Bolivia Motorcycle Tour
22 Oct - 2 Nov 2024
Overview
Conquer the diverse landscapes of the Bolivian Andes. Experience the ultimate freedom in the world's largest salt flat, ride through the infamous Death Road among jungle cliffs and waterfalls, and discover the unique culture of the indigenous people.
Duration
12 days / 11 nights*
Meeting point
Santa Cruz Viru Viru Internation Airport (VVI)
Accommodation
3 nights in extraordinary, authentic guesthouses in the countryside, 7 nights in high-standard hotels, 1 night in a simple small-town accommodation
Difficulty
3/5
Location
From Santa Cruz to La Paz, 3500-4000 meters high through the Bolivian highlands
Price
€ 5 490
*The duration of the trip lasts from meeting at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) to flying home from the same place.
Description
Through wild forests and rivers, over the massive passes of the Andes, we climb to an altitude of 4000 metres, where we reach Bolivia’s famous high mountain plateau, the Altiplano. The otherworldly landscape with mountain-studded horizon extends beyond the trees, while herds of happy llamas graze as we enjoy the thrill of freedom, riding through the world’s largest and most spectacular salt desert or experiencing the Mad Max atmosphere among the ruined steel giants of an abandoned train graveyard. In the evening we relax in a world-famous salt hotel.
We set off from the desolate world of the Altiplano towards La Paz to conquer the infamous Death Road, which fortunately has not claimed its once numerous victims since the mid-1990s, as a new motorway has been built on the other side of the valley. Therefore this single-lane road, where waterfalls cascade down from the 1000-meter-high cliffs, is now only travelled by adventurers like us who are specifically looking for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As we ride between the 5-6000 meter high, snow-capped mountain peaks, many cultural experiences await us. We take a break in both capitals of Bolivia: in Sucré, famous for its intact colonial architecture, and La Paz, the world’s highest capital nestled among the Andes.
We visit a silver mine at the former site of the colonial Spanish silver mint, which used to be the richest city in the world in the 16th century. We spend a night in the town where Che Guevara was once captured. Our accommodation is also the set of the old telegraph house where the operator informed the authorities of the guerrilla leader’s appearance.
Bolivia is a country of extremes: it is home to South America’s highest and most isolated region, and it has the highest percentage of indigenous residents. Unforgettable experiences are guaranteed on our two-week tour as we cover almost 1800 kilometers from Santa Cruz to La Paz, riding the iconic Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles through diverse terrains and breathtaking landscapes.
The roads winding through the passes of the Andes will fly us into the clouds more than once
Che Guevara monument in La Higuera
Our journey is accompanied by 5-6000 metre high, bare mountain peaks
In South America, the percentage of indigenous people is the highest in Bolivia, and we will also get to know them and their culture.
We spend a whole day riding through the Earth's largest salt desert
We will spend a few hours of fun in the surreal train cemetery of Altiplano
The first and one of the most famous salt hotels in the world will be our home for 2 nights
The ancient Incahuasi Island is covered with giant cacti in the middle of the salt desert
If we get hungry on the way, we can try the aunthentic local street food
The legendary Royal Enfield motorcycles will be our companions on the about 2000 km long, mixed-terrain road
Thanks to our experienced local guides, no situation will surprise us
We will most likely not meet any locals on motorbikes
On the (in)famous Death Road we wind our way between 1000 metre high cliffs and pouring waterfalls
Details
The High Thrill Ride
22 Oct - 2 Nov 2024
*The duration of the trip lasts from meeting at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) to flying home from the same place.
