Best Places to visit in Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni: The World’s Largest Salt Flat

Stretching over 10,000 square kilometers, the Salar de Uyuni is a landscape unlike any other on Earth. This prehistoric lakebed, now a blindingly white expanse of salt crust, offers a surreal and profound travel experience. It is the highlight of any Bolivian itinerary, a place where the sky and ground merge in spectacular fashion. For more on this incredible destination, check out our Uyuni Salt Flats travel guide.

The Classic 3-Day Tour Experience

The most common way to explore the salt flats and the surrounding high-altitude desert is through a multi-day 4×4 tour. These expeditions are a rugged adventure, offering an immersive journey through some of South America’s most isolated and striking scenery.

• What’s Included: A standard 3-day, 2-night tour typically provides a driver/guide, transportation in a Toyota Land Cruiser, basic accommodation in salt hotels or rustic guesthouses, and all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Expect the facilities to be simple, with shared bathrooms and limited electricity, which is part of the remote experience.
• Starting Points: You have a few options for where to begin your journey. Uyuni is the most popular and direct starting point, with numerous tour operators. Starting in Tupiza offers a longer, four-day tour that traverses different, less-visited landscapes before reaching the salt flats. For those traveling from Chile, tours starting in San Pedro de Atacama are a convenient way to cross the border into Bolivia, culminating at the salt flats on the final day.

Key Sights on and around the Salt Flats

While the salt flat itself is the main attraction, the journey is punctuated by a series of fascinating and otherworldly stops.

• The Salt Hexagons: During the dry season, the salt crust forms a vast mosaic of interlocking polygonal shapes that stretch to the horizon. The sheer scale and geometric perfection of this natural phenomenon are mesmerizing.
• Isla Incahuasi: An ‘island’ of rock and fossilized coral in the middle of the salt sea, Isla Incahuasi is covered in towering, ancient cardon cacti. A short hike to its summit provides an extraordinary 360-degree panorama of the white expanse.
• Ojos de Sal: Translating to “Eyes of Salt,” these are small springs where water bubbles up through the salt crust. The water is incredibly cold and rich in minerals, demonstrating the complex geology beneath the surface.
• The Train Cemetery: Just outside the town of Uyuni lies the Cementerio de Trenes. Here, the hollowed-out, rusting shells of 19th-century steam locomotives, once used by the mining industry, are abandoned to the elements, creating a haunting and highly photogenic industrial graveyard.
• Colchani Village: Often the first or last stop on a tour, this small village on the edge of the Salar is the center of the local salt trade. You can visit small, rustic workshops to see how the salt is processed for consumption and browse for handicrafts made from salt.

Wet Season vs. Dry Season

The Salar de Uyuni transforms dramatically between its two distinct seasons, each offering a unique and compelling reason to visit. For a detailed look at what to expect in different seasons, consult our Laguna Colorada Bolivia travel guide, which also covers aspects of the surrounding region.

Dry Season (April-October)

During these months, the ground is a solid, cracked plain of salt. The dry, stable surface allows vehicles to drive across its full extent, reaching remote areas like Isla Incahuasi with ease. The weather is characterized by clear, deep blue skies and cold, crisp nights, perfect for stargazing. The stark white ground against the blue sky creates a landscape of incredible depth and scale.

Wet Season (December-March)

The arrival of summer rains floods the salt flat with a shallow layer of water, creating the world’s largest natural mirror. The surface becomes a flawless reflection of the sky, blurring the horizon and creating a dreamlike, infinite space. This period is a photographer’s paradise. The mirror effect allows for incredible creative opportunities, particularly with perspective shots where toys can look life-sized or people appear to walk on clouds. The reflections of sunsets and sunrises are particularly stunning, painting the entire landscape in vibrant, shifting colors. While some areas may become inaccessible due to the water, witnessing this spectacle is a primary goal for many visitors.

