Tour
Astronomy adventure in the Andes and the Salar de Uyuni: Bolivia
Next trip 10 days from 29 April 2027
Prices from 拢5,395
Booking information
29 April 2027 鈥� 10 days for 拢5,395 per person
Register your interest for 2028 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Bolivia鈥檚 breathtaking landscapes and rich astronomical heritage, accompanied by acclaimed astronomy expert Jamie Carter. From high-altitude observatories and ancient solar sites to the vast, mirror-like Salar de Uyuni. Jamie brings his deep knowledge, captivating talks and hands-on stargazing sessions, offering unparalleled insight into the cosmos and the science behind Bolivia鈥檚 unique skies.
The tour is timed to coincide with the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, one of the year鈥檚 most active southern-hemisphere displays, caused by Earth passing through debris left by Halley鈥檚 Comet. From Bolivia鈥檚 high-altitude sites and the exceptionally dark skies of the Salar de Uyuni, you can expect fast, bright meteors radiating from Aquarius, with excellent visibility before dawn and minimal atmospheric interference.
Beginning and ending in La Paz, explore Bolivia鈥檚 astronomical heritage, from the high-altitude Chacaltaya Observatory to observatories and planetariums in Cochabamba and Oruro. Finish with two nights beneath the exceptionally dark skies of the Salar de Uyuni, with outstanding views of the southern stars and Milky Way.
Accompanied throughout by astronomy expert Jamie Carter, you鈥檒l explore high-altitude observatories, ancient solar sites, and the night sky like never before. His talks and hands-on sessions illuminate both cutting-edge discoveries in modern astronomy and the rich observational traditions of Andean civilisations. Every day and night brings opportunities for insight and wonder, while local experts provide fascinating perspectives on Bolivia鈥檚 culture, history, and heritage, creating a truly immersive journey through both the cosmos and this extraordinary land.
This tour is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, science lovers, photographers, cultural explorers and adventurous travelers who want to engage deeply with the universe above and the landscapes below. With a mix of observatory tours, hands-on skywatching, cultural encounters and expert guidance, you鈥檒l return home with a new perspective on our place in the cosmos.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Itinerary
This itinerary has been carefully planned, but this type of travel requires a degree of flexibility. Local conditions, weather, transport or other unforeseen circumstances may require changes to the programme. Intrepid Travel鈥檚 experienced tour leaders will manage any changes on the ground, and while every effort will be made to operate the tour as described, the itinerary may be amended where necessary.
Day 1: Arrive in La Paz and meet the group
Arrive in La Paz, the world鈥檚 highest administrative capital, perched in a dramatic canyon of the Andes. The city鈥檚 steep streets, bustling markets and cable cars make it one of South America鈥檚 most striking urban landscapes.
Take the afternoon to relax and acclimatise to the high altitude.
In the evening, meet with Jamie, your tour leader, and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting followed by dinner.
Day 2: San Calixto Observatory and Max Schreier Planetarium
Start the day at the San Calixto Observatory, a historic Jesuit-run site focusing on seismology, geomagnetism and meteorology, highlighting La Paz鈥檚 long-standing scientific tradition. Learn about La Paz鈥檚 long-standing scientific tradition and how the city鈥檚 unique geography and climate have shaped its research.
In the afternoon, visit the Max Schreier Planetarium, one of La Paz鈥檚 premier astronomy centers and a cornerstone for public astronomy education in Bolivia. Named after Max Schreier, a pioneering Bolivian astronomer and educator who dedicated his life to promoting science and astronomy in the region, the planetarium serves as both a research hub and an educational resource for students, locals, and visitors alike. Jamie will lead a discussion on atmospheric stability and observational science.
Travel note: Today鈥檚 sightseeing is within La Paz, with approximately 20鈥�30 kilometres of local travel and around 1鈥�2 hours on the road in total. Roads are paved, although the city鈥檚 steep streets and busy traffic can slow progress.
Day 3: Chacaltaya Observatory
Travel to the Chacaltaya Observatory, perched at over 5,200 meters above sea level. Along the way, enjoy the dramatic ascent through the Andean mountains, observing glaciers, rugged peaks and the unique high-altitude ecosystem. Established in the 1940s, Chacaltaya Observatory was originally a high-altitude cosmic ray and particle physics research station, taking advantage of its thin atmosphere to study high-energy particles from space. It later became famous for hosting one of the world鈥檚 highest ski resorts and for groundbreaking studies in atmospheric physics and cosmic radiation. The observatory is historically significant because it contributed to the early understanding of cosmic rays and high-energy physics, drawing international scientists to Bolivia.