€ 5 490
Included in the price
- 11 nights accommodation in high quality and unique hotels, guesthouses
- 3 meals per day for 10 days (except the day of arrival and departure)
- 10-day motorcycle rental – Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Fuel
- Return of the motorcycles to the starting point at the end of the tour
- A visit to the silver mines of Potosi
- Domestic flight ticket from La Paz to Santa Cruz
- Airport transfer
- Experienced local motorcycle guide
- Escort vehicle for luggage and non-riders
- Support car with mechanic
- GoBeyond tour guide
Optional extras
- Private single rooms in each accommodation throughout the trip: € 700
- If required, booking of flight tickets can be arranged through our office, with a handling fee of € 50
Further expenses
- International flight tickets to Santa Cruz (VVI) and back
- Insurance valid in Bolivia, covering motorcycling
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and meals on arrival and departure day
Accommodation
7 nights in high standard 4-5 star hotels, including two nights in the world’s first salt hotel near the salt desert. 3 nights in special authentic guesthouses in the countryside, including a family farm and accommodation created from the old telegraph house where Che Guevara was captured. We spend 1 nights in a simple small-town hotel.
Meals
The package includes 3 meals per day, except on the day of arrival and departure. The Andes are the original homeland of potatoes, more than 200 different varieties of potatoes are grown in Bolivia, and so the cuisine of the Altiplano is also dominated by potatoes. In addition, quinoa, rice, beans and corn also make it onto the plates alongside the intensely spiced meat, so we have plenty of nutrients to use during the tour.
Motorcycle package
10-day motorcycle rental of the legendary Royal Enfield Himalayans. Professional local motorcycle guides with mechanic and backup van. Daily fuel and maintenance are included in the price. GoBeyond motorcycle tour guide with years of experience.
Road conditions
Most part will be concrete roads, but you need to be prepared for bumpy dirt roads, river crossings, mud, sand, gravel and lots of curves. Worry not though, the local team and GoBeyond guides will help you in any situation.
Motorcycling experience
Advanced motorcycle skills: can ride for six hours safely in any terrain and weather.
Motorcycle gear
Every rider must bring his own motorcycle protective gear and helmet. We do not recommend wearing leather motorbike suits as we do not go fast on the bikes. Long-stemmed motorcycle boots, a helmet and a protective top are strongly recommended. It’s a good idea to have a mesh layer of gear (to wear in the hotter locations) with the ability to throw on a windbreaker/waterproof layer. Two pairs of gloves are useful as well, which can be changed if necessary. It’s also a good idea to pack thermal underwear, just in case. Although you probably won’t need it at this time of year.
Group
Maximum 7 riders with mixed nationalities, with 2 tour guides, and the repair van.
Weather
November is in the transitional season between spring and summer in Bolivia. We start the trek in a very hot and humid region, with highs of up to 40 degrees in Santa Cruz, and from there we move on to the cooler and drier Altiplano, where it can cool down to 10 degrees in the evening. Of course, there could also be showers.
Activities & sights
Exploring diverse natural landscapes, untouched habitats of wild animals, the unique lifestyle, culture, cuisine, and the legacy of the Spanish colonial era, we ride motorcycles on mixed terrain, including paved roads and off-road sections, to discover the extreme beauty of the Andes. We wander through the world’s largest salt desert and conquer the notorious Death Road. We visit both capitals of Bolivia and get to know the town where Che Guevara was captured. If we feel like it, we can visit a mine and even bathe in a natural hot spring.
Photo & Video
All the photos and videos you see are from our previous camps. We produce high-quality content of all our camps, which you will receive after returning home to remember all the amazing memories.
Travel insurance
You will need an insurance that covers motorcycle riding and is valid in Bolivia. You can contact us and we are happy to recommend the most suitable one.
Personal expenses
The local currency is the Bolivian boliviano (BOB). We recommend bringing USD in cash and to exchange after arrival. Depending on spending habits your budget for the trip should range from 400-500 USD. For reference, a meal is between 5-15 USD.
Program
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL
Height: 400 m
Arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. We acclimatize, rest after the long journey and explore the city.
DAY 2 - THE BEGINNING OF THE BIG JOURNEY
120 km, asphalt, altitude: 1050 m
We take over the Enfields in the morning, and then the adventure begins: we leave Santa Cruz behind as we pass through the surrounding settlements. We ascend to new heights in the jungle until we reach Samaipata, where we spend the night. This day is all about getting used to the bikes before hitting the more challenging terrain.
