Bolivia stays an afterthought for a lot of vacationers visiting South America, however it has dazzling surroundings and lots of websites that can go away you speechless. From the majestic peaks of the Andes to the huge expanses of its rainforests, Bolivia is a treasure trove of distinctive experiences ready to be found. These are one of the best issues to do in Bolivia that can make any traveler’s mouth water!
Located within the coronary heart of the continent, this landlocked nation is bordered by the international locations of Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile. Bolivia boasts a myriad of sights that cater to each sort of traveler. So are you prepared to start your Bolivia journey? Let’s go!
Prime Issues to Do in Bolivia, South America
Planning Your Journey To Bolivia Proper Now?
These are the highest excursions and actions in Bolivia. Don’t neglect to plan forward when visiting Bolivia!
Prime Bolivia Vacationer Points of interest and Excursions:
1. Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats)
A tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats is the preferred factor to do in Bolivia. The Uyuni salt flats are the world’s largest salt flats, the place the white panorama stretches so far as the eye can see. Learn extra: Salar de Uyuni – How to Visit The Bolivia Salt Flats
There are one to seven-day excursions available, all of which take you out onto the salt flats to discover a number of of the bizarre websites there, from thousand-year-old cacti to uncommon flamingos.
Gazing out over the Salar de Uyuni is like stepping right into a dream. The most important salt flat on the planet stretches out in an unlimited expanse of white, creating illusions of an limitless horizon. When stuffed with a skinny layer of water, it turns into the world’s largest mirror, reflecting the sky in a surreal spectacle.
Flamingoes
Past its pure magnificence and otherworldly rock formations, the Uyuni Salt Flats have a vibrant ecosystem and are residence to many flamingo species. A journey to the Salar is not only a visible feast, however a soulful expertise, providing a glimpse of nature’s creative prowess. Try Best Things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
There’s a vary of accommodation options, largely tents, and hostels close to the Uyuni Salt Flats. The salt flats are one of many prime Bolivia vacationer sights so it’s endorsed to e-book your excursions prematurely.
How one can Get to Uyuni Salt Flats: Take a bus from Oruro or La Paz to Uyuni, the place you’ll find many tour operators providing journeys of various lengths and costs. It’s also possible to e-book a guided tour from Lapaz. This 3-day tour is highly rated.
2. La Paz
With an elevation of three,650 meters (11,975 ft) above sea degree, La Paz is the very best capital metropolis on the planet. La Paz is a metropolis of contrasts, from the busy Witches’ Market round Sagarnaga Avenue to the tranquil Plaza Murillo with its historic governmental buildings.
The Nationwide Museum of Artwork displays Bolivia’s artwork historical past, and the Bolivian Andean Textile Museum is a must-see for all within the stunning weavings of the Andes. At evening, make certain to take a look at Peña Huari on Sagarnaga for some conventional pipe music and dancing, or head to A Lo Cubano on Aniceto Arce Avenue for some Cuban meals and music.
Enterprise into its bustling streets and markets, just like the well-known La Paz Witches Market, to find a wealthy tapestry of tradition and custom. Whether or not admiring colonial structure or tasting native delicacies, La Paz gives an city expertise like no different, balancing its historic roots with a recent beat. This private La Paz city tour is a good way to discover the highlights.
3. Journey The Cable Vehicles in La Paz
Perched at dizzying heights, La Paz is greater than Bolivia’s administrative capital; it’s a metropolis that gives a mix of old-world allure and modern-day dynamism. The town’s skyline, a mix of conventional red-brick houses and gleaming skyscrapers, is about towards the backdrop of the looming Mount Illimani.
The easiest way to see La Paz is to take a wide ranging journey on a cable automobile from La Paz to El Alto. These are the very best cable automobile system on the planet and the highest vacationer attraction in La Pas. And for good purpose, it gives unparalleled views of town and the Cordillera Actual mountains.
How one can Get There: Take a taxi or bus from the airport into city. There are bus providers to La Paz from most different Bolivian cities, in addition to from cities in Peru, Argentina, and Chile.
4. Valle de La Luna – (Valley of the Moon)
Situated only a quick distance from La Paz, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) boasts a panorama that feels otherworldly. Eroded rock formations, with their intricate patterns and maze-like constructions, give the place a surreal, moon-like look, therefore its title. Seeing Moon Valley at Sonsuet is likely one of the prime issues to do in La Paz.
Strolling by way of Moon Valley throughout sundown is a transcendent expertise. The mushy gentle paints the rock formations in shades of gold and crimson, making the place come alive in a riot of colours. The tranquility, mixed with the dramatic surroundings, gives guests a second of reflection amidst nature’s marvels. This tour includes a tour of La Paz, the Cable Vehicles, and the Valley of the Moon.
5. Lake Titicaca
Resting on the crossroads of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is a shimmering marvel, holding the title of the very best navigable lake on the planet at 3,810 meters above sea degree. However past its geographical information, it’s the cultural richness and serenity that makes it a must-visit. You may e-book a day tour from La Paz, however to go to Lake Titicaca actually requires a couple of days. This day tour is a good option if in case you have restricted time.
Huge expanses of blue waters are interspersed with islands, each pure and man-made, that protect the traditional methods of life. From the floating Uros Islands, constructed completely out of reeds, to the terraced landscapes of Isla del Sol, believed to be the birthplace of the Incan Solar God, Titicaca is a mix of historical past, mythology, and unparalleled scenic magnificence.
6. Isla del Sol
Day journeys from La Paz are well-liked to see Isla del Sol and this private tour includes a ship journey to Isla del Sol, Copacabana, and highlights of Lake Titicaca at your individual tempo. Nevertheless, you’ll want to spend extra time to see its Inca ruins, and discover the Lake’s different sacred island, Isla de la Luna.
Situated on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is a spot of myths, and legends. In keeping with Incan folklore, it’s right here that the world started when the God Viracocha emerged from the waters and created the solar.
The island is a sanctuary of tranquility, free from fashionable autos, and gives picturesque mountaineering trails that weave by way of historical ruins and terraced hills. The serenity right here, complemented by the sacred vibes of its archaeological websites, gives a reflective escape, making it a should for each traveler looking for each magnificence and introspection.
Book an organized tour from downtown La Paz to Isla del Sol and Lake Titicaca. It features a boat journey from Copacabana to the island’s hottest vacationer sights.
7. Copacabana
Nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana is a gateway to the Isla del Sol however it’s price spending a while at by itself. Copacabana is a tranquil retreat reflecting Bolivia’s deep-rooted spirituality and fascinating pure magnificence. With its whitewashed buildings and blue waters, the city feels nearly Mediterranean, but its essence is unmistakably Bolivian.
The Basilica of Our Woman of Copacabana stands because the city’s crown jewel, drawing pilgrims and vacationers alike with its ornate structure and a revered statue of the Virgin Mary. As one wanders by way of the city’s cobbled streets, vibrant markets brimming with native handicrafts beckon, whereas conventional eateries supply a style of Bolivia’s wealthy culinary heritage.
However Copacabana’s attract doesn’t finish with its streets. Venturing to the Cerro Calvario, a hill overlooking the city, gives panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, particularly enchanting throughout sundown. You may e-book an organized tour from La Paz. This tour will take you out of your resort within the metropolis centre to the lakeside city of Copacabana, go to Isla del Sol, its Inca Ruins and Lake Titicaca.
8. Ruins of Tiwanaku
As one in every of South America’s most important archaeological websites, the traditional metropolis of Tiwanaku gives insights right into a civilization that thrived lengthy earlier than the Incan Empire. It is likely one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Bolivia and one of many prime vacationer sights within the nation. This private tour is a good way to essentially discover the historical past and wonder at your individual tempo.
Situated close to the southern shores of Lake Titicaca, the ruined metropolis stands as a silent witness to the area’s wealthy historical past. Intricately carved stonework, monumental statues, and sunken temples inform tales of the Tiwanaku individuals’s ingenuity and non secular beliefs. With a historical past spanning over a millennium, it’s a vacation spot that beckons historical past buffs and curious vacationers to delve deep into Bolivia’s pre-Columbian previous.