La Paz: The City That Touches the Clouds

Nestled in a dramatic canyon and sprawling up its steep sides, La Paz is the world’s highest administrative capital. This bustling city is a captivating blend of indigenous Aymara culture and colonial history, all set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Mount Illimani. Its altitude, which ranges from roughly 3,200 to 4,100 meters (10,500 to 13,500 feet), is as breathtaking as its views. Discover more in our comprehensive La Paz travel guide.

Exploring the Urban Landscape

Navigating La Paz is an experience in itself, thanks to its remarkable topography and innovative public transport. The city offers a visual feast at every turn, from grand historic squares to panoramic vistas from above.

• Riding the Mi Teleférico: More than just a tourist attraction, Mi Teleférico is the city’s state-of-the-art public transit system. These Swiss-engineered cable cars glide silently over the urban sprawl, offering unparalleled views of the city bowl, the surrounding mountains, and the sprawling neighborhoods of El Alto. It’s an efficient and spectacular way to understand the city’s unique geography.
• Plaza Murillo and the Historic Center: This is the political heart of Bolivia. The plaza is flanked by important buildings, including the Presidential Palace (Palacio Quemado) and the National Congress. It’s a lively public space where locals gather, children chase pigeons, and the nation’s history feels palpable.
• The Unique Topography: La Paz is famously situated within a deep canyon, creating a landscape unlike any other major city. The lower, more affluent neighborhoods sit at the base of the “bowl,” while the working-class districts climb steeply up the canyon walls, culminating in the vast, flat plateau of El Alto above. This verticality defines the city’s character and climate.

Cultural and Unique Experiences

La Paz is a city where ancient traditions are woven into the fabric of daily life. Exploring its markets and neighborhoods reveals a culture that is both vibrant and deeply rooted.

• The Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas): A short walk from the city center, this fascinating market offers a glimpse into Aymara beliefs. Stalls are filled with traditional herbs, folk remedies, and peculiar items like dried llama fetuses, which are buried under new constructions as an offering to the goddess Pachamama (Mother Earth) for protection and good fortune.
• Shopping for Alpaca Goods on Calle Sagarnaga: This bustling street is the main thoroughfare for travelers, lined with shops selling a vast array of handicrafts. It’s the ideal place to find high-quality alpaca wool sweaters, scarves, and blankets, as well as silverware, leather goods, and other traditional souvenirs.
• Cholita Wrestling in El Alto: For a truly unique cultural spectacle, head to El Alto on a Sunday afternoon. Here, Aymara women in their traditional, multi-layered skirts (polleras) and bowler hats engage in theatrical Lucha Libre-style wrestling matches. It’s a vibrant, entertaining, and empowering display that has become a local institution.

Adventure from La Paz

The city’s dramatic location makes it a perfect base for a range of outdoor and adventure activities, from world-famous bike rides to otherworldly hikes.

• Biking the North Yungas Road (The “Death Road”): Once notorious as one of the world’s most dangerous roads, the North Yungas Road is now a legendary route for downhill mountain biking. The journey begins in the stark, high-altitude Altiplano and descends over 3,500 meters into the lush, tropical Yungas cloud forest. It’s an exhilarating ride with stunning scenery, but selecting a reputable tour operator with quality equipment is essential for safety.
• Hiking in the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley): Located just outside the city, the Valle de la Luna presents a bizarre and beautiful landscape. Wind and water have carved a maze of canyons and towering spires out of the clay and sandstone terrain. Well-marked trails allow for a peaceful walk through this otherworldly environment, offering a quiet escape from the city’s hustle.

Sucre: The Constitutional Capital and White City

Sucre offers a tranquil respite from the frenetic energy of Bolivia’s other major cities. Known as the “White City” for its pristine, whitewashed colonial buildings, it enjoys a temperate, spring-like climate and a relaxed, intellectual atmosphere. As the nation’s constitutional capital, Sucre is a city steeped in history, offering a tangible connection to the very foundations of Bolivia.

Colonial Architecture and History

The heart of Sucre is its historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site that feels remarkably preserved. A walk through its streets is a journey back in time, with meticulously maintained 18th and 19th-century architecture featuring ornate balconies and peaceful inner courtyards. The central square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, is the city’s social hub, surrounded by the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and manicured gardens. The long-standing mandate to keep buildings painted white preserves a remarkable aesthetic unity and contributes to the city’s serene character.

