Bolivia

Uyuni, Lipez, Amboro, Santa Cruz Tour

9 days | 8 nights
Private tour
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Tour Description

9-Day Custom Vacation – From Tropical Trails to Lunar Landscapes: Bolivia’s Diverse Heartbeat

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

Embark on a 9-day odyssey through Bolivia’s most captivating contrasts — from the tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz to the surreal deserts of the south and the dizzying heights of La Paz. This journey, tailored for the curious and bold, weaves together nature, culture, and unforgettable adventure across one of South America’s most diverse nations.

Your expedition begins in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a vibrant gateway to Bolivia’s tropical side. Here, you’ll explore La Rinconada Ecopark, a lush reserve of gardens, trails, and cascading waterfalls nestled within native forest. Stroll through blooming orchids, listen to the calls of tropical birds, and ease into the rhythm of nature before the wilder journeys ahead.

Then, step into the verdant wonder of Amboró National Park, a sanctuary where the Andes, Amazon, and Chaco ecosystems collide. Hike through cloud forests draped in ferns and bromeliads, where howler monkeys and rare birds hide among ancient trees. Expert guides lead you through trails teeming with life, from toucans to giant tree ferns, in one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

From the green canopy to white infinity — your path continues south to the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats. Drive across the blindingly white expanse, where the sky melts into the land in endless reflections. Visit Incahuasi Island, a rocky outcrop bristling with giant cacti, and capture surreal perspectives in this vast, silent sea of salt.

The road leads into the high-altitude wilderness of North Lípez, where the volcanic village of San Pedro de Quemez awaits. Surrounded by wind-sculpted ridges and still lagoons, life moves to a slower, soulful rhythm here. Explore remote lagoons tucked into this rugged landscape, where flamingos glide over mirror-like waters and solitude is sublime.

In South Lípez, nature turns even more surreal. Cross the ochre sands of the Siloli Desert, stopping by the wind-carved Árbol de Piedra — a lone stone tree rising from the dust. Traverse the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, a geologic symphony of colors and textures. Watch flamingos flock over the crimson waters of Laguna Colorada, then visit the emerald-green Laguna Verde, set beneath the towering Licancabur Volcano. Marvel at the alien terrain of the Dali Desert, and awaken early to witness the Sol de Mañana Geysers steaming under the dawn light — a geothermal field of bubbling, hissing earth.

Your journey culminates in La Paz, Bolivia’s sky-high capital cradled in a dramatic canyon of rock and snow. Explore the historic City Center, where colonial charm blends with Andean resilience. Meet the unsung storytellers of the streets during the Shoe Shiner City Tour, a raw, eye-opening perspective into daily life. This is not just sightseeing — it’s soul-seeing.

Whether you're hiking among ancient ferns or photographing endless salt flats, Bolivia’s wild spirit is ready to be discovered — start planning your journey today.

Destinations

Bolivia

Trip at a glance

Visits

SANTA CRUZ: Rinconada Ecopark

AMBORO NATIONAL PARK: hikes, wildlife observation, birdwatching

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

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

 

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN SANTA CRUZ, RINCONADA ECOPARK

Note: La Rinconada is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09h30 to 18h00. Closed on Mondays.

Morning

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by an English-speaking guide and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in and orientation.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, set off for La Rinconada Ecopark, a lush sanctuary just 25 minutes from Santa Cruz. Nestled in rolling terrain near Porongo, this tropical haven offers serene trails, waterfalls, and exotic flora — including the Amazonian Victoria, the world’s largest water lily.

Explore enchanting paths through vibrant vegetation, discover themed gardens like the Fern Trail, Green Giants Corner, and Victoria’s Lagoon, and unwind by natural swimming pools. Don’t forget your swimsuit!

After a relaxing and inspiring visit, return to your hotel in Santa Cruz for the evening.

Evening

Free evening and overnight at your hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Day 2 EXCURSION TO AMBORO NATIONAL PARK

Morning

After breakfast, depart by private vehicle toward the Volcano Refuge, located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Santa Cruz on the scenic road to Samaipata. Nestled on the southern edge of Amboró National Park, this remote eco-lodge is tucked into a lush valley surrounded by tropical forest and ancient volcanic rock formations. The route offers sweeping views and a transition from lowland tropics to subtropical mountain forest.

Upon arrival, settle into your lodge accommodation. The refuge’s secluded setting, far from urban noise, makes it an ideal base for wildlife enthusiasts. This region has drawn famed ornithologists like Ridgely and Tudor, who documented over 200 species of birds, including toucans, trogons, and manakins.

A freshly prepared lunch is served at the lodge, using locally sourced ingredients.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, join your local nature guide for a guided hike through the surrounding forest trails, where the dense vegetation hides a treasure trove of biodiversity. Along the way, learn about native medicinal plants, spot vibrant bird species, and keep an eye out for monkeys, armadillos, and other endemic wildlife.

The trail leads to a series of impressive waterfalls, perfect for photography or quiet reflection in nature’s embrace. Your guide will share insights into the geology and ecology of the region, making the hike both peaceful and enriching.

Return to the lodge before dusk to relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest settling into evening.

Evening

Free evening and overnight at the lodge.

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

Day 3 AMBORO NATIONAL PARK, TRANSFER BACK TO SANTA CRUZ

Morning

Enjoy a hearty breakfast provided by the lodge to start your day energized. After breakfast, embark on a guided trail hike through Amboro National Park, where you will have the chance to observe the rich local flora and fauna up close. Your experienced local guide will share insights about the diverse ecosystems and help you spot unique wildlife along the way.

Afternoon

Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch included in your stay. After lunch, depart Amboro National Park in a private vehicle for the journey back to Santa Cruz, reflecting on the natural wonders you have experienced during this unforgettable excursion.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the lodge
  • Lunch at the lodge

Day 4 FLIGHT TO LA PAZ, MOON VALLEY

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

Morning

Private transfer from your hotel to the airport of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Direct flight to La Paz (1 hour).

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). 

Afternoon

In the afternoon, enjoy a short 30-minute transfer south of La Paz to Moon Valley, a stunning natural area known for its otherworldly, lunar-like landscape. This unique valley features eroded sedimentary formations shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years, creating dramatic fairy chimneys, towering spires, and jagged ridges. The rich earth tones and unusual shapes provide an incredible setting that feels like stepping onto the surface of the moon.

Spend around two hours walking along easy trails to fully appreciate the surreal scenery and take advantage of the afternoon light, which highlights the valley’s textures and colors, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Drive back to La Paz.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in La Paz.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 5 FLIGHT TO UYUNI, TRAIN CEMETERY, LAGOONS, SILOLI DESERT

Morning

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

Direct flight to Uyuni (1 hour).

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 6 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 7 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 8 FLIGHT TO LA PAZ, SHOE SHINER CITY-TOUR

Morning

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

Board your domestic flight to La Paz, ascending to the heights of the Andes.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, 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.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in La Paz.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9 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

  • Santa Cruz to La Paz

  • La Paz to Uyuni

  • Uyuni to La Paz

Accommodation

Nights
8 hotel nights

Meals

Bed & Breakfast plan
8 breakfasts + 5 lunches (including several box lunches) + 4 dinners

Transportation

4x4
Premium 4x4 for excursions in Uyuni and Lipez
Car
Private car for all excursions and transfers

Orientation

Guide
Local English-speaking private 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. 

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