Highlights of Bolivia - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Welcome to Bolivia! You’ll arrive in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a city of 1.5 million inhabitants. Considered Bolivia's commercial center, it's located at a staggering 1,312 feet (400 meters) above sea level. You can relax at the hotel and go for a dip in the pool before embarking on a guided city tour in the afternoon. You'll learn about how the city was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and visit Plaza 24 de Septiembre, the central square, home to the stately Metropolitan Cathedral.

Day 2: Tour Sucre's Historic Center

This morning, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia. This is the place where early resistance movements began, seeking to overthrow the Spanish colonial government. On your guided tour of the city, you will learn about the city's role in Bolivian history and in the history of Latin America. You will visit La Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia's proclamation of independence from Spain was signed. You will also visit the Museum of Indigenous Art (ASUR), featuring textiles from the southern Andes, art by indigenous groups from the region, and original pieces by local artists.

Day 3: Walking Tour of Potosí 

After breakfast this morning, a guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a three-hour journey to the colonial city of Potosí, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you arrive, you'll go on a walking tour of the city, strolling down streets lined with colonial architecture, stopping at the artisan market and the Cathedral Basilica of Potosí, and visiting the famous National House of the Mint (Casa Nacional de la Moneda). Considered one of South America’s finest museums, it takes up a whole city block. Since its construction in the mid-18th century, the building has also served as a prison and the headquarters of the Bolivian army. 

Day 4: Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats

Today you'll transfer from Potosí to Uyuni. Enjoy a scenic journey four-hour ride across the highlands to reach the gateway to the great Uyuni Salt Flats. First, you will visit the small salt museum (which was constructed with salt!) Then you'll continue to tour the salar, or salt flat, and walk around the otherworldly Incahuasi Island. Covered in enormous cacti, it boasts amazing views of the flats. Continue onward to the salt-harvesting village of Colchani to see how the locals produce salt. Then you'll visit the famed "train cemetery" that's filled with rusting train cars once used to transport minerals and people to and from Uyuni.

Day 5: Hike Tunupa Volcano

Today, head to the community of Coquesa to begin your hike up and along the base of the Tunupa Volcano. During the excursion, you'll see colorful fields of quinoa, herds of llamas and alpacas, and spectacular views of the volcano. At the end of your hike, you will visit a chamber containing ancient mummies. Afterward, a driver will take you to the airport in Uyuni to board an evening flight to La Paz. Check into your hotel in La Paz and get some rest before exploring the city on day six.

Day 6: Free Day in La Paz

Spend the day exploring La Paz. You'll have time to explore the popular Witches' Market, where you can purchase medicinal herbs, and visit the San Francisco Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the city. You’ll see the main square, Plaza Murillo, continuing onward to the southern neighborhoods and a fascinating geological anomaly called Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) because of its bizarre, moon-like surface. End the day with a cable car ride, taking in panoramic views of La Paz.

Day 7: Depart Bolivia 

It's time to say goodbye to Bolivia! Head to the airport to catch your flight. Safe travels!

More Great 7-Day Bolivia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Bolivia? Check out these other 7-day Bolivia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.