For a commanding view of the city’s sea of red-tiled roofs against the surrounding hills, a visit to La Recoleta Monastery is essential. Founded in the early 17th century, this Franciscan monastery features quiet courtyards filled with roses and a small museum. The adjacent plaza, Mirador de la Recoleta, with its elegant white arches, provides the perfect frame for panoramic photographs, especially in the warm light of the late afternoon.

Perhaps no building is more important to Bolivian history than the Casa de la Libertad. It is here, within these hallowed halls, that the country’s Declaration of Independence was signed in 1825. Today, it serves as a museum chronicling Bolivia’s turbulent path to sovereignty. Visitors can stand in the very room where the republic was born and view portraits of key historical figures and important documents that shaped the nation.

Unique Attractions

Just a few kilometers outside the city lies an astonishing geological wonder: Parque Cretácico. The park is home to a massive, near-vertical limestone wall imprinted with over 5,000 individual dinosaur footprints from at least eight different species. This paleontological site, known as Cal Orck’o, is one of the largest collections of dinosaur tracks in the world. The park provides viewing platforms and guided tours to help visitors decipher the crisscrossing paths, and life-sized models of the dinosaurs that once roamed the area bring this prehistoric landscape to life.

For an immersive cultural experience, a day trip to the nearby village of Tarabuco is highly recommended. Every Sunday, the village hosts a vibrant market where indigenous communities from the surrounding countryside gather to trade goods. It is less a market for tourists and more an authentic social and commercial event. Here you can find exquisite, handcrafted textiles, particularly the intricate weavings of the Yampara people, known for their complex patterns and rich symbolism. Observing the locals in their traditional dress—men in montera-style hats resembling those of Spanish conquistadors and women in colourful shawls—offers a profound connection to the region’s living heritage.

Lake Titicaca: Birthplace of the Incas

Straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is not only the highest navigable lake in the world but also a place steeped in Andean mythology. According to legend, this vast, deep-blue body of water is where the creator god Viracocha emerged, and later, where the first Inca rulers, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, were born from the sun. The serene atmosphere and the backdrop of the snow-dusted Cordillera Real make it a profoundly beautiful destination.

Copacabana Town

The primary Bolivian gateway to the lake is the charming town of Copacabana. Far from its Brazilian namesake, this is a relaxed, spiritual town that serves as a base for exploring the sacred islands. Its streets are lined with small hotels, restaurants serving fresh trout, and shops selling local crafts.

The town’s centerpiece is the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a 16th-century colonial church with striking Moorish-style domes. It’s one of Bolivia’s most important pilgrimage sites, attracting devotees who come for the “Bendición de Movilidades,” a unique ceremony where new vehicles are blessed with holy water and beer for safe travels.

For an unforgettable panorama, a short but steep hike up Cerro Calvario is essential. The path is marked by the Stations of the Cross, and reaching the summit in the late afternoon rewards you with a breathtaking sunset view over the lake and the town below.

Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun)

A short boat ride from Copacabana takes you to Isla del Sol, the mythical birthplace of the Inca Empire. This tranquil, car-free island is a place of terraced hillsides, scattered eucalyptus trees, and ancient ruins. The island is traditionally divided into a southern and a northern part. The south side, near Yumani, is more developed with guesthouses and restaurants, while the more remote north side is home to some of the most significant ruins.

Among the island’s archaeological sites are the labyrinth-like ruins of Chincana in the north and the temple of Pilko Kaina in the south. These stone structures offer a tangible connection to the island’s sacred Incan past, set against the stunning backdrop of the lake.

One of the most rewarding activities is trekking the ancient path that runs the length of the island. This walk offers constantly changing vistas of the shimmering blue water and distant snowy peaks. It is important to note that this is a high-altitude hike, with the path reaching elevations around 4,000 meters (13,100 feet). To fully enjoy the experience and avoid altitude sickness, visitors should be well-acclimatized before undertaking this beautiful but physically demanding trek.

