
Bolivia
Bolivia - Trekking in the heart of South America
Bolivia - Trekking in the heart of South America
Duration
22 days
Start/End
Holy Cross
Tour type
Group
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Hotel, guesthouse, lodge, mountain hut
Overview
You start in Santa Cruz in the Amboró cloud forest, visit the Inca fortress of El Fuerte, hike to canyons and dinosaur tracks in Torotoro National Park and climb Pico Tunari (5,035 m). Then on via La Paz to Lake Titicaca and summits in the Andes – for very good fitness.
On this Bolivian adventure, you'll experience intense moments in nature and the Andes, from Amboró National Park to the highlands of the Altiplano. You'll begin in Santa Cruz and immerse yourself in the cloud forests, sandstone cliffs, and biodiversity of Amboró before discovering panoramic views, waterfalls, and the Inca fortress of El Fuerte near Samaipata. In Cochabamba, you'll gain your first elevation, hiking through canyons and past dinosaur footprints in Torotoro National Park, before climbing the panoramic peak of Pico Tunari. The journey continues to La Paz, where you'll enjoy a city walk and cable car views, then on to Lake Titicaca and the Isla del Sol (Sun Island) with its sweeping vistas. In the Cordillera Real, you'll hike to mountain lakes in the Condoriri massif and ascend Pico Austria. The route then takes you south: to Uyuni on the endless Salar de Uyuni, to the colorful volcanic landscape around Tunupa, and on to the desert and lagoon world of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. The highlight is the ascent of the 6,000-meter peak Uturuncu, before flamingo lagoons, rocky deserts, and the train cemetery of Uyuni complete the tour. Finally, you relax in Santa Cruz before heading back home.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Flight to Santa Cruz
You fly to Santa Cruz de la Sierra and arrive early in the morning of day 2.
Flight to Santa Cruz
Day 1
You fly to Santa Cruz de la Sierra and arrive early in the morning of day 2.
Day 2
Santa Cruz and Amboró National Park
Hotel, lunch, dinner
Hike: easy, approx. 2-3 hours.
Travel time approx. 2-3 hours.
We'll continue directly to Amboró National Park, our first stop on this journey. There, you'll check into a small, idyllic refuge that will be your home for the next few nights. The lodge is located in the southern part of the park, where diverse ecosystems converge: the Amazon lowlands, the Brazilian Shield, the Gran Chaco, and the cloud forests of the Andes. This diversity makes the region a fascinating destination for birdwatchers and all nature lovers. On your first hike, you'll explore the mysterious cloud forests and get a taste of Bolivia's unique biodiversity.
Santa Cruz and Amboró National Park
Day 2
Hotel, lunch, dinner
Hike: easy, approx. 2-3 hours.
Travel time approx. 2-3 hours.
We'll continue directly to Amboró National Park, our first stop on this journey. There, you'll check into a small, idyllic refuge that will be your home for the next few nights. The lodge is located in the southern part of the park, where diverse ecosystems converge: the Amazon lowlands, the Brazilian Shield, the Gran Chaco, and the cloud forests of the Andes. This diversity makes the region a fascinating destination for birdwatchers and all nature lovers. On your first hike, you'll explore the mysterious cloud forests and get a taste of Bolivia's unique biodiversity.
Day 3
Amboro National Park
Hotel, full board
Hike: easy to moderate, approx. 7 hours, 12 km, +/- 400 m elevation gain
Today, a hike along narrow paths and across small streams will take you deep into the tropical rainforest. Beside you, sandstone cliffs rise several hundred meters high as you traverse the approximately 4,500 km² national park. This will give you a first impression of Bolivia's immense biodiversity.
Amboro National Park
Day 3
Hotel, full board
Hike: easy to moderate, approx. 7 hours, 12 km, +/- 400 m elevation gain
Today, a hike along narrow paths and across small streams will take you deep into the tropical rainforest. Beside you, sandstone cliffs rise several hundred meters high as you traverse the approximately 4,500 km² national park. This will give you a first impression of Bolivia's immense biodiversity.