9. Discover The Amazon Rainforest
Nestled between a number of South American international locations, Bolivia’s slice of the Amazon rainforest beckons with its lush landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity. The Amazon Rainforest is likely one of the prime vacationer sights in all of South America and no journey to Bolivia can be full with out seeing it. Learn extra: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Bolivian Amazon
Venturing into this sprawling wilderness, vacationers will uncover a realm the place nature reigns supreme. Vibrant natural world fill each nook, with the cacophony of chook calls and the hushed whispers of the forest making a symphony of life. It’s not merely concerning the visuals; it’s the sensation of being engulfed in an ecosystem that has thrived for millennia. An Amazonian exploration is an ode to nature’s grandeur.
Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon Jungle is a haven for adventurers and nature fans alike. Teeming with life, the Amazon’s huge ecosystem gives guests a uncommon probability to immerse themselves in a world dominated by dense forests, winding rivers, and an astounding number of wildlife.
River cruises present a novel perspective, permitting one to witness the majesty of river dolphins or the occasional caiman basking on the shores. The deeper one ventures, the extra the rainforest reveals, from indigenous tribes preserving historical traditions to uncommon chook species flitting by way of the cover. See our time in the Peruvian Amazon
10. Selva Soliviana (Selva Boliviana) within the Amazon Basin
Deep inside Bolivia’s boundaries, the Selva Soliviana or Selva Boliviana stands as one of many nation’s most pristine and numerous ecosystems. A part of the bigger Amazon Basin, this dense tropical rainforest harbors a world teeming with life, from elusive jaguars and playful spider monkeys to vibrant macaws portray the sky with their colours.
The richness of this area isn’t simply in its wildlife. The indigenous communities, deeply rooted inside the Selva Boliviana, carry the knowledge of the forest, dwelling harmoniously with nature for generations. Guests have the prospect to not solely witness the Amazon’s breathtaking biodiversity but in addition immerse themselves within the age-old traditions of its native inhabitants. Canoeing by way of its tranquil waterways, one will get a way of the forest’s vastness and thriller. Each rustle, each chook name, and each ray of daylight filtering by way of the dense cover tells a narrative of a world untouched by time. For individuals who actually wish to expertise the guts of the Amazon and recognize the fragile steadiness of life inside, the Selva Soliviana is a vacation spot like no different.
11. The Wildlife of Amboro Nationwide Park
Situated close to Santa Cruz, Amboro Nationwide Park is a testomony to Bolivia’s biodiversity. Spanning varied ecosystems, from rainforests to cloud forests, the park is a sanctuary for an array of fauna, together with jaguars, pumas, and over 800 chook species. The varied landscapes supply thrilling mountaineering alternatives, with trails resulting in cascading waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. For these trying to actually perceive the park’s essence, guided excursions reveal hidden gems and supply insights into the fragile steadiness of this ecological wonderland.
12. Dinosaurs of Sucre
Within the outskirts of Sucre, Bolivia’s official capital, lies Cal Orcko, a cliff showcasing hundreds of dinosaur footprints, a relic of a bygone period. A go to right here is like stepping again in time, providing a glimpse of those majestic creatures’ once-dominant presence. With tracks from over eight totally different species, together with the T-Rex, it serves as a monumental report of the Cretaceous interval. The close by Cretaceous Park additional elevates the expertise, with life-sized replicas and interactive displays, making certain that historical past fans and households discover equal delight.
13. See Flamingoes at Laguna Colorada
Within the southwestern area of Bolivia lies the arresting Laguna Colorada. This shallow salt lake, with its reddish hues, is a spectacle in itself. However what makes it actually particular are the flocks of flamingoes that make it their residence, providing a hanging distinction towards the reddish backdrop. These elegant birds, seen feeding on the lake’s wealthy minerals and tiny organisms, are a sight to behold, particularly throughout dawn when the world exudes a magical aura. The lake’s distinctive colour palette, mixed with the mesmerizing dance of the flamingoes, makes it a photographer’s dream and a must-visit spot.
14. Cycle the World’s Most Harmful Highway
For adrenaline junkies, Bolivia presents the Yungas Highway or Dying Highway, usually dubbed because the “World’s Most Harmful Highway.” Descending from the high-altitude La Paz to the tropical city of Coroico by mountain bike is an expertise that many vacationers wish to add to their bucket record. This slender path has sheer cliffs, sharp turns, and breathtaking views.