Return to La Paz in the afternoon, with optional stops for short walks or scenic viewpoints along the descent.
Travel note: Today involves approximately 70鈥�80 kilometres of travel on the return journey to Chacaltaya Observatory, with around 3鈥�4 hours on the road. The route climbs steeply into the high Andes, with narrow, rough and unpaved sections as you approach the observatory at over 5,200 metres.
Day 4: La Paz to Planetario Pl茅yades and Horca del Inca
Drive across the Altiplano to Oruro, a historic mining city known for its colonial architecture and famous Carnaval de Oruro, a UNESCO-listed festival blending Indigenous and Catholic traditions.
Visit the Planetario Pl茅yades, a modern astronomy centre in La Paz dedicated to making the universe accessible to everyone. Named after the famous Pleiades star cluster, the planetarium features immersive dome projections, interactive exhibits, and educational programs designed to explore both classical and contemporary astronomy. It plays an important role in public science education, connecting local knowledge 鈥� including Indigenous Andean astronomical traditions 鈥� with global discoveries.
Afterwards, visit the nearby Horca del Inca, a fascinating archaeological and astronomical site overlooking the Sacred Valley of La Paz. The name, meaning “Inca鈥檚 Gallows”, refers to its peculiar rock formations and terraces, which were used by the Incas for ceremonial, agricultural, and possibly astronomical purposes.
Travel note: Today involves an overland journey of approximately 230 kilometres from La Paz to Oruro, taking around 4鈥�5 hours. The route crosses the high Altiplano and is predominantly on paved roads, although traffic leaving La Paz and local conditions can affect journey times.
Day 5: Cochabamba and evening stargazing
Today you will cross from the high-altitude plains into the fertile valleys of Cochabamba, often called the 鈥淐ity of Eternal Spring鈥� for its mild climate and lush surroundings. The city is known for its plazas, lively markets and as a hub for modern Bolivian culture. Cochabamba combines Andean heritage with urban vibrancy and a mild climate, offering a refreshing contrast to the high-altitude cities of La Paz and Oruro.
Enjoy an evening session with Jamie that introduces observational astronomy in subtropical conditions. With minimal light pollution and high-altitude skies, this is the perfect opportunity to observe constellations, planets and deep-sky objects that are unique to the southern hemisphere. You鈥檒l likely spot the Southern Cross, a key navigational constellation, along with the bright stars Alpha and Beta Centauri, and the glittering Magellanic Clouds, two satellite galaxies of the Milky Way visible only from southern latitudes.
Travel note: Today involves a substantial overland journey from Oruro to Cochabamba, covering approximately 210鈥�280 kilometres and taking around 6鈥�7 hours including stops. The route is predominantly paved, with winding mountain sections as you descend from the Altiplano into the Cochabamba valley.
Day 6: San Agust铆n Remote Observatory
Visit the San Agust铆n Remote Observatory, one of Bolivia鈥檚 leading centres for astronomical research, astrophotography and public outreach. This observatory is particularly important because it allows scientists to study the night sky in optimal conditions from a remote location, far from city lights, while coordinating observations with both local and international research programs. Its high-quality telescopes and imaging equipment make it possible to capture stunning, high-resolution images of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and other deep-sky objects, contributing to our understanding of the universe. During your visit, you鈥檒l explore the facility鈥檚 advanced telescopes, learn how astronomers remotely monitor the skies and witness the process of collecting and processing astronomical data.
Take part in hands-on telescope sessions and night-sky observing with Jamie.
Day 7: Drive to Uyuni and evening stargazing
Depart Cochabamba early in the morning for the long but spectacular drive to Uyuni, a journey of between 8 and 10 hours. Along the way, stop at high-altitude villages to observe traditional Andean life, volcanic landscapes and mineral-rich mountains that reveal the region鈥檚 geology, and small lagoons that illustrate the Altiplano鈥檚 ancient lakes and ecological history.
In the late afternoon, visit Colchani village to see traditional salt harvesting before continuing on to the Salar de Uyuni, where the vast, flat landscape provides one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Conclude the day with an evening stargazing session, spotting the Milky Way, southern constellations and their reflections on the salt flats under the guidance of Jamie.
Travel note: Today is the longest overland journey of the tour, travelling approximately 500 kilometres from Cochabamba to Uyuni and taking around 8鈥�10 hours. Much of the route is paved, although you will cross remote areas of the Altiplano where road conditions can be rougher and progress slower.
