Steeped in Andean history and sky-high drama, Bolivia rewards travelers with raw landscapes and spirited culture. La Paz tumbles down a vast canyon at 12,000+ feet, framed by Illimani’s snowy crown and stitched together by a rainbow of cable cars. Far south, the Uyuni Salt Flats spread like a blinding-white ocean—during the rainy season they transform into a giant mirror, one of Earth’s most photogenic spectacles.

For centuries, Aymara and Quechua communities have shaped life on the Altiplano, and you’ll taste that heritage in hearty dishes like llama steak, quinoa soups, and salteñas. Expect thin air, expressive markets, folkloric music, and a calendar filled with fiestas—New Year’s Eve is electric in La Paz, with fireworks popping from multiple viewpoints above the city.

Practical notes: December–March brings the Uyuni mirror effect and summer rains. La Paz sits at 3,650 m (11,975 ft); take it easy your first 24 hours, sip coca tea, and hydrate. One important caveat for your New Year’s goal: there are no operating ski resorts in Bolivia today; instead, we’ll slot in a snow-and-ice hike near La Paz for that alpine feel, plus adrenaline to spare on Death Road.

La Paz

La Paz is a vertical metropolis where everyday commutes happen by gondola. Hop between neighborhoods on airy cable cars, wander the Witches’ Market for amulets and weavings, and descend to the lunar badlands of Valle de la Luna for Martian vistas. The city’s food scene blends ancestral ingredients with contemporary flair, especially around bohemian Sopocachi and lower-altitude Zona Sur.

• Top sights: Mi Teleférico cable cars, Plaza Murillo, San Francisco church, Witches’ Market, Valle de la Luna, viewpoints like Killi Killi and Montículo.
• Where to stay (mid-range): Search well-located apartments in Sopocachi or hotels in Zona Sur (Calacoto/San Miguel) for gentler nights and cafés nearby: VRBO La Paz | Hotels.com La Paz
• How to get here: Fly into El Alto International (LPB). Compare fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com Flights.

Day 1: Arrive and Acclimatize in the High City

Afternoon: Land in La Paz and transfer 45–60 minutes to your lodging. Ride the Red Line cable car from Estación Central to El Alto then back down on the Yellow/Green lines—gentle sightseeing that helps you acclimatize.

Evening: Early dinner near Sopocachi. Try Popular Cocina Boliviana (multi-course lunch-style tasting at dinner pop-ups on select nights; book ahead), Namas Té for comforting veggie fare, or Sabor Cubano for live music and hearty plates. Nightcap at Hallwright’s (Bolivian wines) or Diesel Nacional (steampunk bar, moody lighting). Sleep early; the altitude is real.

Day 2: Cable Cars, Old Town, and Moon Valley

Morning: Coffee and marraquetas (crisp local rolls) at Typica Café or The Writer’s Coffee. Stroll Plaza Murillo, peek into the ornate San Francisco church, and browse the Witches’ Market for aguayos (woven textiles) and tiny amulets.

Afternoon (Guided Option): See the highlights efficiently with the Private City tour, Cable Car and Moon Valley (great if you’re short on time).

Expect panoramic cable-car hops, story-rich stops in the historic center, and the eroded spires of Valle de la Luna.

Evening: Dinner in Zona Sur (Calacoto/San Miguel): Ona at Atix Hotel for modern Andean plates; Mercat for tapas and Bolivian cocktails. If you’re up for folklore, book a table at a peña (live Andean music and dance) for a cultural night out.

Day 3: Choose Your Adrenaline — Death Road or Snow-Lagoon Hike (great for New Year’s trip)

Option A — Full-Day: Tackle the legendary Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour (64 km descent; typically includes bike/gear, guides, meals, and hot-shower stop).

It’s wet season, so expect mist and waterfalls—epic riding and photos. Budget ~$60–$120.

Option B — Full-Day (snow-and-ice feel, closest alternative to “skiing”): Hike to aquamarine Charquini with the Shared Full Day Tour Charquini Lagoon and Hiking.

You’ll walk near snowfields beneath Andean peaks—no lifts or resort skiing exist in Bolivia, but this gives you crisp alpine vibes for a New Year’s trip. Bring layers, gloves, and waterproof boots.

Evening (New Year’s Eve tips if you’re here Dec 31): Reserve dinner earlier than usual (storms can roll in). Ring in midnight at Mirador Killi Killi or the rooftop at Hotel Presidente’s Azotea for fireworks bursting all over the basin. Post-midnight, drift to Sopocachi bars (Diesel Nacional, The Dublin) for a celebratory nightcap.

Uyuni

Uyuni is the gateway to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat—10 billion tons of shimmering white hexagons that, during summer rains, morph into a colossal mirror. Expect 4x4 expeditions, cacti-studded islands, saltworker hamlets, and starfields so dense you’ll swear the Milky Way is humming.

