Bolivia, Galapagos Islands Tour

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

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). 

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.

Your day begins with a transfer from your hotel to Quito International Airport, accompanied by an English-speaking driver guide (1 hour).

You will then board a domestic flight from Quito to Baltra (2.5 hours).

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, our agency staff or your naturalist guide will greet you and assist with your transfer.

First, you will take a public bus to the Itabaca Channel (10 minutes), followed by a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island (10 minutes).

Once on the island, a vehicle will take you through the scenic highlands of Santa Cruz (45 minutes), where your first stop will be at Los Gemelos Craters. These twin volcanic sinkholes are surrounded by lush vegetation, including the endemic Scalesia trees, offering a unique introduction to the island’s highland ecosystem.

After exploring Los Gemelos, you will visit a local ranch where you can observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and life on the islands.

The tour continues with a guided walk through one of Santa Cruz’s volcanic lava tunnels (100 meters / 328 feet), during which your guide will explain the geological history and volcanic activity that shaped the Galapagos.

Following this exploration, you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora for check-in at your hotel (30 minutes), where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Free evening and overnight at your hotel on Santa Cruz Island.

Please note that a municipal tax of 10 USD / person must be paid in cash upon arrival at the dock.

Your day begins early with a transfer from your hotel to the passenger dock (approx. 10 minutes), where you will take a water taxi to board the speedboat heading to Isabela Island (2 to 2.5 hours of navigation).

Upon arrival at Isabela, another water taxi will take you from the boat to the passenger dock (10 minutes), followed by a short land transfer to your hotel (5–10 minutes).

Once settled in, you'll visit Poza de Flamingos, a semi-natural lagoon formed from old quarries, where you can observe the striking pink flamingos. These birds, white as chicks, turn reddish-pink as adults due to their diet, making for a beautiful and iconic Galapagos sight.

Then you will explore the Wetlands Complex, a network of trails showcasing the island's diverse ecosystems. Your visit will include several key sites:

• La Playita, a quiet beach trail
• Los Tunos Viewpoint and Pozas Verdes, where you can observe native flora and fauna; Playa del Amor, a rocky beach popular with locals
• The Tunnel of the Estuary, a 75-meter trail that ends in a lava tunnel
• Poza Redonda, a 50-meter path leading to a pool inside a collapsed lava tube
• La Poza Escondida, a trail through a mangrove forest ending in a tranquil pool
• The Estero, a 227-meter lava rock trail with a picnic area used by the local community for recreation.

Each site offers unique perspectives on the volcanic landscape and biodiversity of Isabela Island.

Later in the day, you’ll take a guided excursion to Tintoreras, a group of small black lava islets located just off the coast.

This 3-hour tour begins with a panga ride around the bay for wildlife observation, where you might spot lava herons in the mangroves, Galápagos penguins, and sea lions along the shore.

After disembarking, you’ll walk along an easy black lava trail to reach the Tintoreras channel, where whitetip reef sharks are often seen resting in the shallow waters.

The excursion concludes with snorkeling in the calm, clear waters around Tintoreras, which provide excellent underwater visibility and the chance to observe marine life up close.

Afterward, you will return to your hotel.

Free evening and overnight at your hotel on Isabela Island.

Depending on the schedule assigned by the Galapagos National Park, your tour may begin in the morning (from 7:30 am to 1pm) or in the afternoon (from 11 am to 4:30pm).

Your naturalist guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the dock (10 minutes), where a boat will be waiting.

You will then embark on a scenic ride to Cabo Rosa Tunnels (45 minutes), with your first stop at the Finados site. Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, Finados is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. Here, you’ll snorkel among an abundance of marine life, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, sea lions, and even seahorses—all amid stunning underwater lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity.

After snorkeling, the excursion continues with a guided walk over the lava formations of the Cabo Rosa Tunnels.

This unique volcanic landscape is home to numerous seabird species such as blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, pelicans, herons, and frigate birds, all of which can often be observed resting or nesting on the black volcanic rock.

Following the tour, you will return to Puerto Villamil by boat (45 minutes) and transfer back to your hotel (10 minutes).

Free afternoon or free morning depending on the assigned schedule.

The evening is at your leisure to relax, explore the town, or enjoy a quiet dinner after a day of unforgettable wildlife encounters and exploration.

Overnight at your hotel in Isabela Island.

Your day begins very early with a transfer from your hotel in Isabela to the passenger dock (10 minutes).

From there, you will take a short water taxi ride to reach the speedboat that will transport you to Santa Cruz Island (2 to 2.5 hours of navigation).

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz, another water taxi will take you to the passenger dock (10 minutes), followed by a short transfer to your hotel (5–10 minutes).

After settling in, you'll begin your first excursion with a visit to Las Grietas, one of the most iconic geological sites on the island. This impressive natural formation features two towering volcanic rock walls separated by a crystal-clear channel of water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding area is dotted with striking giant cacti, adding to the dramatic landscape.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. This renowned biological research center offers rich insight into the Galápagos Islands’ history, ecology, and conservation efforts.

Through a series of interpretation rooms and exhibits, you’ll learn about the islands’ evolution, native species, and environmental challenges.

One of the highlights is viewing the embalmed figure of the legendary Lonesome George, the last known individual of his species.

The station also operates a respected giant tortoise breeding center, where you can observe these iconic creatures at various stages of development, helping to ensure their survival for future generations.

Transfer to your hotel.

Free overnight on Santa Cruz Island.

Transfer from your hotel in Puerto Ayora to Itabaca Channel (45–50 minutes).

Upon arrival, you will take a shared ferry across the channel to Baltra Island (10 minutes), followed by a short shared-bus ride to the Baltra Airport (10 minutes).

Once at the airport, you will check in for your domestic flight to the mainland.

Direct flight to Quito (2 hours 30 minutes).

Upon landing in Quito, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking driver guide who will assist you with your private transfer to your hotel (45 minutes).

Check-in and installation at your hotel.

Rest of the afternoon free to take a stroll or relax.

Free evening and overnight in Quito.

At the indicated time, transfer to Quito Airport (1 hour). 

Check-in and assistance.