Bolivia offers some of the most diverse and visually striking terrain in South America—ranging from high-altitude volcanoes and deep river canyons to salt flats, prehistoric sites, and colonial-era cities. This journey is designed for photographers who want more than postcard views. It’s for those who seek access to remote regions, compelling cultural encounters, and a wide range of natural environments—many far beyond the typical tourist route. Bolivia’s ancient landscapes photographic expedition was designed for those that want something different, definitely off the beaten path but with some comfy perks sprinkled in at the right moments.
Starting in La Paz at 12,000 feet, we begin with time to acclimate while exploring the highland valleys that surround the city. From there, we head into the Cordillera Real and cross into the lesser-known Quimsa Cruz Range, traveling through a mix of mountain passes, mining towns, and agricultural hamlets with views few visitors ever take the time to reach.
The journey continues into the subtropical valleys and fertile hills of Cochabamba before climbing once again into the cretaceous canyons of Toro-Toro National Park—a compact but rugged region known for its dinosaur tracks, eroded formations, and hidden canyon with clear water pools. From there, we shift south to Sucre and Potosí, two of Bolivia’s most historically significant cities, offering a wealth of architectural and cultural material to photograph.
In the final stretch, we cross the Uyuni Salt Flats—an expansive white desert flanked by volcanoes and island outcrops—before heading north to Sajama National Park. Here, under the towering summit of Mt. Sajama, we’ll photograph high-altitude wetlands, native forests, wildlife, and volcanic landscapes near the Chilean border.
Throughout the expedition, we focus on putting you in the right place at the right time. Each location has been scouted for both its photographic potential and its cultural value. Logistics, accommodations, and meals are handled so you can focus on what matters most—creating strong images, deepening your visual storytelling, and experiencing Bolivia’s landscapes with intention and purpose.
Whether you’re drawn to high-altitude light, ancient cultures, or raw, wide-open spaces, this journey offers the chance to slow down, look deeper, and come home with a portfolio—and experience—you won’t find anywhere else.
*optimum March to November
10 Guests
4x4 vehicles
Hotels & Hostels
Level 3 - Moderate
We, of course, would do whatever is necessary in case of medical emergency and evacuate to the closest hospital or clinic to make sure you receive medical care.
Most international flights into Bolivia arrive in the very early morning hours at El Alto International Airport, which sits at a breath-catching 13,200 feet (4,100 meters) above sea level—on the edge of the Altiplano. If this is your first time at high altitude, you may feel light-headed or short of breath, which is completely normal. Don’t worry—we’ve planned for it.
Once you clear Immigration (where your tourist visa is issued on arrival) and Customs, a Sergio Photo Tours representative will be waiting for you at the passenger meeting area with a clearly marked sign. We’ll handle your luggage and escort you to our private vehicle. From there, you’ll descend nearly 3,000 feet (about 900 meters) into the heart of La Paz, down winding roads with sweeping views into the city’s dramatic canyon setting.
Our destination is the Casa Grande Suites—a 5-star hotel in the Calacoto neighborhood—situated at a more comfortable 10,200 feet (3,100 meters). You’ll have the morning to check in, rest, and begin adjusting to the elevation at your own pace. Lunch is on your own at the hotel, and we recommend taking it slow, staying well hydrated, and listening to your body. Everyone acclimates differently—some feel fine within hours, others may take a couple of days. Our itinerary builds in plenty of time to ease into the altitude.
At 2:00 p.m., we begin our introduction to La Paz with a four-hour private city tour. You’ll photograph and explore local open-air markets, colonial neighborhoods, the famous witches’ market, and a series of stunning panoramic viewpoints that showcase the city’s unique geography. It’s a low-key afternoon designed to stimulate your creative eye without overexerting your body.
After returning to the hotel, you’ll have time to rest and freshen up before we gather for a welcome dinner. This is a chance to meet your instructors and fellow travelers, review the days ahead, and make sure everyone is squared away on gear, clothing, and any lingering questions.
We recommend a light dinner, limited alcohol or caffeine, and plenty of water. During the day, feel free to try a cup of mate de coca—a traditional herbal tea that aids with acclimatization. In the evening, consider switching to calming teas like chamomile or anise to help with digestion and rest.
You’re officially in the Andes. We’ll take good care of you from here on out.
