all transport tours bolivia

All Transport Tour Operator

• See all photos

Climbing Huayna Potosí

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

All Transport Tour Operator - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

All Transport Tour Operator

• See all photos

Climbing Huayna Potosí

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

All Transport Tour Operator - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tourist Packages

Our paqeutes are designed in the economy of the visitor ...

Travel Program

Disponemos de los materiales de uso para animales domesticos de gran calidad...

Destinations

Bolivian important infomation, strawberry travel latin america - dmc is proud to be your host in your days of visiting our beautiful country, "bolivia"..

Our team is willing to organize the activities and extra services that at some point of your stay you would like to have, be it excursions, typical dishes or others that may draw your attention.

Bolivia is located in the heart of South America, limited by Argentina to the south, Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast and Chile to the southwest.

It is very diverse, from the cold climate of the altiplano, going to the valleys with a temperate climate and concluding the warm climate in the plains.

It is characterized by being a humble and hardworking society and mostly devout to Catholicism. Spanish is the official language.

The official currency is Bolivian, whose appearance of the bills have changed. The American dollar is also accepted by several sites, especially by tourism companies.

It is advisable to take with you a copy of the passport for travel or immigration checks, leaving the original document in the hotel security drawer.

The air and land integration has improved, we recommend two pieces of luggage per person with a maximum weight of 44 lbs each.

visit the most incredible sites that our country can offer you

Lake Titicaca

Madidi Park

Visit the most important and paradisiacal sites in the region ...

We have the best packages to recreate the best travel experiences..

Strawberry Travel, is a tourism operator established in the city of La Paz Bolivia, which offers visitors the most incredible travel and visit packages that the client can imagine, presenting innovative services and travel programs to the most important sites in the region. , based on a friendly, fun and relaxed environment. Among the services provided by Strawberry Travel, are:

• Tourist packages
• Travel Programs
• Affordable prices

To this, our guides offer a wide variety of information about the destinations that are visited, thus promoting knowledge of the places where you are visiting.

Promotional Tours

All include a guide, transportation, food and lodging

Chola Tour y Lectura hoja de coca

$ 103 x pax.

• Coca reading
• Cholitas wrestling

La Paz Sunrise

• Shamanic Session

La Paz Sunset

Fd uyuni salt desert sic vip, $ 115 x pax.

• Entrance Fees

2D - 1N Uyuni Salt Desert SIC VIP

$ 220 x pax.

Below you can find some of the best photos of the best tourist destinations in Bolivia.

Strawberry Travel Bolivia is a Bolivian tour operator specialized in tailor-made tours and organized programs with the main office in La Paz - Bolivia and operational offices in the peruvian city of Puno and the city of Uyuni. Our team with a lot of experience in incoming tourism provides the best service to the clients according international quality standars...

Security and trust

• Team with experience in inbound tourism
• Members of Andean Goup
• Participation in tourist fairs and work shops like: TMLA - TTM - BONIOTUR - ASOTUR

Excellent Quality of Services:

• Comunication by
• Bottle of water in each service
• day by day itineraries
• Quick answers

Price/Rates

• Competitive, negotiable and flexible
• Daily departure tours
• Shared in Bus tours in La Paz, Titicaca lake and Uyuni salt flat
• Tailor-made tour packages
• Modern fleet

Guillermo Mendoza

Marcela Troncone

We are the leading tourism operator in the region, recognized for the confidence and security that our customers highlight and the quality of service we offer.

T-News Turismo

Ministerio de Culturas y Turismo de Bolivia

Bolivia Turismo

Social Networks

Visit our facebook, twitter and youtube pages for more information about our tour packages ...

Strawberry Travel Bolivia - Incoming Tour Operator

We invite you to stop by our offices to receive the most complete information of the tourist services offered by the company.

Street 6th, #514 Bajo Llojeta. La Paz, Bolivia

Street 1st between Colombia & Loa. Uyuni, Bolivia

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Phone: +591 2-2500412 / +591 2-2500370

Emergencies: +591 76251881; +591 76504532; +591 73545374

Banjo Tours

• Tripadvisor
• See ALL TOURS Here
• Tours By Place
• Salar de Uyuni
• Lake Titicaca
• Cochabamba and Santa Cruz
• Amazon Basin
• Tours By Type
• Bolivia Wide
• Most Popular
• Overland Expeditions

• Recommended:
• San Pedro de Atacama

• See All Trips New

• Sajama National Park
• Custom Tours

BEST TOUR OPERATOR IN BOLIVIA WELCOME TO

Banjo tours.

• Top Bolivia Trips
• Top Peru Trips
• Top Chile Trips

Uyuni Salt Flats

BANJO TOURS HAS WORKED WITH

take a Look

We leave the tourist crowds far behind and head where the best images are just waiting to be taken. Where real life continues just like it always has, and there are endless opportunities to learn.

From the Blog

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

Bolivia is located in the heart of South America and offers the traveler a unique, authentic travel experience.

Although it is far less visited than its more developed neighbours it is an incredible country full of beautiful scenery, wonderful culture and unmissable activities.

It is bordered by Peru to the north, Argentina to the south, Chile to the west, Brazil to the north & east and Paraguay to the south-east.

Here you will find some background info on this fascinating Andean nation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

History of Bolivia

Cities & departments, people & languages, ancient times.

Many hundreds of years before the arrival of the Spanish the area of present day Bolivia was already home to great civilisations.

The ancient city of Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco), that was founded about 400 BC and existed for about 600 years, is thought to have had as many as 50,000 habitants at its peak and its rulers commanded an empire that stretched across Bolivia and southern Peru.

Around 1000 AD the empire of Tiwanaku dismantled, the reasons why are not confirmed, and there was a period of small independent states ruled by local chiefs.

The next great civilisation to arrive was the Incas in the 15 th century who conquered large parts of South America from much of Ecuador, Peru, western & southern Bolivia, areas of northern Chile and parts of northern Argentina.

The Incas are famed for their skills in road building, stone masonry and organisation and left a legacy of incredible sites. The remains of many Inca roads are evident in Bolivia including the some fantastically preserved example near the start of the Takesi trail.

One of the most important Inca sites is Isla del Sol, an island on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca near Copacabana, that the Incas believed to be the birth place of the Sun God.

Inca Paving on the Takesi Trail

Colonial Times

The beginning of the fall of the Incas started when Francisco Pizzarro and his fellow Spanish conquistadors landed on South American soil in 1532.

By 1535 they had already taken the Inca capital of Cusco and set their sites on the lands further south.

With just a small army of around 160 led by Diego de Almagro and aided by the devastation amongst the native population caused by the western diseases the Spanish had brought to the continent, they quickly took control and by 1938 they founded the city of La Plata.

This new city grew quickly and was proclaimed capital of the Audencia de Charcas in 1559 and, many years later, was to become the current capital of Bolivia, Sucre.

Other cities were established across the territory that was then known as Alto Peru, such as La Paz in 1548 , but the city that was to become the most important of the era was Potosi which was founded in 1545.

It was the mountain that stood over the city of Potosi that was the reason for its growth and the discovery of what was possibly the largest deposits of silver in history within its mines.

“Cerro Rico” (Rich Mountain) as it became known, supplied seemingly endless amounts of silver for shipping back to the Spanish crown and the city that grew beside it became famous for its wealth.

By the 1600s Potosi was the largest city in South America with a population of over 150,000 people and it remained the most important city for hundreds of years.

The mining of silver and other minerals provided the financial back bone for the growth of the Spanish empire across South America.

It was only when the veins of silver that ran through Cerro Rico began to flow at a slower pace did the decline of Potosi and Alto Peru begin in the late 18 th century.

Falling silver prices and calls for independence from Spain accelerated its fall from grace in the following decades.

Cerro Rico from Potosi City

The constitutional capital of Bolivia is Sucre, which is also the Judicial capital, but La Paz is considered the 'de facto' capital and is the seat of government.

Historically the reason Sucre is the official capital is because it was originally the capital of Alto Peru , which later became the country of Bolivia,  after gaining independence from Spain.

In the early twentieth century however, it was decided to move the seat of government to La Paz due to its location being better suited and the fact that the areas close to Sucre, such as Potosi, had declined in importance.

There have been calls, such as prior to the writing of the new constitution that was ratified in 2009, to declare La Paz as the capital but this was met with fierce opposition from Sucre and other areas so the idea was abandoned.

Departments

Bolivia is split into nine departments each with its own adminsitrative capital. 

Santa Cruz is the most populous city and the fasest growing although La Paz and El Alto (the city that sits on the plain directly above La Paz) combined have a greater number of people in total.

Since the implimentation of the constitution in 2009 the country has been going through the process of allowing more autonomy to each of the departments decentralising the control of certain responsibilities from the central government.

Cities have an elected Mayor (Alcalde) that has responsibility for a number of municipal services.

Bolivia has a very varied climate due to its vast size, large differences in altitude between regions resulting in a range of different ecosystems.

Additionally, the countries proximity to the equator means it does not experience 4 seasons like some countries but it is often said to have two -  rainy season and dry season.

Although you will find variations in opinion, dry season is considered to be from April or May through to September or October and the rainy season from October / November through to March / April.

Of course, weather is unpredictable and cannot be defined in exact terms but the above is a pretty good guideline as to what to expect.

Usually the heaviest rain period falls during Jan/Feb/Mar and after sustained periods of rain the country can suffer from problems such as damaged roads and, in some areas, flooding. This is also the best time to see the mirror effect on the Uyuni Salt Flats.

During the dry season, the days are often sunny and the skies clear. At night time though the temperatures are colder than other times of the year, especially in the high-altitude areas.

During July / August for example temperatures can drop below -30 degrees C in the Laguna Colorada area that is visited on the Salt Flats tours.

Large parts of eastern Bolivia are lowlands and experience a hot climate year-round with temperatures typically in the 25 to 35 degrees C range.

The northern areas of this eastern part are home to rainforests and humid semi tropical areas, whilst the central areas have more open savannas with low rolling hills resulting in a slightly humid environment with more wind.

The southern section is often very dry for many months of the year but can be prone to flooding during the rainy season.

Bolivia is home to an incredibly diverse range of people and languages.

It is also the South American country that has the largest percentage of the population being considered indigenous with over 60% belonging to one of the 36 officially recognised indigenous groups.

The two predominant groups are the Aymara and the Quechua. Around 30% of the population are considered mixed European & indigenous and are referred to as mestizo. In the south the Guarani people are the fourth largest.

Throughout the Amazon region there are various distinct ethic groups such as the Chiquitano and Tacana.

The Uru-Chipaya group are possibly the most ancient of all peoples in the region having a history of around 4000 years living in a remote area of the altiplano in between the Sajama area and Uyuni Salt Flats. Unfortunately, their existence is under threat as people leave the harsh area to live and work in the cities.

