11-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Bolivia
Bolivia is a backpacker's paradise where your dollar stretches further than almost anywhere else in South America. From the dizzying heights of La Paz to the blinding white expanse of the Salt Flats, this 11-day itinerary focuses on the 'lean' travel style: using the Mi Teleférico cable cars as your sightseeing tour, feasting on 10-boliviano market lunches, and navigating the country via local 'flotas' (buses).
Expect raw adventure and high altitudes. By staying in social hostels and prioritizing free walking tours and natural landmarks, you can experience the heart of the Altiplano without breaking the bank. This route connects the cultural hub of La Paz with the spiritual shores of Lake Titicaca and the colonial charm of Sucre.
Day 1: La Paz, Bolivia - Arrival & High-Altitude Views
Arrival at El Alto International Airport
Touch down at one of the highest international airports in the world. Catch a local minibus (white van) heading to 'Prado' for a fraction of the taxi price.
Lunch at Mercado Lanza
Skip the tourist cafes and head to this giant concrete market near San Francisco Church. Grab a massive 'Chola' sandwich or a 'Sopa de Maní' for less than $2 USD.
Mi Teleférico - Red Line
For just a few bolivianos, ride the cable car from the city center up to El Alto. It offers the best panoramic views of the sprawling city and Mt. Illimani for the price of a local bus fare.
Plaza Murillo
Witness the center of Bolivian politics for free. Watch the changing of the guards at the Presidential Palace and enjoy the evening atmosphere with local families.
Day 2: La Paz, Bolivia - Witches and Canyons
The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Wander through the narrow stalls of Calle Jimenez and Sagarnaga. It is free to look at the dried llama fetuses and colorful textiles, though a small tip is polite if you take photos of the vendors.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Take a local 'trufi' (shared taxi/van) from the center to Mallasa for a few cents. The entrance fee to this eroded clay labyrinth is very low and offers otherworldly photo ops.
Mirador Killi Killi
Walk up (slowly, due to the altitude) to this viewpoint for a 360-degree view of La Paz. It is completely free and much less crowded than other tourist spots.
Calle Jaén
Stroll through the best-preserved colonial street in La Paz. While the museums cost a small fee, the street itself is a free open-air gallery of history and ghost legends.
Day 3: Copacabana, Bolivia - Gateway to the Lake
Bus to Copacabana
Take a public bus from the 'Terminal Cementerio' area. The 3.5-hour journey includes a fun ferry crossing at the Tiquina Strait where you pay about $0.30 to cross on a small boat.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
Visit this massive white Moorish-style cathedral. It’s free to enter and is famous for the 'Blessing of the Automobiles' that happens daily outside.
Cerro El Calvario
Hike up the stations of the cross for sunset. It’s a steep climb but the view of Lake Titicaca turning gold is the best free show in town.
Trout Dinner at the Stalls
Head to the lakeside wooden shacks. Order the 'Trucha al Ajillo' (garlic trout) caught fresh from the lake for a fraction of restaurant prices.
Day 4: Isla del Sol, Bolivia - Sacred Island Trek
Boat to Isla del Sol (South)
Take the public ferry to Yumani. Avoid the expensive private tours; the public boat is slow but scenic and very cheap.
Escalinata del Inca
Climb the 200 Inca steps in Yumani. Drink from the 'Fountain of Youth' at the top for free (at your own risk!).
Pilko Kaina Ruins
Walk the coastal path to these Inca ruins. The trail offers incredible views of the Cordillera Real across the lake and costs very little to access.
Sunset at the Port
Return to the mainland and enjoy the chill vibes of the Copacabana waterfront as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 5: La Paz to Uyuni - The Long Haul
Return Bus to La Paz
Catch the morning bus back to La Paz to prepare for your overnight journey south.
Afternoon in Sopocachi
Explore this trendy, bohemian neighborhood in La Paz. It’s a great place to find cheap 'almuerzo completo' (set lunch) and relax in Monticulo Park.
Overnight Bus to Uyuni
Board a 'bus-cama' (sleeper bus). This saves you the cost of one night's accommodation while transporting you to the salt flats.
Rest on the Road
Modern Bolivian sleeper buses are surprisingly comfortable and often include a small snack and blanket.
Day 6: Uyuni, Bolivia - Rusty Trains & Salt Gates
Arrival in Uyuni
Drop your bags at a local hostel. Uyuni is a dusty town, but the jumping-off point for the world's largest salt desert.
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
Walk or take a 2-boliviano taxi to the edge of town. This graveyard of 19th-century steam locomotives is completely free to explore and climb on.
