Bolivia Discovery - 11 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include exploring the winding streets and markets of La Paz, experiencing the Salar de Uyuni and high mountain wilderness by 4x4 over three days, and discovering colonial cities and historic cultures across Bolivia. The tour also features a G for Good Moment at the Jukil Community Experience & Lodge in Santiago de Agencha.

• What type of experience can I expect on this tour?

  This is a Classic style tour designed for an authentic and immersive cultural experience. You will encounter awe-inspiring geography, cities rich in colonial history, and Indigenous culture, with significant off-road exploration of the Uyuni Salt Flats. The physical rating for this trip is 3, indicating a moderate level of activity.

• What is the maximum number of travelers on this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• Who will be leading the group?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights in G Adventures-supported lodge/basic hotels during the Salar de Uyuni excursion (multi-share), and 1 night on an overnight bus.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included in the tour price.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  The primary modes of transportation on this trip are public bus, 4x4 vehicles (especially for the Salar de Uyuni excursion), and an internal flight.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that G Adventures has your passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Are there any specific health considerations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required, and it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. Please be aware that the adventure travels to high altitude (defined as anything over 8,000 feet or 2,440 meters), and everyone reacts to altitude differently. Carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers is recommended.

• Do I need travel insurance for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any G Adventures trip. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue has been sighted by your CEO.

• What is the local currency and should I bring credit cards or cash?

  The currency in Bolivia is the Boliviano (BOB). Credit cards and debit cards, especially Visa, are useful for cash advances, though their functionality can vary across Latin America. It's recommended to bring a combination of US dollar cash (in good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD) and cards, as a 5-10% fee may apply to credit card purchases. Travelers cheques are not recommended.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  G Adventures group trips are designed for shared accommodation and generally do not involve a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. However, nights 7-8 on the Salar de Uyuni excursion are multi-share and night 9 is an overnight bus, which are exceptions.

• What are some of the optional activities available on this trip?

  Optional activities include the Valley of the Moon Tour, Death Road Biking Adventure, Witches' Market Visit, and a City Tour in La Paz. In Sucre, you can opt for hiking, mountain biking, a dinosaur tracks excursion, or Rewilding Yampara. Potosí offers visits to Casa de la Moneda and the Potosí Mine, and a Chacaltaya Visit is also an option.

• Is tipping customary in Bolivia?

  Yes, tipping service providers like waiters at approximately 10% is customary. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides range from $5-10 USD per day. If you feel your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, a tip of $20-25 USD per person, per week is suggested as a guideline.

• What is the policy regarding illegal drugs or exploitation of prostitutes on this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws, risking the group. The exploitation of prostitutes is also completely contrary to G Adventures' philosophy of respect. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

• What is Planeterra and how is it involved with the tour operator?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to Planeterra projects. The tour includes a G for Good Moment at the Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, supporting this initiative.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  G Adventures prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. They encourage visiting their dedicated LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and safety information, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip.

• When can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of the hotels used during the trip, usually for a charge. It is suggested that you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times when you may need to do your own laundry.

• Is there a departure tax I need to pay?

  Yes, there is a departure tax of USD $25.

• What if I encounter problems upon arrival or need emergency assistance during the trip?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel and ask to speak to your CEO, or leave a message. If you cannot reach them, refer to the emergency contact details for the G Adventures Local Office in Lima, Peru (+51 1 241 1650 during office hours, +51 99 758 2712 after hours via WhatsApp) or the global sales team numbers provided in your pre-departure information. If a pre-booked airport transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes, it is recommended to take a taxi to your hotel and seek a refund upon your return.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. On some combo tours, international flights may be included, please consult your booking agent for details.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. Passport information is required at booking to process these tickets.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling to Bolivia?

  Inoculations may be required, and it's your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. This adventure travels to high altitude (over 8,000 feet/2,440 meters), and everyone reacts differently to altitude sickness. Please consult your physician for preparation advice.

• Are there any exceptions to rooming arrangements or the 'My Own Room' option?

  Yes, exceptions apply for Nights 7-8 on the Salar de Uyuni excursion (multi-share, basic hotels/lodges) and Night 9, which is an overnight bus.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Yes, a departure tax of USD $25 is required.

• How large will the group be for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• How much emergency money should I bring for this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21, the minimum age is 12.

• Is there an extra cost for single travellers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers are paired with someone of the same sex.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue.

• Should I be tipping on my trip in Bolivia?

  Tipping service providers like waiters (approximately 10%) is customary. For drivers and local guides, a recommendation of $5-10 USD per day is suggested. Tipping your CEO ($20-25 USD per person, per week) is also appreciated.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include: In La Paz (Valley of the Moon Tour, Death Road Biking Adventure, Witches' Market Visit, La Paz City Tour), in Sucre (Hiking, Mountain Biking, Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion, Rewilding Yampara: Walks Through Culture and Forest), in Potosí (Casa de la Moneda, Potosí Mine Visit), and Chacaltaya (Chacaltaya Visit).

• What are the joining instructions upon arrival?

  Upon arrival, refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the tour operator App, or contact your travel agent for details of your joining hotel. A welcome meeting will be held on day 1, usually between 5pm and 7pm.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include exploring the winding streets and markets of La Paz, experiencing the Salar de Uyuni and high mountain wilderness by 4x4, and discovering colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia.

• What are the modes of transportation used on my trip?

  Transportation modes include public bus, 4x4 vehicle, and plane.

• What should I know about safety and security on my trip?

  It's recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. Your CEO has the authority to amend the itinerary for safety. Be cautious when exploring cities at night and avoid protests.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel to speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and are not met within 30 minutes, take a taxi to your hotel and apply for a refund later.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses and integrate them into tour itineraries.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs and the exploitation of prostitutes are not tolerated. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency in Bolivia is the Boliviano (BOB). Credit and debit cards (Visa is most widely accepted) are useful for cash advances, but it's best to bring a combination of US dollar cash and cards. Traveller's cheques are difficult to change. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100USD for easier exchange.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. It is recommended to visit the tour operator's LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and to use the Equaldex tool for specific destination information.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes a G for Good Moment (Jukil Community Experience & Lodge), a Discover Moment in Sucre, a 3-day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats, an internal flight, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It's suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Accommodation includes hotels (7 nights), G Adventures-supported lodge/basic hotels on the Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nights, multi-share), and an overnight bus (1 night).

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  In a situation of dire need, first call the local representative or local office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. Emergency contact numbers for various regions are provided in your travel documents.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour.