MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · BOLIVIA
Experience a 14-day motorcycle journey through Bolivia and discover the beauty of this fascinating country. From the 'Ruta del Ché' to the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, unforgettable adventures await you.
The Journey
For those who cannot take long vacations and are not sure if their driving skills are enough for off-road, but still want to take the chance to see what Bolivia has to offer. The 20% off-road sections are mostly well-drivable gravel roads, totaling 1,750 km. From the “Ruta del Che,” we cross the mountains toward Bolivia's colonial capital: Sucre and the local market Tarabuco. Also, the 500-year-old silver mine of Potosi followed by the largest salt flat in the world: “Salar de Uyuni,” Cochabamba, and the highest Christ statue in South America.
The roads we travel lie amidst the beautiful landscape of South America with endless valleys, high mountains, and wonderful nature! A trip through Bolivia is not an ordinary journey but an expedition. Given the socioeconomic challenges, ecological conditions, fuel shortages, and political and economic difficulties, the trips we offered in the past are no longer possible. However, thanks to our strong local connections and an experienced guide, we can still offer an expedition even in challenging times. Flexibility is crucial, as the situation on the ground can change suddenly, affecting schedules, routes, and plans.
We will pick you up at the airport in Santa Cruz at 400m above sea level, Bolivia. From there, we will drive to the small town of Samaipata (120 km, 3 hours of travel time). There we will check into a comfortable hotel and relax for the rest of the day. If your flight arrives later, we will spend a night in Santa Cruz. In that case, Day 1 will begin the following day.
Today we begin with a briefing where we will learn more about our route, the local "traffic rules," and get to know each other better. After that, we will start a ride to "El Fuerte," a small, ancient Inca town. This was built around the oldest and largest stone sculptures in America. Our motorcycle journey starts now!
In the morning we head towards La Higuera, a small mountain village where the revolutionary Che Guevara was held captive and executed. We will stop for lunch in Vallegrande, where we will visit the Che Guevara Museum, where the hospital linens on which Guevara's corpse was displayed can be seen. Along the way, there is a chance to observe condors, the largest birds in the world.
We leave Villa Serrano in the early morning to visit the Tarabuco Sunday market. It is the only place in Bolivia to take photos of the locals. After lunch, we continue our journey towards the capital of Bolivia, Sucre. For the rest of the day, you can explore the city. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We leave Sucre in the early morning. On smooth asphalt, we ascend towards the Altiplano (highlands) until we reach Potosí, the highest city in the world at 4,100 meters above sea level. During the ascent, we will receive instructions from the guides on how to deal with the altitude. In the afternoon, we visit the Miner’s Market, where you can acquire everything from coca leaves to dynamite. Here we can buy some interesting souvenirs. Then we continue to the mines, where we will descend equipped into the belly of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) to visit the 500-year-old, still operating silver mine. Not recommended for people with claustrophobia.
After a ride through beautiful landscapes, we arrive in Uyuni at noon. Keep an eye out for vicuñas, emus, and thousands of llamas along the way. We reach the small mining village of Purakayo. Here you can walk around the old train station, pass by the mine entrance, and get into the same vehicles that American outlaws were seen in in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." After checking in at the hotel, we visit the train graveyard, a fantastic collection of railway material from the 1900s, including a dozen steam locomotives.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
The Salar de Uyuni is a dry salt flat as large as Lower Bavaria. There are no trees, houses, or mountains there, and because there are only 2 colors (blue sky and white salt), one has no sense of scale at all. One can take absolutely incredible photos. On the way to Incahuasi Island, we visit the salt market, the flag monument, the salt hotel, and of course, the Dakar monument.
In the morning we leave Uyuni behind us. Passing by picturesque desert landscapes of the Altiplano and several small villages, we head to Oruro, famous for its markets and barbecue restaurants. The evening barbecue will be a delight, but before that, we will observe a strange phenomenon that will not be revealed here yet.
On winding roads with a wonderful view, we climb to 4,500 m. before descending into the valley of Cochabamba, where we can visit one of the largest markets with a large souvenir section. Because Cochabamba is not a typical tourist destination, souvenir prices are among the lowest in Bolivia. Cochabamba is also called the 'culinary capital' of Bolivia, so dinner will be a treat. After navigating through traffic, we dive into the hustle and bustle of the Plaza and head to Café Cortado. For dinner, we treat ourselves to the traditional dish 'Pique Macho'.
In the morning we will visit the largest Jesus statue in South America. At 40m, it is a little taller than the famous Jesus statue in Rio de Janeiro. After that, we will leave the city to enjoy fresh fish for lunch and head towards Totora, a small town in the mountains. A must for photographers!!
Today is the last day of our motorcycle trip, and now we are on our way back to Samaipata via a beautiful road that winds through the mountains. The last day begins with an 80 km long stretch of ancient Roman stone road. We cross the valley of the Rio Mizque and wind our way through the mountains on a breathtaking motorcycle route. In the afternoon, we return to Samaipata, leave our motorcycles and hurriedly jump into the hotel pool.
Late in the morning we set off for Santa Cruz, where we can relax, hang out at the plaza, and buy a few souvenirs. In the evening there is a farewell dinner.
Our journey ends here and it's time to say goodbye. But who knows, maybe you'll come back. You wouldn't be the first! The OVERCROSS tour operators will miss you anyway!
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