In the Yungas are there are communities of Afro-Bolivians, numbering around 30,000 in total,  that are descended from slaves that were brought by the Spanish in the 16 th century.

Those visiting the Santa Cruz region will notice a number of Mennonites whose families immigrated to Bolivia around a 100 years ago and whose population is now around 30,000 spread across 25 settled communities in the area.

So whilst the official primary language of Bolivia is Spanish, in which most administration tasks are performed, there are 36 recognised official languages and even more spoken.

Travelling around the country you will likely hear Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, Guarani, Low German and various other languages as well as a multitude of others from foreign residents that have settled here with it being common to hear English, Portugese, Dutch, German and  Chinese in cities such as La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.

Plurinational State of Bolivia

10887000 Estimate 2017

1,098,581 SQ KM

Spanish (primary administrative) & 36 Indigenous Languages

Boliviano (BOB)

• An error occurred, please try again later.

Items 1 to 36 of 159 total

Pampas Tour (Dolphins) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Incredible value 3 Day Pampas Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz The 3 Day Pampas Tours is with Dolphins Travel - and the return flights are with Ecojet airlines. Pampas and see all the wonderful wildlife it has to offer.

Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Incredible value 3 Day Pampas Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz at a discounted price.  The 3 Day Pampas Tours is with Mashaquipe Tours who are well known as being one of the best Rurrenabaque operator and are our most popular Pampas tour company.This is the cheapest possible way to book flights and mashaquipe pampas tours anywhere!

Regular Price: $480.00

Special Price $470.00

5 Day Pampas & Jungle Combo Tour (Mashaquipe) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Save money by booking this 5 Day Jungle & Pampas Combo Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz at a discounted price. This 5 day tour is our most popular Jungle & Pampas combo and is run by the operator Mashaquipe Tours who are well known as being one of the best operators in  Rurrenabaque.This is the cheapest possible way to book flights and mashaquipe jungle & pampas combo tours anywhere!

Regular Price: $600.00

Special Price $590.50

4 Day Pampas & Jungle Combo Tour (Mashaquipe) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Save money by booking this 4 Day Jungle & Pampas Combo Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz at a discounted price. This 4 day tour is a popular optionfor Jungle & Pampas combo and is run by the operator Mashaquipe Tours who are well known as being one of the best operators in  Rurrenabaque.This is the cheapest possible way to book flights and mashaquipe jungle & pampas combo tours anywhere!

Regular Price: $540.00

Special Price $520.00

Todo Turismo Buses & Perla de Bolivia Salt Flats Bundle

Todo Turismo Buses & Red Planet Salt Flats Bundle

Regular Price: $294.00

Special Price $288.00

Todo Turismo Bus La Paz to Uyuni & Uyuni to La Paz

Todo Turismo bus  round trip tickets from  La Paz to Uyuni  and return from Uyuni To La Paz. The bus includes onboard heating, toilet, reclinable seats (semicama and cama options) and english speaking assistance onboard. You also recieve a small meal and drinks during the journey.

The bus departs at 21.00 (9PM) from La Paz to Uyuni and at 20.00 (8PM) form Uyuni to La Paz everyday. Buses are usually full several days in advance - so you should give as much notice as possible to have the best chance of getting a seat on this bus. 

NOTE - Not available for departures in either direction on 4th or 5th March due to Carnival

If you dont need round trips and want to book just one way :

Pampas Tours 3 Days

3 Day Pampas Tour with Indígena Tours perfect for the budget backpacker at the best price available. Join one of the tours leaving daily and get to see lots of wildlife such as Pink River Dolphins, caiman, anaconda, monkeys and more.

Indigena Tours are the only Green Action Eco Certified budget pampas tours operator in Rurrenabaque.

Uyuni Salt Flats Tour (Standard Plus) - 1 Day with Al Extremo

Our standard plus 1 day salt flats tour is with maximum 7 people to a vehicle and a Spanish-speaking guide. Classic 1 day salt flats tour for the budget backpacker - extremely popular tour leaving daily from Uyuni. A unique place in the world and a must on any trip to Bolivia.  This is the best option if you are travelling on a budget but don't want to miss out on this amazing experience.

Todo Turismo Bus La Paz to Uyuni

Todo Turismo tourist bus from La Paz to Uyuni with heating, toilet, comfortable seats (semicama and cama) and attendant service, meals and drinks. Departs at 21.00 everyday. This bus is usually full several days in advance - please give as much notice as possible to have the best chance of getting a seat on this bus. You can catch this bus and start your Uyuni salt flats tour the same morning you get in - bus gets in at around 7.30, tours start at around 11.00.

NOTE - Not available for departures on 4th or 5th March due to Carnival

Todo Turismo Bus Uyuni to La Paz

Todo Turismo tourist bus from Uyuni to La Paz with heating, toilet, comfortable seats (semicama or cama) and attendant service, meals and drinks. Leaves 20.00 nightly. This bus is usually full several days in advance - please give as much notice as possible to have the best chance of getting a seat on this bus. All of our salt flats tours get back to Uyuni early enough to catch this bus the same evening.

Red Planet Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days

Red Planet Expeditions are the most popular choice for travellers visiting the salt flats of Uyuni. This is our  best selling, mid-range salt flats tour option and includes an English-speaking guide. Red Planet are one of the most experienced, safe and reliable companies for the Uyuni Salt Flats and have been for a number of years and for this reason they do fill up in advance. First night in double or triple room accommodation. We are the number one booking agency for Red Planet Salt Flats Tours and can highly recommend this option.

Red Planet Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days + Transfer to Chile

Red Planet Expeditions are the most popular choice for travellers visiting the salt flats of Uyuni. This is our  best selling, mid-range salt flats tour option and includes an English-speaking guide and a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Red Planet are one of the most experienced, safe and reliable companies for the Uyuni Salt Flats and have been for a number of years and for this reason they do fill up in advance. First night in double or triple room accommodation. We are the number one booking agency for Red Planet Salt Flats Tours and can highly recommend this option.

Red Planet Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 1 Day

Our mid-range 1 day salt flats tour option including English-speaking guide/driver operated by Red Planet. This is a classic and safe salt flats tour that will also take you to the foot of the stunning Tunupa volcano located on the northern side of the salt flats.

3-Day Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day pampas option operated by Mashaquipe. Visit the animal rich pampas on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in the Yacuma pampas. Upgrade to private single/double/triple rooms available.

5-Day Jungle & Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our jungle & pampas 5 day combo tour operated by Mashaquipe (Wabu & Dolphin Program). Visit the fascinating Madidi National Park and the animal-rich pampas on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi and in the Santa Rosa del Yacuma pampas. Upgrade to private cabins with shared bathroom in the jungle and private bathroom in the pampas available.

Flight La Paz to Rurrenabaque to La Paz

Order a round trip ticket from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. The La Paz to Rurrenabaque to La Paz flight is a stunning journey over the Cordillera Real mountains and down to the Amazon jungle. Each way takes around 45 minutes. The flight is operated by Amaszonas Airlines. We recommend you book early in busy season as spaces fill up quick.

Flight La Paz to Uyuni to La Paz (Amaszonas)

The La Paz to Uyuni to La Paz flight is the most comfortable way to get to Uyuni and back. Each way takes around 60 minutes and this means you can avoid the 10 to 12 hour overnight bus journey. These flights are now scheduled to go everyday from La Paz International airport and back. This flight is operated by Amaszonas Airlines.

Quechua Connection Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days

This is our 3-day sunset salt flats tour option including English-speaking guide operated by Quechua Connection. Quechua Connection are a very popular choice for travelers visiting the salt flats of Uyuni and they get consistently good reviews. During dry season a bonus biking on the salar is also included. Daily departures from Uyuni. We are an official agent for selling Quechua Connection salt flats tours.

Quechua Connection Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days + Transfer to Chile

This is our 3-day salt flats "sunset" tour option including English-speaking guide and transfer to Chile operated by Quechua Connection, a very popular choice for travelers visiting the Salt Flats Tours of Uyuni. Daily departures from Uyuni. We are an official agent for selling Quechua Connection salt flats tours.

Perla de Bolivia Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days

This is our 3 day "sunset" salt flats tour option including English-speaking guide operated by Perla de Bolivia. This operator is one of the most popular offering quality services , english speaking guides and increasing in popularity all the time - book in advance to ensure you get a place.

You might also want to check our the discounted bundle that included both this 3 Day Salt Flats tour with Perla de Bolivia and round trip bus tickets with Todo Turismo

Perla de Bolivia Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days + Transfer to Chile

This is our 3-day salt flats tour option including English-speaking guide and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama operated b y Perla de Bolivia.  This operator is one of the most popular offering quality services , english speaking guides and increasing in popularity all the time - book in advance to ensure you dont miss out.

World's Most Dangerous Road (Gravity Assisted)

Mountain biking down the “Worlds Most Dangerous Road" from La Cumbre to Coroico is one of the most popular activities amongst backpackers in Bolivia. Suitable for confident beginners and experienced riders alike this is a ride to remember. This is with Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking - the best and safest company for this ride.

World's Most Dangerous Road (Barracuda Biking)

Mountain biking down the “Worlds Most Dangerous Road" from La Cumbre to Coroico is one of the most popular activities amongst backpackers in Bolivia. Suitable for confident beginners and experienced riders alike this is a ride to remember. This is with Barracuda Biking - a safe and reliable company.

Tuni Condoriri - Pico Austria 1-Day Trek

Stunning scenery with amazing snowcapped peaks, beautiful Andean lakes, good altitude training before climbing or simply an easy way to go on a fantastic short trek in the majestic Cordillera Mountain range. Highly recommended for everyone and perfect for those who are short on time but still want to experience the stunning views only Andes can offer.

2-Day Jungle Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 2 day jungle tour operated by Bala Tours. The ecolodge "El Tucuaral" is located in the world famous Madidi National Park near to Rurrenabaque and is owned and operated by our partner Bala Tours. This tour provides quality English speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price - highly recommended.

3-Day Jungle Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day jungle tour operated by Bala Tours. The Ecolodge "El Tucuaral" is located in the world famous Madidi National Park near to Rurrenabaque and is owned and operated by our partner Bala Tours. This tour provides quality English-speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price - highly recommended.

3-Day Pampas Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day pampas tour operated by Bala Tours.  Carocoles Lodge is located in the wildlife rich Pampas area near to Rurrenabaque. This tour provides quality English speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price. Run by our partner agency Bala Tours this is a good value recommended option.

Tourist Bus La Paz to Copacabana

HOTEL PICKUP - La Paz to Copacabana is only a 4-5 hours journey and this daily bus picks you up from your hotel between 6.45 and 7.45 am. A convenient option for this picturesque journey. Arrives in time for the 13.30 boat to the Isla del Sol.  Children up to 4 years don't pay if carried by the parent.

