Experience Bolivia’s Hidden Treasures on a 3-Day Bicycle Tour

This 3-day adventure from Potosí to La Paz offers an exhilarating mix of adrenaline, natural beauty, and cultural sights. Starting with the world-famous Death Road, we’ll descend on a full-suspension bike, then switch gears to explore the vast and surreal Uyuni Salt Flat, the largest in the world. For just $289 per person, you get a blend of heart-pumping activity and eye-popping landscapes, all packaged with comfortable transport, knowledgeable guides, and authentic Bolivian stops.

Two things we especially appreciate are the well-organized logistics—with all equipment included and smooth bus transfers—and the chance to witness some of Bolivia’s most iconic sights in one seamless journey. The full-day Salt Flat tour, with its spectacular viewpoints and quirky photo opportunities, is genuinely a highlight.

One possible consideration is the physical effort involved—the biking day is long and physically demanding, so you should be comfortable with mountain biking on varied terrain. Also, be prepared for some cash payments for entrance fees and snacks, since these are not included.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want more than just a bus ride; it suits those eager to combine thrill-seeking with authentic experiences and stunning vistas. If you’re comfortable with physical activity and love landscapes that seem almost otherworldly, this trip will fit you well.

Key Points

Intense but manageable biking through Bolivia’s stunning landscapes, including the famous Death Road.
Full-day Uyuni Salt Flat tour with iconic photo stops, salt crafts, and a sunset finale.
All-inclusive transport and equipment ensure a seamless, hassle-free experience.
Authentic local stops like Colchani salt workshops and the Dakar Monument.
Multiple languages available, with guides speaking English and Spanish.
Limited group size (max 15), for a more personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Death Route and Uyuni Salt Flat Tour

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Starting Point: Potosí and the Journey to La Paz

While the tour begins in Potosí, the biking adventure kicks off in La Paz early in the morning. We’re picked up by the guide—“Juan,” who’s friendly, knowledgeable, and clear about safety—and transported to the starting point. The bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni is included, giving you a chance to relax and mentally prepare for the following days.

Day 1: Biking the Notorious Death Road and Beyond

The first day is a rollercoaster of activity and scenery. We start at 7:30 AM, ready for a full day of cycling. The initial 22 km on paved roads serve as a warm-up. It’s a relaxed introduction, with stops for water, photos, and bike checks, plus a police checkpoint where a Bs.50 entrance fee is payable, so bring cash.

What makes this day memorable is the iconic Death Road segment—about 10 km of steep drops, tight turns, and lush surroundings. Riding in a compact group (safety first!) with a guide, we’re offered a sense of camaraderie and security. Our guide, “Carlos,” emphasized safety, reminding us that the safety van always follows, ready for any mishaps, which we appreciated given the reputation of this route.

We loved the contrast of landscapes—from waterfalls and green mountains to dizzying drops—and the snack break amid the thrill. The ride ends in Yolosa, where we enjoy a hotel with showers, a pool, and a buffet lunch, providing a well-deserved rest. The return to La Paz via the new road is smooth, and by 5 p.m., we’re already on the bus to Uyuni, leaving our bikes behind.

Day 2: The Salt Flat Spectacle

Early the next morning, after arriving in Uyuni at 7:30 AM, we head to the local office to gear up and buy snacks. The full-day salt flat tour begins at 10:30 AM, with a Spanish-speaking guide leading the way.

First stop: the Uyuni Train Graveyard, a hauntingly beautiful relic of Bolivia’s rail history, ideal for quirky photos. Next, we visit Colchani, a salt-mining village where locals craft salt and textiles from llama wool—an authentic peek into traditional livelihoods.

As we traverse the salt flats, the scale of the endless white surface is staggering. Our guide points out “Salty Water Eyes”, a salt hotel-museum, and Flag Island, where giant cacti and coral formations make for stunning photos. The Dakar Monument is a fun nod to Bolivia’s motorsport history, and we’re encouraged to try perspective photography—playing with distance and size to create fun illusions.

We stop for lunch near “Incahuasi Island”, hiking to the top for panoramic views of the salt flats stretching in all directions. The salt surface offers endless opportunities for distorted perspective shots, which are both fun and surreal.

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Sunset over the Salt Flats

As the day winds down, we gather in a spacious area to watch the sunset, sipping wine and munching fries. The warm glow over the endless white landscape is truly breathtaking, and many say it’s worth every penny for the photographic memories alone.

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Day 3: Return to La Paz

The early morning bus from Uyuni arrives in La Paz around 6:30 AM. It’s a long but comfortable trip, with breakfast and dinner served on board. This round-trip transport is excellent value, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than navigation.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of biking and sightseeing is what makes this experience unique. The full suspension bike and equipment provided mean you don’t have to worry about gear, and the small group size (limited to 15) ensures personalized attention.

The diversity of landscapes, from the lush descent of Death Road to the stark, expansive salt flats, keeps the journey visually stimulating. The authentic stops—like the salt workshops—add depth beyond just scenery, offering insights into local life.

Practical Insights and Tips

Timing is crucial. The tour is scheduled based on availability but check the start times—some departures might be earlier or later.
Cash is needed for park entrance fees and optional snacks, so plan accordingly.
The long biking day requires some physical fitness, but the stops and support make it manageable for most active travelers.
Bring warm clothing for early mornings and evenings, especially on the salt flats during sunset.

What Reviewers Say

One traveler mentioned, “The biking was challenging but so worth it for the views,” while another appreciated the smooth organization: “All equipment was in perfect condition, and the guides were very attentive.” However, some noted that the long days on the bus and bike might be tiring, especially if you’re not used to physical activity.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Bolivia tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and cultural authenticity. The Death Road provides a thrilling descent with incredible vistas, while the Uyuni Salt Flat delivers a landscape so surreal it’s hard to believe it’s real.

The value here is clear—all transportation, guides, equipment, and major stops are included at a reasonable price**, making it accessible for adventurous travelers who want an active, memorable experience. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to see Bolivia’s most iconic sights with a small, friendly group.

Whether you’re into adrenaline, photography, or simply seeking extraordinary landscapes, this tour delivers. Just be ready for some long days, and don’t forget your camera!

FAQs

What is included in this tour?
The tour covers full suspension bikes, round-trip transportation, guides speaking English and Spanish, equipment like helmets and gloves, the bus from La Paz to Uyuni and back, and a full day of salt flat sightseeing, including a sunset.

Are entrance fees included?
Not entirely. You’ll need cash for the Bs.50 park entrance fee for the Death Road and Bs.30 for the Salar de Uyuni. These are paid on-site.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for entrance fees and snacks, comfortable clothes for biking, warm layers for early mornings and evenings, sunglasses, and a camera for capturing the landscapes.

Is the biking difficult?
The biking is long and involves significant descent, but with full suspension bikes and support vans, it’s manageable for most with a reasonable level of fitness. The skill level required is moderate.

Can I join this tour if I don’t cycle often?
While some cycling experience helps, the support and gear provided make it accessible. If you’re worried, communicate with the guide beforehand.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The tour runs based on availability but check seasonal weather—dry seasons (May to October) typically offer clearer skies and better visibility.

Is food included?
Yes, one lunch is included on each biking and salt flat day. Be prepared to buy drinks or snacks separately.

How many people will be in my group?
The tour limits groups to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal experience and attentive guides.

In summary, this Bolivia tour offers a well-rounded mix of adventure, culture, and surreal landscapes, making it ideal for active travelers wanting more than just sightseeing. The combination of biking along the infamous Death Road and exploring the vast, otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flat creates memories that will last a lifetime—and all at a fair price for what you get.