17 of the best things to see in Bolivia, from the dazzling Salar de Uyuni to the Amazon rainforest
Landlocked Bolivia is an exciting, rugged country that offers visitors an unparalleled travel experience. Its diverse opportunities can be overwhelming, but this diversity is a gift to travelers looking for true adventure.
Long overshadowed by its neighboring tourism giants, local initiatives are pushing Bolivia to the top of global destination lists. From snow-capped peaks to the lush Amazon rainforest, Bolivia has something for everyone, if you know how and where to look. Filled with the best-kept secrets (and not-so-secret) surprises this country and its people have to offer, our roundup of the best things to do in Bolivia is perfect for wanderers looking for the most authentic travel adventure.
Arguably Bolivia’s largest tourist attraction, the white expanse of Salar de Uyuni confuses the senses as the white expanses merge sky and earth and erase the horizon. If you visit after a rain (March or April), the effect is amplified by the water reflecting in the sky above your feet, a photo unlike any other on Earth. The journey becomes truly otherworldly at night, and you'll never forget the way the stars and the Milky Way reflect off the ground, creating a life-changing floating effect.
Many tourists hop on tour groups starting early in the morning from central Uyuni. Backpackers and first-class jet-setters alike should consider a multi-day trip, stopping at Isla Incahuasi and the many nearby hot springs and colorful lakes.
The jungle town of Rurrenabaque is the starting point for any Bolivian adventure through the Amazon. This is the gateway to Madidi National Park, a vast protected area that happens to be the most biodiverse natural area in the world. Pink river dolphins, lightweight capybaras, elusive jaguars, and more bird and insect species than anywhere else accompany daring visitors as they explore the untamed wilderness.
The agency organizes three-day excursions into the wildlife-filled Pampas (plains) or Selva (jungle). The magic here lies in the tour operators owned and operated by indigenous communities. Located three and six hours by boat from Rurrenabaque respectively, Madidi Jungle and Chalalan Eco Lodge are the perfect places for bushwhacking, community-driven adventures. Both are run and guided by the Uchupiamona people, who have called these lands home for centuries. Anyone looking for a world-class fly fishing excursion can cast your line for the Golden Dorado with the team at Tsimane Lodge.
No trip to Bolivia is complete without a visit to the sacred Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, rising 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level, where its waves kiss picturesque agricultural villages and envelop legends of ancient civilizations lost to the water's depths. Hit the beaten path along the well-beaten Huarina-Achacahi-Taquina highway to the seaside tourist town of Copacabana, where you'll see slow life at its best. One of the unforgettable experiences in Bolivia is a rustic ferry ride to Tiquina Straight, on your way to the Copacabana Peninsula.
Copacabana itself is a pulsating town, and a stop at the whimsical domes and spiers of the Las Olas Hotel means swinging in a hammock and getting a bird's-eye view of the boats moored in the bay. But don't swing for too long, the mysteries of Isla del Sol, the Inca Island of the Sun, the birthplace of the sun, are calling. You can still feel the ancient spirits haunting the pavements and stone ruins of this peaceful, roadless island.
The best tour guides in La Paz are the "lustrabotas" or shoe shiners of Hormigón Amado. Wearing their iconic hooded knitted masks, these young workers know where to look to see the streets of a bygone era, where old merchants - fishmongers, tailors, millers and of course the lustrabotas themselves - peddled their work on the streets. The tour starts at the common cemetery covered in murals and ends at the notorious San Pedro Prison, where the 50bs ($7.30) fee goes into the guide's pocket and supports various social programs.
Alternatively, admire the city from above and glide along the Mi Teleférico, the world's longest urban cable car network. This bus transportation marvel spans 20 miles between the two cities and was launched in 2014 as an efficient way to move commuters to La Paz and El Alto, cities notorious for their incredible traffic jams. With. The system costs just 3 billion ($0.44 USD) per line and can fly from the south side of La Paz to the far side of El Alto in minutes, so pick a line and fly. The Glass Hut is exclusive to riders, so you may make some local friends along the way.
Inspired by Danish superstar chef Claus Meyer’s Gustu restaurant, which opened south of La Paz in 2012, energetic chefs from across Bolivia seem to be at the restaurant every week Emerge. Head to downtown La Paz to experience the best of Bolivian gastronomic renaissance, with a lunch menu showcasing the best of the city.
In the steaming kitchen of Popular Cocina Boliviana on the second floor of a colonial house near the Mercado de las Brujas, chefs take a festive approach and create crazy spins on traditional Bolivian dishes. A wild spin, as colorful as cumbia music. For the most elegant lunch, head to the trendy Hb Bronze Coffeebar in the heart of the city, where you'll find some of Bolivia's best coffee, wine and chocolate to accompany your sandwich or charcuterie plate.
