnic lunch, head to Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) at 4,278 meters, famous for its vivid red hues caused by algae, and a sanctuary for around 30,000 flamingos. The breathtaking landscape offers one of Bolivia’s most unforgettable sights.

Continue to the Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint, where you’ll admire fumaroles and the impressive, active volcano towering at 5,868 meters on the Chilean border. This viewpoint reveals the majestic scale of the Andean wilderness and the raw beauty of the Lipez region.

Evening

Overnight at your hotel in San Pedro de Quemez.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Picnic lunch
  • Dinner at the hotel

Day 5 San Pedro de Quemez, Incahuasi Island, Uyuni salt flat

Morning

Explore the surroundings including the Burned Village, a historic site linked to the late 19th-century Pacific War with Chile. Then, visit the fascinating Cave of the Galaxies at 3,670 meters altitude. This otherworldly limestone cave, shaped by volcanic lava interacting with the ancient inland sea that once covered the area, offers a unique glimpse into Bolivia’s geological past.

Next, head to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, spanning over 12,000 km². Once part of the prehistoric Lake Minchin, the vast white expanse creates surreal landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth. Enjoy a picnic lunch right in the heart of the salt flats, surrounded by breathtaking views.

Afternoon

Visit Incahuasi Island (“House of the Inca” in Quechua), the most spectacular island within the Salar. Covered in volcanic rock and towering cacti up to 8 meters tall, it offers stunning panoramic views and a chance for iconic perspective photos on the endless white salt.

Please note, from December to March, heavy rains can flood parts of the Salar, making access to Incahuasi by vehicle difficult, though the flooded flats create magical mirror-like reflections. During June to August, temperatures can be very cold, so dress warmly.

Return to Uyuni at the end of the day.

Evening

Overnight at your hotel in Uyuni. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Picnic lunch in the middle of the salar
  • Dinner at the hotel

Day 6 FLIGHT TO LA PAZ, DAY AT LEISURE

Morning

Private transfer from your hotel to the international airport of Sucre.

Direct flight to La Paz (1 hour).

Afternoon

Rest of day at leisure in La Paz. 

Evening

Free evening and overnight in La Paz.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 7 FLIGHT TO RURRENABAQUE, MADIDI NATIONAL PARK

Morning

Take a domestic flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque (1 hour), the gateway to Bolivia’s Amazon Basin.

Upon arrival, transfer to the Chalalán Ecolodge Office in Rurrenabaque for a briefing on your upcoming rainforest adventure. Depart for Chalalán by motorized canoe, embarking on a 5.5-hour journey along the Beni and Tuichi Rivers. Cruise through the breathtaking Bala Gorge and enter the Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse reserves on the planet.

Enjoy a box lunch on board as you witness the unfolding Amazonian landscape — with possible sightings of capybaras, caimans, monkeys, and vibrant birdlife along the riverbanks.

Upon arrival at Chalalán port, take a 25-minute guided walk through the forest to reach the lodge, nestled by a serene lake in the heart of the rainforest. Receive a warm welcome and settle into your eco-friendly cabin, surrounded by pristine nature.

Afternoon

After a delicious lunch at the lodge, head out for a guided nature walk along one of the ecolodge’s interpretive forest trails. Learn about the local flora and fauna, medicinal plants, and the traditional uses of native species, shared through the wisdom of your indigenous guide.

Return to the lodge by canoe, gliding across calm waters while observing monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife active in the late afternoon light.

Evening

After dinner, embark on a guided nocturnal walk, one of the most magical ways to experience the rainforest. With the forest alive in darkness, look for nocturnal insects, frogs, and other creatures that only emerge after sunset.

Spend the night in your private cabin at Chalalán Lodge, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle — a true escape into nature.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch at the lodge
  • Dinner at the lodge

Day 8 MADIDI NATIONAL PARK: JUNGLE ACTIVITIES

Morning

After breakfast, set out on a guided rainforest walk along the Tapare Trail (or a similar route), lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours. Accompanied by your local guide, explore the rich biodiversity of Madidi National Park. Along the way, you may encounter squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and a dazzling variety of bird species such as toucans, macaws, parrots, eagles, and guans.

Your guide will provide insightful interpretations of the rainforest ecosystem, highlighting animal behaviors, medicinal plants, and ecological relationships within this delicate environment.

Return to Chalalán Lodge for a relaxing lunch and some time to unwind.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, embark on another guided walk along a different forest trail, offering more chances to spot wildlife and deepen your understanding of local flora and fauna.

After the walk, choose from several optional activities at the lodge:

  • Handicraft demonstration with community artisans

  • Canoe ride on the lake to observe birds and aquatic life

  • Video presentation about the San José de Uchupiamonas community and the conservation efforts within Madidi National Park

Evening

Dinner at the lodge features a traditional Amazonian dish, such as “Dunucuabi” — a flavorful fish preparation wrapped in heliconia leaves.

After dinner, gather for an enriching cultural evening with stories from the community, traditional music and dances, and an introduction to the customs and rituals of the indigenous peoples who have called this region home for generations.

Spend the night in your eco-cabin at Chalalán Lodge, immersed in the rhythms of the Amazon rainforest.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the lodge
  • Lunch at the lodge
  • Dinner at the lodge

Day 9 MADIDI NATIONAL PARK: JUNGLE ACTIVITIES, TRANSFER BACK TO RURRENABAQUE

Morning

After an early breakfast, enjoy a short morning walk along one of the nearby trails — a final chance to spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, or colorful insects as the forest awakens. This peaceful stroll offers one last connection with the vibrant ecosystem of Madidi National Park.

Return to Chalalán Lodge for lunch, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the warmth of your hosts.

Afternoon

After lunch, we walk to the port to board the motorboat for the return journey to Rurrenabaque. The ride takes approximately 3 hours. Stay alert during the trip, as there may still be chances to observe wildlife along the way.

Upon arrival in Rurrenabaque, you will be transferred to the your hotel.

Evening

Overnight at your hotel in Rurrenabaque.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the lodge
  • Lunch at the lodge

Day 10 FLIGHT TO LA PAZ, FREE AFTERNOON

Morning

Begin your day with a private transfer from your hotel to the Rurrenabaque airport.

Board your domestic flight to La Paz, ascending from the lush Amazon basin to the heights of the Andes.

Afternoon

Upon arrival in La Paz, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, accompanied by an English-speaking representative for a smooth arrival experience.

The rest of the day is yours to relax at leisure — unwind, explore the surroundings, or enjoy the views of the city from your hotel.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in La Paz.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 11 DEPARTURE

At the indicated time, transfer to La Paz airport (30-45 min). Check-in and assistance. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Video

Services

What's included

Flights

  • La Paz to Uyuni

  • Uyuni to La Paz

  • La Paz to Rurrenabaque

  • Rurrenabaque to La Paz

Accommodation

Nights
10 hotel nights

Meals

Bed & Breakfast plan
10 breakfasts + 6 lunches (including several box lunches) + 5 dinners

Transportation

4x4
Premium 4x4 for excursions in Uyuni and Lipez
Boat
Shared boat for excursions in the jungle
Car
Private car for all excursions and transfers

Orientation

Guide
Local English-speaking private guide for all excursions, except in Madidi (Shared English-Speaking Guide)

Entrance Fees

All entrance fees

What's not included

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Extra Meals
  • Beverages
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

People with heart conditions are strongly advised to seek medical advice before booking. 

This tour includes many visits at sites above 10,000 ft (3000 m). To avoid altitude sickness, we strongly advise against any strong physical effort or any alcohol consumption in high-altitude places. 

If necessary, it is imperative to get your yellow fever vaccine at least ten days prior to departure. 

Weather conditions in the Amazon rainforest vary greatly depending on the two seasons: the wet season from December to May and the dry season from June until November. Regardless of the season, you have to be prepared for rain throughout the year, although it rains a lot less during the dry season. 

We recommend avoiding travel to the Amazon from December to February. 

Amazon rainforest packing list:

  • binoculars
  • waterproof hiking shoes
  • hat
  • quick-dry clothing
  • long-sleeve shirt
  • long-sleeve pants
  • strong insect repellent
  • strong sunblock
  • bathing-suit
  • case or protection for your camera and phone
  • personal medication. 

 

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