Tourist Bus La Paz to Copacabana to Puno

Hotel pickup for La Paz to Copacabana section. Copacabana is only a 4 hours journey and this bus leaves at 6.45 every day. A convenient option for this picturesque journey. The bus arrives in time for the 13.30 boat to the Isla del Sol. The onward Copacabana to Puno leg of this journey departs at 13.30. You can have a stop over for one or more nights in Copacabana if you wish.

Cama Bus La Paz to Santa Cruz

DIRECT - Leaving daily usually at 17.00 and 19.30 (but times change - would still be in a similar time range though) from La Paz to Santa Cruz. Toilet, heating, proper reclinable seats and movies. Journey 18 hours approximately.

4-Day Pampas Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 4 day pampas tour operated by Bala Tours.  Carocoles Lodge is located in the wildlife rich Pampas area near to Rurrenabaque. This tour provides quality English speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price. Run by our partner agency Bala Tours this is a good value recommended option. Includes horseriding.

5-Day Jungle & Pampas (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 5 day jungle and pampas combo tour operated by Bala Tours. This is a combo tour of pampas and jungle in Carocoles and El Tucuaral Lodges. This tour provides quality English-speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price. It is a great way to fit both the jungle and pampas into the same tour without having to stay in Rurrenabaque for a night in between.

1-Day Community Tour (San Miguel del Bala)

In this one day tour you will get to visit the Tacana community of San Miguel del Bala and learn about their culture and traditions. You will see first hand the community lifestyle and visit the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeble local guide. You will also have a delicious lunch cooked by the skilled local cooks. You will be able to choose two activities of your choice.

2-Day Community Tour (San Miguel del Bala)

In this two day tour you will get to visit the Tacana community of San Miguel del Bala  and learn about their culture and traditions. You will see first hand the community lifestyle and visit the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeble local guide. You will learn about traditional hunting techiques, forest medicines, visit a jungle waterfall and can take a jungle hike to a canyon. You will also see how this community-owned lodge benefits from the tourism project buy funding various project with the village.

4-Day Community Jungle (San Miguel del Bala)

In this four day tour you will get to visit the Tacana community of San Miguel del Bala and learn about their culture and traditions plus also visit the world famous Madidi National Park and spend your second night in an ecolodge there. You will see first hand the community lifestyle and visit the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeble local guide. You will learn about traditional hunting techniques, forest medicines, visit a jungle waterfall and can take a jungle hike to a canyon. You will also see how this community owned lodge benefits from the tourism project buy funding various project with the village .

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Bolivia Highlights

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Wander through markets in La Paz
• Learn about the infamous coca plant
• Marvel at the barren Andean Desert
• Explore the Laguna Colorado
• Introduction
• Day 1 La Paz
• Day 2 La Paz – Uyuni
• Day 3 Salar de Uyuni
• Day 4 Desierto Siloli – Laguna Colorada
• Day 5 Salar de Uyuni – Uyuni
• Day 6 Potosi
• Day 7 Sucre
• Day 8 Sucre
• Day 9 Sucre
• Day 10 Sucre - La Paz
• Day 11 La Paz

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Intrepid Travel

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and some friends. On that trip, they came up with the idea that perhaps others may be interested in this style of travel too. Just like that, Intrepid was born. Intrepid has come a long way since then, now giving over 100,000 travelers a year the opportunity to experience small group travel across all 7 continents. They use local transport, sleep in local accommodation from Cambodian stilt houses to Moroccan riads, and employ 100% local leaders. With three different travel styles including basix, original and comfort, themes ranging from cycling trips to family holidays, and itineraries crafted with the perfect balance of must-see sights and free time, Intrepid caters to every type of traveller no matter their age, budget or travel style. The company has grown but their mission remains the same: to change the way people see the world through sustainable, experience-rich travel

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.3
• Guide Excellent 4.6
• Transport Excellent 4.4
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 3.8
• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• GM Gail · 7th November 2019 Guide and transportation vehicle not adequate for an enjoyable trip Trip date: October 2019
• A Beverley M · 18th September 2019 I have been on 6 trips with Intrepid and have always had a good time. I only had one travel leader that I and others on the trip were not particularly pleased with but it did not impact the experience. Everything went as planned and accomodations were... Show more Trip date: February 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
• A Jan N · 18th September 2019 I found it very enjoyable. The leader was excellent and very on top of everything. Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
• A Sydney D · 18th September 2019 It was a great experience and it was a very relaxing way to travel as everything is organized. I also found it very easy to meet new people. It is however a bit pricey for “budget travellers”. Overall great trip! Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
• A Jen C · 18th September 2019 The tour group was a good mix of people of different ages. The tour was well organised and we had a lovely leader in Marisol. Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
• A Tiffany L · 18th September 2019 We were provided the incorrect trip notes prior. As a result, we arrived at the wrong hotel (Hotel Osira) which was currently undergoing renovations and completely closed down. We then had to scramble to look for somewhere with internet to sort this... Show more Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

• Wednesday 29 May, 2024 Saturday 8 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €1,575 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 13 Jun, 2024 Sunday 23 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €1,575 €1,417 Confirm Dates
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 Sunday 7 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,575 €1,417 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 11 Jul, 2024 Sunday 21 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,575 €1,417 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Thursday 25 Jul, 2024 Sunday 4 Aug, 2024 English Sold Out €1,575 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 15 Aug, 2024 Sunday 25 Aug, 2024 English Sold Out €1,575 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 29 Aug, 2024 Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 English Sold Out €1,575 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 2 Other Unavailable Departures

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour ends in La Paz, and after breakfast you are free to leave at any time!

Day 1 of this tour starts in La Paz with your 6 pm Welcome Meeting. This will take place at your arrival accommodation, Hotel Rosario. For the rest of the day you're free to explore the city and settle into your hotel.

We are happy to pre-book your departure and arrival transfers, however this is not included in the tour price and will be an extra charge. Please contact our Travel Experts to arrange this once you have a confirmed booking.

Of course we can! If you wish to arrange additional accommodation then please contact our Travel Experts once you have a confirmed booking.

This tour accepts travellers between ages 15 - 99, however the general age range of participants is from early 20's to late 30's.

Many solo travellers join this trip, and you will be roomed with a member of the same gender at no additional cost. This is an amazing way to bond with your fellow travellers and enrich your travel experience! If you did want a little more privacy then a single supplement can be paid, and we can arrange you a private room for the duration of the trip, with the exception of day 4 and 5. Please contact our Travel Experts to arrange this.

All accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. After the booking is made you will be issued your final trip documents with your specific accommodation details. On this tour you will be spending 2 nights in a dormitory and 9 nights in a hotel.

Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. If you have not already booked your flights we recommend checking out the following link which is powered by Skyscanner - https://flights.tourradar.com

Intrepid is a small group tour operator that has a maximum group size of 16 passengers on all of their tours.

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency Bs. Boliviano Bolivia

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F. As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Bolivia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bolivia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bolivia. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bolivia. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Bolivia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Recommended for Bolivia. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 28th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 28th June 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
• Zimbabwe Safari
• Trips for Young Adults
• British Columbia tours
• Ranthambore Maps: Location, Road & Attraction…
• 10 Best Antarctica Tour Operators
• Serengeti National Park Fees & Costs: Be Prep…
• Kruger - Close Airports & Location

Keep Exploring Bolivia

• 10 Best South America Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• 10 Best Adventure Trips for Couples 2024/2025
• 10 Best Cultural Travel Companies
• 10 Best Cultural Experiences in The World 2024/2025
• Bolivia from La Paz
• Bolivia In-depth Cultural
• Small group tour
• 11 days Bolivia
• Operators in Latin America
• Bolivian Altiplano
• Bolivia Highlights Tours in Bolivia
• In-depth Cultural Tours
• Andes Mountains Tours
• Bolivia Tours
• Family Tours
• Group Tours
• Fully Guided Tours
• Christmas & New Year Tours
• Andes Mountains
• Bolivia tours

• Request Tickets
• Sucre & Potosi

Discover Bolivia!

Walking Tour

Cholitas wrestling, chacaltaya & moon valley, salt flat uyuni.

Buhos Tours is a travel agency located in La Paz, Bolivia. Since 2001 we are organizing trips, outdoor activities, show and more in Bolivia. We started opering the tours as Tiwanaku and Chacaltaya & Moon Valley as our star activities. Actually we want that you find all infomation about our touristic services. We invite you a tour in our website and discover Bolivia ans its activities. 

COPACABANA 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT

Copacabana located 155 km from La Paz city, has a altitude 3800 m.a.s.l. This place is situated on the shores of Titicaca Lake, it is considered as religious center for two religious as catholic and andina. Nowadays many pilgrims that come for faith. Also Copacabana has many islands but there is the main important Sun Island (isla del sol), where you appreciate the mountain range (Los Andes), Archeologic Ruins as Pilkokaina Palace, Incas Steps and Water Source made by Incas.  

Located in Alto City at 4.100 m.a.s.l., Cholitas Luchadoras are women flighters that do a popular show, where flight rural women so they are dressed from typical hat, shirt with shawl, long skirts (polleras) and shoes. Inside of La Paz Departament exist a big proportion of indigenous people in which El Alto was born this is entertainment to people. Where each Thursday and Sunday we can enjoy this show together with family or friends. Enjoy this show with strong fighters  between women or men.  

SALAR DE UYUNI (3 DAYS-2 NIGHTS)

Salar de Uyuni is located in Potosi´s department, the largest and highest salt desert in the world. The surface is 10,582 km2 and its height of 3650 m.a.s.l., has become one of the best natural attractions, showing its great extension of salt and lithium reserve largest in the world, also became part of the past cultures (Tiwanaku and Incas) that left us with prestige in this place thanks to its great Islands that exists in the desert. Spend a night in a Lodging made of salt ,it will be unforgettable and unique thanks to the amount of salt. Going by the southwest of Bolivia we find highland lagoons next to deserts, at a distance you can see a volcano that is still active Ollagüe Volcano, the lagoons have a stench for the minarets that have these, in addition there are three varieties of flamingos in its habitat. The Stone Tree in Silala desert unique landscapes, this way we will enter the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, a protected park that has: Laguna Colorada, the Salvador Dalí desert wildlife such as vicuñas, foxes, flamingos and Andean cat, reaching the lagoon Green where you will see the Lincancabur Volcano.

Death Road, Yungas (Biking)

The Death Road is 24 km aprox. from downtown La Paz where we start. From "La Cumbre" 4100 m.a.s.l. we find little vegetation, animals as llamas and alpacas. There we start the bike downhill along winding road for 65 km, we'll cross some small rivers, waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and gravity road paths. Likewise we'll go down until 1100 m.a.s.l.  also feel different temperature. Finally it will waiting a swimpool to enjoy with the group.   INCLUDE: - Transport. - Guide touristic (english and spanish). - Safety equipment (helmet, trousers, jacket, knee and elbow pads). - Meals (snack y lunch). - Right to use the hotel for showers and swimpool.

