Bolivia, Galapagos Islands Tour

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. 

Explore La Paz, a breathtaking city cradled in a natural basin that drops from the altiplano to the high valleys of the Andes, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 3,200 meters. Towering over the city is the majestic Illimani, a constant presence on the horizon.

Begin with panoramic views from Jach’a Apacheta, a sacred Andean ceremonial site perched at 4,099 meters in El Alto. From here, take in sweeping views of the dense urban landscape framed by Illimani and Mururata. This site is especially significant during the Andean New Year, when sunrise rituals honor Pachamama and Inti, the Sun God.

Continue to Killi Killi Viewpoint, offering near 360° views of the city and a powerful perspective of Illimani. Steeped in revolutionary history, Killi Killi was reportedly a base for Tupaq Katari, the Aymara leader who rebelled against Spanish rule. Legend claims his remains still lie beneath this hill.

Conclude at Plaza Murillo, La Paz’s political heart. Though not a viewpoint, this historic square houses the Presidential Palace, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, and the neoclassical Cathedral of La Paz. The plaza has witnessed key moments in Bolivia’s history, including presidential coups and uprisings.

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in La Paz. 

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.

Free afternoon to explore the city.

Free evening and overnight at your hotel in La Paz. 

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.

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.

Arrival and installation at your hotel in the desert. 

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.

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.

Overnight at your hotel in San Pedro de Quemez.

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.

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.

Overnight at your hotel in Uyuni. 

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

Direct flight to La Paz (1 hour).

At over 3,600 meters above sea level, La Paz sits high in the Andes, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. From here, your journey begins with a ride on the cable car to El Alto, a fast-growing city perched above 4,000 meters.

Arriving at the border between La Paz and El Alto, you'll be greeted with panoramic views plunging into the La Paz basin and stretching toward the towering Illimani volcano. In this highland setting, small ritual kiosks dot the edge of the cliffs — sacred spaces where yatiris, or Andean spiritual guides, perform traditional ceremonies.

You will take part in an authentic Andean offering ritual to Pachamama (Mother Earth), a moment of connection and gratitude. Through prayers and symbolic offerings in a ceremony known as ch’alla, you’ll experience the spiritual heartbeat of Aymara culture.

This experience offers meaningful insight into the Andean worldview — a living tradition rooted in balance, reciprocity, and respect for nature.

Free evening and overnight in La Paz.

At the indicated time, transfer to La Paz' airport for your flight to Quito.

Arrival in Quito. Transfer to your hotel downtown. 

Free evening and overnight in Quito.

Discover with your guide the least-altered and best-preserved Latin American capital.

Take a walk to visit the colonial churches and monasteries of this urban jewel, the first city in history to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting at Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace your visit will include the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall.

Ramble through the city's old streets on your way to El Sagrario church and its exquisitely carved stone façade and step inside the awe-inspiring church of the Society of Jesus.

Walk on to the Convent and Church of San Francisco, one of the greatest religious buildings on the South American continent.
Drive up to the top of the Panecillo hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Quito.

In the afternoon, drive out of the city to the Equatorial Valley (50 min), north of the capital, where you will visit the 'Middle of the World' monument. 

A monument and a museum exhibiting an ethnographic collection indicate the Equator line. 

Transfer back to your hotel in Quito (1 hour 30 min).

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Quito.

Arrive at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island this morning and meet and greet your Certified National Park guide and fellow passengers at the arrivals hall. Then, on a shared bus, reach Itabaca Channel where you will take a five minute ferry ride to the northern reaches of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Highlands where you'll trek with your guide to see the Twin Craters, crossing lava tunnels and visiting a private ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Transfer to your hotel.

Free afternoon.

Free evening.

Overnight at the hotel on Santa Cruz Island. 

Set sail to Isabela Island on a two-hour speedboat journey at 6:30 this morning. At 4,640 sq. km, Isabela is the archipelago's largest island, and almost four times the size of Santa Cruz, encompassing a wealth of biodiversity and natural attractions. Its wetlands are laced with lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, and are recognized for their migrant bird populations, one of which is the emblematic flamingo.

Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoises are cared for and live in captivity. Moreno Point on Isabela's western shores reveal tidal lagoons and extensive lava fields and give visitors the opportunity to observe herons, frigatebirds and green turtles. Its shrub dotted landscape is unique for the candelabra cacti that reach impressive heights of up to seven meters, which towers above surrounding mangrove bushes and saltwater lagoons fringed with seagrass.

Your first destination on Isabela Island this morning is Poza de Los Flamingos, where you will marvel at the distinctive color of these migratory birds that change as they transform from chicks to adults.