Day 8: Full day exploring the Salar de Uyuni
Spend a full day exploring the Salar de Uyuni, the world鈥檚 largest salt flat, with its striking hexagonal salt crusts stretching endlessly to the horizon. Visit the incandescent volcanic islands, such as Incahuasi, dotted with giant cacti, and enjoy the surreal landscapes that shift from dazzling white to shimmering reflections after rain. The flat, open terrain offers incredible opportunities for photography, including mirror-like reflections of the sky, mountains and distant volcanoes.
As night falls, experience an unforgettable stargazing session under some of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth. With virtually no light pollution, the Milky Way, southern constellations and countless stars appear in breathtaking clarity, reflected subtly on the salt鈥檚 surface. Jamie will guide you through the night sky, explaining celestial features and helping you connect the ancient and modern understanding of astronomy.
Travel note: Today involves several hours exploring the Salar de Uyuni by 4WD. Travel is largely across the salt flats and unpaved tracks, where surfaces can be uneven and conditions vary according to the weather.
Day 9: Sunrise at Salar de Uyuni and return to La Paz
Wake early to experience the Salar de Uyuni at sunrise, when the vast salt flats shimmer with golden and pink hues and mirror-like reflections create unforgettable photographic opportunities. Take a short morning walk or explore hexagonal salt patterns, distant volcanoes and isolated islands before departing Uyuni.
Transfer to Uyuni airport for a domestic flight to La Paz, taking around 1 hour.
Arrive in La Paz in the evening for a farewell dinner, celebrating the week鈥檚 astronomy adventures, cultural experiences and the awe-inspiring Andean landscapes.
Day 10: La Paz departure
Transfer to La Paz airport for your departure.
FAQs
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour begins in La Paz, Bolivia. Please speak to Intrepid Travel, which can offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK.
How fit do I need to be to enjoy this tour?
This tour is moderately paced, with a balance between travel days, guided visits and time to rest and absorb the surroundings. Most activities are sightseeing-focused rather than physically demanding, with only short walks at observatories, archaeological sites, villages and on the Salar de Uyuni. Days in cities such as La Paz, Oruro and Cochabamba are gently structured, allowing time to acclimatise, explore at an unhurried pace, and recover from longer drives.
The most physically taxing aspects come from the journey lengths, rather than strenuous activity. Several days involve long drives across the Altiplano (up to 10 hours), which can feel tiring due to road conditions and altitude, even though walking distances remain minimal. Walks on the salt flats, volcanic islands and viewpoints are optional and generally slow-paced, designed for photography and observation rather than exertion.
Altitude
Altitude is a key consideration throughout the tour. La Paz sits at around 3,650 metres above sea level, with excursions rising to over 5,200 metres at Chacaltaya Observatory, and extended time spent on the Altiplano and Salar de Uyuni at approximately 3,600 to 3,700 metres. The itinerary is intentionally designed to allow gradual acclimatisation, with lighter early days and a descent to the lower-altitude Cochabamba valley mid-tour to provide relief. While no technical fitness is required, travellers should be comfortable at high altitude, able to walk slowly on uneven terrain, and prepared for cooler temperatures and reduced oxygen levels, particularly during nighttime stargazing sessions.
How much driving is involved?
This is an expedition-style itinerary covering significant distances across Bolivia鈥檚 Altiplano. Several days involve extended road journeys, including around 6鈥�7 hours to Cochabamba and 8鈥�10 hours to Uyuni, although these are broken up with stops and offer a chance to experience the changing Andean landscapes. The return from Uyuni to La Paz is by a short domestic flight. Some travel is at very high altitude and on roads that can be rough or winding.
What is the stargazing like in Bolivia?
This tour has been timed to coincide with the new moon, when minimal moonlight provides the darkest skies for astronomical observing. Bolivia’s high-altitude landscapes, particularly on the Altiplano and around the Uyuni Salt Flats, offer exceptional conditions for stargazing thanks to their thin, dry atmosphere, low levels of light pollution and expansive horizons. These pristine environments provide outstanding opportunities to observe the Milky Way, southern constellations, planets, nebulae and distant galaxies in remarkable detail.
While the itinerary has been designed to maximise the chances of excellent observing conditions, clear skies can never be guaranteed, and cloud, wind or seasonal weather patterns may occasionally affect visibility on some evenings.
What will the weather be like in Bolivia in April?
April marks the transition into Bolivia鈥檚 dry season, with generally clearer skies and decreasing rainfall 鈥� good conditions for astronomy. La Paz and the Altiplano can be cool during the day and cold at night, particularly at higher elevations such as Chacaltaya, while Cochabamba is considerably milder. Uyuni typically has dry, sunny days but temperatures drop sharply after sunset, so warm layers are essential for evening stargazing.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
All of our tours are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement for this tour. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.
