Last checked: November 2026
Safety notice: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department, including Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24, because of gang-related violent crime. The US State Department rates Bolivia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and lists Chapare Province as Level 4: Do Not Travel. Protests, road blockades and fuel shortages have disrupted travel in 2026. Read both advisories in full and check them again before you travel. See the full Bolivia travel guide for more.
How many days do you need in Bolivia?
For a first trip, seven to ten days works well: La Paz, Lake Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni. Five days covers La Paz and the lake. Fourteen days adds Sucre, Potosí and a longer Uyuni tour. Plan for slow days at altitude and leave spare days for disruption.
The biggest planning mistake in Bolivia is packing too much into too few days. Distances are long, mountain roads are slow, and road blockades, fuel shortages and flight cancellations can change plans at short notice.
Altitude and planning notes for each stop
| Stop | Altitude (approx.) | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | About 3,600 m | El Alto airport is around 4,070 m, so the first day should be easy. |
| Copacabana, Lake Titicaca | About 3,800 m | About 3.5 to 4 hours from La Paz by bus, including the Strait of Tiquina crossing. |
| Uyuni | About 3,650 m | About 1 hour by flight from La Paz when flights run, or 9 to 12 hours by overnight bus. |
| Potosí | About 4,100 m | About 3 to 4 hours by bus from Sucre. One of the highest cities in the world. |
| Sucre | Lower and milder | About 50 minutes by flight from La Paz. A good place to slow down. |
| Rurrenabaque | About 300 m | About 35 to 40 minutes by flight from La Paz. Hot lowlands. |
Travel times come from travel operators and guides and change with blockades and weather. For routes, operators and safety tips, read our guide to getting around Bolivia.
What does a 5-day Bolivia itinerary look like?
- Day 1: Arrive in La Paz and rest. Walk gently, drink water and skip alcohol.
- Day 2: La Paz city sights, the Witches’ Market, Plaza San Francisco and a cable-car ride.
- Day 3: Day trip to Tiwanaku, the pre-Inca site that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed in 2000.
- Day 4: Travel to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca.
- Day 5: Isla del Sol, then return towards La Paz or continue to Peru.
What does a 7-day itinerary look like?
- Days 1 to 2: La Paz, as above.
- Day 3: Tiwanaku day trip or a rest day.
- Days 4 to 5: Copacabana and Isla del Sol.
- Day 6: Return to La Paz and fly to Uyuni if flights are running.
- Day 7: A short salt flat tour, then fly back to La Paz. Keep a buffer day before an international flight.
What does a 10-day itinerary look like?
- Days 1 to 3: La Paz and Tiwanaku, with an easy first day.
- Day 4: Fly to Sucre.
- Day 5: Sucre’s colonial centre.
- Day 6: Bus to Potosí.
- Day 7: Travel on to Uyuni.
- Days 8 to 9: A two-day salt flat tour with the surrounding lagoons.
- Day 10: Buffer day and return to La Paz.
What does a 14-day itinerary look like?
- Days 1 to 3: La Paz and Tiwanaku.
- Days 4 to 5: Copacabana and Isla del Sol.
- Day 6: Return to La Paz and fly to Sucre.
- Days 7 to 8: Sucre.
- Day 9: Potosí, taking it easy because of the altitude.
- Day 10: Travel to Uyuni.
- Days 11 to 12: Salt flat tour.
- Days 13 to 14: Return to La Paz, with one buffer day. If you prefer lower altitudes, replace Potosí and Uyuni with Santa Cruz, Samaipata and Rurrenabaque.
Travel guides often suggest starting at a lower altitude and working upwards. If you arrive in Santa Cruz or Sucre first, you can acclimatise more gently before La Paz, but check current flight schedules. Our best places to visit in Bolivia guide explains each stop in more detail.
Tips for a smoother trip
- Check news for blockades, fuel supply and strikes before every long journey.
- Carry water, snacks, warm clothes and any medicine for long road trips. The US Embassy has advised keeping several days of food, water, fuel and medication on hand in some situations.
- Book Uyuni tours with a registered operator and agree the route and inclusions in writing.
- Read our Bolivia visa guide for entry rules, our best time to visit guide for seasons and our where to stay in Bolivia guide for bases.
Common mistakes
- Booking tight same-day connections between flights and tours.
- Starting with a high-altitude tour on day two.
- Not leaving a buffer day before an international flight.
- Relying on a single route when blockades are reported.
Before You Go: itinerary checklist
- Choose your trip length and match it to a plan above.
- Pick your season, especially for Uyuni.
- Book flexible tickets where you can.
- Check the official advisories again before departure.
Bolivia itinerary FAQs
Is one week enough for Bolivia?
Yes, for a first visit. Seven days covers La Paz, a day trip, Lake Titicaca and a short Uyuni tour. It leaves little slack for disruption, so choose flexible bookings and leave a buffer day before flying home.
Should I fly or take the bus?
Fly for long distances if the schedule suits you, and take buses for shorter or scenic legs. Blockades can stop buses for days, while small-airport flights can cancel in bad weather. Always have a backup plan.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Go slowly, drink water, avoid heavy alcohol and strenuous activity on day one, and consider starting at a lower altitude. Speak to a doctor before you travel, because the FCDO lists altitude sickness as a risk in La Paz and Uyuni.
Can I do the Salar de Uyuni without a tour?
Most visitors use a tour, because the salt flat and surrounding areas are remote and hard to navigate. Choose a registered operator and check what the price includes before you pay.