Visit Las Tintoreras this afternoon, a group of islets just off the shores of Puerto Villamil, named for its population of white-tipped reef sharks that are frequently spotted resting in its surrounding calm and clear waters.

After a dry landing, walk along the nature trail with your guide, keeping your eyes peeled for sea lions and marine iguanas that live in this shark channel, continuing along the mangrove-lined shoreline. Then enjoy a zodiac ride to observe Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies before taking to the waters for some snorkeling.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island.

A popular day trip from Puerto Villamil, the Cabo Rosa Tunnels are widely recognized for its biodiversity and tunnel-like lava formations that have taken shape over hundreds of years. Reach this uninhabited islet this morning on a one-hour boat journey, and engage in some light hiking on lava rock with your guide, observing the endemic vegetation and varieties of birds. A favorite site for snorkelers, dive into the crystal clear waters to observe giant sea turtles, sea horses, and manta rays up close.

In the afternoon we will take the ferry back to Santa Cruz Island and head to your hotel.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Depending on navigation and availability conditions, you will spend the day on one of the four islands below:

Bartolome Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht and begin your 20-minute journey to the Daphnes, a pair of twin volcanic islands. Bird lovers will swoon at the sight of masked boobies, tropical birds and frigates, before continuing on the yacht for 90 minutes to the tiny 1.2 sq. km island of Bartolome. After a dry landing, climb to the top of a small cone with your guide, gaining 114 meters in altitude, and observe a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones, and lunar-like craters. Following your visit, sail to Sullivan Bay, a favorite destination on this island hopping tour because of its unique geological characteristics. Situated on the southeastern end of Santiago Island, you will land on a sparkling white sand beach by wet landing, where you will spend some leisurely time swimming and snorkeling among the tropical fish, sea turtles and rays. Witness Sullivan Bay's contrasting geological features on an easy walk across its wild terrain, and contemplate the relatively young landscape of black lava flow, collapsed craters and volcanic hornitos, feeling the ropy lava beneath your feet as you explore. Return to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to your hotel by bus for your 5 PM arrival.

North Seymour Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht. A 45-minute journey will transport you to North Seymour, a small and flat 1.9 sq. km island formed by the uplifting of underwater volcanic lava. Following a dry landing on the island's rocky coast, learn about the 72 land iguanas that were introduced to North Seymour in 1932 to colonize the island on a two-hour tour with your guide. Captain Alan Hancock and his crew transported these undernourished iguanas from Baltra Island in the hopes that they will thrive in better conditions on North Seymour. And in 1934 just two years later, the species was identified to have adapted without issues. Walk the arid boulder-strewn landscape, and follow along an easy circular path that takes you past the most extensive colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in the archipelago. If conditions are optimal, spend some time discovering the area's marine wildlife as you snorkel. Depending on availability, head to Mosquera Islet to observe its large colonies of sea lion sunbathe or splash in the water, or head to the white coral sands of Bachas Beach on the northern shores of Santa Cruz, a beach that earned its name after World War II when the American army abandoned their barges on the beach. If conditions permit, swim or snorkel among the marine wildlife here before reaching your hotel at 4:00 pm.

South Plazas Island
By bus this morning, depart from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel to board your boat and sail 20 minutes to Punta Carrión where you will have to opportunity to witness birds and sea turtles, and snorkel in a small cove. Then, sail for approximately 90 minutes towards South Plaza Island off the eastern shores of Santa Cruz. Despite its small size, South Plaza is recognized for its outstanding collection of wildlife species, and after a dry landing, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a 90-minute walk to witness one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos, land iguanas and masked boobies, as well as discover the island's rugged landscape. Return to the boat for lunch and reach Puerto Ayora for a 4 PM arrival at your hotel.

Santa Fe Island
From the dock of Puerto Ayora, the yacht will sail 90 minutes to Santa Fe Island - one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago at an estimated four million years. With a wet landing on the beach, embark on a 90-minute walking tour with your guide to explore the island's 24 sq. km, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of Galápagos hawks, fork-tailed gulls and migratory birds. Situated between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, Santa Fe also boasts a diversity of endemic species, like the Santa Fe land iguana, Galapagos Mockingbird, and rice rat. Its landscape is unique for its population of the large prickly pear cactus, Opuntia Echos, which feeds Santa Fe's land iguanas. If conditions permit, enjoy a relaxing swim or snorkel in the shimmering waters of Barrington Bay as hawks fly overhead, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, tropical fish and marine tortoises. Sail back to Santa Cruz for the evening and return to your hotel at 4 pm.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your onward journey.