Booking information
Booking administration
This tour is operated by our trusted partner Intrepid Travel on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Their dedicated specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.
Highlights
- Explore La Paz鈥檚 Max Schreier Planetarium and learn about the southern skies
- Timed to coincide with the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, among the most prolific meteor displays visible in the southern hemisphere
- Visit San Calixto Observatory, linking seismology, meteorology and astronomy
- Ascend Chacaltaya Observatory for cosmic ray science and panoramic Andean views
- Discover Oruro鈥檚 Planetario Pl茅yades and Horca del Inca, connecting ancient and modern astronomy
- Accompanied throughout by Jamie Carter, renowned science communicator and astronomy expert, guiding you through Bolivia鈥檚 skies
- Join Jamie for insightful talks and guided stargazing sessions, exploring constellations, planets and the Milky Way
- Spend a full day on the Salar de Uyuni, exploring hexagonal salt crusts, volcanic islands and mirror-like reflections
- Celebrate with a farewell dinner in La Paz, reflecting on Bolivia鈥檚 skies, landscapes and culture
- Maximum group size of 15 guests
Meet the expert
Jamie Carter
Jamie is an award-winning journalist who writes about the night sky and eclipses. He is the recipient of the 2023 Popular Media Award from the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Physics Division, and is the world’s foremost solar eclipse journalist, an experienced science, travel and photography journalist, and a stargazer writing about exploring the night sky, moon-gazing, astro-tourism, astronomy and space exploration.
Jamie is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and SmartTelescopeReviews.com, and author of When Is The Next Eclipse? A traveler鈥檚 guide to total solar eclipses 2026-2034 and A Stargazing Program for Beginners: A pocket field guide. He also writes for publications and websites including Space.com, Live Science, Sky & Telescope magazine, BBC Sky At Night magazine, The Planetary Society, New Scientist, Travel+Leisure, T3, the South China Morning Post and Digital Camera World.
Tour leader
In addition to the science expert you will be accompanied throughout by an English-speaking tour leader provided by our partner for this tour, Intrepid Travel. The best people to show you the heart of a destination are those who live there. Tour leaders aren’t just local guides: they will be your teacher, travel guru and enthusiastic purveyor of grassroots experiences. They will also be able to offer insights on the country’s history and culture and will be on hand to sort all the logistics of the trip and to answer any questions you may have.
What’s included
- Accommodation on twin-share basis in 3-4* accommodation
- Domestic flight on day 9
- Talks and seminars from Jamie Carter
- Accompanied throughout by an English-speaking tour leader
- Breakfast every day, 2 lunches and 6 dinners
- Land transportation, as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance to sites visited
- Arrival group airport transfers for those on the suggested group flights
- All tours and excursions
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Departure transfer
- Visa/ETA (if applicable)
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers and porters
- Single supplement 鈥� 拢660
Accommodations
Rosario Sur Boutique Hotel, La Paz
Rosario Sur Boutique Hotel is an elegant retreat in La Paz鈥檚 tranquil southern district, offering a welcome contrast to the city鈥檚 high-energy centre. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and mountain views, the hotel combines contemporary comfort with subtle Andean design touches. Spacious, light-filled rooms, attentive service, and a relaxed on-site restaurant make it an ideal base.
Eden Bluebay Hotel, Santa Cruz
Eden Bluebay Hotel is centrally located in Santa Cruz, offering expansive views across the city and its surrounding lowland landscapes. Its prime position provides easy access to key cultural sites and urban attractions, while the hotel itself offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Comfortable accommodation and attentive service make it an ideal base for exploring Santa Cruz and the contrasting environments of eastern Bolivia.
Gran Hotel Cochabamba, Cochabamba
Gran Hotel Cochabamba is set in the leafy Recoleta district, offering a calm and comfortable base in one of Bolivia鈥檚 most liveable cities. Blending historic elegance with modern amenities, the hotel features spacious rooms, garden courtyards and inviting communal areas. Its central location allows easy access to Cochabamba鈥檚 cultural sites, markets and surrounding valleys, while on-site leisure facilities provide a welcome opportunity to unwind.
Rosario Uyuni Collection Hotel, Uyuni
Rosario Uyuni Collection Hotel offers a warm and thoughtfully designed stay in the remote high-altitude town of Uyuni, serving as an ideal base for exploring the extraordinary landscapes of southwest Bolivia. Blending contemporary comfort with Andean-inspired design, the hotel provides a cosy retreat after days spent on the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert ecosystems. Comfortable rooms, attentive service and a central location make it well-suited to the demands of high-altitude travel.
Please note: If required for reasons beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.