The perfect 3 week Bolivia itinerary
Bolivia has to be my favourite country in South America – ahem, I mean one of my favourites. It’s the most traditional country I have visited and the most authentic, with a lot to celebrate about it.
However, there’s a lot to see. Therefore, after my visit in March 2023 I figured I would share with you what I consider the perfect Bolivia itinerary. It’s three weeks long and hits all of the highlights, with time to explore the Uyuni salt flats (Salar de Uyuni), Lake Titicaca, and the capital city of La Paz, alongside a couple of other places.
Why three weeks?
Many people come to Bolivia solely to visit Salar de Uyuni and La Paz. They’ll cross through from the Atacama Desert in Chile, visit the salt flats, take the overnight bus to La Paz, then fly out or travel overland into Peru.
I have nothing against this; the Atacama Desert and Cusco are the big draws for tourists, so if you have limited time it makes sense to pass quickly through Bolivia, ticking off the must-sees, and spend more time elsewhere.
However, there’s a lot more to Bolivia than just the salt flats. There are colonial white-washed cities, rising mountains, bustling markets and green valleys.
When including ample time to explore each place, plus travel time (which, given the size of the country, can add up), I think two weeks isn’t quite enough time to do the whole country justice. Therefore, three weeks for me is the perfect amount of time to experience all sides of Bolivia.
What if you can’t spend three weeks in Bolivia?
I’d suggest cutting out a couple of destinations to make sure you don’t have to rush, reducing travel times. My suggested places to remove would be Potosí, Cochabamba and Torotoro.
What if you have more than three weeks in Bolivia?
Even better! You can check out some of the off-the-beaten-track attractions at each place – I’ve listed some suggestions within the itinerary. Alternatively, add on a couple of destinations, such as Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia’s largest city, or the jungle within Madidi National Park.
What I have (and haven’t) included in the itinerary
I’ve based this itinerary off what I did on my trip to Bolivia. The travel times and destinations are all based on my own experiences of the country. Where I wish I had more time, I’ve added this in; and similarly, I’ve reduced the amount of time for some places, to make the itinerary more convenient and enjoyable to future travellers.
Most notably, I haven’t included Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia’s largest city. I didn’t visit Santa Cruz as it is in the lowlands and is quite far from the Andes, where most of Bolivia’s main attractions are located. Also, during my visit there was a dengue outbreak in Santa Cruz, which put me off. However, it appears to be one of the most modern cities in Bolivia and I imagine it would present an interesting contrast to the rest of the country.
I also haven’t included the Amazon Rainforest in the north of the country, as I visited this in Ecuador instead. Bolivia is one of the cheapest places to visit the Amazon and would make for a more wild experience compared to other countries. I loved my trip to the Amazon and would recommend visiting it if you have the chance!
A summary of the itinerary
Don’t have time to read the rest of this article? I’ve summarised the suggested itinerary below so you can glance it all together.
- Days 1-4: La Paz (4 nights)
- Days 5-7: Lake Titicaca (3 nights)
- Days 8-9: Cochabamba (2 nights)
- Days 10-12: Torotoro National Park (3 nights)
- Days 13-15: Sucre (3 nights)
- Days 16-17: Potosí (2 nights)
- Days 18-20: Uyuni
- Day 21: return to La Paz or continue through to San Pedro de Atacama
Days 1-4: La Paz
If you’re flying into the country, then, most likely, your first stop will be La Paz, which has international flights from Bogota, Santiago and Sao Paulo. You might also come in from Santa Cruz – as Bolivia’s biggest city, this receives international flights from Madrid as well.
La Paz is one of Bolivia’s two capitals and its most visited city. However, it’s also the highest capital in the world at 3600 m above sea level, so you could feel the effects of the altitude and lower oxygen levels. You might feel more fatigued and could also feel a bit ill (light headed etc), which is completely normal but a bit annoying!
Unless you’ve travelled overland from Peru, to get adjusted to the altitude, I’d recommend spending a couple of days acclimatising in La Paz. There are plenty of amazing places to visit at higher altitude around La Paz, but hold off from doing these until you’ve been at altitude for a few days.
