Bolivia in a Week

Bolivia in a Week

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6 Days From

$1285

$1063

Bolivia in a Week

6 Days Starting and ending in La Paz, Bolivia

Visiting: La Paz, Uyuni, Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BOLV20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1285 $1063 (USD) Operator discount: -$169 Travel Club discount: -$53 -17%

NB: Prices correct on 20-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with "Bolivia in a Week," a cultural adventure that takes you through the heart of Bolivia's most iconic landscapes and vibrant cities. Begin your exploration in La Paz, the world's highest administrative capital, where expert local guides will lead you through its bustling streets, colorful markets, and historic landmarks like the Witches Market and St. Francis Basilica. Venture to the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, a vast expanse resembling a giant salt beach, perfect for capturing unique photos. Discover the breathtaking Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, home to wild llamas, alpacas, flamingos, and stunning volcanic landscapes. Enjoy carefully selected accommodations and savor local cuisine with included meals. With all transportation within Bolivia covered, including an overnight bus journey, this tour offers a seamless and immersive experience of Bolivia's natural and cultural wonders.

Highlights

  • Uyuni: Visit the stretch of salt flats, a giant beach made from salt, perfect for quirky photos.

  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: Experience wild llamas, alpacas, flamingos, salt flats, and volcanoes.

  • La Paz: Explore the world's highest administrative capital with an expert local guide, including the Witches Market and St Francis Basilica.

  • Uyuni: Discover the Great Train Graveyard, a surreal collection of abandoned steam engines.

  • La Paz: Ride the incredible cable car system for panoramic views of the city.

  • Avaroa National Reserve: Witness hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, and flocks of flamingos in the Bolivian desert.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: La Paz

Location: La Paz

Accommodation Name: Selina La Paz (or similar)

The perfect start to your Bolivian adventure is meeting your group in the city of La Paz. Sitting in the midst of a narrow canyon and dwarfed by the mighty ice capped peak of Mount Illimani to the South, this is a city of contrasts, where 19th century churches rub shoulders with towering office blocks and pretty, colourful markets. Take your time adjusting to the altitude, then make the most of your afternoon in this hustling, cosmopolitan city.

Day 2: La Paz To Avaroa National Reserve

Location: Uyuni

Accommodation Name: Avaroa National Reserve

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we're headed to Uyuni, the official gateway to the Salar de Uyuni...more commonly known as the Bolivian Salt Flats. Excited much? You should be. To get the journey started, we'll be heading to the Great Train Graveyard, which is every bit as incredible as it sounds. Next up what you've been waiting for, the Salt Flats. Hope you've got your picture ideas ready, the possibilities are endless. We'll continue through the desert before parking up for the night. Expect some beautiful night skies out here.

Day 3: Avaroa National Reserve

Location: Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa

Accommodation Name: Avaroa National Reserve

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It's time to jump back in the 4x4 and continue through the Bolivian desert. We'll be starting a crossing through the Avaroa National Reserve. Hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, mountains, lakes and flocks of flamingos will have your head spinning 360 as you try to take it all on. Nature on steroids is probably the best description.

Day 4: Avaroa National Night Bus To La Paz

Location: La Paz

Accommodation Name: Overnight bus

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we start the journey back to Uyuni. So sit back and enjoy the views unlike anywhere else. You'll get a chance to have a look around the town and grab some dinner. Tonight we're getting on a night bus. Falling asleep in Uyuni and waking up in La Paz? There's no easier way to get across the country.

Day 5: La Paz

Location: La Paz

Accommodation Name: Selina La Paz (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's the day to soak up Bolivia one last time. See the city from above on La Paz's incredible cable car system, or use the your day to get a final taste of Bolivian delicacies - llama anyone?This afternoon, a nap may be calling your name, getting you nice and rested before your final night with your Contiki crew!

Day 6: End La Paz

Location: La Paz

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning your trip ends.  Not ready to say goodbye to South America? Why not join us on another Contiki tour with your new mates?

What's Included

  • Expert Local Guides

    Explore the world's highest (administrative) capital, La Paz, and other highlights with expert local guides.

  • Accommodations

    Stay in carefully selected accommodations throughout the tour, including Selina La Paz (or similar) and accommodations within the Avaroa National Reserve.

  • Meals

    Enjoy included meals as per itinerary, ensuring a taste of local cuisine.

  • Transportation

    All transportation within Bolivia is covered, including an overnight bus from Avaroa National Reserve to La Paz.

  • Unique Experiences

    Visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, and experience the vibrant city life of La Paz.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the start and end point are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included. Please arrange your own.

  • Personal Expenses

    All personal expenses, such as souvenirs, laundry, and additional meals/drinks, are not covered.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities mentioned are not included in the tour price and will incur additional costs.

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips for guides and drivers are not included and are at your discretion.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Culture

  • La Paz: Swoop into this small Bolivian town – the gateway to visit the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni.
  • Uyuni: This one’s pretty surreal! An array of abandoned steam engines that were left to rust are now a work of modern art.
  • Uyuni: Visit the stretch of salt flats. They’re kind of like a giant beach made from salt. And it’s an epic backdrop for some quirky pics.
  • La Paz: It’s high time we explored the world’s highest (administrative) capital! Joined by an expert local guide, we’ll check out the best sights in La Paz - get a slightly creepy gift for your BFF at the Witches Market, stand in Plaza Murillo and see the rainbow colours of Jaen Street and see the landmark St Francis Basilica.

Included Experience

  • La Paz: Swoop into this small Bolivian town – the gateway to visit the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni.
  • Uyuni: This one’s pretty surreal! An array of abandoned steam engines that were left to rust are now a work of modern art.
  • Uyuni: Visit the stretch of salt flats. They’re kind of like a giant beach made from salt. And it’s an epic backdrop for some quirky pics.
  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: Wild llamas and alpacas. Flamingos. Salt flats. Volcanos. The list of amazing things you’ll see here is endless.
  • La Paz: It’s high time we explored the world’s highest (administrative) capital! Joined by an expert local guide, we’ll check out the best sights in La Paz - get a slightly creepy gift for your BFF at the Witches Market, stand in Plaza Murillo and see the rainbow colours of Jaen Street and see the landmark St Francis Basilica.
  • La Paz: See San Francisco Church and Metropolitan Cathedral – two impressive landmarks in this lively city

Nature

  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: Wild llamas and alpacas. Flamingos. Salt flats. Volcanos. The list of amazing things you’ll see here is endless.

Mode of Transport

All transportation within Bolivia is covered, including an overnight bus from Avaroa National Reserve to La Paz.

Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected accommodations throughout the tour, including Selina La Paz (or similar) and accommodations within the Avaroa National Reserve.

FAQs

  • Lima: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
  • Sucre: What can I expect when travelling in Bolivia? Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Bolivia. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is going to look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: Which currency should I bring? You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Bolivian Bolíviano on your Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
  • Iguassu Falls: Is it customary to tip? You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill.
  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: Can I get access to an ATM when in Bolivia? Bolivia doesn’t have lots of ATMs. So you’re better off carrying cash wherever possible. We also recommend bringing USD and then exchanging those during the tour.
  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: What should I pack for my trip? You can buy a lot of things for an affordable price once you arrive. But we’d suggest you bring:  • Summer clothes: shorts and lightweight tops essential for keeping cool. • Warm overcoat: there’ll be colder parts of your trip, even in summertime. • Good walking socks & shoes: keep comfy on any terrain. • Sturdy backpack: one you don’t mind getting dusty too!  Weather in the salt flats of Uyuni is unpredictable. So it’s a good idea to bring the following along too:  - Bandanas for the wind - Sunscreen - Hats, sunglasses - Light rain gear - Walking shoes for hiking & flip-flops & or water shoes - Towel - Light jacket/zip off pants - Binoculars - First aid & medication - aloe vera gel, insect repellent, hand sanitiser or gel, moisturising cream, pain relief (e.g. aspirin etc for headaches or muscle pain) and motion sickness medication.
  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: What is the weather like in Bolivia? Bolivia’s climate varies by altitude. The lowlands are hot year-round - equatorial in the north and tropical with a longer dry season in the south. The Andean peaks are colder and arid. Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere, with a dry winter (May- October) and a rainy summer (November - March).
  • Iguassu Falls: Is tap water safe to drink? Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip.
  • Do I need a visa to travel to Bolivia? Your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship. Check out our handy?guide to visas?for all the info.
  • Iguassu Falls: How much luggage can I bring? You can bring 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase or backpack per person.  Internal flights are included in this trip (your Trip Manager will have your tickets ready for you). Each traveller is allowed 1 checked bag & 1 carry-on bag/personal item (eg: small backpack/handbag or laptop bag). Our suitcase restriction above means that the checked bag will be within the limitation for this flight. The carry-on bag must not exceed 114 cm (45”). Extra or overweight bags will incur a fee by the airline which is the traveller’s responsibility. Fees range from US$25.00-US$100.00.
  • Iguassu Falls: What is the role of the Trip Manager? Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you'll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant.
  • La Paz: Is there any trip specific information I need to know? Contiki sometimes uses ground handlers or third parties to assist with the full or partial operation of our products. The ground handler for this trip is Encounter Latin America.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included during the tour?

    All transportation within Bolivia is covered, including an overnight bus from Avaroa National Reserve to La Paz.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary, ensuring a taste of local cuisine.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in carefully selected accommodations throughout the tour, including Selina La Paz (or similar) and accommodations within the Avaroa National Reserve.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, you will explore La Paz and other highlights with expert local guides.

  • What unique experiences are part of this tour?

    The tour includes visits to the Uyuni Salt Flats, Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, and experiencing the vibrant city life of La Paz.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included. You will need to arrange your own.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights to and from the start and end point are not included.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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$1285 $1063 (USD)

Operator discount: -$169 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$53 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$169 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$169 (USD)

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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