Day 4
Samaipata
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: easy to moderate, approx. 5 hours, +200/-450 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 2 hours, 50 km
In the morning, you'll say goodbye to our little refuge and set off for Samaipata. Along the way, you'll stop for a hiking break at the "Codo de los Andes." At an altitude of about 1,700 meters, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you: deep gorges, verdant forests, and jagged mountain peaks stretch out before you. The return journey takes you through a picturesque valley with waterfalls and natural swimming spots – a perfect end to this excursion. Upon arriving in Samaipata, you will receive a warm welcome from a German expat in his cozy country house. Afterwards, you will have time to explore this charming town on your own.
Samaipata
Day 4
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: easy to moderate, approx. 5 hours, +200/-450 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 2 hours, 50 km
In the morning, you'll say goodbye to our little refuge and set off for Samaipata. Along the way, you'll stop for a hiking break at the "Codo de los Andes." At an altitude of about 1,700 meters, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you: deep gorges, verdant forests, and jagged mountain peaks stretch out before you. The return journey takes you through a picturesque valley with waterfalls and natural swimming spots – a perfect end to this excursion. Upon arriving in Samaipata, you will receive a warm welcome from a German expat in his cozy country house. Afterwards, you will have time to explore this charming town on your own.
Day 5
Inca fortress and flight to Cochabamba
Hotel, breakfast
Hike: easy, approx. 1-2 hours.
Travel time approx. 3-4 hours.
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Fuerte (1,900 m) immerses you in the history of this unique ruin complex. It likely served as a religious and administrative center for pre-Columbian cultures even before the arrival of the Inca. The historical significance of the rock is impressive, as is the sweeping view across to Amboró National Park. In the afternoon, you'll return to Santa Cruz, from where you'll fly to Cochabamba (2,550 m) – the city that is home to the largest Christ the Redeemer statue in South America.
Inca fortress and flight to Cochabamba
Day 5
Hotel, breakfast
Hike: easy, approx. 1-2 hours.
Travel time approx. 3-4 hours.
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Fuerte (1,900 m) immerses you in the history of this unique ruin complex. It likely served as a religious and administrative center for pre-Columbian cultures even before the arrival of the Inca. The historical significance of the rock is impressive, as is the sweeping view across to Amboró National Park. In the afternoon, you'll return to Santa Cruz, from where you'll fly to Cochabamba (2,550 m) – the city that is home to the largest Christ the Redeemer statue in South America.
Day 6
Cochabamba - Torotoro
Hotel, breakfast, dinner
Travel time approx. 4-5 hours.
In Latin America, visiting markets is always an experience – here you'll find not only fresh produce, but also all sorts of things you might need, or perhaps not. Start your day with a magnificent panoramic view of South America's largest Christ statue and a stroll through Cochabamba's colonial center. Afterwards, you leave the hustle and bustle behind and continue to the small colonial village of Tarata, where you'll sample regional specialties for lunch. The route then takes you through secluded natural paradises along the Río Caine to the starting point of your trek. Even during the drive, you'll be treated to impressive views of the canyon. You'll spend the night in Torotoro.
Cochabamba - Torotoro
Day 6
Hotel, breakfast, dinner
Travel time approx. 4-5 hours.
In Latin America, visiting markets is always an experience – here you'll find not only fresh produce, but also all sorts of things you might need, or perhaps not. Start your day with a magnificent panoramic view of South America's largest Christ statue and a stroll through Cochabamba's colonial center. Afterwards, you leave the hustle and bustle behind and continue to the small colonial village of Tarata, where you'll sample regional specialties for lunch. The route then takes you through secluded natural paradises along the Río Caine to the starting point of your trek. Even during the drive, you'll be treated to impressive views of the canyon. You'll spend the night in Torotoro.
Day 7
Trekking in Torotoro National Park
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy to moderate, approx. 4 hours, +/- 200 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 2 hours
Torotoro National Park may be Bolivia's smallest, but it feels like a giant adventure playground – full of fossilized dinosaur footprints and mysterious rock paintings. A labyrinth of red sandstone cliffs leads you to the impressive formations of Ciudad Itas. The highlight is an open-topped cave that resembles a natural cathedral. From a viewpoint, you can enjoy an unforgettable view across the entire national park, all the way down to the Río Caine valley with its deep side canyons. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a condor, the world's largest bird, circling overhead. On the way back, you'll discover more rock slabs with well-preserved dinosaur footprints – a fascinating journey into a bygone era.
