Cycling the Bolivian Salt Flats & Hiking the Amazon

Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.

We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.

This is a “challenging” trip.

You should have a good level of fitness and stamina. The main challenge of the trip is the physical demands of altitude. Although the activities themselves are not particularly strenuous, they may feel more taxing than expected. Days are full, activities lasting on average 6-9 hours per day. The winds can also be strong and the temperatures change from one moment to the next. For the most part, you are only expected to carry your daypack. Your daypack should be large enough to include your lunch, water, camera, sunscreen and any layer clothing you may need to adapt to the changing weather.

We strongly recommend that you begin a regular fitness program - that is if you are not already doing so. Working out four times a week, 60 minutes per session should be a minimum to prepare you for this adventure. In addition, try to get in some longer distance rides or hikes beforehand to prepare for your adventure.

BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994.

The logistics of organizing tours to remote corners of the world can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.

Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. A typical trip is comprised of men and women of varied ages and nationalities. Most of our clients on this trip are regular mortals in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge.

As well, the age range on this trip is typically from 40-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.

La Paz, Bolivia. You can arrive anytime on day 1 of the trip, although there is a group dinner arranged in the evening. You can depart on day 11. However, BikeHike recommends adding one additional day post tour to account for possible flight delays out of the Amazon. 

The best time of year for this trip is from April to October. This is the dry season, and in the Andes chances are good of having sunny days with clear views of the volcanoes and mountain peaks. The water level in the Amazon is high enough during these months to see and swim with river dolphins. 

We cannot give official medical advice. We advise you to contact your nearest travel clinic for updated information on health requirements, because this information can and does change frequently. You should plan ahead for your inoculations, as some of them require 30 days to take affect. Some shots cause mild reactions (fatigue to mild fever and nausea) and may require more than one dose over a period of weeks.

A good website for current information is The Centre for Disease Control.

It is mandatory to have this to enter Bolivia. You may not be checked, but if you are, and don’t have it, you may be refused entry.

All U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. A visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States. Entry is granted for 30 days. We highly recommend arranging this visa in advance and not to rely on getting it at the airport upon arrival.

The visa costs approximately $160 US. A visa is NOT required for Canadian citizens.

Yes, Wi-Fi and cell reception is available in some areas, mainly in the cities. Most hotels are equipped with Wi-Fi. However, you’ll likely be without Wi-Fi most of the days while hiking and biking. There is no cell reception or Wi-Fi for the Amazon portion of the trip.

Yes, most of the trip is located at high altitude, so your body needs time to acclimate. Take your time settling in at the new altitude. Don’t rush things. Drink lots of water. Don’t physically exert yourselves for the first couple days. Avoid alcohol. Don’t eat heavy meals. It’s really important to spend a couple days at altitude before thinking about doing anything strenuous. We recommend coming in a day early if you have the time to help you body acclimate.

We have prepared a specific packing list with instructions that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page.

For the Salt Flats part of the trip we use light aluminum framed bikes that are typically Giant or Coots brand. They’re equipped with Alivio and Deore gears (27 gears) and V-brakes (note: some disc brakes). For the Death Road portion of the trip, we use downhill bikes equipped with fat tires, heavy frames, disc brakes and big shocks. There is not much gear changing required as the ride is downhill. 

Day 3 of the itinerary includes at least 30 km / 18 mi of biking at altitudes in the area of 3300 m / 12000 ft. The terrain is a combination of paved and dirt road switchbacks, dirt paths and there could be a small section of single-track riding if we have to make any detours due to road construction.

Days 4-5 we’ll be biking along The Salt Flats which is a sea of white salt that resembles a massive frozen lake although, not slippery but rather crunchy like cold snow. Expect to be in the saddle a good 4-5 hours each day. The support vehicle will be following us closely on both of these days.

Day 6 of the itinerary includes a 70 km / 43 mi downhill bike ride on a road nicknamed The World’s Most Dangerous Road. The road is not regularly used by vehicles, making it safer and more enjoyable for bikers. The terrain is a combination of paved road switchbacks amidst towering mountain peaks and narrow dirt roads that cut into the side of the mountain. The mostly single-lane road has no guardrails, with staggering cliff drops on one side and mountain wall on the other.

Most of the hiking days on this adventure are day trips with no gear required apart from a light daypack. There is a one night camping however, when all travellers will be expected to carry a small pack that will hold a change of clothing, sleeping gear, toiletries, a camera and flashlight

Bolivia does not have availability for E-bikes at this time. Also note that for the death road portion, it is all downhill riding. 

Camping on this trip is rustic and involves pitching your own tent and is closer to what most people define as “traditional” camping. This is an incredible experience though as you'll be tenting in the Amazon! There is also two nights at a jungle lodge. This accommodation is comfortable but more rustic than a hotel. 

Absolutely! This trip is quite popular with singles. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike. 

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.

While most of our trips are created with adults in mind, many of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. However, this trip is generally only suitable for older teenagers or young adults. However, we do offer many Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.