Starting in Santa Cruz, here are some possible tours
Starting in Santa Cruz, Bolivia’s largest city and a key hub for travel, there are a variety of exciting tour options to experience the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and bustling cities. Below are 2-week, 3-week, and 4-week travel itineraries with approximate budget costs, including accommodation and transportation.
2-Week Tour Itinerary: Santa Cruz, Samaipata, Sucre, and Salar de Uyuni
This itinerary offers a glimpse of Bolivia’s major highlights, starting in Santa Cruz and ending at the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats.
Day 1-3: Santa Cruz and Samaipata
- Activities: Explore the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, visit the local markets, and tour the Guembe Biocenter. Then, travel to Samaipata, known for its Inca ruins, El Fuerte, and charming scenery.
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels or guesthouses in Santa Cruz ($25–$50 per night) and Samaipata ($20–$40 per night).
- Travel Cost: Bus from Santa Cruz to Samaipata ($5–$10).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $250 for 3 days.
Day 4-7: Sucre
- Activities: Fly or take a bus to Sucre, Bolivia’s most beautiful colonial city. Explore the historic downtown, visit the Casa de la Libertad, and relax in one of the many charming cafes.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels in Sucre ($20–$40 per night).
- Travel Cost: Flight from Santa Cruz to Sucre ($40–$70) or a bus ($10–$20).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $300 for 4 days.
Day 8-10: Potosí
- Activities: Travel to the historic mining town of Potosí, famous for its silver mines and colonial architecture. Visit the Cerro Rico mines and enjoy the high-altitude Andean culture.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels in Potosí ($20–$40 per night).
- Travel Cost: Bus from Sucre to Potosí ($5–$10).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $200 for 3 days.
Day 11-14: Salar de Uyuni
- Activities: End your tour with a 3-day expedition to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Visit the salt flats, the train cemetery, and nearby lagoons.
- Accommodation: Basic lodges during the Uyuni salt flats tour (often included in the tour price).
- Travel Cost: Bus from Potosí to Uyuni ($10–$20). Salar de Uyuni 3-day tour ($150–$250, including meals and accommodation).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $400 for 4 days.
Total Estimated Budget for 2-Week Tour: $1,200 – $1,500 per person.
3-Week Tour Itinerary: Adding Madidi National Park and La Paz
This itinerary extends the 2-week tour to include a journey through the Amazon rainforest and a visit to La Paz.
Week 1-2: Santa Cruz, Samaipata, Sucre, Potosí, and Salar de Uyuni
(As described in the 2-week itinerary)
Week 3: La Paz and Madidi National Park
- Day 15-17: La Paz
- Activities: Fly to La Paz and explore the highest capital city in the world. Visit the Witches’ Market, take a cable car ride, and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Illimani.
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels in La Paz ($30–$50 per night).
- Travel Cost: Flight from Uyuni to La Paz ($70–$100).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $250 for 3 days.
- Day 18-21: Madidi National Park
- Activities: Travel to Rurrenabaque and embark on a 4-day Amazon adventure in Madidi National Park. Enjoy guided jungle hikes, wildlife spotting, and river excursions.
- Accommodation: Included in jungle tour packages.
- Travel Cost: Flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque ($80–$120). Jungle tour ($250–$350, including accommodation and meals).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $500 for 4 days.
Total Estimated Budget for 3-Week Tour: $1,800 – $2,200 per person.
4-Week Tour Itinerary: Including Lake Titicaca and Copacabana
This itinerary allows for an even more immersive Bolivian experience, including time in Copacabana and Lake Titicaca.
Week 1-3: Santa Cruz, Samaipata, Sucre, Potosí, Salar de Uyuni, La Paz, and Madidi National Park
(As described in the 3-week itinerary)
Week 4: Lake Titicaca and Copacabana
- Day 22-26: Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol
- Activities: From La Paz, travel to Copacabana, a charming town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Visit Isla del Sol, an island steeped in Inca mythology, and explore its ancient ruins.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels in Copacabana ($20–$40 per night).
- Travel Cost: Bus from La Paz to Copacabana ($5–$10). Boat trip to Isla del Sol ($5–$15).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $200 for 5 days.
- Day 27-28: Return to La Paz
- Activities: Return to La Paz to relax and enjoy any missed attractions before heading home.
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in La Paz ($30–$50 per night).
- Travel Cost: Bus back to La Paz ($5–$10).
- Total Cost (Accommodation & Travel): Approx. $100 for 2 days.
Total Estimated Budget for 4-Week Tour: $2,200 – $2,600 per person.
Budget Breakdown Summary
- 2-Week Tour: $1,200 – $1,500 per person
- 3-Week Tour: $1,800 – $2,200 per person
- 4-Week Tour: $2,200 – $2,600 per person
These tours provide a balance of Bolivia’s natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences while keeping costs reasonable for travelers on a budget. Prices vary based on season, accommodation choices, and personal preferences, but these estimates provide a solid foundation for planning a trip around Bolivia.