Trekking in Torotoro National Park
Day 7
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy to moderate, approx. 4 hours, +/- 200 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 2 hours
Torotoro National Park may be Bolivia's smallest, but it feels like a giant adventure playground – full of fossilized dinosaur footprints and mysterious rock paintings. A labyrinth of red sandstone cliffs leads you to the impressive formations of Ciudad Itas. The highlight is an open-topped cave that resembles a natural cathedral. From a viewpoint, you can enjoy an unforgettable view across the entire national park, all the way down to the Río Caine valley with its deep side canyons. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a condor, the world's largest bird, circling overhead. On the way back, you'll discover more rock slabs with well-preserved dinosaur footprints – a fascinating journey into a bygone era.
Day 8
Trekking in the Toro Toro Canyon
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: Moderate, 4 hours, +/- 400 m
On your hike to the impressive Torotoro Canyon, you'll cross natural stone bridges and encounter more fascinating dinosaur footprints – including those of a 36-meter-long Titanosaurus. From a viewpoint, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view into the depths of the canyon. With a bit of luck, you might spot the endemic, and sadly endangered, red-eared macaw. Descending into the canyon, you'll reach El Vergel Waterfalls: crystal-clear water, springing from underground caves, cascades picturesquely over moss-covered rocks, transforming the area into a green oasis with natural pools. In the afternoon, you'll return to Cochabamba.
Trekking in the Toro Toro Canyon
Day 8
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: Moderate, 4 hours, +/- 400 m
On your hike to the impressive Torotoro Canyon, you'll cross natural stone bridges and encounter more fascinating dinosaur footprints – including those of a 36-meter-long Titanosaurus. From a viewpoint, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view into the depths of the canyon. With a bit of luck, you might spot the endemic, and sadly endangered, red-eared macaw. Descending into the canyon, you'll reach El Vergel Waterfalls: crystal-clear water, springing from underground caves, cascades picturesquely over moss-covered rocks, transforming the area into a green oasis with natural pools. In the afternoon, you'll return to Cochabamba.
Day 9
Summit ascent of Pico Tunari (5,035 m)
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy to moderate, 5 hours, +/- 750 m
Travel time: approx. 4 hours
A paved road leads you up into the remote Cordillera Tunari. On the shores of the mountain lake Laguna Macho, at an altitude of 4,300 meters, you begin your ascent to the highest mountain in central Bolivia. The circular route, including the summit climb, takes you through an impressive high-alpine landscape and rewards you with unforgettable panoramic views: across the Cochabamba valley, the rugged Tunari mountains, and all the way to the majestic Cordillera Real. In the afternoon, you return to the valley and spend the night as before.
Summit ascent of Pico Tunari (5,035 m)
Day 9
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy to moderate, 5 hours, +/- 750 m
Travel time: approx. 4 hours
A paved road leads you up into the remote Cordillera Tunari. On the shores of the mountain lake Laguna Macho, at an altitude of 4,300 meters, you begin your ascent to the highest mountain in central Bolivia. The circular route, including the summit climb, takes you through an impressive high-alpine landscape and rewards you with unforgettable panoramic views: across the Cochabamba valley, the rugged Tunari mountains, and all the way to the majestic Cordillera Real. In the afternoon, you return to the valley and spend the night as before.
Day 10
Andenmetropole La Paz
Hotel, breakfast
Travel time: approx. 1 hour
Early in the morning, after a light breakfast, you'll head to the airport and fly to La Paz. Even the approach to this Andean metropolis is an experience: a vast valley opens up before you, where a seemingly endless sea of houses stretches up the slopes – dominated by the mighty ice giant Illimani. A particular highlight is the ride on the modern Doppelmayr cable car, which serves as public transport here and offers spectacular views of the city. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Witches' Market, the Church of San Francisco, and the colonial old town before spending the night in its heart.
Andenmetropole La Paz
Day 10
Hotel, breakfast
Travel time: approx. 1 hour
Early in the morning, after a light breakfast, you'll head to the airport and fly to La Paz. Even the approach to this Andean metropolis is an experience: a vast valley opens up before you, where a seemingly endless sea of houses stretches up the slopes – dominated by the mighty ice giant Illimani. A particular highlight is the ride on the modern Doppelmayr cable car, which serves as public transport here and offers spectacular views of the city. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Witches' Market, the Church of San Francisco, and the colonial old town before spending the night in its heart.
Day 11
Lake Titicaca and exploration of the Island of the Sun
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy to moderate, approx. 6 hours, 16 km, +300/-400 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 3 hours
In the morning, you'll set off for Lake Titicaca, enjoying magnificent views of the glaciated 6,000-meter peaks of the Cordillera Real along the way. In Tiquina, you'll cross the narrow strait in a small boat with an outboard motor. A hike then leads you to the white beaches of the Yampupata Peninsula – perfect for a short break or even a dip in the deep blue, cold water. Afterward, you'll continue by boat to Isla del Sol (Sun Island). After a climb to the island's ridge, you'll reach your lodge for the night. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, and the sunset will bathe the landscape in an unforgettable light.
Lake Titicaca and exploration of the Island of the Sun
Day 11
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy to moderate, approx. 6 hours, 16 km, +300/-400 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 3 hours
In the morning, you'll set off for Lake Titicaca, enjoying magnificent views of the glaciated 6,000-meter peaks of the Cordillera Real along the way. In Tiquina, you'll cross the narrow strait in a small boat with an outboard motor. A hike then leads you to the white beaches of the Yampupata Peninsula – perfect for a short break or even a dip in the deep blue, cold water. Afterward, you'll continue by boat to Isla del Sol (Sun Island). After a climb to the island's ridge, you'll reach your lodge for the night. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, and the sunset will bathe the landscape in an unforgettable light.
Day 12
Trip to the Cordillera Real
Cabin, breakfast, dinner
Hike: approx. 1 hour
Boat trip: approx. 1 hour; Driving: approx. 3 hours
After a leisurely breakfast, you'll descend from Isla del Sol (Sun Island) via the well-preserved Inca staircase to the Fountain of Youth and the boat landing. A boat will take you to Copacabana, where you'll have a short stroll through the town. Around midday, you'll continue to the starting point of your trek in the Cordillera Real (Royal Cordillera). At the foot of the glaciated Condoriri massif, you'll stay in a simple mountain hut (refugio) by the Tuni reservoir. Even on the drive there, you'll have a view of the group's imposing main peak, the 5,648-meter-high Cabeza de Condor – the "Head of the Condor." You'll spend the night in Tuni/Condoriri.
Trip to the Cordillera Real
Day 12
Cabin, breakfast, dinner
Hike: approx. 1 hour
Boat trip: approx. 1 hour; Driving: approx. 3 hours
After a leisurely breakfast, you'll descend from Isla del Sol (Sun Island) via the well-preserved Inca staircase to the Fountain of Youth and the boat landing. A boat will take you to Copacabana, where you'll have a short stroll through the town. Around midday, you'll continue to the starting point of your trek in the Cordillera Real (Royal Cordillera). At the foot of the glaciated Condoriri massif, you'll stay in a simple mountain hut (refugio) by the Tuni reservoir. Even on the drive there, you'll have a view of the group's imposing main peak, the 5,648-meter-high Cabeza de Condor – the "Head of the Condor." You'll spend the night in Tuni/Condoriri.
Day 13
Picturesque mountain lakes and summit ascent of Pico Austria (5,321 m)
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: approx. 8 hours, 10 km, +950/-900 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 3 hours
Today you'll hike to the idyllic mountain lakes Chiarkhota and Laguna Juri Khota, picturesquely situated below the Condoriri massif. From there, you'll begin your ascent to Pico Austria. Directly from the refuge, you'll climb across high-altitude pastures where llamas and alpacas graze, continuing over scree slopes to a small saddle with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers. After this strenuous climb, you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable panorama of the Condoriri group, its many lakes, and the entire Cordillera Real. The return route takes you past the picturesque mountain lake Laguna Chiar Khota to Rinconada, from where your vehicle will take you back to La Paz for the night.
Picturesque mountain lakes and summit ascent of Pico Austria (5,321 m)
Day 13
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: approx. 8 hours, 10 km, +950/-900 m elevation gain/loss
Travel time: approx. 3 hours
Today you'll hike to the idyllic mountain lakes Chiarkhota and Laguna Juri Khota, picturesquely situated below the Condoriri massif. From there, you'll begin your ascent to Pico Austria. Directly from the refuge, you'll climb across high-altitude pastures where llamas and alpacas graze, continuing over scree slopes to a small saddle with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers. After this strenuous climb, you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable panorama of the Condoriri group, its many lakes, and the entire Cordillera Real. The return route takes you past the picturesque mountain lake Laguna Chiar Khota to Rinconada, from where your vehicle will take you back to La Paz for the night.
Day 14
Leisure time, optional bike tour on the "Death Road" or Tiwanaku excursion
Hotel, breakfast
Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. If you're feeling active and adventurous, you can set off early in the morning on a bicycle tour along the legendary "Death Road" and return to La Paz in the late evening. Alternatively, you could take a trip to Tiwanaku, Bolivia's most important pre-Inca ruin site. Your tour guide will be happy to help you arrange a driver, guide, and entrance tickets. In the evening, you'll return to La Paz and spend the night in the same accommodations as the previous night.
Leisure time, optional bike tour on the "Death Road" or Tiwanaku excursion
Day 14
Hotel, breakfast
Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. If you're feeling active and adventurous, you can set off early in the morning on a bicycle tour along the legendary "Death Road" and return to La Paz in the late evening. Alternatively, you could take a trip to Tiwanaku, Bolivia's most important pre-Inca ruin site. Your tour guide will be happy to help you arrange a driver, guide, and entrance tickets. In the evening, you'll return to La Paz and spend the night in the same accommodations as the previous night.
Day 15
Trip from La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni salt lake
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch
Time: approximately 8 hours
Early in the morning, you set off, driving along a varied mountain route through the Altiplano to Uyuni. Along the way, you'll encounter South America's camelids – alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas – and with a bit of luck, you might even spot an Andean condor or a rhea in its natural habitat. You'll make frequent photo stops to capture the vastness of this landscape. In the evening, you'll reach Jirira on the northern shore of the mighty salt flats and spend the night there.
Trip from La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni salt lake
Day 15
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch
Time: approximately 8 hours
Early in the morning, you set off, driving along a varied mountain route through the Altiplano to Uyuni. Along the way, you'll encounter South America's camelids – alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas – and with a bit of luck, you might even spot an Andean condor or a rhea in its natural habitat. You'll make frequent photo stops to capture the vastness of this landscape. In the evening, you'll reach Jirira on the northern shore of the mighty salt flats and spend the night there.
Day 16
Summit ascent of the colorful Tunupa volcano (5,150 m)
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: Moderate to difficult, 6 hours, +/- 700 m elevation gain
Travel time: approx. 2-3 hours
Your hike today begins at a viewpoint at an altitude of approximately 4,450 meters, where the road ends. From here, you'll ascend the flank of the volcano. With every meter gained, an increasingly impressive panorama of the 12,000 km² salt flat unfolds before you. The climb up the scree slopes at the crater rim is strenuous, and depending on the season, you may encounter a gusty wind. Eventually, you'll reach the sub-peak of the colorful Tunupa and enjoy the unique view into the U-shaped crater, whose vibrant rocks form a fascinating contrast to the brilliant white of the Salar. Your destination for the day is a sub-peak below the crumbling main summit at an altitude of 5,150 meters. In the late afternoon, a special experience awaits: enjoying snacks and a glass of wine while admiring the sunset amidst the endless expanse of the salt flat. Afterward, you'll return to the hotel.
Summit ascent of the colorful Tunupa volcano (5,150 m)
Day 16
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: Moderate to difficult, 6 hours, +/- 700 m elevation gain
Travel time: approx. 2-3 hours
Your hike today begins at a viewpoint at an altitude of approximately 4,450 meters, where the road ends. From here, you'll ascend the flank of the volcano. With every meter gained, an increasingly impressive panorama of the 12,000 km² salt flat unfolds before you. The climb up the scree slopes at the crater rim is strenuous, and depending on the season, you may encounter a gusty wind. Eventually, you'll reach the sub-peak of the colorful Tunupa and enjoy the unique view into the U-shaped crater, whose vibrant rocks form a fascinating contrast to the brilliant white of the Salar. Your destination for the day is a sub-peak below the crumbling main summit at an altitude of 5,150 meters. In the late afternoon, a special experience awaits: enjoying snacks and a glass of wine while admiring the sunset amidst the endless expanse of the salt flat. Afterward, you'll return to the hotel.
Day 17
Natural spectacle: Uyuni Salt Flat and Incahuasi Cactus Island
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: easy, approx. 1 hour
Travel time: approx. 6 hours
In the morning, you'll depart from the small village of Jirira and traverse the captivating, magical world of the endless salt flats. A particular highlight is a visit to the famous Incahuasi Island. A path leads you to the viewpoint, where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view – surrounded by centuries-old cacti that reach up to 12 meters into the sky. The majestic Tunupa volcano rises on the horizon, completing the breathtaking panorama. Afterward, you'll continue your journey across the vast expanse of the Altiplano, making impressive sightseeing and photo stops along the way. In the evening, you'll arrive in Quetena Chico and spend the night there.
Natural spectacle: Uyuni Salt Flat and Incahuasi Cactus Island
Day 17
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: easy, approx. 1 hour
Travel time: approx. 6 hours
In the morning, you'll depart from the small village of Jirira and traverse the captivating, magical world of the endless salt flats. A particular highlight is a visit to the famous Incahuasi Island. A path leads you to the viewpoint, where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view – surrounded by centuries-old cacti that reach up to 12 meters into the sky. The majestic Tunupa volcano rises on the horizon, completing the breathtaking panorama. Afterward, you'll continue your journey across the vast expanse of the Altiplano, making impressive sightseeing and photo stops along the way. In the evening, you'll arrive in Quetena Chico and spend the night there.
Day 18
Ascent of the Uturuncu volcano (6,008 m)
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: Moderate to difficult, 6-7 hours, +/- 800 m elevation gain
Travel time: approx. 4 hours
The crowning finale of your trip is the ascent of Uturuncu. This volcano, not yet completely extinct, rises as the highest peak in southern Bolivia. Due to its remoteness, it is rarely climbed, but the chances of reaching the summit are excellent. Uturuncu is considered one of the most easily accessible 6,000-meter peaks in the world – there are no technical difficulties. Early in the morning, you'll drive up a gravel road until the four-wheel-drive vehicles take you to 5,200 meters. From there, it's "only" about 800 more strenuous meters to the summit. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the barren, fascinating desert landscape of South Lípez. After the descent, you'll continue to the colorful Laguna Colorada, where you'll spend the night in Huayllajara.
Ascent of the Uturuncu volcano (6,008 m)
Day 18
Boarding, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hike: Moderate to difficult, 6-7 hours, +/- 800 m elevation gain
Travel time: approx. 4 hours
The crowning finale of your trip is the ascent of Uturuncu. This volcano, not yet completely extinct, rises as the highest peak in southern Bolivia. Due to its remoteness, it is rarely climbed, but the chances of reaching the summit are excellent. Uturuncu is considered one of the most easily accessible 6,000-meter peaks in the world – there are no technical difficulties. Early in the morning, you'll drive up a gravel road until the four-wheel-drive vehicles take you to 5,200 meters. From there, it's "only" about 800 more strenuous meters to the summit. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the barren, fascinating desert landscape of South Lípez. After the descent, you'll continue to the colorful Laguna Colorada, where you'll spend the night in Huayllajara.
Day 19
Avaroa Nature Reserve with deserts, volcanoes and colorful lagoons
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy, 2 hours, +/- 100 m elevation gain
Travel time: approx. 4-5 hours
In the morning, you'll visit Laguna Colorada in the Eduardo Avaroa Nature Reserve. Countless flamingos populate the shimmering red lagoon, whose intense color comes from algae and minerals. A hike along the shore will offer breathtaking views of volcanoes and desert landscapes. On the return trip to Uyuni, you'll pass the mysterious black lagoon, Laguna Negra, and the bizarre Stone Forest. At sunset, you'll reach the famous Uyuni Train Cemetery – a place full of exciting photo opportunities and poignant history. In the evening, you'll say goodbye to your guide and spend the night in Uyuni.