Whereas its popularity as demise highway, might sound intimidating, biking down this highway is an exhilarating expertise. Guided excursions guarantee security whereas permitting thrill-seekers to absorb the panoramic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and the ever-changing panorama. An journey on this highway is a testomony to Bolivia’s numerous topography and is certain to go away an indelible mark.
15. The Yungas
Past the notorious highway lies the Yungas area itself, a transition zone the place the Andes meet the Amazon. This space is characterised by cloud forests, terraced hills, and occasional plantations. The luxurious landscapes, wealthy in biodiversity, are a paradise for nature lovers. Mountaineering trails result in hidden waterfalls, whereas the native communities supply a heat welcome, sharing their traditions and methods of life. A visit to the Yungas is not only concerning the scenic magnificence however an immersion in Bolivia’s cultural tapestry.
Between the Andes and the Amazon, the Yungas Valley has a subtropical local weather that draws guests for a couple of days of leisure after time in La Paz.
Coroico
There are two important cities within the Yungas. Coroico is busier and has a spread of lodging with swimming pools, tennis courts, and different facilities.
Chulumani
Chulumani is a barely smaller, laid-back city. Probably the most enjoyable lodging there’s Nation Home, a comfortable B&B simply outdoors city, the place proprietor Javier will regale you with tales of his youth in Nineteen Sixties La Paz and may recommend and set up a wide range of excursions.
How one can get there: There are buses to Coroico and Chulumani from La Paz. Extra adventurous vacationers select to go by bike alongside the extremely steep ‘Dying Highway’.
16. Potosi
As soon as famend because the richest metropolis on the planet resulting from its huge silver mines, Potosi stands as a testomony to Bolivia’s wealthy colonial historical past. Nestled on the foot of the Cerro Rico mountain, this UNESCO World Heritage web site boasts a wealth of Spanish colonial structure, reflecting its affluent previous.
The Cerro Rico mines, though stark reminders of colonial exploitation, supply a deep dive into town’s historical past. Guided excursions present insights into the lives of miners and town’s silver growth. However Potosi is not only about its mines; its bustling markets, grand church buildings, and the Nationwide Mint supply a mosaic of experiences, every revealing a special aspect of this fascinating metropolis.
One of many oldest mines within the Americas looms over the world’s highest metropolis: Potosi. Guests can go to the Nationwide Mint, some of the complete museums of silver on the planet, or simply wander across the metropolis and soak in its ambiance. Some guests select to go to the mines at Cerro Rico, the place they’ll see the grueling situations by which the miners reside and work.
For many, this can be a spotlight of their journey to Bolivia – however security issues have to be taken into account.
How one can get there: There are buses to Potosi from most different cities in Bolivia.
17. Parque Nacional Toro-Toro
Situated within the coronary heart of Bolivia, Toro-Toro Nationwide Park is a geologist’s dream and an adventurer’s delight. Well-known for its historical dinosaur footprints, deep canyons, and underground caves, the park invitations guests to journey by way of time and witness the Earth’s evolutionary tales.
Trekking by way of its landscapes, one may come throughout fossilized stays, gorgeous rock formations, or the roaring Vergel waterfall. The Umajalanta Cavern, one in every of South America’s most in depth cave methods, beckons the courageous with its darkish chambers and stalactite formations. A visit to Toro-Toro is not only a go to; it’s an journey, every path resulting in a brand new discovery.
Although that is Bolivia’s smallest nationwide park, it has one of many nation’s important sights: dinosaur footprints. As well as, the park contains hanging valleys and deep canyons, with some of probably the most breathtaking surroundings vacationers right here say they’ve seen.
Probably the most-visited components of the park are the limestone caves and the pre-Inca fort named Llama Chaqui, and any hikes will take guests previous the dinosaur footprints. Tenting is permitted, and there are a selection of hostels and different locations to remain in Toro-Toro city.
- How one can get there: There are buses from Cochabamba direct to Toro-Toro city on Thursdays and Sundays.