Hotel: Casa Grande Suites (5*)
Meals included: D
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive into the highland valleys south of La Paz—an area rarely visited by outsiders but rich in traditional Andean culture and dramatic terrain. These valleys are home to small agricultural communities that have worked the land for generations, using irrigation from the glaciers of Mt. Illimani to grow potatoes, corn, and other high-altitude crops.
We’ll follow a series of rural roads through canyons and open valleys, stopping to photograph village life, terraced fields, and the impressive backdrop of the Cordillera Real. The scenery combines wide views and small details, ideal for landscape and cultural photography.
Lunch will be scheduled based on the group’s energy and acclimatization. In the late afternoon, we set up at a location chosen for its clear view of Mt. Illimani, where we’ll photograph the last light of day on the mountain and surrounding peaks.
We return to La Paz in the evening for dinner and rest.
Hotel: Casa Grande Suites (5*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today we begin our journey out of La Paz, descending through the high desert badlands before circling the massive slopes of Mt. Illimani. At over 21,000 feet, this glaciated peak dominates the skyline and plays a central role in regional weather and water cycles. As we travel along its western flank, we stop to photograph its impressive profile from lesser-seen angles, including wide views of canyons and farmlands below.
The road then drops into a deep gorge carved by the La Paz River, dividing the Cordillera Real from the Quimsa Cruz Range. Once across, we begin a steady climb through a colorful mix of sandstone ridges, dry riverbeds, and layered rock formations. Every turn brings a new composition—raw geology, distant peaks, and scattered settlements. The region is remote, rugged and has imposing views of the Bolivian Andes.
We’ll have lunch en route and continue to gain elevation as we approach the small town of Araca. Our day ends at a family-owned hacienda in the village of Teneria. The accommodations are basic but the landscapes are stunning – so we think it’s a fair trade for one night. The food is delicious and the family is warm and welcoming. This is rural Bolivia life, unaltered and real. The hacienda is tucked beneath the mountains with west-facing views of Mt. Illimani—perfect for photographing the last light on its summit.
Dinner and overnight at the hacienda.
Hotel: Hacienda Teneria (2*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today we finish crossing one of Bolivia’s lesser-known mountain ranges—the Quimsa Cruz, or “Three Crosses” Range, named in Aymara for the # 3, which means three and has religious connotations. After breakfast at the hacienda, we begin climbing gradually through a landscape shaped by mining, glacial activity, and erosion…and agricultural activity wherever the land is a little flatter and hasb access to water. Abandoned silver mines, alpine lakes, and ice-fed streams mark our route, with opportunities to stop and photograph scenes that few visitors take the time to explore. This is definitely not on the tourist route and we like it that way.
The road is narrow and winding, cutting through steep valleys and high passes. As we gain altitude, the terrain opens up to reveal wide basins and glacier-fed wetlands before descending into an unexpected patch of green—Bolivia’s transitional zone between high Andean puna and temperate cloud forest.
This region was once covered in native queñua trees, but over the last century, fast-growing eucalyptus—introduced from Australia—have reshaped the landscape. These tall, uniform trees are now widely used for construction and mine support beams, offering a visual contrast to the natural vegetation still found in scattered pockets. The mining town of Quime is the epicenter of this re-forested landscape.
We stop for a picnic lunch on the road, then continue our descent into the valley where Quime is located. This colonial-era mining town sits at the junction of several ecosystems and offers a different pace from the higher elevations we’ve crossed. After checking into our private cabins, you’ll have time to rest before dinner.
Hotel: Private cabin in Quime (3*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
We depart early this morning to tackle one of the more dramatic transitions of the trip—crossing from the forested slopes of Quime into the river valleys that separate the departments of La Paz and Cochabamba. Our primary goal is to reach and safely cross the wide, braided Sacambaya River. This section of road cuts through deep, narrow canyons and semi-tropical valleys where goats are more common and wander among citrus trees, banana groves, and small farms.
As we descend, the vegetation shifts rapidly—from cool mountain forests to lush, humid lowlands. The route becomes steeper and more rugged, with occasional river crossings depending on water levels. Once we’re across, we begin a slow, winding climb back into the hills of northern Cochabamba. This stretch offers far-reaching views, high ridges, and remote settlements nestled into the folds of the Andes.
Lunch is taken en route, with several scenic spots to pause for photographs or a short break. The second half of the day continues along dirt and paved mountain roads, passing through the town of Independencia before the descent into Cochabamba begins.