DAY 3 - THE FIRST FIELD TRIP, CHE GUEVARA
179 km, mixed terrain, altitude: 2346 m
After a relaxing morning at the family farm, mixed terrain and exceptional roads are waiting for us as we head towards La Higuera, famous for being the place where Che Guevara was captured in 1967. We spend the night in the accommodation created from the old telegraph house, where the operator informed the authorities about Che Guevara's appearance.
DAY 4 - FAR FROM CIVILIZATION
137 km, terrain, altitude: 2080 m
We are travelling through landscapes on mountain paths with breathtaking views and over a long winding river below us, until we reach the small town of Padilla, where we can catch a glimpse of the slow life of the Bolivian countryside, far from the usual tourist centers.
DAY 5 - SUCRE
175 km, mixed terrain, altitude: 2810 m
We continue to curve along spectacular roads as we cross the passes of the Andes, and the landscape around us changes dramatically as we descend into the lower-lying jungle valleys, heading towards the picturesque hills of Sucre, with its unique atmosphere. Sucre, one of the two capitals of Bolivia, also known as the White City due to its well-preserved colonial architecture. We enjoy the vibrant culture, thriving arts and music scene, and of course, the local cuisine at this city with such a rich history.
DAY 6 - NEW HEIGHTS, SILVER MINE
155 km, asphalt, altitude: 4067 m
After breakfast, we set off on our winding road over rocky mountains, valleys and rivers, taking us to altitudes over 4000 meters. We reach Cerro Rico, the mountain where 60% of the world's silver was mined in the 16th century. Depending on the group's interest, we may take a mine tour in Potosí, which was once the wealthiest city in the world.
DAY 7 - TRAIN CEMETERY
205 km, asphalt, altitude: 3700 m
We continue our journey on long winding mountain roads of exceptional quality until we finally reach the huge Altiplano. We spend the afternoon among the ruined steel giants of the train cemetery on the highlands, and along the way we can dip into natural hot springs. We stay for two nights next to the Salar de Uyuni, in the world's first and most famous salt hotel.
DAY 8 - SALT DESERT
We spend an unforgettable rest day in Salar de Uyuni, a 4085 km2 salt flat that stretches over the ancient, dried-up Minchin Lake. We enjoy motorcycling in the endless whiteness and have lunch in the middle of the desert next to a cactus-lined former volcanic island.
DAY 9 - HORIZON
500 km, asphalt, altitude: 3700 m
We head north and dive further into the unusual beauty of the Bolivian highlands. Quinoa plantations, vicuñas, herds of llamas and snow-capped mountain peaks accompany us as we continue our journey towards La Paz, the highest capital in the world, which is located in a bowl-shaped valley among the snowy peaks of the Andes. Thanks to its eclectic architecture, bustling markets and street vendors, we get to know the rich culture of the indigenous people up close before delving into the vibrant nightlife.
DAY 10 - A REST DAY
105 km, asphalt, altitude: 1680 m
After a lazy morning we reach Coroico with a short ride, a small town with a cheerful atmosphere surrounded by green mountains. We enjoy the special view, the local culture and relax before heading to the infamous Death Road the next day.
DAY 11 - DEATH ROAD
100 km, mixed terrain, altitude: 3700 m
Death Road took its victims until the mid-1990s, when a new road was built on the other side of the valley. Therefore this single-lane road, where waterfalls cascade down from the 1000-meter-high cliffs, is now only travelled by adventurers like us who are specifically looking for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After conquering it, we descend back to La Paz, where we spend our last night.
DAY 12 - SANTA CRUZ AND FAREWELL
We take domestic flights back to Santa Cruz, where we say goodbye and return home with eternal memories.
*The program is subject to change at any times. The final itinerary depends on current weather conditions and the endurance of the group.
