17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Bolivia
Bolivia is no longer just a destination for backpackers; it has evolved into a premier destination for those seeking 'raw luxury.' This 17-day itinerary takes you from the tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz to the high-altitude glamour of La Paz, utilizing private transfers and domestic flights to maximize your comfort and time.
You will experience the world's most unique accommodations—including hotels built entirely of salt and private Airstream campers—while enjoying fine dining at award-winning restaurants like Gustu. Prepare for an epic journey that balances rugged adventure with high-end refinement.
Day 1: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia - Tropical Arrival
Arrival at Viru Viru International Airport
Touch down in Bolivia's most cosmopolitan city and enjoy a private VIP transfer to your luxury hotel in the Equipetrol district.
Gourmet Lunch at Michelangelo
Savor exquisite Italian-Bolivian fusion in an elegant garden setting, a favorite for the city's elite.
Santa Cruz Botanical Garden
Take a private guided walk through the tropical forest trails to spot sloths and vibrant local bird species.
Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar
Enjoy panoramic views of the skyline while sipping on a Singani-based cocktail, Bolivia's national spirit.
Day 2: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia - City Refinement
Catedral de Santa Cruz
Explore the stunning brick architecture of the cathedral and climb the clock tower for the best view of Plaza 24 de Septiembre.
Lunch at Piegari
Indulge in high-end Argentine-style steaks and fresh local produce in a sophisticated atmosphere.
La Recova Artisan Market
Shop for high-quality leather goods and intricate woodwork in this curated market space.
Dinner at Chalet la Suisse
Experience one of the city's most established fine-dining institutions, specializing in international and local delicacies.
Day 3: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia - Sand Dunes & Wildlife
Lomas de Arena Regional Park
A private 4x4 excursion to these massive sand dunes located just outside the city for a morning of photography.
Luxury Picnic Experience
Enjoy a catered lunch set up by your private tour operator amidst the dunes.
Biocentro Güembé
Relax in the world's largest butterfly conservatory and take a dip in the natural pools.
Evening Leisure
Rest and prepare for your morning flight to the highlands.
Day 4: Sucre, Bolivia - The White City
Flight to Sucre
A short 45-minute domestic flight takes you from the lowlands to the stunning colonial capital of Sucre.
Convento de San Felipe Neri
Walk the tiled rooftops of this historic convent for incredible views of the city's iconic white-washed buildings.
Lunch at La Taverne
Enjoy French-influenced cuisine in a beautiful colonial courtyard.
Casa de la Libertad
A private tour of the building where Bolivia's declaration of independence was signed.
Day 5: Sucre, Bolivia - History and Prehistory
Cal Orck’o Dinosaur Tracks
Visit the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints on a massive vertical limestone wall.
Traditional Chuquisaqueño Lunch
Sample the famous 'Mondongo' at a high-end local eatery specializing in regional flavors.
ASUR Indigenous Art Museum
View world-class textiles and learn about the Jal'q'a and Tarabuco weaving traditions.
Fine Dining at Nativa
Experience a modern tasting menu that reinterprets traditional Bolivian ingredients.
Day 6: Potosí, Bolivia - Silver Heritage
Private Transfer to Potosí
A 3-hour scenic drive in a private SUV through the Andes to reach one of the world's highest cities.
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
A private guided tour of the Royal Mint, once the most important industrial complex in the Spanish Empire.
Convento de Santa Teresa
Explore this museum and convent known for its religious art and colonial history.
Dinner at El Meson
Dine on local favorites in a cozy, historic building near the main plaza.
Day 7: Uyuni, Bolivia - Edge of the Salar
Private Transfer to Uyuni
Enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend toward the world's largest salt flats.
Lunch in Uyuni
A quick gourmet lunch before heading to your unique accommodation.
Check-in at a Salt Hotel
Check into a luxury hotel built entirely out of blocks of salt, located on the edge of the flats.
Sunset on the Salar
A private drive onto the flats for sunset cocktails and photography.
Day 8: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - The Endless White
Incahuasi Island
Explore this 'island' in the middle of the salt sea, covered in giant cacti and coral fossils.
Gourmet Salar Lunch
Enjoy a white-tablecloth lunch set up in the middle of the salt flats, far from any other tourists.
Tunupa Volcano Base
Visit the mummies of Coquesa and enjoy views of the Salar from the foothills of the volcano.
Stargazing Experience
Witness the clearest night skies on Earth with a private astronomical guide.
Day 9: Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, Bolivia - High Altitude Lagoons
Siloli Desert and Stone Tree
Traverse the high-altitude desert to see the famous 'Arbol de Piedra' rock formation.