We arrive in the city by late afternoon. Cochabamba sits in a broad, fertile valley and enjoys a temperate, spring-like climate year-round—a welcome change after the past few days of high elevation. After check-in at our hotel, there will be time to unwind before dinner.
Hotel: Hotel Aranjuez (4*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Leaving behind the temperate valley of Cochabamba, we head south today into the highlands of northern Potosí Department. The drive takes us through a mix of paved and cobblestone roads, climbing gradually into more rugged terrain as we make our way toward Toro-Toro National Park—one of Bolivia’s most geologically unique regions.
Though little known outside the country, Toro-Toro is a standout destination for photographers and geology enthusiasts. Massive plateaus, hidden canyons, and eroded rock formations reveal a land shaped over millions of years. As we approach the park, layers of uplifted rock and sculpted ridgelines begin to dominate the skyline, which offer countless opportunities for great photography of an ancient landscape.
Upon arrival and hotel check-in, we’ll begin our first exploration: a short hike to photograph a collection of giant dinosaur tracks imprinted along a dry creek bed—some of the best-preserved in South America. After lunch, we drive to Ciudad de Itas, a surreal rock formation high above the village. This area features natural arches, weathered sandstone caverns, and wide views across the central Andes—ideal for afternoon and early evening photography.
We aim to return to the hotel before sunset, where you can enjoy the changing light with a warm meal and some well-earned rest.
Hotel: Rumi Kipu (3*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today is a full day of exploring Toro-Toro National Park on foot, with an early start to take advantage of the morning light and cooler temperatures. We begin with a descent into one of the park’s signature canyons—carved over millennia by water and wind into steep walls of sandstone and limestone. The trail winds downward through rock steps and narrow passages, offering changing views and textures that are ideal for photographing both wide scenes and close-up geological details.
At the bottom, we reach a lush, unexpected oasis: a series of waterfalls and natural pools fed by a crystal-clear spring emerging directly from the rock face. The contrast between the arid canyon above and the green, shaded riverbed below is striking. There’s time here to rest, photograph, or take a refreshing swim—so bring your bathing suit if you’re interested.
We enjoy a picnic lunch near the water before making our way back up to the plateau. The return hike is steep and steady but manageable, and we’ll take breaks as needed. Once back at the hotel, you’ll have time to relax and clean up after our effort.
The late afternoon is flexible—depending on how the group feels, we can visit another nearby site, return to a favorite location for golden-hour shooting, or simply rest at the hotel before dinner. The views from the hotel look west to the raised plateau and you don’t have to go far to make excellent photos!
Hotel: Rumi Kipu (3*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
We depart Toro-Toro early this morning for a full-day journey south to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The route begins with a slow climb out of the canyons and plateaus of Toro-Toro, gradually transitioning into broader valleys and rolling farmland.
As we travel, you’ll notice a shift in both landscape and culture. The high-altitude terrain gives way to more temperate, agricultural regions dotted with small towns and open fields. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and take short breaks to stretch and photograph scenes that capture the changing topography of the central Andes.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Sucre (elevation 8,850 ft), known for its whitewashed buildings, red tile roofs, and elegant colonial architecture. The city played a pivotal role in the fight for South American independence, and it still retains its historical charm and slower pace.
We check in at a beautifully restored colonial-era home turned boutique hotel. There will be time to settle in before heading out for a short orientation walk to the central plaza, where we can begin photographing Sucre’s architectural details in the soft afternoon light.
Dinner and overnight in Sucre.
Hotel: Boutique La Posada (4*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
After breakfast, we head south toward the legendary mining city of Potosí. The drive takes just over three hours on a well-paved road, crossing through high-altitude valleys, rivers, and plateaus where traditional farming methods are still practiced. Along the way, we’ll have several opportunities to stop for landscape and cultural photography.
Potosí sits at 13,430 feet, making it one of the highest cities in the world. Once one of the wealthiest urban centers on the planet, it was a major supplier of silver to the Spanish Empire. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch in town before descending into a nearby valley to reach our accommodations at Hacienda Cayara.
Founded during the colonial period, Hacienda Cayara is both a working property and a historical site. With antique furnishings, original artwork, and preserved architecture, it offers a unique window into Bolivia’s colonial legacy. The lower elevation here makes for a more comfortable stay after the heights of Potosí.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, photograph the hacienda grounds, and prepare for tomorrow’s deeper exploration of the city.
