Ask the experts: A short trip to Bolivia

This month, a panel of experts discuss what to squeeze in to a two-week trip to Bolivia

By National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Published 8 Mar 2018, 13:30 GMT, Updated 14 Jul 2021, 10:03 BST

Laguna Hedionda, Bolivia.

Photograph by Getty Images

Q I'm taking a short trip to Bolivia. What can I fit into two weeks?

Laura Rendell-Dunn, Destination specialist, Journey Latin America: Two weeks will allow plenty of time to explore Bolivia's highlights: the sapphire waters of Lake Titicaca; the extraordinary capital city of La Paz; and the dazzling Uyuni salt flats. With some careful planning you could incorporate the subtropical lowlands of Santa Cruz to embark on either the Ruta Che, an incredibly scenic road tracing the route of Che Guevara's last stand, or follow an intriguing Jesuit Mission circuit.

Given that many of these destinations are at a high altitude (around 12,000ft above sea level), it's essential to allow days in your itinerary to rest, and to help you acclimatise gradually.

Bolivia's roads and air networks are constantly improving; in fact, only this month, we've heard that a new flight will connect Sucre with Uyuni; and thanks to a new highway opening in June, linking the eastern and western ranges of the Andes, from Tupiza to Uyuni, reaching the world's biggest salt flat has never been easier.

Journey Latin America offers two two-week holidays in Bolivia — Zampullin: Vistas of Bolivia group tour, 13 days from £2,950 per person; and Signature Bolivia: Final Frontier private holiday, 14 days from £3,994 per person.

Emily Mikus, South America product manager, G Adventures: Bolivia has so much to offer, and has evolved with tourism over the years, but still remains true to its original culture and traditions. One of the most popular attractions is the salt flats in the south. You can travel on the Bolivia Discovery tour with G Adventures (from £999 per person) and spend four days travelling across the white desert, stopping for unique photos along the way, before staying overnight at the Jukil Community Lodge, where you can get immersed in the community that specializes in quinoa production.

La Paz has a lot to offer for those looking for a culinary experience, and is renowned in the region for its nightlife. Spend some time exploring the winding streets, pick up a few textiles at the shops and visit the Witches' Market.

To get off the beaten track, take a short flight to Rurrenabaque, the gateway to the Amazon jungle and pampas tours. Here caimans, capybaras, pink river dolphins and anacondas can be spotted.

G Adventures is expanding its trip options to include both National Geographic Journeys and 18-To-Thirtysomethings itineraries for 2019.

Published in the April 2018 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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