What to do in 15 days in Bolivia
Visiting Bolivia in 2 weeks
This is a difficult question, but one that travelers often ask. What itinerary and what to see for a two-week vacation in Bolivia.
A trip to Bolivia is a unique experience. With its varied landscapes, rich culture and welcoming people, Bolivia is a destination of choice for travelers eager for adventure and discovery. However, with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start.
For those looking for the best tour for a trip to Bolivia, there are several options to consider. Depending on individual interests and preferences, it's possible to discover the wonders of nature, historical and cultural sites, or local culinary traditions. Whatever the choice, a trip to Bolivia promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Discover our 15-day itinerary ideas:
Essential Bolivia (from La Paz, the must-sees)
Bolivian peoples and cultures (with the Jesuit missions)
Bolivia the great outdoors (4x4 expedition)
Bolivia is a destination of choice for travellers looking to explore a unique culture and diverse landscapes. It's also a little-known destination, a trip off the beaten track.
What are the highlights of a 15-day trip to Bolivia?
Bolivia is a South American country offering a variety of landscapes and cultures to discover. For a complete trip, here's a recommended itinerary to discover Bolivia's must-sees.
1st stop: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Bolivia's economic capital and a modern city. Not necessarily the highlight of a trip to Bolivia, but this is where international flights arrive from Europe. So it's a convenient stopover at the beginning or end of your trip.
The visit itself doesn't require much time.
Plaza 24 de Septiembre is the heart of the city. It's a lively square surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Municipal Palace and other colonial buildings. The city is full of excellent restaurants. It's also a good place to rest at the end of your tour, as the climate is very pleasant.
The Biocentro Güembé park, for example, is an oasis of coolness that we recommend.
Santa Cruz is also the starting point for many excursions, and it's easy to visit parts of the Amazon, including Amboró Park, the Jesuit missions and the Samaipata region. Each of these excursions takes between 2 and 4 days.
2nd stage : Sucre and Potosi
The two cities go together on your trip.
Sucre has a very well served airport, while Potosi does not.
Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia. It is a colonial city with bewitching charms. Nicknamed the "white city" because of its immaculate buildings, Sucre is a true architectural gem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located at an altitude of 2800m, the climate is very pleasant. The city is on a human scale, and most of its journeys can be made on foot.
It's also an important stopover for acclimatizing to the altitude, as the rest of your trip will take you above 3500m.
Don't miss the Plaza 25 de Mayo, Sucre's central square surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Casa de la Libertad (where Bolivia's independence was signed) and other historic buildings.
You can also visit the Recoleta convent, which dominates the city.
If your trip falls on a Sunday in Sucre, plan a day to visit the Tarabuco market. Located about an hour and a half's drive from Sucre, it's a traditional market known for its textiles.
Potosí is a colonial town in the Andes. It is famous for its silver mines and Baroque architecture.
We usually suggest spending two half-days there, on the road between Sucre and Uyuni.
This allows for two different visits.
Half a day can be devoted to visiting the town. In particular, you can visit the Casa de la Moneda, certainly the most beautiful museum in Bolivia.
The Church of San Francisco is also worth a visit.
The second half-day is devoted to a visit to the Cerro Rico mines, to learn more about the city's history.
Finally, for street art fans, the artist INVADER created 53 original mosaics throughout the city in 2022. It's the perfect opportunity to embark on a modern-day treasure hunt through Potosi!
Stage 3 Salar d'Uyuni and the Lipez deserts
The Salar d'Uyuni and the Lipez deserts are spectacular destinations in south-western Bolivia, close to the border with Chile. Here's what you can explore in this fascinating region:
Salar d'Uyuni: The world's largest salt desert, is a dazzling expanse of white salt that offers unreal and magnificent scenery. Visitors can admire the vast expanses of salt, as well as the unique salt hotels built on site.
Incahuasi Island: Located in the middle of the Salar d'Uyuni, this rocky island is covered with giant cacti that offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding salar.
The train cemetery: Not far from the town of Uyuni, this cemetery of abandoned trains offers a fascinating insight into the region's industrial history.
Colorful lagoons: The Lipez deserts are home to several colorful lagoons, including Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde. These lagoons derive their brilliant colors from the minerals in the water, and offer breathtaking scenery.
Flamingos: The region's lagoons are often home to colonies of pink flamingos, offering visitors the chance to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
Sol de Mañana geysers: These bubbling, steaming geysers are another major attraction of the Lipez deserts. Visitors can observe steam jets and mud pots in this striking geothermal landscape.
Dali and Arbol de Piedra rock formations: These strange, sculptural rock formations offer unique photographic opportunities and seem almost out of a surrealist painting.
Exploring the Salar d'Uyuni and Lipez deserts offers an unforgettable experience of spectacular natural scenery and rugged beauty.
The trip is by 4x4 only. Allow 3 or 4 days for this tour.
The journey can be demanding, as the tracks are sometimes in poor condition and the route lies at altitudes of between 3800 and 5000m. It's a real expedition to the end of the world!
Stage 4: La Paz and surrounding area
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia. Yes, if you followed correctly, there are three capitals in Bolivia! To begin your discovery, you can visit the city's historic center, Plaza Murillo and La Paz Cathedral.
The witches' market is also a must-see in La Paz, where you can discover traditional products such as medicinal herbs, potions and amulets.
Next, you can head to the Valley of the Moon to admire the strange rock formations sculpted by nature.
Finally, a trip by cable car, the new public transport system, offers magnificent views from the heights.
A full day is needed to discover this astonishing city, both modern and traditional.
And don't forget the Tiwanaku site. This pre-Columbian archaeological site, built by the civilization of the same name, is one of the most important in the country.
It can be visited on the road between La Paz and Lake Titicaca.
Stage 6: Titicaca Lake
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and a must-see destination in Bolivia. Split in two with Peru, Lake Titicaca offers slightly different views.
On the Bolivian side, Isla del Sol is legendary for being the birthplace of the first couple of the Inca Empire. You can walk the island's trails, visit Inca ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
It's also possible to stay overnight. We also offer homestay experiences in the area around the lake.
Bonus: The Amazon jungle
Bolivia also boasts part of the Amazon rainforest, offering incredible biodiversity and a unique wilderness experience. You can visit Madidi National Park, Lake Chalalán and the village of Rurrenabaque to discover the jungle's flora and fauna.
By following this recommended itinerary, you can discover the wonders of Bolivia and learn more about its culture and history.
Let's talk money: what's the budget for a 15-day stay in Bolivia?
That depends, of course! Your budget will vary greatly depending on the stages you choose (jungle or no jungle?), the range of hotels you choose (standard or luxury?), the services you require (French-speaking guides or not), and the "extras" you allow yourself (an exceptional train?)...
But as a general rule, apart from your international airfares, 15 days in Bolivia on a two-person basis, for a couple for example, comes to :
30/50 Euros per day for a backpacker-style trip, but without the help of our invaluable services.
80/100 US$ per day for a simple trip with our organization
120/150 US$ per day for a mixed trip combining group and private excursions
200 US$ per day for an all-private trip with guides and drivers just for you, and comfortable accommodation
500 US$ per day for a very comfortable trip with quality accommodation
Or for a two-week trip to Bolivia:
1500 US$ for a single trip
2000 US$ for a mixed trip with a little more comfort
2500 US$ for a comfortable trip
This budget includes transport, accommodation, guided tours and entrance fees.
Of course, this is simply an idea of a budget that depends on many parameters throughout your stay.
These proposals are, of course, only ideas, as all our tours can be customized to suit your needs. Contact us and be co-creators of your trip!