The archeological site of Tiwanaku is around 72 kms from the city-centre of La Paz.  During many years, the site was known as a pre-inca city, with its awesomeand stony architectures. Over the years, we wondered how these such pyramids, temples and monoliths have been built. Discover this magnificient ceremonial center and its archeological areas.   INCLUDED : - The transport (we pick you up in your Hotel in the city centre) - The toursit guide (language : spanish and english)  

Inca trail, Crater Maragua

Maragua is a tourist site for its Inca trail and its geological formations (crater). This tour is located 47 km from the City of Sucre and has a height of 3060 m.a.s.l. To reach this attraction we must travel for 1 1/2 in later transport we will begin to make a walk full of beautiful landscapes on the Inca route, the road is largely cobbled, this will facilitate the descent of the walk for approximately 2 hours at At the end of the road we will return to the transport to reach the crater and the throat of the devil. The Maragua crater or also called Marawa has an extension of approximately 8 km. In the center of the crater lives one of the communities that is dedicated to textiles, which will teach us how they work and live. In the rainy season, the water focuses and forms rivers and becomes one of the drainage passages through the center of the crater and goes down the famous Devil's Throat forming a beautiful waterfall.

Chacaltaya Mountain is 27 km from downtown La Paz, it is a mountain with 5400 m.a.s.l., it was a sky slopes the hightest of world. Nowadays, this is a magnific viewpoint of Mountain range, different colors laggon, La Paz City, Titicaca lake and hightlands boliviano. Enjoy walking on mountin hight.    Moon Valley is 39 km aprox. from Chacalataya mountain, we descent until 3200 m.a.s.l. Here, it is eroded area with clay obelisks and sometimes "viscachas" tipical animal of hightlands. We need only imagine and feel be as the moon.   INCLUDE: - Transport (we pick you up in your Hotel in the city centre). - Guide Bilingual (english and spanish).

LAGUNA CHIARKOTA & TUNI CONDORIRI

Tuni Condoriri is a snowy mountain located 68 km from the City of La Paz, it has a height of 5,648 m.a.s.l. at the same time it belongs to the Cordillera de los Andes and it becomes one of the snowy mountains with a condor shape which comes from its name in the original Aymara language. Accompanied by the snow is La Laguna Chirakota, gives it a beautiful charm thanks to its different colors that contains these ice snow waters.

ANIMAS VALLEY & PALCA CANYON

Anima´s Valley is located 20 km from La Paz downtown, this is one of the natural attractions that has very tall obelisks up to 200 meters, with an extension of 2538 hectares, so the geological formations of Ánimas valley are the glacial desert that was in the Tertian age. Its composition of these formations is of lima, clay and gravel. Mountains areas, canyon, temporary rivers, pampas and valleys, a very particular ecosystem of the Andean region is protected. For many people, this place the valley of the souls is a natural and important sanctuary for the city.

SALAR DE UYUNI (1 DAY)

Salar de Uyuni is located in Potosi´s Department, the largest and highest salt desert in the world. The surface area is 10,582 km2 and its height is 3650 m.a.s.l. It has become one of the best natural attractions managing to show its great extension of salt and the largest lithium reserve in the world. In addition, it became part of the past cultures (Tiwanaku and Incas) that left us with prestige in this place thanks to its great Islands that exist in the desert.

Getting around in Bolivia – where the journey can be as wild as the destination

Nov 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Traveling around Bolivia takes a little savviness with logistics, but you'll be rewarded with world-class travel experiences © Anton Petrus / Getty Images

You know that old saying that it’s not about the destination but rather the journey? Well, there are few places on earth where the journeys are quite so epic as in Bolivia , which packs a continent’s worth of topography – soaring mountains, upland plateaus, and lowland jungles – into a relatively small package. 

To get from one place to the next often involves traveling up or down – sometimes thousands of meters – on buses that snake along winding highways. It’s the preferred mode of transportation for most Bolivians and an exhilarating experience.

But it’s not for everyone, and there are alternatives. Planes, trains, and even aerial cable cars can smooth things over for the faint of heart. Here’s how to get around Bolivia. 

Watch the landscape change out of your bus window

Bus travel is, by far, the most common way of getting from point A to point B in Bolivia. As a bonus, you’ll get to meet other travelers and witness the enormous diversity of the country's shape-shifting landscapes.

That said, bus travel is not for the meek, particularly if you’re beginning or ending in La Paz , which lies at nearly 4000m (13,123ft) above sea level. Expect vast changes in altitude, unexplained stops and curvy roads with no guardrails. Also, be sure to guard your valuables at all times; theft can be an issue both in terminals and on the buses themselves. 

When traveling in the wet season (November to April) or headed to the Amazon Basin , it’s always a good idea to ask about road conditions in advance.

For more comfort, no matter the conditions, it really is worth paying a bit extra for a cama (reclining seat) or semicama (partially reclining seat). And keep in mind some terminology: flotas are long-distance buses, buses are large regional buses, and micros are minibuses. 

Some of the more respected bus lines in Bolivia include Todo Turismo , Trans Salvador , and Trans Copacabana . TicketsBolivia and EnBus are good English-language sites to compare prices and book trips.

Many tourists departing La Paz for Peru choose to simplify their journey by traveling with Bolivia Hop , a private company that offers a variety of multi-day hop-on, hop-off bus trips past Lake Titicaca to either Lima or Cusco (for Machu Picchu).

Save some stress and catch a plane

Traveling by air is certainly the fastest and most pain-free way of zipping around this mountainous nation. The main hubs are Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz and El Alto International Airport high above La Paz (so high, in fact, that there are oxygen tanks waiting in the arrivals area for those who experience altitude sickness!). 

If you’re headed to the Amazon Basin – and can’t stomach the thought of a 24-hour bus ride – both hubs have trips to Trinidad and Cobija, though the more touristed city of Rurrenabaque is only reached via La Paz.

Secondary cities such as Sucre , Tarija , and Cochabamba are all well connected with each other, while the latter is the only airport with connections to Uyuni (popular for its nearby salt flats ).

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) is the flag carrier airline of Bolivia and is wholly owned by the government. It has the widest network of flights to all corners of the country. Amaszonas is BoA’s main competitor and often the only option for northern destinations in the Amazon Basin.

EcoJet , meanwhile, is the low-cost alternative, with a limited network serviced by just three jets. Flights on all three airlines are generally quite affordable, though schedules can change with little notice and cancellations are frequent. During the summer wet season, air travel may be the only way to reach many destinations, particularly in the north.

Ride the rails on a scenic train

As is the case in much of Latin America, train travel is extremely piecemeal throughout Bolivia. There is one popular tourist train that departs El Alto (above La Paz) for the ruins of Tiwanaku , ending at Guaqui on Lake Titicaca before returning in the evening.

Another passenger train goes from Oruro to Uyuni, though you’ll likely have to arrive at either end by bus or plane, making it somewhat impractical. You can check the latest routes and schedules with Ferroviaria Andina . 

A separate service operates in eastern Bolivia, with passenger trains from Santa Cruz east to Quijarro and south to Yacuiba. Check the latest schedules on these routes with Ferroviaria Oriental .

Brave the Bolivian streets in a car

Due to the nature of Bolivia’s complicated road network, few international visitors attempt to rent a car. That said, a car can be useful for quick trips in and around Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, or Sucre, where the streets are less hectic.

It’s also common to rent motorbikes (or moto-taxis) for day trips in hotter lowland cities. Cars are not recommended for travel in the Amazon Basin unless you’re proficient in Spanish and capable of managing an array of challenging conditions, including flash floods, muddy roads, and bathtub-sized potholes. 

Many travelers to La Paz choose to rent a car with a driver who will be familiar with the curving roads that snake up to the high mountain passes or down to the Yungas cloud forests. International agencies with a presence in La Paz, as well as Santa Cruz, include Hertz and Europcar .

Flag down a taxi or  trufi

Taxis are available in most larger cities and are relatively inexpensive. One of the easiest and safest ways for tourists to use them is through a taxi app like Uber, though this is only available in major cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Note that many taxis are actually trufis (collective taxis) that run on fixed routes and pick up other passengers along the way.

Accessible transportation and accommodations are found in La Paz

Bolivia is, sadly, ill-equipped for travelers with disabilities, largely due to its outdated infrastructure. The one glaring exception is Mi Teléferico in La Paz, which is the first public transport system in the nation to address the needs of people with disabilities.

La Paz also has the largest share of hotels with wheelchair-accessible rooms, including Atix and Hotel Camino Real in the calmer Zona Sur sector. For more information, check out Lonely Planet’s accessible travel online resources .

Why Mi Teleférico is my favorite way to travel in Bolivia

There are few cities in the world where I would ride public transportation just for the heck of it. La Paz is one of them. That’s because it’s home to the longest aerial cable car system in the world: Mi Teleférico.

These colorful capsules soar over the city like some futuristic vision, connecting not only the ritzy Calacoto neighborhood with the historic Casco Viejo, but also the largely Indigenous metropolis of El Alto some 500m (1640ft) above.

From this vantage point, peering out the window of a cable car, you can finally come to grips with the improbable setting of Bolivia’s cloud-hugging capital, which lies within a deep earthen bowl high in the Andes.

All along the horizon are 6000m (19,685ft) peaks. And spread below are the haphazard homes and beanstalk-like buildings of some two million people. The view – like the altitude here – is quite literally breathtaking.

This article was first published February 2022 and updated November 2023

Explore related stories

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

As the new year begins, here are 24 of the world’s most life-affirming journeys to consider for nurturing your path to self-discovery.

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Dec 20, 2023 • 4 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 8, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 7, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 18, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 9, 2023 • 8 min read

Nov 6, 2023 • 8 min read

Nov 3, 2023 • 8 min read

Four Mind-Blowing Bolivia Itineraries For 10 Days to One Month of Traveling

By Author Sarah Ketchum

Posted on Last updated: 6th October 2023

Fantastically biodiverse and with a rich cultural and historical heritage, Bolivia is filled with jaw-dropping natural wonders and plenty to pack into a Bolivia itinerary – however long your trip.

This country is packed with so many sights and experiences to keep an adventurous traveler on the edge of their seat that, even after living in Bolivia for two years, my wish list was still full of destinations I’d not had the chance to explore! 

Planning a trip to this South American country can seem intimidating due to Bolivia’s scale and reputation as a tricky place to travel, but the itineraries listed below will make your trip memorable, regardless of the length of your adventure.  