Avaroa Nature Reserve with deserts, volcanoes and colorful lagoons
Day 19
Hotel, breakfast, packed lunch
Hike: Easy, 2 hours, +/- 100 m elevation gain
Travel time: approx. 4-5 hours
In the morning, you'll visit Laguna Colorada in the Eduardo Avaroa Nature Reserve. Countless flamingos populate the shimmering red lagoon, whose intense color comes from algae and minerals. A hike along the shore will offer breathtaking views of volcanoes and desert landscapes. On the return trip to Uyuni, you'll pass the mysterious black lagoon, Laguna Negra, and the bizarre Stone Forest. At sunset, you'll reach the famous Uyuni Train Cemetery – a place full of exciting photo opportunities and poignant history. In the evening, you'll say goodbye to your guide and spend the night in Uyuni.
Day 20
Flight from Uyuni to Santa Cruz and relaxation by the hotel pool
Hotel, breakfast
Since there are no direct flights from Uyuni to Europe, you'll fly to Santa Cruz via La Paz in the morning. In the afternoon, you'll have plenty of time to relax by the hotel pool in the tropical temperatures or explore the vibrant city center on your own.
Flight from Uyuni to Santa Cruz and relaxation by the hotel pool
Day 20
Hotel, breakfast
Since there are no direct flights from Uyuni to Europe, you'll fly to Santa Cruz via La Paz in the morning. In the afternoon, you'll have plenty of time to relax by the hotel pool in the tropical temperatures or explore the vibrant city center on your own.
Days 21–22
Return journey from Santa Cruz
Breakfast
In the morning you will be taken to Santa Cruz airport for your return flight home via Madrid. With many impressions of the Andes, the Altiplano, and unforgettable summit experiences in your luggage, you will bid farewell to Bolivia.
Return journey from Santa Cruz
Days 21–22
Breakfast
In the morning you will be taken to Santa Cruz airport for your return flight home via Madrid. With many impressions of the Andes, the Altiplano, and unforgettable summit experiences in your luggage, you will bid farewell to Bolivia.
Services
What's included
Scheduled flight from/to Frankfurt or Munich (Zurich available on request)
domestic flights Santa Cruz – Cochabamba, Cochabamba – La Paz and Uyuni – Santa Cruz
18 nights in typical 3-star hotels, guesthouses and lodges in a double room with private shower/toilet
1 night in a mountain hut in a shared room with shared bathroom
19x breakfast, 12x lunch/packed lunch, 9x dinner
All transfers in private vehicles
Private off-road vehicle tour from Jirira to Uyuni
Local, German-speaking tour guide from day 2 to 19 (maximum one tour guide change)
14 guided hikes including 4 guided mountain climbs
Boat trip on Lake Titicaca from Copacabana to Isla del Sol and back
Samaipata Inca Temple
Torotoro-National Park
Sun island
Incahuasi Island
Volcano Tunupa
Condoriri trek
Cable car ride in La Paz
Eduardo Avaroa National Park
4 - 12 participants
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tips
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Optional excursions on day 14
Character of the trip
Fitness
Very demanding
Altitude
Very high
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This trip requires excellent physical condition. You can expect five easy half-day hikes of one to two hours, three moderate hikes of five to seven hours with a maximum elevation gain/loss of 400 meters, and three trekking tours – two of which are approximately four hours each with a maximum elevation gain/loss of 400 meters, and one longer stage of about eight hours with an elevation gain/loss of 1050 meters. In addition, you will undertake four summit ascents of six to seven hours with up to an elevation gain/loss of 800 meters. You will only carry a light daypack at all times. A particular highlight is the ascent of the 6,000-meter volcano Uturunku. The ascent and descent takes approximately six to seven hours with an elevation gain/loss of around 800 meters, starting from an altitude of approximately 5,200 meters. The mountain can be climbed even without prior experience, as it is considered one of the easiest 6,000-meter peaks in the world and presents no technical difficulties. Crampons are not required, as it is free of snow and ice during the trekking season. Thanks to the well-planned itinerary – from the tropical lowlands through the Andes to three preceding 5,000-meter peaks – you will be optimally acclimatized and have a very good chance of reaching the summit. Besides the physical fitness required for hiking and summit climbs, you'll also need stamina for long bus journeys. Due to the vast distances and road conditions, these are unavoidable, but they are part of the Bolivian adventure.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single room supplement
€350.00
per person