Hotel: Hacienda Cayara (4*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
After breakfast at the hacienda, we return to Potosí to explore the city’s colonial architecture, mining history, and cultural significance. The drive back up to town follows scenic canyons and farmland before reaching the steep streets of one of the world’s oldest and highest colonial cities.
Founded in 1545, Potosí was once larger than London and a key economic engine of the Spanish Empire, thanks to its immense silver deposits in Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”). For those interested, an optional visit inside an active mine offers a raw, firsthand look at the difficult working conditions that still persist today—a chance to better understand the human cost of Bolivia’s mineral wealth.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Casa de la Moneda (The Spanish Mint), one of the country’s finest museums. Housed in a massive stone building that takes up a whole block, it showcases original coin presses, silver artifacts, and a remarkable art collection spanning pre-Columbian, colonial, and republican periods—an essential stop for history-minded travelers and photographers alike.
We return to Hacienda Cayara in the late afternoon for dinner and another quiet night in this historic valley setting.
Hotel: Hacienda Cayara (4*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
We leave the high mountains of Potosí behind and descend westward onto the wide-open expanse of the Bolivian Altiplano. The drive takes about three hours, crossing through remote valleys, abandoned mining towns, and open puna grasslands. As we drop in elevation, the landscape begins to flatten, revealing the vast salt flats of Uyuni in the distance.
En route, we stop at prominent viewpoints above river-carved canyons and lava flows. Here you can appreciate the hardships that the Spanish conquistadors endured to claim this land for their king during the heyday of colonial exploration in the Andes Mountains of South America.
After lunch, we continue our approach to the Salar de Uyuni—at over 12,000 feet in elevation and covering more than 10,000 square kilometers, it’s the largest salt flat in the world. We drive across a portion of the salar before reaching the small village of Tahua, located at the base of the imposing Thunupa Volcano. Here, we check into our hotel made partly of local salt blocks, with views stretching across the endless white expanse.
Weather permitting, we head back onto the salt flats for a sunset shoot—a unique opportunity to photograph the shifting light, textures, and reflections that make this one of Bolivia’s most iconic and surreal landscapes.
Hotel: Tayka de Sal (4*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
We start the day early with a sunrise shoot on the salt flats, followed by breakfast at the hotel. Then we begin our journey north, skirting the base of Volcano Thunupa and heading toward one of Bolivia’s most remote and dramatic landscapes—Sajama National Park.
The route takes us through the windswept Altiplano, past small Aymara villages, dry riverbeds, and distant volcanoes. Along the way, we stop at Pumiri—a natural labyrinth of eroded lava rock formations where wind and time have sculpted pillars, arches, and figures that resemble animals and mythic creatures. It’s a striking area to explore on foot and photograph up close.
We continue along remote roads with views of high-altitude wetlands and occasional wildlife sightings: vicuñas, rheas, hawks, and flamingos depending on the season. This is a region rarely visited by tourists, but rich in Andean scenery and silence.
By late afternoon, we enter the southern edge of Sajama National Park. Our destination is a lagoon below Mt. Sajama, where we’ll photograph reflections of Bolivia’s tallest peak in the still waters. After sunset, we continue to the village of Tomarapi and check into a community-owned hostel built as part of a community-led sustainable tourism initiative.
Dinner and overnight in Tomarapi.
Hotel: Hostal Tomarapi (3*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
We begin the day before dawn, departing early to photograph sunrise at the base of Mt. Sajama—Bolivia’s highest peak at 21,460 ft (6,542 m). The soft morning light on the volcano and the surrounding puna landscape makes for one of the most striking photographic sessions of the trip. Nearby, the twin volcanic peaks known as the Payachatas rise on the Chilean border, adding to the layered volcanic skyline.
After sunrise, we return to the village of Sajama for a warm breakfast. The rest of the day is spent exploring key locations within Bolivia’s first national park, established in 1945. Sajama is a high-altitude ecosystem known for its wide plains, geothermal activity, and the world’s highest native forest of queñua trees.
We’ll visit bubbling geysers tucked into a canyon at nearly 15,000 feet, where boiling-hot springs pour from the earth—some still used by locals for cooking eggs. We’ll also stop at ancient funerary towers known as chullpas, built by Aymara cultures to honor their dead. The region is home to an array of wildlife, including wild vicuñas, viscachas, rheas, and with luck, Andean condors.
After a late lunch back in Tomarapi, the afternoon is flexible. Depending on light and conditions, we may return to the lagoon for sunset or explore other corners of the park on foot or by vehicle. Dinner and overnight in Tomarapi.