Click to navigate this article:

Recommendations for traveling in Bolivia and using this itinerary:

• Public transportation in Bolivia is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to travel between major cities and tourist attractions in Bolivia has, although you’ll want to be flexible, careful with your valuables and ready for a sleepless night, as we explain in this guide to traveling in Bolivia .  
• To make boarding public transport and moving around easier, pack light, backpack-style luggage rather than a large, heavy, rolling suitcase. Many hostels and hotels offer laundry service, so you should be able to pack light and still have clean clothes throughout your trip.
• Safety in Bolivia is always a key concern for travelers. While living there, I never felt threatened or unsafe, however I do suggest being aware of your surroundings and personal belongings in order to avoid petty theft or more serious crimes, while learning a bit of Spanish before you arrive can be invaluable.
• There’s isn’t really a best time to visit Bolivia. The weather in Bolivia typically is rainier and warmer from November to March, and drier and colder from April to October. This itinerary includes travel between many different altitudes and climate zones, regardless of the time of year you travel, so plan and pack accordingly with a variety of layers.
• One key to preparing for your backpacking trip to Bolivia is knowing how to deal with altitude. Not only does your entry point for the itinerary sit at a dizzying height (4,061 m (13,325 ft) above sea level), many of Bolivia’s other attractions are also at altitude and travelers risk experiencing soroche (altitude sickness). Talking to a doctor who can prescribe the medication Diamox for when you arrive can also help, especially if you know you are especially prone to altitude sickness. If you’re ever feeling fatigued, dizzy, nauseous, or have a bad headache, take it easy and stay hydrated!
• Bolivia is a very affordable destination to visit , with daily travel costs easy to keep below $30 USD per person for budget travelers staying in hostels and eating in inexpensive cafés, while those with a mid-range budget staying in B&Bs and dining in fancier restaurants can budget under $50 USD per person per day.

Ten-day Bolivia itinerary

An overview of this Bolivia itinerary for ten days:

• Days One to Three: La Paz
• Day Four: Bike the Death Road to Coroico
• Day Five: Coroico and overnight to Uyuni
• Days Six to Nine: Uyuni
• Days Nine to Ten: La Paz

A ten-day itinerary of Bolivia is enough to explore the heady heights of de-facto capital, La Paz, take your life into your own hands biking down Death Road and be awestruck by the perspective-bending landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni or Bolivian salt flats.

Day One: Arrive in La Paz 

Your Bolivian adventure begins in La Paz , a marvelous city overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real.

Fly into El Alto International Airport and, to adjust to the altitude, take this first day carefully.

Use it to rest, relax, and soak in the sights of this incredible city from the windows of your taxi as you wind your way through the streets from the airport to your lodgings. 

Where to stay in La Paz: If you’re looking for something luxurious, try Casa Grande ($178 USD double) in the Zona Sur (Southern Zone) neighborhood where you can start your morning with their fantastic breakfast buffet, relax in the pool, and enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day in their penthouse bar.

Where to stay in La Paz: One of my absolute favorite places to stay in the La Paz area is actually located a short distance outside of the city. It’s called Colibri Camping and Eco Lodge ($65 USD for double bed with private bath in a cabin) and if you want a comfortable place to stay separated from the city’s noise, this is the place for you.

Where to stay in La Paz on a budget: If casual hostels are more your style, try the Adventure Brew Hostel ($40 USD double) or The Nest Boutique Hostel ($37 USD double), both of which are located in the downtown area close to main tourist attractions like Calle Sagarnaga and the San Francisco Basilica.

Days Two to Three: Experience La Paz

La Paz is a Bolivian highlight and this beautiful and energetic city is where you can learn much about the country’s history, culture, and government.

Spend your days getting to grips with this mountain metropolis: stroll through the Plaza Murillo to see several of Bolivia’s government buildings, pick up an alpaca sweater at a tienda in Calle Sagarnaga, snack on a Bolivian salteña or cuñape , and soar over the city in the colorful teleférico cable cars.

Get even more tips about unmissable things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in La Paz .

One of the top things to do in Bolivia is the famous Death Road , and the best way to experience it is by bicycle.

You should now be adjusted enough to the altitude to take on the challenge of downhill mountain biking down the “World’s Most Dangerous Road.” 

Planning Your Trip to South America?

Save time, stress & money with a customized travel itinerary planned for you by a South America expert

What previous clients have said:

“You literally made my trip happen. I could not have done everything needed to pull off such an incredible trip and would have likely had to bail for lack of advance planning. Worldly Adventurer is the perfect trip planning service. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Unbiased, responsive, and a great value. I wish they could plan all my vacations!”

There are many tour companies offering Death Road cycling tours, but I always recommend booking with Gravity Bolivia for their skillful guides and high-quality bikes and equipment.

They’ll give you time to stop, rest, snack, and take photos along the way.

Your ride ends at the village of Yolosa, near Coroico where you can take a ride on a zipline over the jungle before visiting Senda Verde , where you’ll have lunch and meet some local wildlife who, having been rescued from illegal trafficking situations, call the Senda Verde refuge home.

Where to stay in Yolosa/Coroico: Senda Verde isn’t just a cool place to visit, it’s also a cool place to stay! They offer many ecolodge options to accommodate various group sizes. If you’ve ever dreamed of spending the night in a treehouse, look no further. You might even be able to spend the morning hanging out on your balcony with a monkey friend or two. 

Where to stay in Yolosa/Coroico: If a rustic ecolodge isn’t your style, there are plenty of other options for accommodations in Coroico. Sol y Luna Ecolodge and Hotel El Viejo Molino are all decent options that offer great views over the valley. 

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Coroico before a busy afternoon and evening of travel. Grab lunch before catching a minibus (three hours) back to La Paz from the town’s main plaza.

Give yourself some extra time to accommodate traffic and other potential travel delays. 

Your goal is to make it back to La Paz in time to have dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants before hopping on an overnight bus to Uyuni (eight hours) – one of the absolute must-see places in Bolivia.

A journey on a night bus is a key part of the Bolivian experience. Buy tickets online for a bus that gets you to Uyuni before 8:00 am tomorrow so that you are on time to meet your guides for your salt flats tour. 

Days Six to Nine: Salar de Uyuni

When you wake up from your long night of travel, you’ll be in Uyuni , home to the world’s largest salt flat and a highlight of Bolivia.

You’ll be spending not one, but three days in the Uyuni area, exploring not just the salt flats, but all that the surrounding region has to offer.

The sights in and around Uyuni are otherworldly: spend a night in a hotel made of salt, wander among abandoned trains, catch a glimpse of vicuñas , flamingos, and other Bolivian wildlife, and marvel at the multi-coloured mineral lakes and geysers.

Tour companies in Uyuni offer three-day excursions; for detailed information on choosing a tour group, what you can expect to see and do while on a tour, and how to get to the Bolivia salt flats, read our guide to visiting El Salar de Uyuni and this article about seeing dawn break over El Salar de Uyuni .

Remember that the three-day, two-night tours do not include accommodations in Uyuni for the night following your tour, so book a room in town or at one of the salt hotels closer to the flats.

Or, you could always take another time-and-money-saving night bus back to La Paz

Day Nine: Head to La Paz

From Uyuni, head back to La Paz via bus or flight. Now is your chance to hit any of the La Paz attractions you missed during your first few days here.

Options include taking a hike or even playing a round of golf, as well as diving into the local cuisine with a remarkably affordable fine-dining experience at Gustu .

Day Ten: Travel home 

Alas, your ten-day trip has come to an end! Perhaps you can get one last glimpse of Mount Illimani from your airplane window as you fly away. 

Two weeks in Bolivia itinerary

Overview of this 14-day Bolivia itinerary:

Days Ten to Twelve: Sucre

• Days Thirteen to Fourteen: La Paz

Days Ten to Twelve: Trek Huayna Potosí 

• Days Twelve to Fourteen – La Paz

Want to extend your trip to a full two weeks? An extra few days in Bolivia will give you a chance to throw in plenty more things to see: either visit the striking, well-preserved colonial architecture of its capital city, Sucre, or a thrilling opportunity to summit a 6,000-metre peak.

OPTION 1 – Follow days one through eight of the ten-day itinerary above and then tack on a few days exploring Bolivia’s constitutional capital.

From Uyuni, travel overnight to Sucre by bus (8 hours). Sucre is technically the capital city of Bolivia, even though many of the government buildings reside in La Paz.

You can feel the history in this city as you walk streets lined by fine historic buildings that were constructed using indigenous slave labor following the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

There are loads of things to see and do in Sucre , including visiting the Cal Orck’o wall which holds the world’s largest collection of dinosaur footprints!

Where to stay in Sucre: There are plenty of great options for accommodations in Sucre. Many of these hotels, like Mi Pueblo Samary ($120 USD double), Parador Santa Maria La Real ($129 USD double), and Hotel Independencia are located in renovated colonial buildings and authentically decorated to match the city’s historical architecture. 

Days Thirteen to Fourteen: Final days in La Paz 

Return to La Paz . Either take an overnight bus (12 hours), or, if this is a bit too long for you, fly from Sucre to La Paz instead (one hour). 

Spend your last days in Bolivia in La Paz. If you ran out of time to see any attractions during your first few days, now is the time to make up for it!

On the final day, head back to El Alto to catch your flight home and enjoy your last glimpses of the sprawling city and snow-capped mountains. 

OPTION 2 – Follow days one through nine of the ten-day itinerary above and then tack on a few days trekking one of Bolivia’s famous peaks!  

Huayna Potosí and its 6,080-metre (19,974-foot) peak towers above La Paz’s skyline, and it is one of the first things most visitors notice when exiting El Alto International Airport’s doors.

Even for beginner mountaineers, this mountain is possible to trek in just three days with a guided tour.

Many companies offer three-day, two-night excursions up the mountain, with the first day including an introductory course to mountaineering and using crampons and other ice climbing equipment.

If it’s on your bucket list to summit a 6,000-metre peak, Huayna Potosí might be the perfect mountain to tackle!

Days Thirteen and Fourteen: Relax and travel home

After your big trek, and exciting two-week trip, enjoy a day of rest and relaxation in La Paz before catching your flight home.

One-month Bolivia travel itinerary

An overview of a one-month Bolivia travel itinerary:

• Day Five: Coroico and Overnight to Uyuni
• Days Nine to Eleven : Sucre
• Day Twelve: Potosí

Days Thirteen to Sixteen: Santa Cruz

Days seventeen to eighteen: cochabamba, days nineteen to twenty-one: toro toro national park , days twenty-two to twenty-five: head to rurrenabaque, days twenty-six to twenty-nine: lake titicaca .

• Day Thirty: Fly home

Are you one of the lucky few who has an entire month for backpacking in Bolivia?

Check out this extended itinerary for Bolivia, where you’ll explore high-altitude La Paz and the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni before stopping in at the silver mines of historic Potosí.

From there, you’ll tour some of Bolivia’s most diverse green spaces around Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Rurrenabaque, before ending at the birthplace of the sun, the vast Lake Titicaca.  

Start by following days one through eleven of the fourteen-day itinerary above and tack on another few weeks’ worth of Bolivian adventures! 