• Top sights: Salar de Uyuni, Incahuasi (cactus) Island, Train Cemetery, Colchani salt workshops, sunrise/sunset photo ops, stargazing.
• Where to stay (mid-range): In-town hotels for value and early tour pick-ups, or splurge one night at a salt hotel. Search: VRBO Uyuni | Hotels.com Uyuni
• Getting there from La Paz: Morning flight La Paz–Uyuni is ~50 minutes (typically $80–$150 one-way). Compare on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. Overnight bus takes 9–10 hours (~$25–$35).

Day 4: Fly to Uyuni + Mirror-Effect Sunset on the Flats

Morning: Fly to Uyuni; drop your bag and grab a quick slice at the traveler-favorite Minuteman Revolution (excellent pizzas and salads) or a quinoa soup in town.

Afternoon & Sunset (Guided): Head out on the Uyuni Salt 1 day Tour with guide in English + Lunch and Sunset for the full wet-season experience: Train Cemetery, Colchani artisan stops, geometric salt crusts, and a finale on the flooded flats for surreal reflections.

Bring sandals for water, bright props for playful photos, and a microfiber towel.

Evening: Warm up over llama steak or creamy quinoa risotto at Tika (in a salt hotel) or try local trout in town. If skies clear, ask your driver about an add-on stargazing stop—no light pollution, just galaxies.

Day 5: Salt Workshops, Cactus Island, and Slow Travel

Morning: Coffee and pastries at a simple panadería, then taxi to Colchani to watch salt cutting, drying, and bagging; pick up small salt crafts. If the flats are accessible, hire a driver for a short hop to Incahuasi Island (tall cacti, 360º views)—sometimes reachable even in wet season, conditions permitting.

Afternoon: Browse Uyuni’s market for Andean snacks (try t’antawawas and fresh cheese), or visit the small salt museum. If you crave more time on the flats, many agencies offer a half-day “sunrise or sunset redux” at budget-friendly rates—perfect for extra mirror shots.

Evening: Casual dinner back in town. Try Llama Café for warming stews or Minuteman again for comfort food. Pack for an early flight tomorrow; keep electronics dry in zip bags (Uyuni humidity can surprise you).

Day 6: Return to La Paz and Depart

Morning: Fly Uyuni → La Paz (~50 minutes). Aim for a morning departure to cushion any weather delays.

Afternoon: Connect to your international flight. If you have a layover window, ride one last cable-car loop and grab salteñas at Paceña La Salteña or El Hornito to toast the trip.

Optional Add-On (time permitting): Lake Titicaca Day Trip

If you can extend a day, detour from La Paz to Copacabana and Isla del Sol for Inca lore and sweeping blue horizons via the Full Day Guided Tour in Copacabana and Isla del Sol.

Expect long but rewarding hours with lake crossings, viewpoints, and a deep dive into Andean history.

Eating & Drinking Highlights (quick list to bookmark)

• Breakfast/Coffee: Typica Café (specialty coffee), The Writer’s Coffee (quiet work-friendly nook), Alexander Coffee (ubiquitous, reliable).
• Lunch: Popular Cocina Boliviana (fixed-menu seasonal plates; book), Mercado Lanza stalls (simple, tasty almuerzos), Pronto (sandwiches, soups).
• Dinner: Ona (modern Andean), Mercat (tapas), Luciérnagas peña (folklore + Bolivian classics), Tika (Uyuni; Andean ingredients with a view).
• Drinks: Hallwright’s (Bolivian wines), Diesel Nacional (cocktails, industrial-chic), The Dublin (expat-friendly pub), local cervezas Paceña/Auténtica.

Logistics & Budget Notes

• Budget (50/100 mid-range): Expect ~$90–$160/day excluding international flights. Group tours keep costs sensible; private upgrades add comfort.
• Altitude & weather: First day: no hard workouts. Rain gear (Dec–Mar) and warm layers are essential. Sunscreen + sunglasses year-round.
• Transport: Compare domestic flights on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. Taxis in La Paz are affordable; confirm price before boarding.
• About “New Year’s skiing” in Bolivia: There are no operational ski resorts. To scratch that alpine itch, opt for the Charquini snow-lagoon hike or a guided glacier walk near Huayna Potosí (conditions/weather dependent).

Viator picks used in this plan:

• Private City tour, Cable Car and Moon Valley
• Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour
• Shared Full Day Tour Charquini Lagoon and Hiking
• Uyuni Salt 1 day Tour with guide in English + Lunch and Sunset

In just six days, you’ll ride La Paz’s skyways, crunch across otherworldly salt pans, and chase either waterfalls on Death Road or alpine blues at Charquini. It’s the perfect mid-range, high-thrill Bolivia itinerary—especially dazzling around New Year’s when Uyuni turns into a planet-sized mirror.