For an edgier dining experience, culinary deconstructionist Marco Quelca and his band of kitchen outcasts at Sabor Clandestino serve up experimental plates in an immersive outdoor pop-up dining experience, Explore The cultural and spiritual beliefs of local indigenous peoples. It's not just a meal, it's an activity for the stomach and soul.
Above neighboring sister city El Alto in La Paz, the sprawling community around Plaza 16 de Julio wakes up early every Thursday and Sunday as shop doors open and street stalls spread their umbrellas and tarps, creating the largest open-air market on the continent. Fresh produce. Sports equipment. Handmade furniture. Second hand books. Half a helicopter. If you want it, you can find it here. Let yourself get lost in the madness, but beware of pickpockets! Getting to the market from downtown La Paz is a comfortable 10-minute ride up the mountain on the city's red Mi Teleférico cable care line, and it's worth the trip for the panoramic views alone.
La Paz's "Cholita Wrestlers" will stop and steal your heart in their chaotic afternoon brawl. The dramatic battles, fueled by soap opera-like storylines, put these Aboriginal athletes in the spotlight, showing off their traditional bowling hats and famous wide poncho skirts. They struggle, slam, kick and fly to victory in the face of crooked heels, often unreasonable men and chauvinistic referees hell-bent on bringing these women down.
Cholitas Luchadoras is the best show in town and performs two to three times a week. Their main event will take place on Sunday at the Colosseum in the Villa Dolores neighborhood of El Alto. Pick-up is available in La Paz, but it's a six-block walk from the Faro Murillo Mi Teleférico cable car to the door. Tickets are priced at $US500 million ($7.30) and get you ringside for family-friendly thrills and spills. It also includes a bag of popcorn, perfect for throwing at that pesky referee.
Local belief says that the Andes are haunted by mountain gods known as "apus". Climbers come to Bolivia from all over the world to test their mettle against these spirits and have some of the most breathtaking adventures along the way. Of course, it's important to only go with internationally certified guides, and the climbers at Bolivian Expé are some of the most experienced around.
A relatively accessible peak and fairly comfortable shelter make Huayna Potosí a favorite, often serving as a training ground for some of Bolivia's more difficult climbs. The majestic Mount Ilimani is the sentinel overlooking La Paz, and to the south is the highest peak leading to the Cordillera Real, filled with steep climbs and technical challenges. Meanwhile, Condoriri, Janko Kota, Illampu, Volcán Sajama and many others are on standby. For those looking for some intense rock climbing, the towering peaks and wide granite walls of Cordillera de Quimsa Cruz, a seven-hour drive south of La Paz, are worth a visit.
Strap on your crampons and load up your ice ax. Ape accepts your challenge!
Parque Nacional Torotoro is a compact 64 square kilometers (25 square miles) packed with great excitement. This is the stomping ground of the great dinosaurs of the Cretaceous period, dating back 145 million years, and you can touch the tracks that prove it. The town of Torotoro is totally dinosaur-crazy, and the residents themselves offer treks to the largest track site in the park, easily accessible to dinosaur enthusiasts of any age.
In the park, take advantage of the prehistoric landscape for some extra exploration, from the sublime views of Ciudad Itas and the sun-drenched rock cathedral to the dazzling Mira deep in Cañon de Toro many.
Or head to nearby Huayra K'asa to explore the very deep and very wet Caverna de Umajalanta. But be warned, this intense cave tour is not for the faint of heart.
In the shadow of the snow-capped Illampu Mountains, Sorata is home to the Jacha Avalancha Internacional (Big Avalanche International), an annual downhill cycling race that brings together athletes from all over the world every October Intrepid cyclists from all over take to this quiet, tree-lined valley town for a weekend of intense, gravity-defying, muddy adrenaline. Come experience the rush firsthand on some of Bolivia's best off-road bike trails.
The Loma Loma, Eden and Chilquani trails await more advanced cyclists, while the road-heavy Camino Millipaya is increasingly popular for newbies - some would say wise - Way to capture the scenery while rushing through the local town. The jewel of Sorata is the Gruta de San Pedro, a cave at the base of the route of the same name, where you can explore the depths of this mysterious cave and take a leisurely paddle boat around its underground lagoon.
With so many trails to choose from to match all skill levels, companies like Gravity Assist Mountain Bike and Bike Adventure Tours can help you live out your adrenaline-fueled dreams.
Tupiza was once populated by wily prospectors and international mining companies, attracted by the gold in the riverbed with the promise of unspoken wealth. A rampant gold rush nourished local banks and attracted American outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, who escaped from the famed Pinkerton Agency. Relive these wild days on a guided horseback tour, racing through crimson canyons and along the same riverbeds where gold miners staked their hopes of fortune.
You can cross the glorious Cañon del Inca and Cañón del Duende, or wander along the Río San Juan de Oro, where today's miners still search for shiny things. Amazon Ecuestre Club offers fully immersive tours that include visits to working mining towns that take you back to the days of Butch and Sundance. A three-hour drive west from Tupiza you'll head to San Vincente to pay tribute to the bandit duo who reportedly had their last fatal run-in with the law.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the country's economic engine, and as the Cruceños work hard, they play hard. With its Miami mood and Bolivian prices, Santa Cruz has a locked-in party culture.
Spend the night in a club near San Lorenzo The town center of Basilica Menor is the place to be. Bartenders at Duda Bar whip up fresh cocktails, and nearby clubs sample electronic music, reggae and other styles. Nearby Avenida San Martin has more party options, and Simon Speakeasy's drinks and DJ sets are not to be missed.
For the beer-drinking sect, Santa Cruz's always-warm weather is tailor-made for a growing number of beer gardens offering craft beers in a variety of styles. Madera's large wooden tables are designed for sharing with strangers, while Santa Cruz Beer Company's large outdoor bar on Avenida Los Cusis is well worth the cab ride from the city center.
Located three hours southwest of Santa Cruz de Sierra, Samaipata is a town with cool breezes and a laid-back lifestyle that attracts people from far and wide to put down roots here. Many expats now call this place home, and luckily many have opened delicious restaurants. Meet the local bohemian favorites, grab a cold beer and swap travel stories.
Samaipata’s biggest attraction is El Fuerte de Samaipata, a 20-hectare archaeological site originally built by the Chané people, a pre-Inca society that claimed territory extending to Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Both the Incas and the Spanish later built on this site, so unraveling the mysteries of it all is no easy task. What do animal-shaped carvings mean? Are those creepy alcoves in the wall used as rooms for priests to prepare rituals, or as food storage cupboards? Pack a snack and spend the afternoon picnicking, keeping an eye out for majestic bald eagles flying in from Ambrose National Park to the north.
Bolivia's colonial history comes alive in Chiquitania, where Jesuit missionaries still call visitors to their altars to admire the elaborate wood carvings. Along this route through the savanna, towns large and small have preserved historic churches built in the Baroque Spanish tradition. You can spend days here, hopping between missions and admiring the craftsmanship and warm golden color of the buildings.
Larger, famous churches, such as the one in Concepción, built by the Jesuits in the 18th century and often decorated with sacred art created by indigenous locals, are not to be missed. However, the church in a small village is equally important. These include the churches of San Miguel, San Rafael and Santa Anna, built by indigenous locals after the Jesuits fled. Local chamber orchestras often give concerts in these chapels. This is real, living history not to be missed.
A small town with a big-city feel, Calanavi is the beating heart of Bolivia’s coffee country. The constant heat and humidity of the surrounding cloud forest means life here is on your doorstep, and the Plaza is always filled with family adventure. Travelers can enjoy some of the area's best outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, ziplining and rafting. But most importantly, coffee is king. Small, family-run "cafés" climb the hillsides, and the smell of roasting and brewing coffee pours out of the open entrances of the town's many coffee shops.
Farmers work hard to produce some of the highest altitude coffee in the world, and these are your guide in Bolivia's Ruta de Café. Café Aventura is a coffee shop located in the quiet southwest corner of the square that organizes one of the most authentic tourist activities. Visitors visit rural farms and try their hand at harvesting and processing beans. The best part? Have a cup of coffee with the farmers who grow it.
The roots of Bolivian viticulture run deep, from the red, dusty soils of Valle Cinti in Sucre, three hours north of Tarija. It is home to some of the oldest vineyards on the continent, dating back to the 1650s. Moscatel de Alejandría and negra criolla are planted here, with the addition of hybrid vischoqueña, an endemic grape variety that produces a uniquely light wine that will make any winemaker happy. The vines here climb 6-meter (20-foot) tall trees, and vines from Jardin Oculto and other cellars climb ladders to tend the crops. Tierra Adentro Tours can help you ensure you don't miss out on the harvest from late February to early April.
This is also the birthplace of Bolivia’s national spirit, Zingani, and local makers can show you how it has been distilled here for generations. Camargo is the center of the region, with places to stay and plenty of markets for shopping. But, for something special, enjoy views of the vineyards from the terrace of the Paladogbinha de Pereira hotel in the nearby rustic Villa Abercia.
In any history of the Spanish Empire, numerous pages must be written about Potosi and its iconic tragic symbol, Cerro Rico. Founded in 1545, this former mining town is home to the "Man-Eating Mountain," so named because of the thousands of miners' souls that became lost in the tunnels over the centuries. This silver mine was once a huge engine that brought countless wealth to Europe.
Among the narrow colonial streets of the old town, Plaza 10 de Noviembre contains some of the city's most important landmarks, including La Catedral and El Cabildo. Casa Nacional de la Moneda is one of the best museums in the country. Completed in 1773, this former mint was built like a fortress and was even built as a fortress at one point. At Cerro Rico, the working shafts are mostly depleted and their conical peaks threaten to collapse, giving visitors a grim reminder of the impact of colonialism on Latin America.