Hotel: Hostal Tomarapi (3*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
We begin with a final sunrise shoot near Tomarapi, where the early light illuminates the eastern flanks of Mt. Sajama and the small village church. Time permitting, we’ll have a chance to step inside this 17th-century adobe chapel to view its painted ceilings and preserved colonial-era frescoes.
After breakfast, we depart Sajama National Park via a dirt road that loops around the volcano’s southern slopes before joining the paved highway east. The route crosses open stretches of the Altiplano, with views of river valleys, eroded canyons, and long ridgelines as we gradually make our way back toward La Paz.
Along the way, we stop to visit ancient chullpas—pre-Columbian funerary towers made of stone and adobe. These quiet, windswept sites offer one last opportunity to photograph Bolivia’s highland heritage in its raw setting.
We arrive in La Paz by late afternoon and check back into our hotel. There will be time to rest, repack, and prepare for your international departures. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to reflect on the journey, review photos, and share stories from two weeks of travel through Bolivia’s diverse landscapes. We will coordinate with each person for their hotel departure time before everyone goes to bed.
Hotel: Casa Grande Suites (5*)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Most international flights from La Paz depart in the very early morning hours, typically between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. Based on your individual flight schedule, we’ll coordinate a private transfer from the hotel to El Alto International Airport.
The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. For international flights, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2½ hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1½ hours is usually sufficient.
A Sergio Photo Tours representative will ensure you are picked up on time and assisted with any final logistics. We thank you for joining us on this photographic journey across Bolivia and hope to travel with you again soon.
Hotel: None
Meals Included: None
Sergio Ballivian arranged for me and my husband a two-week private photo tour of Bolivia whereby we visited some amazing landscapes close to Pa Laz as well as several regions of the Altiplano. From the first contact he was very responsive and gave us excellent advice as to the itinerary and especially places to visit that were a bit off the beaten track. The entire trip was perfectly organized, save drivers, best possible accommodation and an experienced photographer and guide who knew the country inside out and, on top, was very knowledgeable about light conditions/best places for photo opportunities and all the items photographers are interested in. I am not a very good photographer (yet) and Sergio helped me to improve my more basic photo skills with lots of good advice which I appreciated a lot. He is a very sociable person with a great sense of humor and we utterly enjoyed travelling with him. We travel a lot and this trip was certainly one of the best we ever experienced. Our itinerary was full of highlights and it actually exceeded our expectations, both in terms of services rendered as well as in terms of places visited. Muchissimas gracias Sergio!
Mind blowing vistas, high altitude dreamscapes and unforgettable moto adventures that make "long way around" look like kids play. What more could we ask for? From the moment we arrived to 10 days and over a thousand photos later, Sergio's guidance and leadership through the wilds (and a few cityscapes) of Bolivia was life changing. Bolivia has so much to offer and you simply must be led by someone who knows the culture, lives there, and can get you to the "secret spots" only he would know. Everywhere we went everyone we met knew Sergio and in turn he was able to get access to places nobody else could get us into. We traveled via motorbike from La Paz to Uyuni, and all places in between. From raw to jaw-dropping scenery and wildlife, to people places and friendly faces - we saw it all and archived our experiences with mind-blowing photos that we'll be sharing and fondly bringing us back in our minds to those places we love so dearly.
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. More guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure. Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis. All prices are in U$ Dollars.
Contact us for guidance on a quote for your group or private trip.
| Lowest Price | 7-10 travelers | $ 9,730 / per person |
| Average Price | 4-6 travelers | $ 10,215 / per person |
| Optimum Price | 2-3 travelers | $ 10,725 / per person |
| Highest Price | 1 solo traveler (= private tour) | $ 16,750 / 1 solo traveler |
| Single Supplement Fee | per person / per tour | $ 975 / per single room |
Deposit & Terms (universal — identical on every tour. Custom tours have special terms, please contact us. ): A 30% deposit (minimum $1,000 per person) reserves your space. Of that, $1,000 per person is a non-refundable administrative fee — but it’s never lost: it’s always credited toward your trip, even if you change trips or dates, and it’s part of the total price, not an extra charge. Balance due 90 days before departure. Trip insurance (with a “cancel for any reason” rider) is required. See our Terms & Conditions for full details, or contact us for a custom or private quote.
Start Date: October 10, 2026
End Date: October 23, 2026
Start Date: November 7, 2026
End Date: November 20, 2026