Laguna Colorada
Visit the vibrant red lagoon, home to thousands of James’s flamingos.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
Witness boiling mud pots and steaming vents at the highest point of the journey (4,850m).
Polques Hot Springs
A private soak in the thermal waters while watching the sun set over the Andes.
Day 10: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - Return to Uyuni
Laguna Verde & Laguna Blanca
See the turquoise waters of Laguna Verde at the foot of Licancabur Volcano.
Valley of the Rocks
Explore bizarre volcanic rock formations on the way back toward Uyuni.
Train Cemetery Visit
A private afternoon stop at the hauntingly beautiful collection of 19th-century steam trains.
Farewell Salar Dinner
A quiet evening at your hotel to decompress from the desert journey.
Day 11: La Paz, Bolivia - The High Altitude Metropolis
Flight to La Paz
A morning flight from Uyuni to La Paz, offering incredible views of the Cordillera Real.
Arrival and Acclimatization
Private transfer to the Southern Zone (Zona Sur) of La Paz, which is lower in altitude and warmer.
Mi Teleférico Ride
Experience the world's highest cable car system with a private guide, crossing the city in the sky.
Dinner at Gustu
Dine at the restaurant founded by Claus Meyer, consistently ranked as one of Latin America's best.
Day 12: La Paz, Bolivia - Markets and Mysteries
Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
A private tour of the mystical market where you can learn about Aymara rituals and traditions.
Lunch at Popular Cocina Boliviana
Contemporary Bolivian cuisine served in a stylish, hidden courtyard in the historic center.
Calle Jaen Museums
Stroll through the city's best-preserved colonial street and visit small private art galleries.
Ancestral Tasting at Phayawi
Sample traditional high-Andean dishes in an upscale setting in Zona Sur.
Day 13: Tiwanaku, Bolivia - Ancient Civilizations
Private Day Trip to Tiwanaku
Explore the ruins of the Tiwanaku empire, which predates the Incas by centuries.
Andean Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a selection of local quinoa, potato, and trout dishes near the archeological site.
Puma Punku
Visit the site of the incredibly precise megalithic stones that puzzle engineers to this day.
Return to La Paz
Relaxation evening in the luxury of your hotel's spa.
Day 14: Copacabana, Bolivia - Lake Titicaca Shore
Private Transfer to Copacabana
Drive along the shores of the sacred Lake Titicaca, crossing the Strait of Tiquina by private boat.
Lunch at La Cupula
Savor fresh Lake Titicaca trout while enjoying a view over the bay of Copacabana.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
Visit the famous 16th-century Spanish colonial shrine and the 'Dark Virgin'.
Cerro El Calvario Sunset
A short hike for those acclimated, or a private viewpoint drive for the best sunset on the lake.
Day 15: Isla del Sol, Bolivia - Cradle of the Sun
Private Yacht to Isla del Sol
Charter a private boat to the northern part of the island to avoid the crowds.
Pachamama Offering Ceremony
Participate in a private traditional blessing ceremony led by a local Kallawaya healer.
Inca Stairs and Fountain of Youth
Walk the ancient stone steps of Yumani and taste the water from the three sacred springs.
Starlit Dinner
A private dinner on the lodge terrace overlooking the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real.
Day 16: La Paz, Bolivia - The Valley of the Moon
Private Return to La Paz
Travel back to the city for your final day of shopping and relaxation.
Lunch in the Southern Zone
Try the modern fusion menu at Ali Pacha, world-renowned for its innovative plant-based cuisine.
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
Private tour of the bizarre, eroded clay formations on the outskirts of La Paz.
Farewell Dinner at Ancestral
Celebrate your final night with open-fire cooking and premium Bolivian wines.
Day 17: La Paz, Bolivia - Final Departure
Last Minute Luxury Shopping
Visit the boutiques in San Miguel for world-class alpaca knitwear and jewelry.
Casual Farewell Lunch
Enjoy a final bowl of 'Sopa de Mani' at a high-end bistro.
Private Transfer to El Alto International
Conclude your luxury journey with a seamless transfer to the airport.
Departure
Safe travels home after an epic Bolivian journey.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The ideal time for this luxury itinerary is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the skies are clear blue, making it perfect for photography in Uyuni and trekking in the Andes. If you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the salt flats, consider visiting in March or April, though some high-altitude roads may be more difficult to navigate.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants in Santa Cruz and La Paz accept major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for smaller purchases and in remote areas like the Uyuni salt flats. Tipping is customary in high-end establishments; 10% is standard for good service.
Getting Around Bolivia
For a luxury-focused trip, domestic flights between Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Uyuni are highly recommended to avoid long bus journeys. Within cities, private car services are the safest and most comfortable option. The Mi Teleférico cable car system in La Paz is a must-experience for efficient and scenic urban travel.