Application
1
ENQUIRY
Call us, email us or use the form below
2
AVAILABILITY CONFIRMATION
We will get back to you within 48h
3
BOOKING
Secure your spot with a deposit & travel contract
4
PLANE TICKETS & VISA ARRANGEMENT IF NEEDED
Typically 1-2 months before departure
5
SECOND INSTALMENT
30 days before departure
6
GOBEYOND ADVENTURE STARTS
We greet you at the meeting point
Get in touch with us
Phone: +43 660 552 2466 | Email: hello@gobeyond.travel
Bolivia Motorcycle Tour
Q&A
Not at all. Accommodations usually have rooms for 2 people, so probably you'll be paired with one of your super friendly group mates, but if you prefer to sleep alone, please request this in the application form and we'll figure out something for you.
It depends on your nationality. Hungarian citizens can stay in Bolivia for 90 days visa free. If you have a different nationality, check the website of your embassy.
During the entire trip, we stay within the borders of Bolivia.
You need to have a motorcycle driving license valid for a 500 cc motorbike (at least).
Unfortunately, passengers who do not drive a motorcycle cannot join this motorcycle tour.
All riders must bring their own protective gear and helmet. We don't recommend wearing leather motorbike suits as we do not go fast. Durable high top hiking boots, traditional hiking boots or motorcycle boots are recommended. Make sure to bring good protective gear, as there might be minor falls on different terrains. Don't forget about your waterproof clothes as rain is also possible.
They provide helmets if necessary, but obviously these ones are used and not from the highest quality. We recommend to you bring your own one! It is your decision what kind of a helmet you prefer, but you need to be prepared for defending yourself against mud and a lot of dust.
Most of the route is on tarmac, but there are sections on dusty or dirt roads, some of which are of medium difficulty. We also cross waterfalls on the Death Road and, of course, riding a motorcycle in the salt desert is a special experience.
Drinking tap water in Bolivia is not safe, tap water is only recommended for showering and washing hands. To avoid health problems, only drink bottled water and use it for brushing your teeth as well. By following general health and hygiene rules, the chances of getting sick are very small. However, if anyone feels unwell, they can sit in the back-up car. From this point, one of the guides will ride their bike for a while.
Yes, it is included in the price and the group leaders will take care of it.
The staff contains of the following people: a professional English-speaking local tour guide who can ride anybody's bike if anything goes wrong and he takes care of any upcoming issues. In addition to him, there is also an incredibly nice mechanic and at least one tour guide from the GoBeyond team, who is experienced in leading motorcycle tours and knows the local culture and sights.
You need to pack into at least 2 bags. The big bag travels in or on the back-up van so don't bring your expensive suitcases (you can pack them in and out every day at the accommodations) and bring a backpack that can hold a few extra layers of clothes, water, camera, and any personal items you need during the day.v
We cannot provide official information regarding vaccinations because of the specific medical history, physical condition, and other factors of each traveler determine the necessary vaccinations. However, it is recommended to receive the yellow fever vaccination.
Depending on spending habits your budget for the trip should range from 400-600 USD.
The local currency is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). ATMs and credit card payments are not very common in Bolivia, so we recommend that you bring cash (dollars) with you, which you can exchange at the beginning of the trip and later in larger cities.
You'll need to have one that is valid for motorcycling and valid in Bolivia. If you need help, please get in touch with us!
7 nights in high standard 4-5 star hotels, 3 nights in special, authentic guest houses in the countryside, including a family farm and accommodation formed from the old telegraph house, where Che Guevara was surrendered from. We spend 1 night in a simple, small-town hotel.
You shouldn't worry, the back-up van with the mechanic is always the last one on the road, just park your bike on the side of the road, wait for him and enjoy the stunning scenery while he repairs your bike. Usually he can fix anything within 15 mins. The head of the group will wait for you at the next resting stop.
Sometimes. :) At least in the hotels you’ll have proper connection.
Check more motorcycle trips
The best way to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes and remote regions on Earth is on a motorcycle.
Just think about it: crossing the Himalayan range with its 5000 m high passes would be simply impossible on foot, extremely hard to ride by bicycle, and plain boring driving in a car.
If you ride with us, you will have a comfortable and safe journey, thanks to our backup vehicles and the service background.
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