Best Things to do in Bolivia

Brief Overview

Bolivia, landlocked yet bursting with sky-high cities, surreal landscapes, and a mosaic of cultural heritage, is a destination that defies expectations at every turn. From the dizzying heights of La Paz to the otherworldly expanse of Salar de Uyuni, this South American gem offers adventures that seem pulled straight from the pages of a fantasy novel.

Unique Attractions

Expect the unexpected in Bolivia: pink flamingos strutting across salt flats, witches peddling spells in markets, and jungles pulsating with the beats of nature. It’s a place where every sight is a story waiting to be told.

Explore La Paz

Ride the Mi Teleférico

Cable cars are not just for ski slopes; in La Paz, they’re the best way to commute and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. Hop on the Mi Teleférico and glide over the urban landscape, marveling at the snow-capped Illimani in the distance.

Wander the Witch Market

For a dose of cultural quirkiness, meander through the Witch Market. Here, potions for love, luck, and health are just as easy to purchase as a souvenir llama fetus. Yes, you read that right.

Visit the Valley of the Moon

On the outskirts of La Paz lies a lunar landscape so surreal NASA should consider it for practice runs. The Valley of the Moon is a labyrinth of canyons and spires, best explored via a leisurely hike.

Discover Salar de Uyuni

Sunrise and Sunset Views

Imagine a place where the sky and earth merge into a single canvas of breathtaking beauty. Salar de Uyuni during sunrise or sunset is that place. The salt crust plays canvas to a kaleidoscope of colors, making for unforgettable photo ops.

Isla Incahuasi

A lone island covered with ancient cacti, Isla Incahuasi is the crown jewel of the salt flats. Trek to its summit and get 360-degree views that will have your Instagram followers turning green with envy.

Night Sky Observation

The absence of light pollution here means stargazing is on another level. At night, the salt flats become a window to the universe, with the Milky Way painted across the sky so vividly, it seems like a celestial Van Gogh.

Experience the Amazon Basin

Pampas Tour for Wildlife

The pampas are the Serengeti of South America – an open-air zoo without the fences. Take a tour and you’ll be rubbing elbows with pink dolphins, caimans, and anacondas, not to mention a symphony of birdlife.

Jungle Trekking Adventures

Tighten your boots for an Indiana Jones-esque experience through the Bolivian Amazon. Jungle trekking here isn’t for the faint-hearted but the rewards – hidden waterfalls, exotic plants, and tribal encounters – are straight out of a travel mag highlight reel.

Riverboat Excursions

What’s an Amazon adventure without a river cruise? Glide down the murky waters and absorb the palpable pulse of the jungle from the safety of your boat, piranhas and all.

Adventure in Potosí

Cerro Rico Mining Tour

The silver veins of Cerro Rico once bankrolled empires. Today, they offer a gritty glimpse into the toils of mining. Donning a hard hat and entering the mines is a visceral history lesson not for the claustrophobic.

National Mint Museum

Coins may jingle in your pocket, but in the National Mint Museum, they tell the tale of colonial extravagance and economic prowess. It’s a treasure trove of numismatic history, with a dash of art and culture for good measure.

Colonial Architecture

Strolling through Potosí is like walking onto a movie set for a period drama, with its well-preserved colonial architecture. Every cobblestone and balcony has a tale to whisper.

Enjoy Lake Titicaca

Sun Island (Isla del Sol)

The birthplace of the sun, according to Incan lore, Sun Island is a patchwork of ruins and bucolic scenery. The trek across the island is a pilgrimage through time and myth.

Pilgrimage to Copacabana

Not to be confused with its Brazilian namesake, this Copacabana is a sacred town with a basilica that’s a beacon for the faithful. Its religious festivals are a spectacle of faith and color.

Kayaking and Sailing

Lake Titicaca isn’t just for gazing; it’s for playing too. Kayak or sail its azure waters and you’ll understand why the Incas revered this vast, high-altitude lake.

Cultural Heritage in Sucre

Historic City Center

The historic city center of Sucre is a UNESCO darling for good reason. White-washed buildings and grandiose churches are the urban equivalent of a well-aged cheese – full of character and irresistible charm.

Museum of Indigenous Art

The Museum of Indigenous Art (ASUR) is where Bolivia’s rich tapestry of indigenous cultures is on proud display. It’s a standout symphony of textiles and traditions that merits more than a cursory glance.

Dinosaur Footprints at Cal Orck’o

Step back in time, literally, at Cal Orck’o where over 5,000 dinosaur footprints stampede across a limestone wall. It’s a Jurassic Park without the need for CGI.

Trekking and Hiking

Takesi Trail

The Takesi Trail is a walk through diverse landscapes, from high-altitude Andean peaks to steamy Yungas valleys. It’s a trek that’s both a physical and cultural descent.

Madidi National Park

Madidi National Park is a biodiversity hotspot that’s a haven for hikers. Wander its trails and every turn reveals a new wonder, whether it be a curious monkey or a rare orchid.

Condoriri Valley

Named after its condor-headed peaks, Condoriri Valley is a trekker’s playground replete with alpine lakes and snow-dusted mountains. It’s a scene so dramatic, it could upstage Broadway.

Bolivian Cuisine

Salteñas and Empanadas

Salteñas and empanadas are the superheroes of Bolivian street food – always there to rescue you from hunger with their savory fillings and flaky crusts.

Llama Steak Tasting

Adventurous eaters, rejoice! Llama steak is not only a novelty but a delicious one at that. It’s the Andean answer to a low-fat, high-protein power meal.

Quinoa Dishes

Bolivia is riding the quinoa wave, and rightly so. This ancient grain comes in more colors than a hippie’s wardrobe and forms the backbone of many a nutritious and tasty dish.

Celebrate Carnaval de Oruro

Folk Dance Performances

The Carnaval de Oruro is a spectacle of synchronized chaos, with folk dance performances that are as athletic as they are artistic. It’s a cultural marathon that defies gravity and possibly sanity.

Colorful Parades

Here, the parades are not just processions; they’re moving masterpieces of costume and craft. The riot of colors is so vivid, you might need sunglasses.

Traditional Music

The music at Carnaval is a visceral pulse that you feel in your bones. It’s a soundtrack of flutes, drums, and strings that manages to capture the spirit of a nation.

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