18. Madidi Nationwide Park
Stretching from the Andean highlands to the Amazonian lowlands, Madidi Nationwide Park is a biodiverse marvel. Encompassing an unlimited vary of habitats, from tropical rainforests to grasslands, the park shelters an unimaginable array of wildlife, from jaguars and pumas to over 1,000 chook species.
River cruises by way of the park’s waterways supply intimate encounters with the Amazon’s vibrant natural world. The indigenous communities, dwelling in concord with nature, improve the expertise, sharing their age-old traditions and deep-rooted reference to the forest. Madidi is just not merely a park; it’s a dwelling, respiration entity, ready to share its tales.
19. Sajama Nationwide Park
Nestled within the Oruro Division, Sajama Nationwide Park borders Chile and is about 240 km west of La Paz. With an space that spans roughly 1,000 sq. kilometers, this park proudly homes the very best peak in Bolivia, the dormant Nevado Sajama volcano, which rises to an imposing 6,542 meters above sea degree.
It’s famend for its flourishing vicuña inhabitants. Vicuñas, one of many two wild South American camelids (the opposite being the guanaco), was as soon as getting ready to extinction resulting from rampant looking. However they’ve made a dramatic comeback in latest a long time, due to rigorous conservation efforts. Right this moment, Sajama Nationwide Park gives a sanctuary to those delicate creatures, permitting them to thrive of their pure habitat.
Along with the vicuñas, the park’s ecosystem is a mosaic of high-altitude lakes, sizzling springs, geysers, and huge ‘puna’ grasslands, every providing refuge to numerous species.
20. Discover the El Samaipata Ruins
Perched within the japanese foothills of the Bolivian Andes, the El Samaipata ruins are a fusion of indigenous and Spanish cultures. Sometimes called the “Fortress,” this archaeological web site is shrouded in thriller, its carved rock surfaces sparking quite a few theories about its goal and origins.
Whereas its historical past may be enigmatic, its magnificence is plain. Overlooking the plush valleys, the location gives panoramic views, making it a favourite spot for each historical past buffs and nature fans. The close by city of Samaipata, with its colonial allure and vibrant arts scene, enhances the expertise, making certain guests go away with cherished reminiscences.
How one can Get to Bolivia
By Air
Bolivia homes a number of worldwide airports, probably the most distinguished being El Alto Worldwide Airport (LPB) in La Paz and Viru Viru Worldwide Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz. Common flights from North America, Europe, and different components of South America make accessing Bolivia comparatively simple.
Airways equivalent to American Airways, Boliviana de Aviación, and LATAM steadily function out and in of Bolivia.
By Land
Bolivia shares a border with 5 international locations, Bolivia gives a number of land entry factors:
- From Peru: The Desaguadero and Copacabana crossings close to Lake Titicaca are well-liked.
- From Argentina: The Villazón – La Quiaca border is steadily utilized by vacationers.
- From Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay: Varied border crossings can be found, every offering a novel panorama to traverse.
By Practice:
If you happen to’re in for a scenic journey, trains from Argentina and Brazil will be a pretty choice. The Wara Wara and Expreso del Sur are two major trains linking Bolivia with its neighbors. These Scenic Rail Routes may be slower however supply a novel probability to see South America’s ever-changing panorama. Be certain that to e-book prematurely, particularly throughout peak vacationer season.
Getting Round Bolivia
As soon as in Bolivia, transportation choices abound. Home flights join main cities, whereas an intensive bus community can get you anyplace from the excessive Andes to the lowland tropics. For adventurous souls, renting a automobile may be an choice, although Bolivia’s rugged terrains will be difficult.
When is the Finest Time to Go to Bolivia
The very best time to go to Bolivia relies upon largely on the actions you want to pursue and the areas you plan to discover. Bolivia, with its numerous geography starting from Amazonian rainforests to high-altitude Andean plateaus, experiences a variety of climatic variations. Right here’s a breakdown to assist information your journey plans:
Dry Season (Might to October):
- Highlands (together with La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and the Uyuni Salt Flats): The dry season, additionally the Bolivian winter, brings clear skies and daytime temperatures which are comfy for sightseeing. Nevertheless, nights will be fairly chilly, particularly on the salt flats. This era is right for exploring the Altiplano and the Uyuni Salt Flats.
- Amazon Basin (together with Madidi Nationwide Park and Rurrenabaque): Decrease rainfall throughout these months makes it one of the best time for jungle treks and wildlife recognizing within the Amazon areas. Rivers may be decrease, however most are nonetheless navigable.
Wet Season (November to April):
- Highlands: That is the summer season season, characterised by day by day rains. Whereas the landscapes turn out to be lush and verdant, some roads, particularly these resulting in the salt flats, can turn out to be impassable.
- Amazon Basin: Anticipate heavy rains and better river ranges. Whereas wildlife will be tougher to identify because of the dense vegetation, it’s a primary time for birdwatchers.
Shoulder Season (April and November):
Touring through the shoulder months will be rewarding, as you may expertise fewer crowds and nonetheless get pleasure from comparatively good climate, although with some unpredictability.
Festivals and Occasions:
Contemplate aligning your go to with Bolivia’s vibrant festivals.
- Carnaval (February/March): Celebrated all through the nation with probably the most well-known being in Oruro.
- Independence Day (August 6): Nationwide vacation with parades and celebrations.
- All Saints’ Day (November 1-2): Conventional day the place households honor their deceased family members with elaborate choices.
For these eager on out of doors actions and exploring the highlands and salt flats, the dry season (Might to October) is preferable. Nevertheless, should you’re trying to expertise the lushness of Bolivia’s landscapes and aren’t deterred by day by day showers, the moist season gives its personal allure. All the time preserve regional variations in thoughts when planning, as what’s true for the highlands won’t maintain for the Amazon Basin and vice versa.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Bolivia
What actions do individuals do in Bolivia?
- Trekking and Mountaineering: Bolivia’s numerous terrain, from the Andes mountains to the lowland jungles, gives quite a few trekking alternatives. The Takesi and Choro treks are well-liked amongst hikers.
- Exploring Uyuni Salt Flats: This can be a prime exercise the place vacationers can witness surreal landscapes, particularly through the wet season when the flats flip into a large mirror.
- Amazon Rainforest Excursions: The Bolivian Amazon, particularly round Rurrenabaque, gives wildlife recognizing, birdwatching, and jungle treks.
- Cultural Exploration: Cities like Sucre, Potosí, and La Paz supply deep insights into Bolivia’s historical past, colonial structure, and indigenous cultures.
- Mountain Biking: The Yungas Highway, usually termed “The World’s Most Harmful Highway” or Dying Highway attracts thrill-seekers for downhill biking adventures.
What’s Bolivia well-known for?
- Uyuni Salt Flats: The world’s largest salt flat, providing mesmerizing landscapes.
- Wealthy Indigenous Cultures: Bolivia boasts a majority indigenous inhabitants, with wealthy traditions, festivals, and rituals.
- Excessive-Altitude Cities: La Paz is the world’s highest capital metropolis.
- Historic Websites: Tiwanaku ruins, a pre-Incan archaeological web site, and Potosí, as soon as a serious silver-extracting heart, are UNESCO World Heritage websites.
- Various Ecosystems: From the Andes to the Amazon, Bolivia is residence to all kinds of ecosystems and wildlife.
What’s a standard vacationer attraction in Bolivia?
- Salar de Uyuni: These huge salt flats are maybe Bolivia’s most iconic attraction, drawing guests from around the globe.
- Lake Titicaca: Located at over 3,800 meters, it’s the world’s highest navigable lake, with the well-known Isla del Sol believed to be the birthplace of the Incan solar god.
- La Paz: The town itself, with its distinctive topography and vibrant markets just like the La Paz Witches’ Market, is a serious attraction.
- Madidi Nationwide Park: One of the crucial biodiverse parks on the planet, positioned within the Amazon basin.
Is 5 days in Bolivia sufficient?
Whereas 5 days in Bolivia can supply a glimpse into the nation’s numerous sights, it’s a short while given the nation’s vastness and selection. In 5 days, one might give attention to a particular area, like exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats and close by sights or diving into the cultural experiences of La Paz and its environment. Nevertheless, to totally recognize Bolivia’s vary from its highlands to the Amazonian heartlands, an extended keep can be extra appropriate.