Day Twelve: Potosí 

After spending a few days in Sucre, check out another of Bolivia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city of  Potosí (three hours).

Potosí was formerly the richest city in the world thanks to the Cerro Rico mine . It enriched the Spanish empire with silver and forced millions of indigenous people into slavery to work in the mines – with eight million people believed to have died in the inhumane conditions .

This still-working mine serves as a testament not just to Bolivia’s mineral wealth, but also, unfortunately, to the exploitative working conditions that many Bolivians deal with on a daily basis.

Guided tours through the mine led by former miners are available to visitors and a worthwhile look into the life of the local people – although be aware that you are putting yourself at risk by entering the mountain.

Another must-see place in Potosí is the Casa Nacional de la Moneda (the National Mint), whose museum covers the history of Potosí and its famous mine, while it’s worth just wandering the streets of the city, admiring the now crumbling grandeur of a city that has been abandoned to its fate.  

If you choose to make your trip to Potosí in one day, you can return to Sucre on a late evening bus for the night.

Where to stay in Potosí: If you’d like to extend your time, there are several options for lodgings in Potosí such as hostels like Santa Monica ($69 USD double) or Colonial ($75 USD double).

From Potosí, head back to Sucre and onwards to Santa Cruz de la Sierra (13 hours by bus; 50 mins by flight), Bolivia’s largest city.

Santa Cruz is a highly commercial and modernized city compared to Sucre and La Paz. It also sits at a much lower altitude (only 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level), meaning the temperature is warmer and the air more oxygen-rich. 

There are plenty of things to do in and around Santa Cruz, including visiting several of the nearby national parks. Amboró National Park is the closest to the city, and tour operators offer transportation to and from the park as well as guided tours to see the area’s diverse flora and fauna.

A good day trip option to experience a beautiful part of Amboró is the Jardin de las Delicias tour, which allows you to trek between several waterfalls, and cool off with a swim! Nick’s Adventure’s is one company offering Amboró tours, including the waterfall trek.

Another awesome adventure is to spend the day at the Lomas de Arena , where you can sandboard down a dune and keep an eye on the surrounding forest for wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for a sloth! Tour companies offering sand dune excursions include Nick’s Adventures and Ruta Verde . 

If you want to spot some wildlife, but don’t feel like venturing too far outside the city, check out Biocentro Güembé . Güembé is an animal shelter for rescued exotic animals that are unable to be rehabilitated back to the wild.

Here, you can see monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other Bolivian wildlife, as well as relax and beat the heat in their many swimming pools. You can even stay on-site in one of their hotel rooms or cabins. 

Another of Bolivia’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be accessed easily from Santa Cruz. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, Jesuit missionaries built many missions throughout South America, and six of these remain standing in Bolivia and are among the country’s top tourist destinations.

There are several tours that offer multi-day trips to see all six of the missions, but to save time, I suggest booking a two-day tour through Nick’s Adventures or Ruta Verde which guides you to the San Javier and Concepcion missions.

If you’d like to see more than just two of the missions, you will simply have to alter your Santa Cruz schedule a bit to accommodate spending more than two days on a mission’s tour. 

Where to stay in Santa Cruz: Aside from Güembé, the Nomad Hostel ($30 USD double) or Backpacker Suites Hostel ($22 USD double), both located near the city’s main square. 

From Santa Cruz from your Jesuit, travel to the higher altitude city of Cochabamba (10 hours by bus; 45 mins by flight). 

Cochabamba is home to La Cancha , South America’s largest open-air market, and the Cristo de la Concordia , the tallest Christ statue in the world (yes, a bit larger than the one in Rio de Janeiro).

Take a cable car to the top of the Cerro San Pedro to see the statue up close and enjoy a great view overlooking the city.

Some Bolivians will tell you that Cochabamba is the country’s “gastronomic capital,” so be sure to try some favorite Bolivian dishes like silpancho or pique macho. 

If you’re interested in a hike, Pico Tunari in nearby Tunari National Park is the tallest mountain in the area, with trekkers able to clamber up to 5,035 m (16,519 ft). There are several tour companies offering guided treks to the top, including El Mundo Verde . 

Where to stay in Cochabamba: Cochabamba has a lot of nice hotel options for your stay, including Hotel Aranjuez ($85 USD double) and the fantastic Running Chaski ($38 USD double).

One of the coolest places to visit in Bolivia, Toro Toro National Park , can be accessed from Cochabamba. Bolivia is home to so many geological wonders, and Toro Toro is the place to see several of them.

Go caving, hike through a canyon surrounded by red-fronted macaws, and observe ancient cave paintings, fossils, and dinosaur footprints.

Several companies, including Ruta Verde and Kanoo , offer three-day, two-night tours of the park.  

Day 22 is a heavy travel day as you return from Cochabamba, back to La Paz, and on to Rurrenabaque .

All of this can be done via bus (eight hours from Cochabamba to La Paz, and then 12 hours from the Villa Fatima bus station in La Paz to Rurrenabaque), via plane (45 minutes from Cochabamba to La Paz, 40 minutes from La Paz to Rurrenabaque), or via a combination of the two. 

Rurrenabaque is a small town in the jungle region of Bolivia that is the gateway to Madidi National Park – which is one of the most diverse places on the planet and high on the list of underrated Bolivian highlights.

A guided trip through the park is a must for nature lovers. Read our guide to Madidi National Park for advice about which tour companies to use and what to see and do in Madidi.

Several tour operators in Rurrenabaque offer three-day pampas tours of the Beni River and surrounding wetlands area where you can see pink Bolivian dolphins, caimans, and anacondas.

It’s also possible to do combination tours of Madidi and the pampas spanning several days. 

After your jungle adventure, it’s time to head back to higher altitudes and check out another of Bolivia’s most unmissable tourist destinations: Lake Titicaca .

To get to Lake Titicaca from La Paz, catch a bus in the Cementerioarea headed to Copacabana (four hours).

Copacabana is a peaceful town overlooking the world’s highest navigable lake (and South America’s largest lake ), sometimes considered to be the birthplace of the Inca. 

From Copacabana, take day trips via lake ferries to nearby floating islands for a meal of fried trucha or lake trout, to the Isla del Sol where you can hike the Ruta Sagrada Inca trail across the islands ridge and see the Chinkana ruins, or the Isla de la Luna which has a set of ruins of its own.

A hike along Isla del Sol’s Inca trail is a fantastic way to spend a day at Lake Titicaca.

Just be sure to take the earliest ferry to the island’s northern village, Challa Pampa, and walk south to the southern village of Yumani in time to catch the last ferry back to Copacabana at 4:30 pm. 

On Day 29, catch a bus from the main plaza of Cochabamba to make the four-hour drive back to La Paz.

No need to purchase tickets ahead of time for this trip, as there are always plenty of buses lined up waiting to fill with passengers before heading out. 

Where to stay in Copacabana: My all-time favorite place to stay in Copacabana is Hotel La Cupula ($39 USD double). With its clean and cozy rooms, fantastic views of the lake, delicious on-site restaurant, and yard filled with hammocks, it is the perfect place to relax after a day or exploring the area. 

Day Thirty – Fly home 

Wow! What a month! I’m sure your flight home will be filled with much-needed naps and sweet dreams of your incredible Bolivian adventure.

A Guide To Surviving Bus Travel In Bolivia

While reasonably frequent and generally reliable, bus travel between the country’s major towns and cities can be an adventure in itself, leaving even the most experienced of travelers reeling.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

There is no denying that bus travel throughout Bolivia can be eventful to say the least.

Because most timetables aren’t available online and many bus terminal staff don’t speak English, acquiring information on how to reach your next destination can be difficult. Departure and arrival times change without notice and ticket prices don’t always reflect quality.

Also, many of Bolivia’s roads are still unpaved, making traveling between cities, long, tumultuous and bumpy –  particularly when navigating highways with hairpin turns, narrow lanes and dizzying heights. It’s not unusual for ground transportation to be delayed by protests leaving travelers stranded for days on end. The  unpredictable rainy season can also impact the best-laid travel plans, especially in the eastern plains of Bolivia where roads are known to get washed out.

And if that’s not enough to contend with, there are pickpockets and drunk drivers to be wary of as well as questionable on-board toilets to contend with; quite the problem on long bus journeys.

That being said, every downside has its upside and bus travel in Bolivia is no exception. Being forced to sit back and soak in awe-inspiring landscapes for hours on end is a true blessing in disguise. Money can be saved on accommodation with an overnight trip. And above all else, bus travel allows you to experience the friendliness of the Bolivian people – it’s very common for locals to smile and say “buen dia” when boarding the bus; a refreshing custom in a manic world.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we have outlined some of the main problems associated with bus travel in Bolivia as well as tips on how best to avoid them.

Buen viaje!

Bolivian Life Quick Tip:

Border crossings.

Photo Credit: Liam King

One of the most frustrating aspects of travel in Bolivia has to be border crossings. Traveling overland between countries can be notoriously stressful, especially if you’re not fluent Spanish. There are forms to be filled out, fees to be paid, painfully long lines to wait in and dodgy police officers looking to make a quick buck. No matter how prepared you may be or how confident you are at arguing conversing in the local language, crossing borders by bus is notoriously challenging, causing even the most tolerant of backpackers to lose their cool.

In order to better protect yourself against stressful border crossings we advise travelers to take heed of the following advice:

• Before departing on your trip, make sure to check the entry requirements for each country you plan on visiting ( you can read Bolivia’s here ). You will need to supply all required documents at the border in order to enter the country
• If you are required to pay a reciprocity fee, make sure you have freshly minted cash on you as no marked bills nor credit cards will be accepted
• When entering a country, make sure you receive and fill out an immigration form. This form will be requested when you leave. Be aware that you if you have overstayed your allotted time in Bolivia, you will be required to pay $1 US per day of overstay
• Don’t forget to get an exit stamp on your passport when you leave one country and make sure to get an entrance stamp when you enter the next
• Inform yourself of exchange rates before crossing the border. While it’s recommended to exchange money at a bank or exchange house (casas de cambio), if you must exchange money at the border make sure to compare several different ‘exchange people’ before settling on one. Only change small amounts to get you to the nearest city and make sure that each bill looks real and in good condition
• Avoid offers from non-official border police. Sometimes people dressed in casual clothing will try to pass out custom forms in line and will attempt to charge you for their “kindness”
• Never leave your hand luggage or valuables unattended on the bus

The best way to cross the Peru – Bolivia Border

To help make traveling from Bolivia to Peru as smooth as possible, a new European owned bus company called Bolivia Hop are now providing safe and secure transfers between the two countries. While public busses are definitely an option, the popular hop-on / hop-off bus service provides a more flexible, comfortable and not to mention fun, way of getting you from A to B. You can read about Bolivia Hop’s fantastic service here:

5 Reasons To Cross The Border With Bolivia Hop

Dangerous Drivers

One of the most common concerns for people traveling by bus in Bolivia are drunk bus drivers. Unfortunately drink driving does occur, so our advice is to always assess the state of your driver before getting on the bus. If your driver is drunk or sleep deprived, don’t get on board, plain and simple. This might mean having to wait around for a later bus or forking out more money for an alternative bus company, however it’s important to remember that your safety should never be compromised.

