20 Best Things To Do In Bolivia In 2023

Bolivia stays an afterthought for a lot of vacationers visiting South America, nevertheless it has dazzling surroundings and plenty 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 the perfect 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 points of interest 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

1. Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats)

A tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats is the most well-liked 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 – The right way to Go to The Bolivia Salt Flats

There are one to seven-day excursions out there, all of which take you out onto the salt flats to discover a number of of the strange 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 biggest salt flat on this planet stretches out in an enormous expanse of white, creating illusions of an countless horizon. When crammed 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 dwelling to many flamingo species. A journey to the Salar isn’t just a visible feast, however a soulful expertise, providing a glimpse of nature’s creative prowess. Take a look at Finest Issues to do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

There’s a vary of lodging choices, principally tents, and hostels close to the Uyuni Salt Flats. The salt flats are one of many prime Bolivia vacationer points of interest so it is strongly recommended to e book your excursions upfront.

The right way to Get to Uyuni Salt Flats: Take a bus from Oruro or La Paz to Uyuni, the place one can find many tour operators providing journeys of various lengths and costs. You may also e book a guided tour from Lapaz. This 3-day tour is very rated.

2. La Paz

With an elevation of three,650 meters (11,975 ft) above sea stage, La Paz is the very best capital metropolis on this 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, be certain that 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 offers an city expertise like no different, balancing its historic roots with a up to date beat. This non-public La Paz metropolis tour is a good way to discover the highlights.

3. Experience The Cable Vehicles in La Paz

Perched at dizzying heights, La Paz is greater than Bolivia’s administrative capital; it’s a metropolis that provides a mix of old-world appeal and modern-day dynamism. Town’s skyline, a combination of conventional red-brick properties and gleaming skyscrapers, is about towards the backdrop of the looming Mount Illimani.

One of the simplest ways 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 this planet and the highest vacationer attraction in La Pas. And for good purpose, it provides unparalleled views of town and the Cordillera Actual mountains.

The right way to Get There: Take a taxi or bus from the airport into city. There are bus companies 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)

Positioned only a brief 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 identify. Seeing Moon Valley at Sonsuet is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in La Paz.

Strolling via Moon Valley throughout sundown is a transcendent expertise. The gentle 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, provides guests a second of reflection amidst nature’s marvels. This tour features 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 this planet at 3,810 meters above sea stage. However past its geographical data, it’s the cultural richness and serenity that makes it a must-visit. You possibly can e book a day tour from La Paz, however to go to Lake Titicaca actually requires just a few days. This present day tour is an efficient choice when 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 widespread to see Isla del Sol and this non-public tour features a boat journey to Isla del Sol, Copacabana, and highlights of Lake Titicaca at your individual tempo. Nonetheless, you’ll want to spend extra time to see its Inca ruins, and discover the Lake’s different sacred island, Isla de la Luna.

Positioned on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is a spot of myths, and legends. In line 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 trendy automobiles, and provides picturesque mountaineering trails that weave via historic ruins and terraced hills. The serenity right here, complemented by the sacred vibes of its archaeological websites, offers a reflective escape, making it a should for each traveler searching for each magnificence and introspection.

E 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 points of interest.

7. Copacabana

Nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana is a gateway to the Isla del Sol however it’s value spending a while at by itself. Copacabana is a tranquil retreat reflecting Bolivia’s deep-rooted spirituality and charming pure magnificence. With its whitewashed buildings and blue waters, the city feels virtually 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 via the city’s cobbled streets, vibrant markets brimming with native handicrafts beckon, whereas conventional eateries provide 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, offers panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, particularly enchanting throughout sundown. You possibly can 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 certainly one of South America’s most important archaeological websites, the traditional metropolis of Tiwanaku offers insights right into a civilization that thrived lengthy earlier than the Incan Empire. It is without doubt one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Bolivia and one of many prime vacationer points of interest within the nation. This non-public tour is a good way to actually discover the historical past and sweetness at your individual tempo.

