Activities in The Southwest
-
A
AndesXtremo
Offers climbing, rafting, canyoning, trekking, and paragliding excursions.
reviewed
-
Tupiza Tours
Based in Tupiza, runs reliable tours from there to Uyuni or vice versa.
It's impossible for us to reliably recommend Uyuni agencies, and we strongly suggest that you speak to several companies after doing some research of your own in town. This company was performing well in travelers' eyes when Uyuni was researched.
reviewed
-
Escuela Runawasí
The Escuela Runawasí offers a recommended program that involves linguistic and cultural immersion. It also includes a trip to a relaxing Chapare rainforest hideout.
reviewed
-
Solarsa Tour
Reliable travel agent; also run culturally-sensitive trips to Jalq'a villages.
reviewed
-
Termas de Obrajes Hot Springs
The Termas de Obrajes hot springs, 25km northeast of town, are a popular destination. It’s a well-run complex, with a pool and, around the edge, private bathrooms, which you reserve for half an hour and gradually fill up with the magnesium-rich water. You can buy (but not rent) towels here; make sure you have a swimming costume to enter the public pool. There’s an unspectacular restaurant adjacent to a modest hotel. From the corner of Caro and Av 6 de Agosto, catch an Obrajes micro (B$5, 30 minutes) from 7:30am to 5pm daily, which also passes the grungier Capachos hot springs,10km east of town. The last micro to Oruro departs at 4pm.
reviewed
-
Club de Montañismo Halcones
On weekends you can practice your skills with the friendly local climbing club, Club de Montañismo Halcones. There’s a range of routes with protection already in place. Try your hand at the challenging overhanging routes of the Angel sector, with the wonderful 7-rated route known as Sueño Lejano. For softer routes, try the Vieja Palestra sector.
reviewed
-
Spanish Courses
Cochabamba is a popular place to hole up for a few weeks of Spanish or Quechua lessons. Several cultural centers offer courses.
There are plenty of private teachers who offer instruction but not all are experienced. You may have to try several before finding one that brings out the best of your abilities. The Centro Boliviano-Americano has a list of recommended teachers.
reviewed
-
Patricia de Roo
Sucre is a popular place to learn Spanish; prices are fair, and the climate is wonderful. There are plenty of private teachers who provide good one-to-one classes. Reader-recommended Patricia de Roo combines lessons with trips around the city, putting you in practical situations.
reviewed
-
Hiking, Biking & Horseback Excursions
Several operators offer half-day to multi-day excursions on horseback, mountain bike or Shanks's pony. These typically visit parts of the Cordillera de los Frailes. Check individual entries for Joy Ride Bolivia, Locot's Adventura and Unlimited Adventure Tours for more details.
reviewed
-
B
Huaynuma Tours
Recently established. It's impossible for us to reliably recommend Uyuni agencies, and we strongly suggest that you speak to several companies after doing some research of your own in town. This company was performing well in travelers' eyes when Uyuni was researched.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Sofía Sauma
Sucre is a popular place to learn Spanish; prices are fair, and the climate is wonderful. There are plenty of private teachers who provide good one-to-one classes. Sofía Sauma combines lessons with trips around the city, putting you in practical situations.
reviewed
-
Unlimited Adventure Tours
Recommended for its hiking, biking and horseback excursions, and have also pioneered a great two-day tour to the village of Icla, which combines several activities including floating downriver in an inner-tube with a chance to interact with local people.
reviewed
-
C
Turismo El Desierto
It's impossible for us to reliably recommend Uyuni agencies, and we strongly suggest that you speak to several companies after doing some research of your own in town. This company was performing well in travelers' eyes when Uyuni was researched.
reviewed
-
D
Oasis Odyssey
It's impossible for us to reliably recommend Uyuni agencies, and we strongly suggest that you speak to several companies after doing some research of your own in town. This company was performing well in travelers' eyes when Uyuni was researched.
reviewed
-
E
Kantuta Tours
It's impossible for us to reliably recommend Uyuni agencies, and we strongly suggest that you speak to several companies after doing some research of your own in town. This company was performing well in travelers' eyes when Uyuni was researched.
reviewed
-
F
Reli Tours
It's impossible for us to reliably recommend Uyuni agencies, and we strongly suggest that you speak to several companies after doing some research of your own in town. This company was performing well in travelers' eyes when Uyuni was researched.
reviewed
-
G
Expediciones Lípez
It's impossible for us to reliably recommend Uyuni agencies, and we strongly suggest that you speak to several companies after doing some research of your own in town. This company was performing well in travelers' eyes when Uyuni was researched.
reviewed
-
H
Viva Tours
For wine tours and adventurous eco-trips to Tarija’s hinterlands – including four nearby national reserves – it’s tough to beat Viva Tours, which charges between B$80 and B$150 per person for half or full-day tours.
reviewed
-
I
Marco Polo Tours
Boss Wily of this reader-recommended agency is a former miner who speaks good English. The visit is to the Qory Mayu cooperative mine; 10% of the profits go to the cooperative for social help.
reviewed
-
J
Silver Tours
All the standard tours around Potosí (15% of mine tour profits go to the mining community), adventure tours to the salares (salt flats) and transfers to San Pedro de Atacama.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Andes Salt Expeditions
The agency’s founder and ex-miner Raul Braulio Mamani worked as the guide for The Devil’s Miner documentary; 15% of the profits go to the miners’ on-site health facility.
reviewed
-
L
Joy Ride Bolivia
Popular hikes, bikes and horses, with groups leaving almost daily. Also offers paragliding; both tandem jumps and courses. Bookings and inquiries at the cafe of the same name.
reviewed
-
M
Miner Truck
A loveable old truck picks up from the cathedral at 09:00, 12:00, and 15:00 Monday to Saturday for a mine visit that's shorter and less strenuous than most.
reviewed
-
Instituto Cultural Boliviano Alemán
The Instituto Cultural Boliviano Alemán offers recommended Spanish lessons with home-stay options; they also run Quechua classes.
reviewed
-
N
Asociación Tarijeña de Ajedrez
At the Asociación Tarijeña de Ajedrez, you can play for free if you respect club rules: no smoking and quiet, please.
reviewed