Colchani Village
Visit the salt-processing village on the edge of the flats. You can see how salt is mined and refined by hand in small family workshops.
Pulacayo Guided Walk
If you have extra time, visit this historic mining town nearby to see the train robbed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Day 7: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - The White Mirror
Salar de Uyuni Day Trip
Join a shared 4x4 tour (the most budget-friendly way). Drive out onto the 10,000 square kilometers of blinding white salt.
Incahuasi Island
A coral island covered in giant cacti in the middle of the salt sea. While there is a small entry fee, the views from the top are iconic.
Perspective Photos
Spend time taking the classic 'illusion' photos. Use cheap props like Pringles cans or toy dinosaurs found in the Uyuni market.
Sunset Reflection
If visiting during the wet season (Jan-Mar), watch the sky reflect perfectly on the water-covered salt. It’s a natural spectacle that costs nothing extra.
Day 8: Potosí, Bolivia - Silver History
Bus to Potosí
Take a 3-4 hour bus ride to one of the highest cities in the world. The road is paved and offers dramatic Altiplano scenery.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre
The heart of Potosí. Admire the colonial architecture and the ornate Cathedral. It’s a perfect spot for people-watching with a 1-boliviano ice cream.
Convent of Santa Teresa
While there is an entry fee, the exterior and the history of this Carmelite convent are fascinating. It’s one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in South America.
Mercado Central Dinner
Eat like a local. Try the 'K’alaphurka', a traditional soup served with a hot volcanic stone inside to keep it boiling.
Day 9: Potosí, Bolivia - The Mint and the Mountain
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
Visit the National Mint. This is one of the few paid attractions worth every penny, housing the history of how silver from Potosí changed the world.
Cerro Rico Views
Walk to the upper parts of the city for a clear view of the 'Rich Hill'. While mine tours exist, many budget travelers prefer to view the mountain's scale from the safety of the city streets.
Arco de Cobija
A historic archway that once marked the entrance to the city’s Spanish quarters. It’s a great, free photography spot.
Evening Warm-up
Potosí is cold! Head to a local 'picantería' for a spicy, warming stew that costs less than $3 USD.
Day 10: Sucre, Bolivia - The White City
Bus to Sucre
A 3-hour descent from the high mountains to the subtropical valley. The temperature rise is a welcome relief!
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Sucre is Bolivia's most beautiful city. The central plaza is surrounded by pristine white colonial buildings and is the perfect place to relax.
La Recoleta Mirador
Walk up to this monastery plaza for the best view of Sucre’s red-tiled roofs. Sit on the stone benches and enjoy the free view.
Mercado Central Sucre
Go to the upstairs juice section. You can get a massive, fresh fruit salad or juice for about $1 USD. It’s a backpacker staple.
Day 11: Sucre, Bolivia - Dinosaurs & Departure
Parque Cretácico (Dinosaur Wall)
Take the 'Sauromovil' bus from the plaza for a few bolivianos. You can see thousands of real dinosaur footprints on a massive vertical cliff face.
Salteña Snack
Sucre is the home of the Salteña (Bolivian empanada). Visit 'El Patio' for the most famous ones, but they sell out by noon, so be quick!
General Cemetery
It sounds strange, but Sucre’s cemetery is like a beautiful park with grand mausoleums and manicured trees. It is free to enter and very peaceful.
Final Bolivian Feast
Spend your remaining bolivianos on a 'Mondongo' (pork and corn stew) at the market before catching your flight or night bus out.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season from May to October. The skies are clear blue, making it perfect for Altiplano photography and trekking. However, if you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the Uyuni Salt Flats, you must visit during the rainy season between January and March. Be aware that during the rainy season, some roads may be blocked and Incahuasi Island may be inaccessible.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Bolivia is very much a cash-based society. While ATMs are available in major cities like La Paz and Sucre, they can be temperamental in smaller towns like Uyuni. Always carry a stash of cash. Tipping isn't mandatory in small local eateries, but in tourist restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated. Bargaining is common in markets but should be done respectfully.
Getting Around Bolivia
Buses are the lifeline of Bolivian travel. 'Flotas' (large buses) connect major cities, while 'micros' (small buses) and 'trufis' (shared cars) handle local routes. For long distances, such as La Paz to Uyuni, spend the extra few dollars for a 'bus-cama' (full-recline seat) to arrive rested. Within La Paz, the Mi Teleférico cable car system is the most efficient, cheapest, and most scenic way to get around.
