9 Day Discover Bolivia: La Paz, Uyuni & Lake Titicaca
Discover three contrasting sides of Bolivia on a 9 day journey through La Paz, the Uyuni Salt Flats and Lake Titicaca. Explore La Paz and El Alto, cross th…
Destinations: Bolivia
Operator: La paz on foot
About this journey
This 9 day Bolivia itinerary brings together Bolivia's high altitude cities, extraordinary salt and desert landscapes, and community life around Lake Titicaca. It is designed for travellers who want to experience the country's major highlights while also spending time in a local community rather than focusing solely on conventional sightseeing. The journey begins in La Paz, with time to acclimatise before exploring the city's markets, Aymara traditions, El Alto and the colourful Challauma neighbourhood. It then moves to Uyuni for a three day journey through the Uyuni Salt Flats and the remote landscapes of South Lipez and the Eduardo Avaroa region, including Incahuasi Island, Salar de Chiguana, Laguna Colorada, Sol de Mañana, the Dalí Desert, Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. The itinerary then shifts to a very different side of Bolivia with Santiago de Okola, a peaceful fishing and farming community on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Stay with host families, learn traditional textile weaving from local women, hike to the Sleeping Dragon and experience local cooking and medicinal plant traditions. The journey finishes back in La Paz with a visit to Moon Valley before your departure. What makes this itinerary different This is the balanced La Paz + Uyuni + Lake Titicaca package. Unlike the longer Bolivia itineraries that add destinations such as Toro Toro, Santa Cruz, Madidi or Tuni Condoriri, this 9 day trip focuses on three core experiences: La Paz, the Uyuni and South Lipez landscapes, and an immersive Lake Titicaca community experience in Santiago de Okola. Trip Highlights - Allow time to acclimatise in La Paz at approximately 3,600 metres. - Explore La Paz's Witches' Market and Aymara traditions. - Travel by cable car to El Alto and explore Challauma. - Cross the enormous Uyuni Salt Flats. - Visit the Train Cemetery and Colchani. - Explore Incahuasi Island and its giant cacti. - Travel through South Lipez and its high altitude desert landscapes. - See Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca. - Watch sunrise at the Sol de Mañana geysers. - Travel through the Dalí Desert. - Stay with a local family in Santiago de Okola. - Learn traditional weaving techniques from local women. - Hike to the Sleeping Dragon overlooking Lake Titicaca. - Explore the unusual geological formations of Moon Valley.
About the location
Bolivia's landscapes change dramatically across this itinerary. La Paz sits at approximately 3,600 metres above sea level and offers a mix of urban culture, Aymara traditions and dramatic mountain scenery. The Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding South Lipez region provide a completely different environment, with enormous salt plains, high altitude deserts, colourful lagoons, volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. Around Lake Titicaca, Santiago de Okola offers a quieter and more personal experience. Rather than simply visiting the lake as a sightseeing stop, travellers stay with local families and participate in traditional weaving, cooking and community activities.