During your bus trip if you do have concerns or you notice your driver being careless, you are perfectly in your right to say something. When possible, try to schedule your travel during the day as this is the time drivers are less likely to be drunk.

Pesky Pickpockets

Unfortunately petty theft does occur on busses, especially on overnight ones. When taking public busses, safeguard valuables by keeping them on your body at all times. If you do have to stow your bag in the luggage compartment, pack all your main valuables into a separate day pack and bring this onto the bus with you

When on the bus, hide your valuables in more than one place so in the unfortunate event of a theft you won’t end up loosing everything. E.g. stash some money in your shoes, money belt and carry-on bag. Always padlock your bag as this is a huge deterrent for would-be thieves. If you take an overnight bus, try to padlock your bag to a seat or luggage rack, so if you do fall asleep, no one can run off with your bag.

Noisy Neighbours

There’s no avoiding it, snorers are going to snore. If you want to get some shuteye during your trip, the only way to muffle out the sound (bar continually poking the perpetrator) is to wear earplugs. Also, Bolivian busses are notorious for playing movies at deafening volumes throughout the night so you might want to avoid buying a seat at the front of the bus where the TV is – or beside the toilet for that matter.

Cold & Hangry

Prepare to be cold, very cold. Bolivian bus drivers love to crank the aircon so prepare for this by wearing warm layers and pack a blanket especially if traveling in the highlands at night.

Regardless of which seat-type you pay for, no meals are provided on Bolivian bus services and there are no dedicated food stops during the trip. That being said, passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks on board, and whenever the bus does make a stop, local vendors come onto the bus with hot meals for passengers to buy.

Toilet Breaks

Buses servicing the longer routes will usually have a toilet on board. However, it’s common for the driver to keep the toilet locked during the entire trip so they don’t have to clean it at the end of their shift. If you do need to use the bathroom, the driver may pull over to the side of the road and drive along slowly while you take care of your business outside. If you really must use the onboard toilet, kick up enough fuss and the driver will more than likely hand over the keys. The only other option is to wait until you arrive at the next bus terminal where you can use the toilet for a couple of bolivianos.

Creature Comforts

Items you can bring on-board to help pass the time and make the journey more bearable include:

• Neck Pillow
• Blanket – a sorong or turkish towel works well too
• Smart phone – Spotify as well as downloaded our favourite podcasts
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• iPad or Kindle – download books and movies

Recommended Bus Companies

When trying to decide on which company travel with, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Instead, opt for a well known company as they tend to be more concerned with safety and reputation – they also tend to be less dodgy (read: comfier!).

Some respected bus companies servicing Bolivia’s long-haul routes include El Dorado, Trans Copacabana, Bolivar and Todo Tourismo. If wanting to navigate La Paz by bus, the Puma Kataris busses are recommended.

As mentioned above, Bolivia Hop are a new bus company providing safe and secure bus travel to and from Bolivia. Currently Bolivia Hop (and their sister company Peru Hop) are servicing the La Paz – Copacabana – Peru route and are well worth the cost for convenience and piece of mind. You can read more about their popular service here:

• Traveling from Peru to Bolivia with Bolivia Hop
• Traveling from Bolivia to Peru with Bolivia Hop
• Traveling Between Copacabana And La Paz

General Info

Photo Credit: Benjamin Dumas

Bus Terminals

In Bolivia, all the bus companies typically use a common bus terminal (“terminal de pasajeros”). In bigger cities however there may be several terminals handling transport to different parts of the country. The main thing to be aware of is that passengers traveling by bus must pay a “departure tax” (about Bs 2) a fact which isn’t very well advertised. You can pay this fee at the terminal – look for a sign saying “boletas”. You’ll be given a ticket which is checked once you’re on the bus (and possibly already starting to pull away).

Bus Reservations

Top 10 Bus Travel Tips

Photo Credit: Jimmy Harris

• When taking public transport, safeguard valuables by keeping them on your body at all times.
• Hide your valuables in more than one place so in the unfortunate event of a robbery you won’t end up loosing everything
• Always padlock your bag as this is a huge deterrent for would-be thieves
• Always be alert when hanging around bus terminals or bus stops as this is prime ground for opportunistic pickpockets and bag snatchers
• On longer bus journeys make sure to pack enough water and snacks to last the distance as stops can be far and few between. Also make sure to bring spare toilet paper and hand sanitizer as toilets in bus terminals aren’t always well serviced
• Stay warm. Bolivian bus drivers like to crank the aircon so prepare for this by bringing warm clothes and even a blanket especially if going anywhere in the highlands
• Don’t take heavy sleeping/anxiety pills before an overnight bus ride. It’s nice to get some shut eye during the trip, but you want to be alert if an incident does occur
• When your bus stops for a bathroom break, always take your belongings off with you to the toilet. Also don’t dilly dally around as the bus will leave without you!
• When booking your ticket, try and opt for a seat at the back of the bus. In a head on collision your chances of survival are much greater
• If your bus has a seat-belt, wear it, as this could mean the difference between life and death if an accident does occur

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

YOU MAY LIKE

Get ready to discover

BOLIVIA in 2021

Sign up to stay up to date with all tips and recommendations for 2021 travel

Season 2024

Private Transportation La Paz - Uyuni

Transporte Privado La Paz - Uyuni

Temporada 2024

______________________________________________

Private Tour by 4WD

01Day Uyuni Salt Flat US$220.00

01Dia Salar de Uyuni US$220.00

Tour Privado en 4WD

________________________________________

Uyuni - Bolivia

National Park, Eduardo Avaroa

Parque Nacional Eduardo Avaroa

______________________________________

Sun island + Moon Island - Lake Titicaca

Private Motor Boat

Isla del Sol + Isla Luna, Lago Titicaca

Lancha a Motor Privado

___________________________________________________

Private Transportation

La Paz - Puno US$220.00

Transporte Privado

______________________________

Puno - Cusco US$300.00

_______________________________

Rumbo Explora, established as a licensed tour operator in Perú, cradle of andean civilization. We are one of the few tour operators in the in the southern Perú, with 2 legal permits, granted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. Rumbo Explora is focused on non touristy tours in the Peruvian Andes, since we begin to operate all our tours, we have complete control over the quality of our service.

In January 2014, we pioneered luxury tours to the Lake Titicaca , innovating tours in luxury speedboat, fully equipped built by náutica with volvo penta engines, with a capacity of 40 passengers, the only ones with a velocity of 26 knots per hour, which led us to be one of the best tour operators between Peru & Bolivia. For our demanding customers, private land transportation, with nationwide circulation permits and 2 types of insurance (Certificate of Statutory Accident Insurance Transit SOAT, besides the vehicles have Insurance Policy to all risks in record), which led us to be one of the best tour operators in the southern Perú, thus surpassing our clients expectations and travel experiences.

Then in April 2014 we began to operate private & luxury tours in Cusco and Machupicchu , in partnership and shared operation, exclusive for our demanding customers. Besides in Cusco our partner has selected highly experienced drivers, giving an efficient service and good quality to our customers, owner of 3 vehicles Mercedes Benz & Renault, which have legal permits issued by the MTC Ministry of Transport Communications of Perú, also it has Certificate of Statutory Transit Accident Insurance SOAT, vehicle Insurance Policy to all risks in record, exclusive for foreign.

From June 2015 we were became to be a first class tour operator, offering high quality services for private & luxury tours in Arequipa and Colca canyon in partnership and shared operation with our partners. Our equipment has been carefully selected, because it is our priority the success of our operation, together with our partners owners of (3 vehicles) and (4 buses), with National permit of circulation until the year 2022, including 2 types of insurance (Certificate of Statutory Accident Insurance Transit SOAT, besides has vehicle Insurance Policy to all risks in record), with what we can ensure a high level of service in all our operations.

In July 2018, we began to operate tours in Private & Luxury Land Transportation from Lima to Nasca, Paracas + connection to Arequipa, as an initiative of our staff, with our partner owner of 3 vehicles, offering private & luxury service for our demanding customers, with nationwide circulation permits until the year 2022, including 2 types of insurance (Certificate of Statutory Accident Insurance Transit SOAT, besides has vehicle Insurance Policy to all risks in record), with what we can ensure a high level of service in all our operations.

La Paz Airport Transfer, Bolivia – Private Transportation

Private Transportation from/to La Paz Airport. Our vehicles have comfortable seats & drivers with experience.

La Paz – Uyuni (Bolivia), Private Tourist Transportation

Private transportation La Paz to Uyuni. Punctuallity, security & comfortable vehicles, including oxygen & first aid kit on board

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia – Toyota 4×4 Private Transportation

Private transportation to Uyuni Salt Flats, Tunupa Volcano & Red lagoon colored. Departures all year around. Book now.

La Paz – Copacabana (Bolivia), Private Tourist Transportation

Private transportation La Paz to Copacabana, including crossing Tiquina strait by boat. Besides connection to Peru (optional).

Puno Colca Canyon Arequipa – Private Transportation

Private transportation Puno – Colca Canyon – Arequipa, including stops en route. Departures all year around, in superior service

Tour to Sun Island (Isla del Sol, Bolivia) – Private Tour

Private transportation Cusco to Ollantaytambo. Punctuallity, security & comfort, including oxygen & first aid kit on board

Our Clients

Share the post "Bolivia Private Transportation"

Traveling on short notice?

Not finding your route? For more advanced or international searches, use AndesTransit .

TRAVEL Bolivia BY BUS

ULTIMATE BOLIVIA ROAD TRIP

Use our blockbuster guide to traverse from one end of Bolivia to the other, from mountains to jungle, from deserts to vineyards. Do it in a month or three months, whatever suits you best, and the visual aids are pretty outstanding, too!

Recent Articles

La Paz, Bolivia | Top Ten Fun and Free Things…

March 23, 2024

Alice Silva

La Paz, Bolivia, is a vibrant city with hillsides all around you at any moment that are strewn with the…

Bolivia Peru Borders By Land or Lake | 2020 Guide

November 24, 2022

Lorraine Caputo

Updated: March 10, 2021 Always eager to avoid the well-worn path, I was curious to know all the alternative border…

The Ultimate Bolivia Road Trip

January 25, 2022

Lorraine Caputo Travel Writer and Poet Are you ready to undertake the Ultimate Bolivia Road Trip? Whether you have a…

Bolivia Schedules focuses on direct domestic routes you can reserve online. For routes in other countries, getting to or from other countries, or for more intricate domestic searches that include indirect paths and transfers and offline purchases, use our parent mega-search engine at andestransit.com .

