📍 Bolivia

BOLIVIA ALTIPLANO: SACRED LAKES AND RED LAGOON WONDERS

Sacred lakes shimmer at altitude, red lagoons glow with minerals, salt flats stretch to infinity. The Bolivian altiplano is spirituality in its purest form.

≈ 16
Days
2098
Km
6
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Visit Copacabana and Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, discover La Paz perched in the clouds, cross Uyuni salt flat and admire Laguna Colorada's pink flamingos. The Bolivian altiplano is sacred ground.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Copacabana

lake shore sacred tradition

🔍

Discover

1
Arrival in Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca, walk along the lakefront and visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana.
🎯

Activities

Short cruise on Lake Titicaca and observation of the snow-capped mountains of the Royal Cordillera.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22.5 km
Travel time: 45min
2
Day

Isla Del Sol

inca ruin spiritual island

🔍

Discover

1
Ferry crossing to Isla del Sol and visit to the Inca archaeological site of Pilkokaina.
2
Panoramic hike in the south of the island, between Yumani and the Sacred Rock site.
🎯

Activities

Sunset over the lake from the heights of Yumani.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15 km
Travel time: 1h
3
Day

Isla Del Sol

inca ruin spiritual island

🔍

Discover

1
Free exploration of the south of the island and the Inca agricultural terraces.
🎯

Activities

Walk along the coastal paths and stop in the hamlet of Pachamama.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160.2 km
Travel time: 2h
4
Day

La Paz

salt flat white desert

🔍

Discover

1
Return by boat to Copacabana then bus journey to La Paz through the Andes.
🎯

Activities

Discovery of the Killi Killi viewpoint and first immersion in downtown La Paz.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 155 km
Travel time: 4h
5
Day

La Paz

salt flat white desert

🔍

Discover

1
Guided tour of the historic center with San Pedro prison, the witches' market and San Francisco church.
🎯

Activities

Observation of the urban cable car Mi Teleférico connecting El Alto to La Paz.
Cholitas Wrestling show, the traditional Bolivian female wrestlers.
6
Day

La Paz

salt flat white desert

🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to the Valley of the Moon, spectacular geological formations 10 km from downtown.
🎯

Activities

Option: bicycle descent of the Yungas road, nicknamed 'the death road'
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15 km
Travel time: 30min
7
Day

Uyuni

pink salt mine work

🔍

Discover

1
Bus or plane journey from La Paz to Uyuni, crossing the Altiplano.
🎯

Activities

Walk through Uyuni and visit to the train cemetery, remnant of the mining railway past.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 540 km
Travel time: 8h
8
Day

Colchani

red mineral flamingo lake

🔍

Discover

1
Departure for the 3-day 4x4 circuit in the Salar de Uyuni. Discovery of the immense salt expanse and visit to Incahuasi cactus island.
🎯

Activities

Sunset over the Salar with mirror effects on the water.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 2h30
9
Day

Laguna Colorada

red mineral flamingo lake

🔍

Discover

1
Crossing of the Siloli desert and observation of the Arbol de Piedra, emblematic rock formation.
2
Visit to Laguna Colorada and its flamingo colonies.
🎯

Activities

Photo stops in the landscapes of southern Lipez, close to 5000 m altitude.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 200 km
Travel time: 5h
10
Day

Uyuni

pink salt mine work

🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Sol de Mañana geysers and bathing in the hot springs of Polques.
🎯

Activities

Return to Uyuni through the Dali desert and Laguna Verde.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 350 km
Travel time: 7h
11
Day

La Paz

salt flat white desert

🔍

Discover

1
Return flight from Uyuni to La Paz and free day to stroll on Mariscal Santa Cruz Avenue.
🎯

Activities

Purchase of local crafts at Sagarnaga market and tasting of Andean dishes.
Cultural evening with traditional Andean music.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 540 km
Travel time: 10h
12
Day

La Paz

salt flat white desert

🔍

Discover

1
Final visit to the national art museum and Monticulo viewpoint for a view of the Andes.
🎯

Activities

Cultural evening with traditional Andean music.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (May-October): Best weather overall, minimal rainfall, clearer skies, ideal for Salar de Uyuni, peak tourist season.

Wet Season (November-April): Heavy rains, challenging road conditions, Salar de Uyuni becomes mirror-like, lush landscapes, fewer tourists.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, October-November): Good weather transitions, moderate crowds, reasonable prices, excellent for most activities.

High Altitude Considerations: La Paz and Altiplano best visited during dry season, less altitude sickness risk with clear weather.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 13 and 19 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Bolivia?

World's highest capital and salt flats create otherworldly landscapes alongside ancient Incan heritage. Experience authentic indigenous culture in dramatic Andean settings with incredible value for money. Lake Titicaca's floating islands and death road adventures thrill visitors. Bolivia offers authentic South American experiences with stunning natural phenomena.