Positioned 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 religious 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 without doubt one of the prime vacationer points of interest in all of South America and no journey to Bolivia can be full with out seeing it. Learn extra: All the pieces You Must Know About Visiting the Bolivian Amazon

Venturing into this sprawling wilderness, vacationers will uncover a realm the place nature reigns supreme. Vibrant wildlife 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 fanatics alike. Teeming with life, the Amazon’s huge ecosystem provides guests a uncommon likelihood to immerse themselves in a world dominated by dense forests, winding rivers, and an astounding number of wildlife.

River cruises present a singular 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 historic traditions to uncommon chook species flitting via the cover. See our time within 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 throughout the Selva Boliviana, carry the knowledge of the forest, residing 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 via 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 via the dense cover tells a narrative of a world untouched by time. For many 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

Positioned 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 provide thrilling mountaineering alternatives, with trails resulting in cascading waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. For these seeking 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 1000’s 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 file 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 fanatics 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 dwelling, providing a putting 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 coloration 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 slim path has sheer cliffs, sharp turns, and breathtaking views.

Whereas its fame as dying highway, might sound intimidating, biking down this highway is an exhilarating expertise. Guided excursions guarantee security whereas permitting thrill-seekers to soak up 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 bound to depart 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 low plantations. The plush landscapes, wealthy in biodiversity, are a paradise for nature lovers. Mountain climbing trails result in hidden waterfalls, whereas the native communities provide a heat welcome, sharing their traditions and methods of life. A visit to the Yungas isn’t just 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 just a few days of leisure after time in La Paz.

Coroico

There are two predominant cities within the Yungas. Coroico is busier and has a variety of lodging with swimming pools, tennis courts, and different facilities.

Chulumani

Chulumani is a barely smaller, laid-back city. Essentially the most enjoyable lodging there’s Nation Home, a comfy B&B simply exterior city, the place proprietor Javier will regale you with tales of his youth in Sixties La Paz and may counsel and manage quite a lot of excursions.

The right way to 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 this planet attributable to 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 website boasts a wealth of Spanish colonial structure, reflecting its affluent previous.

The Cerro Rico mines, though stark reminders of colonial exploitation, provide a deep dive into town’s historical past. Guided excursions present insights into the lives of miners and town’s silver increase. However Potosi isn’t just about its mines; its bustling markets, grand church buildings, and the Nationwide Mint provide a mosaic of experiences, every revealing a unique side 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, one of the vital complete museums of silver on this 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 will see the grueling situations through which the miners dwell and work.

For many, it is a spotlight of their journey to Bolivia – however security issues should be taken into account.

The right way to get there: There are buses to Potosi from most different cities in Bolivia.

17. Parque Nacional Toro-Toro

Positioned within the coronary heart of Bolivia, Toro-Toro Nationwide Park is a geologist’s dream and an adventurer’s delight. Well-known for its historic dinosaur footprints, deep canyons, and underground caves, the park invitations guests to journey via time and witness the Earth’s evolutionary tales.

Trekking via its landscapes, one would possibly come throughout fossilized stays, gorgeous rock formations, or the roaring Vergel waterfall. The Umajalanta Cavern, certainly one of South America’s most intensive cave techniques, beckons the courageous with its darkish chambers and stalactite formations. A visit to Toro-Toro isn’t just 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 predominant points of interest: dinosaur footprints. As well as, the park contains hanging valleys and deep canyons, with some of essentially the most breathtaking surroundings vacationers right here say they’ve seen.

Essentially the most-visited elements 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 number of hostels and different locations to remain in Toro-Toro city.

• The right way to 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 surprise. Encompassing an enormous 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 via the park’s waterways provide intimate encounters with the Amazon’s vibrant wildlife. The indigenous communities, residing in concord with nature, improve the expertise, sharing their age-old traditions and deep-rooted reference to the forest. Madidi shouldn’t be merely a park; it’s a residing, respiratory 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 impressive 6,542 meters above sea stage.

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 attributable to rampant searching. However they’ve made a dramatic comeback in latest many years, due to rigorous conservation efforts. Right this moment, Sajama Nationwide Park provides 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 website is shrouded in thriller, its carved rock surfaces sparking quite a few theories about its function and origins.

Whereas its historical past is likely to be enigmatic, its magnificence is plain. Overlooking the luxurious valleys, the location provides panoramic views, making it a favourite spot for each historical past buffs and nature fanatics. The close by city of Samaipata, with its colonial appeal and vibrant arts scene, enhances the expertise, making certain guests go away with cherished recollections.

The right way to Get to Bolivia

By Air

Bolivia homes a number of worldwide airports, essentially the most outstanding 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 elements of South America make accessing Bolivia comparatively simple.

Airways similar 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 provides a number of land entry factors:

• From Peru: The Desaguadero and Copacabana crossings close to Lake Titicaca are widespread.
• From Argentina: The Villazón – La Quiaca border is steadily utilized by vacationers.
• From Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay: Numerous border crossings can be found, every offering a singular panorama to traverse.

By Prepare:

In the event you’re in for a scenic journey, trains from Argentina and Brazil may be a pretty choice. The Wara Wara and Expreso del Sur are two major trains linking Bolivia with its neighbors. These Scenic Rail Routes is likely to be slower however provide a singular likelihood to see South America’s ever-changing panorama. Be sure to e book upfront, 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 is likely to be an choice, although Bolivia’s rugged terrains may 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 (Could 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 snug for sightseeing. Nonetheless, nights may 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 the perfect time for jungle treks and wildlife recognizing within the Amazon areas. Rivers is likely to 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 grow to be lush and verdant, some roads, particularly these resulting in the salt flats, can grow to be impassable.
• Amazon Basin: Anticipate heavy rains and better river ranges. Whereas wildlife may be tougher to identify as a result of dense vegetation, it’s a first-rate time for birdwatchers.

Shoulder Season (April and November):

Touring throughout the shoulder months may be rewarding, as you would possibly expertise fewer crowds and nonetheless take pleasure in comparatively good climate, although with some unpredictability.

Festivals and Occasions:

Think about aligning your go to with Bolivia’s vibrant festivals.

• Carnaval (February/March): Celebrated all through the nation with essentially 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 (Could to October) is preferable. Nonetheless, for those who’re seeking to expertise the lushness of Bolivia’s landscapes and aren’t deterred by day by day showers, the moist season provides its personal appeal. All the time preserve regional variations in thoughts when planning, as what’s true for the highlands may not maintain for the Amazon Basin and vice versa.

Steadily Requested Questions on Bolivia

What actions do individuals do in Bolivia?

• Trekking and Mountain climbing: Bolivia’s numerous terrain, from the Andes mountains to the lowland jungles, provides quite a few trekking alternatives. The Takesi and Choro treks are widespread amongst hikers.
• Exploring Uyuni Salt Flats: This can be a prime exercise the place vacationers can witness surreal landscapes, particularly throughout the wet season when the flats flip into a large mirror.
• Amazon Rainforest Excursions: The Bolivian Amazon, particularly round Rurrenabaque, provides wildlife recognizing, birdwatching, and jungle treks.
• Cultural Exploration: Cities like Sucre, Potosí, and La Paz provide 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 website, and Potosí, as soon as a significant silver-extracting heart, are UNESCO World Heritage websites.
• Various Ecosystems: From the Andes to the Amazon, Bolivia is dwelling to all kinds of ecosystems and wildlife.

What’s a typical 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: Town itself, with its distinctive topography and vibrant markets just like the La Paz Witches’ Market, is a significant attraction.
• Madidi Nationwide Park: Some of the biodiverse parks on this planet, positioned within the Amazon basin.

Is 5 days in Bolivia sufficient?

Whereas 5 days in Bolivia can provide a glimpse into the nation’s numerous points of interest, 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 points of interest or diving into the cultural experiences of La Paz and its environment. Nonetheless, to completely recognize Bolivia’s vary from its highlands to the Amazonian heartlands, an extended keep can be extra appropriate.