Watch CBS News

New airline rules will make it easier to get refunds for canceled flights. Here's what to know.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 25, 2024 / 12:56 PM EDT / CBS News

New consumer protection rules will soon entitle airline passengers to automatic refunds when flights are canceled or significantly delayed, while also requiring airlines to reveal  junk fees  upfront.

In total, the new rules could save travelers $500 million annually, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday, describing the regulations as "the biggest expansion of passenger rights in the department's history."

They take aim at some of the most common complaints against airlines, such as delays and difficulties getting refunds. Airlines will also have to disclose all possible fees, such as added costs for seat selection, when advertising a fare.

The regulations are likely to effect in October, officials said. Here's what to know about the new rules and what they mean for you.

You'll get an automatic refund for delayed or canceled flights

The first rule mandates that airlines promptly refund customers when flights are meaningfully disrupted or delayed. Airlines will have to refund customers the full ticket prices, including airline-imposed fees, as well as government taxes and fees.

In theory, passengers are already entitled to such refunds, but in practice airlines don't always provide them, Buttigieg noted. He said the new rule benefits infrequent fliers in particular, who may be less familiar with their rights. 

This rule will save customers the hassle of dealing with a chatbot or completing a cumbersome claims process to receive refunds they're entitled to anyway when flights don't take off as scheduled.

Airlines often offer customers compensation in the form of vouchers or miles with values that are less than the flight's original cost. And passengers often must engage with customer service agents or chatbots to secure refunds, which can lead them to give up on the process altogether, according to Buttigieg.

How long of a delay will qualify for a refund? 

The new rule defines what constitutes a "significantly changed" flight: a delay of at least three hours for a domestic flight, and at least six hours for an international flight. That was previously left to the discretion of the airline. 

The rule says passengers will get automatic refunds in those cases as long as they don't accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered by the airline.  

Passengers will also be entitled to refunds for other significant flight changes, according to the Department of Transportation. 

These changes include flights whose departure or arrival airports change, that add connections or downgrade passengers to a different level of service. If a flight requires a passenger with a disability to make a connection at an airport or on a flight that is less accommodating, that also qualifies for a refund.

How long will it take to get a refund?

Airlines will have seven days to automatically refund passengers who purchased their tickets with a credit card, and 20 calendar days for other payment methods, the Transportation Department said.

"No more defaulting to vouchers or credits when consumers may not even realize they're entitled to cash," Buttigieg said. 

Can I get a refund for delayed bags? 

Yes, checked bag delays are also covered. 

When bags aren't delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight's arrival at its gate, passengers will get a refund for their checked bag fee.   On international flights, bags that don't arrive within 15 to 30 hours, depending on a flight's length, are covered by the rule. 

What other refunds will be available? 

Airlines must also refund the costs of services customers paid for but then didn't receive on the flight, such as wifi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment, the Transportation Department said.

For instance, if passengers buy wifi access but it doesn't work properly, they are entitled to a refund for the service.

What is happening with surprise fees? 

Transportation officials also announced a second rule on Wednesday that targets "junk" or surprise fees, which are charges that aren't typically disclosed to a consumer ahead of purchase. 

Under the rule, airlines must disclose all fees the first time that airfare is advertised on an airline's site. Hyperlinks don't count, according to the agency.

The rule is designed to protect consumers against confusion caused by "drip pricing"  by requiring airlines to disclose how much these additional fees will cost up front. That includes amounts airlines charge consumers to check bags, carry on bags, select seats, and change or cancel flights.

The rule is designed to help make it easier for passengers to estimate the full cost of flying so they can make an informed purchase.

Are seats guaranteed if I buy a ticket?

Under the second rule, airlines will also have to make clear to customers that if they buy a ticket, they're guaranteed a seat — even if they don't fork over additional money to choose where on the plane that seat is located. 

How will I know I'm seeing the actual flight price?

The second rule also bars airlines from advertising artificially low prices that don't factor in mandatory fees. 

The Transportation Department said this will end "discount bait-and-switch tactics" that dangle deceptive discounts to convince travelers to buy tickets.

What do airlines say about the new rules?

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. 

A spokesperson for the group said airlines "offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs."

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

While Buttigieg said airlines aren't "enthusiastic" about being held to a higher standard, he believes the new rules will build passenger confidence in companies and ultimately benefit the industry as a whole.

Buttigieg also said he hopes the new rules will push carriers to improve the consumer experience. For example, if an airline knows it will automatically owe customers refunds for canceled flights, it might invest more in precise scheduling, and ultimately reduce the number of cancellations overall. 

—With reporting by the Associated Press.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

More from CBS News

China-U.S. ties "beginning to stabilize," but it won't be an easy road

New USDA rule targets salmonella levels in some frozen chicken

After Biden signs TikTok ban into law, ByteDance says it won't sell

"Vampire facials" at unlicensed spa infected 3 with HIV, CDC says

• South America Tours
• Bolivia Tours

Bolivia Tours and Trips 2024/2025

As one of only two landlocked countries in the Americas, Bolivia is considered one of the world's most remote countries - making it even more exciting to discover! The tourism industry in Bolivia has been slow to start but is quickly picking up pace with most visitors coming for holidays and trips from its neighbouring countries of ...

• Bolivia Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Bolivia

73 Trips in Bolivia with 164 Reviews

• Starts La Paz, Bolivia
• Ends La Paz, Bolivia

Bolivia Discovery

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Bungalow
• Transport Bus, Flight, 4WD Jeep & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,949
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 390
• Total Price from: US$ 1,559
• Jun 30 10+ seats left
• Jul 05 Only 1 seat left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Bolivia Highlights

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Home-stay
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, 4WD Jeep & Flight
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,865
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 187
• Total Price from: US$ 1,678
• May 08 Only 4 seats left
• May 23 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Uyuni, Bolivia
• Ends Uyuni, Bolivia

Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Uyuni)

• Activities Desert safaris & 4x4, quad and ATV trips
• Accommodation Hotel & Hostel
• Transport Private Vehicle, 4WD Jeep & Train
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• May 03 10+ seats left
• May 04 10+ seats left

Highlights of Bolivia

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle, 4WD Jeep & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,799
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 420
• Total Price from: US$ 2,379
• May 05 Only 5 seats left
• May 19 Only 3 seats left

• Starts El Alto, Bolivia
• Ends El Alto, Bolivia

Best of Bolivia: 15-Day Tour

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Local culture & Cultural, religious and historic sites Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Countryside and village visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits & Desert safaris 'data-more-tripid='23479'>+5 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Hostel & Home-stay
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle, Boat, Train, Bus & Jeep
• Age Range 1-80 yrs

Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 5D/4N (La Paz to La Paz)

• Activities Adventure & 4x4, quad and ATV trips
• Accommodation Hostel & Hotel
• Transport Bus, Train, 4WD Jeep & Private Vehicle

• Ends Sucre, Bolivia

Complete Bolivia Highlights 12D/11N

• Activities Adventure
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle, Train & Taxi

• Starts Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Bolivia

Culture, Landscape & Tradition of Bolivia

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='23481'>+2 more
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle, Train & Jeep

Bolivia Expedition

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Natural landmarks sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='23711'>+1 more
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle & Train
• Age Range 12-73 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish

Bolivia Explorer 9D/8N

• Activities Adventure & Wildlife Adventure , Wildlife , Walking tours & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='32420'>+2 more
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle, Ferry, Boat & Train

Crossing the Andes: Authentic Bolivian Experience

• Activities Local culture & Trekking and Hiking Local culture , Trekking and Hiking , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='23480'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Hostel, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Camping, Villa, Resort & Home-stay
• Transport Private Vehicle, Boat & 4WD Jeep

Summits of Bolivia

• Activities Climbing
• Accommodation Camping, Tent, Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat & Private Vehicle
• Jul 09 10+ seats left
• Jul 08 10+ seats left

Bolivian Encounters

• Activities Wildlife & Rainforest and jungle visits
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Bus & Guest House
• Transport Train, Flight, Bus, 4WD Jeep & Boat
• Age Range 12-85 yrs
• May 09 10+ seats left
• Jun 06 10+ seats left

• Ends Santa Cruz, Ecuador
• Activities Local culture & Cultural, religious and historic sites Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='11110'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
• Transport Boat, 4WD Jeep, Bus, Flight, Private Vehicle, Ferry & Train
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,748
• Special Deal (14%): - US$ 973
• Total Price from: US$ 5,775
• Jun 08 Only 5 seats left
• Aug 03 Only 8 seats left

Traveling to Bolivia? Chat with a local travel specialist in Bolivia who can help organize your trip.

Bolivia Tour Reviews

• Lukito Arif
• Michelle Y Rich Perro

Bolivia - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

As one of only two landlocked countries in the Americas, Bolivia is considered one of the world's most remote countries - making it even more exciting to discover! The tourism industry in Bolivia has been slow to start but is quickly picking up pace with most visitors coming for holidays and trips from its neighbouring countries of Brazil and Chile . This country is incredibly diverse when it comes to both geography and culture, with plenty of natural phenomenon and traditional experiences to explore.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Chincana ruins on Isla del Sol
• Snap photos at Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat
• Hike the Che Guevara Trail
• Visit the indigenous people of the Uros Islands
• Take a boat ride across Lake Titicaca
• Visit the Witches Market in La Paz

Travel Tips

• Be very careful when taking a taxi in Bolivia. Robberies and other crimes within taxis are increasingly common, particularly in large cities. Only use a 'radio taxi' - a taxi that has the company name and telephone number on its roof - and take note of the registration number whenever possible.
• Bolivian airports are an experience on their own. When arriving, keep all your entry paperwork with you as your hotel will likely ask for it. Upon departure, arrive at least two to three hours early for paperwork processing and be prepared to pay an extra airport tax.
• US dollars can be difficult to exchange in Bolivia with many banks and exchange companies only accepting brand new bills. To save yourself the hassle, try to get your hands on some bolivianos (the national currency) before you travel.
• Be sure to pack sunscreen for your trip to Bolivia, as UV levels are extremely high.
• Be flexible and always have a plan B for your trip to Bolivia. Bolivians have a relaxed sense of time. This, combined with frequent strike and protests, means public transport is often unreliable.

Bolivia has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Bolivia before planning your tour.

• Bolivia budget tours
• Eco tours in Bolivia
• Bolivia guided tours
• Bolivia family tour packages
• Bolivia self-guided tours
• Bolivia small group tours
• Bolivia solo trips
• Bolivia tailor-made vacation packages
• Bolivia tours for senior citizens
• Bolivia tours for young adults
• Bolivia group tours
• Bolivia last minute deals
• Bolivia travel deals

Popular Destinations

• La Paz Tours
• Uyuni Tours

Popular Activities

• Adventure tours
• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
• Natural landmarks sightseeing tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .