[Advice] 10-Day Bolivia Itinerary (Santa Cruz -> Sucre -> Uyuni -> La Paz)
Our take
Hi everyone! I just booked my flights for Bolivia this May, and I’ve put together the following itinerary. I’d love to get your opinion on the pace, and I have a few questions regarding bus logistics between cities.
Since my flight times basically "eat up" the arrival and departure days, I’ve planned the trip based on full days.
Day 1: Arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- Logistics: Arrive at VVI airport at 20:25. Transfer to hotel and rest.
Day 2: Santa Cruz & Flight to Sucre
- Morning/Afternoon: Currency exchange (parallel/blue market) + Plaza 24 de Septiembre and the Cathedral.
- Flight: Short afternoon flight to Sucre (2,810m) to begin acclimatization.
Day 3: Sucre - The White City
- Afternoon: Explore the colonial historic center.
- Highlight: Sunset on the rooftops of San Felipe Neri Convent (looking for those high-contrast white dome shots).
Day 4: Sucre & Cal Orck’o
- Morning: Cal Orck’o (Cretaceous Park) to see the massive cliff with over 5,000 dinosaur footprints.
- Afternoon: ASUR Indigenous Art Museum + Sunset at Mirador de la Recoleta.
Day 5: Potosí & Transfer to Uyuni
- Morning: Bus or Trufi (shared taxi) to Potosí (3h trip, climbing to 4,060m). Visit San Lorenzo Church.
- Afternoon: Casa Nacional de la Moneda (Colonial Mint Museum).
- Evening: 4h bus to Uyuni. Overnight stay in Uyuni to rest before the expedition.
Day 6: Salar de Uyuni Expedition (Day 1/3)
- Train Cemetery, Colchani, and Salt Flat. Overnight in a Salt Hotel.
Day 7: Salar de Uyuni Expedition (Day 2/3)
- Altiplanic lagoons (flamingos) and Laguna Colorada.
Day 8: Salar de Uyuni Expedition (Day 3/3)
- Sol de Mañana Geysers, Laguna Verde, and return to Uyuni.
- Logistics: 21:00 night bus (Todo Turismo) to La Paz.
Day 9: La Paz
- Morning: Explore the city via Teleférico (Red and Purple lines for the best views).
- Afternoon: Witches' Market and Calle Sagarnaga.
- Evening: Attend Cholitas Wrestling.
Day 10: Departure
- Logistics: 09:00 transfer to El Alto Airport (LPB) for the 12:00 flight to São Paulo.
My main questions:
- Is this itinerary realistic? Is it too rushed, or is the pace okay?
- Buses: Can I buy all my bus tickets on the spot at the terminals? I’m particularly worried about the Sucre -> Potosí -> Uyuni connection.
- Uyuni Tour: I’m planning to book it before the trip. I’m currently talking to local agencies. What's a fair price? I’m open to recommendations for reliable agencies.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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