What can you do in La Paz?
Whilst in La Paz, you could:
- Take a walking tour
- Visit the witches market
- Take the teleférico around the city
- Shop for souvenirs
When you’re rested, you could consider taking a day trip to the infamous Death Road or Valle de la Luna.
Have even more time in La Paz? Take a look at climbing Hauyna Potosi, a 6000 m high mountain. Just a word of warning: almost all the backpackers we met who attempted this didn’t make it up due to altitude sickness.
Days 5-7: Lake Titicaca
The morning of your fifth day, take a bus to Copacabana, the largest town on Bolivia’s side of Lake Titicaca, which it also shares with Peru.
As the world’s highest navigable lake and one of the continent’s largest, Lake Titicaca feels like a sea more than a lake – I have never seen a lake as choppy as this one! It’s well worth taking a couple of days to take in the sight.
I’d suggest you spend one night in Copacabana and one night on Isla del Sol, an island around 2 hours’ boat ride away. Isla del Sol is a traditional island without cars or chain businesses, and it has to be one of the most tranquil places I’ve ever visited.
What can you do at Copacabana?
Here are some things you should check out when visiting Lake Titicaca:
- Take a trip to the Floating Islands, where you can eat trout that has been caught right in front of you
- Hike up Cerro Calvario for amazing views over Copacabana
- Visit the church in Copacabana
What can you do in Isla del Sol?
When on Isla del Sol, there aren’t masses of things to do. I’d recommend hiking across the island and visiting the Incan temples and ruins you see on the way.
Have more time to spend around Lake Titicaca? I’d recommend relaxing on Isla del Sol for a couple more days. If you’re like me, you won’t want to leave…
A note on Lake Titicaca if you’re travelling overland from Peru
If you’re travelling from Peru, you’ll cross the border at Lake Titicaca, coming from Puno. In this case, it makes most sense to begin your trip through Bolivia at Copacabana – just visit La Paz afterwards! You’ll be adjusted to the altitude which means you can start exploring from day one.
Day 8-9: Cochabamba
On the afternoon of your final day at Lake Titicaca, take the bus back to La Paz and then the overnight bus to Cochabamba. It takes around 7 hours, so either take a late bus (midnight onwards) or make your accommodation aware you will be arriving in the night.
Cochabamba is one of Bolivia’s largest and most modern cities. Whilst it could be skipped if you are pressed for time, I’d recommend at least one night here; in this itinerary, I’ve added two. That way, you can see the more modern side to Bolivia’s evolution, which contrasts against the more traditional cities and rural areas you’ll see elsewhere.
Cochabamba is the only place where you can get public transport to Torotoro National Park, so if you head there, you’ll need to come to this city first. You may as well explore it whilst you’re there!
What can you do in Cochabamba?
Whilst you’re in Cochabamba:
- Visit Cristo de la Concordia, the world’s tallest Christ the redeemer statue
- Explore La Cancha, one of South America’s largest markets
- Walk around the centre and look at the pretty churches
- Sit in Plaza 14 de Septiembre
Day 10-12: Torotoro National Park
The morning you leave Cochabamba, take a colectivo to Torotoro. The journey takes 4 hours and can be a bit bumpy; you’ve been warned!
Torotoro is the gateway to – you guessed it – Torotoro National Park, Bolivia’s smallest national park, which is known for being the home of a great number of dinosaur footprints. Here, you’ll find stunning scenery and caves to explore, as well as impressive geology if you’re into that sort of thing.
You only need two full days to visit the main site, but prepare for a slightly hectic schedule. I’d suggest staying for three nights in Torotoro so that you can fit all your chosen activities comfortably into the schedule.
What can you do in Torotoro National Park?
When in Torotoro, here are some of the possible activities:
- Head underground in the Caverna de Umajalanta
- Shower underneath El Vergel, a waterfall in a canyon near the town
- View the rock formations and caves at the Ciudad de Itas
Read more: Torotoro National Park visitors’ guide
Day 13-15: Sucre
Once you’re done in Torotoro National Park, I’d suggest heading back on the colectivo to Cochabamba, then taking an overnight bus to Sucre. As with buses to La Paz, the bus to Sucre takes 6 to 7 hours, so make sure you plan for what time you’ll arrive in the city.
Alongside La Paz, Sucre is one of Bolivia’s capitals. It feels safe and the architecture is stunning; it’s therefore no surprise it was my favourite Bolivian city to explore.
There are several attractions to explore in Sucre, so I’d suggest staying for three nights. However, two nights will give you time to see all the highlights.
If you’re looking to take some Spanish classes whilst in Bolivia, Sucre is a great option. We spent a week taking lessons here and thought that the city was perfectly balanced for studying and exploring.
What can you do in Sucre?
When in Sucre, why not:
- Visit Convento de San Felipe Neri, a white-washed convent in the centre
- Watch the sunset from La Recoleta viewpoint
- View dinosaur footprints at Cal Orck’o
- Stock up on Bolivian chocolate
Have extra time in Sucre? One option is to head on a day or overnight trip to the Maragua Crater.
Read more: how to visit Sucre
Day 16-17: Potosí
On your final day in Sucre, take a bus to Potosí; the journey takes around 4 hours.
Potosí is such an interesting city with incredible history. Once one of the world’s richest cities due to its silver mine, Potosí is now Bolivia’s poorest region and yet also its most polarised. Life still revolves around the mine – even though the silver is long gone – and this is evident in the city’s heritage and culture.
What I loved about my time here was how authentic it felt compared to other places. Whilst generally Bolivia is less touristy compared to other South American countries, Potosí takes this to the next level. In the two days I spent here, I saw maybe ten other white tourists – and most of those were on the walking tour I took!
I’d suggest spending two nights in Potosí to give yourself a chance to see all the highlights. Many people skip this city and go straight to Uyuni, but I really would recommend giving it a chance.
What can you do in Potosí?
When in Potosi:
- Many people choose to visit the Cerro Rico mine. I visited during carnival, when the mine was closed, so I didn’t make it here; either way, I have read conflicting information about the ethics. However, for those who are interested, it would be an eye-opening visit, and I can imagine that it would help you to understand the culture of the city.
- Head to the Central Market
- Learn about Potosí’s history at Casa Nacional de la Moneda
Days 18-20: Uyuni
Once done in Potosí, head on another bus for four hours to reach Uyuni, the town on the edge of the salt flat.
I didn’t like Uyuni – in fact, due to Carnival being on, I didn’t explore it at all. However, at least one night here is a necessary evil to visit the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. My visit was incredible and it’s something I’ll never forget.
You have several ways to experience the Salar de Uyuni:
- Day trips onto the salt flat via a 4×4 vehicle
- Overnight stays in salt hotels
- Nighttime stargazing tours
- Multi-day trips into the surrounding land
Day trips are probably best if you’re on a tight schedule, but I would otherwise recommend what I did: a multi-day trip through Salar de Uyuni, heading into the neighbouring Eduardo Avaroa National Park. What appeals is entirely down to you.
Even if you don’t do a multi-day trip, I’d recommend leaving some time to take a day trip into the surrounding land, as the scenery is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The Eduardo Avaroa National Park is home to thermal springs, flamingo lagoons and geysers amongst other beautiful sights, and I loved visiting it as much as I did the salt flats.
Day 21: leaving Bolivia
On your last day, it’s time to leave Bolivia.
If you are flying out of the country, you’ll need to return to La Paz. The easiest way to achieve this is via an overnight bus from Uyuni to La Paz; then you can fly out the next day.
Alternatively, you can take a bus or multi-day tour across the mountains, towards San Pedro de Atacama and Calama in Chile. The Atacama desert is full of amazing sights and is well worth a visit in its own right.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to do and see in Bolivia, and I loved my trip through the country. I’d definitely recommend visiting to experience the indigenous culture and witness the stunning landscapes.
I hope this itinerary provides some inspiration for planning your own visit!
Is there anywhere else you’d add to this itinerary? What would you miss off? Let me know in the comments.
Not sure whether a visit to Bolivia is worth it in the first place? Check out my list of 12 reasons to visit Bolivia… and 13 reasons to give it a skip!