The Bolivian Amazon: Rurrenabaque and Beyond

A world away from the high-altitude Altiplano, the Bolivian Amazon basin offers a staggering contrast of lush greenery, intense humidity, and unparalleled biodiversity. The small, sleepy town of Rurrenabaque serves as the primary access point for expeditions into this vibrant ecosystem, offering two distinct but equally compelling adventures: the wildlife-rich pampas and the immersive deep jungle.

The Gateway Town: Rurrenabaque

Nestled on the banks of the Beni River, Rurrenabaque is the bustling frontier town where Amazonian adventures begin. Its dusty streets are lined with tour agencies, modest guesthouses, and open-air restaurants, all buzzing with the energy of travelers preparing to venture into the wild.

Reaching this remote outpost is an adventure in itself. There are two main options:

• By Flight: A short, scenic 45-minute flight from La Paz offers stunning views as you cross the Andes and descend into the jungle basin. Flights are operated on small aircraft and can be subject to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions.
• By Bus: For the more budget-conscious and time-rich traveler, a bus journey from La Paz is an option. The trip can take anywhere from 18 to 24 hours or more, navigating a notoriously rough and winding road. While challenging, it offers a ground-level view of the dramatic shift in landscape.

The Pampas Tour (Wetlands)

The pampas tours focus on the wetlands and savannahs along the Yacuma River. Because the vegetation is less dense than in the rainforest, this tour is renowned for its exceptional wildlife-spotting opportunities. The primary mode of transport is a motorized canoe, which glides along the river, allowing for close and quiet observation of the animals that congregate at the water’s edge. During a typical tour, you can expect to see an incredible array of fauna, including large families of capybaras, playful squirrel monkeys chattering in the trees, sunbathing caimans lining the riverbanks, and a multitude of bird species. With a knowledgeable guide and a bit of luck, you might also spot a coiled anaconda or swim with the elusive and enchanting pink river dolphins.

The Jungle Tour (Rainforest)

For those seeking a deeper, more immersive experience, a jungle tour into Madidi National Park is the answer. This adventure is less about spotting large quantities of animals and more about understanding the complex ecosystem of the rainforest itself. You’ll trek through dense primary forest, learning from indigenous guides about the intricate web of life that surrounds you. They will point out camouflaged insects, identify the calls of hidden birds, and share their knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional survival skills. Accommodation is typically in rustic eco-lodges deep within the park, allowing you to fall asleep to a symphony of jungle sounds. The jungle tour is a sensory journey that connects you with the raw, untamed nature of the Amazon.

Potosí: The Imperial City of Silver

A City Built on a Mountain of Silver

The history of Potosí is inextricably linked to silver. In the 16th century, the discovery of vast silver deposits within Cerro Rico transformed this remote Andean settlement into one of the wealthiest and most populous cities in the world. Its riches funded the Spanish Empire for centuries, with the saying “vale un Potosí” (“to be worth a Potosí”) becoming synonymous with immense wealth. The city’s UNESCO-listed historic center is a testament to this opulent past, filled with elaborate colonial architecture financed by the mountain’s bounty.

The source of this wealth was Cerro Rico, the “Rich Hill” that looms over the city. This mountain was once thought to be made of pure silver, and its exploitation had a profound impact on global economic history, fueling trade across continents. However, this prosperity came at a staggering human cost, relying on the forced labor of indigenous people and enslaved Africans under brutal conditions. Understanding this dual legacy of splendor and suffering is essential to grasping the soul of Potosí.

The Cooperative Mining Experience

For many visitors, the most compelling reason to visit Potosí is to tour one of the cooperative mines still active within Cerro Rico. Guided by former miners, these tours offer a raw and unfiltered look into the challenging daily reality of modern-day mining. Donning a helmet, headlamp, and protective gear, you navigate narrow, dark tunnels to witness the manual labor and rudimentary techniques that have changed little over the centuries.

Before entering the mine, it is customary to stop at the Mercado de los Mineros (Miners’ Market). Here, you can purchase gifts for the miners you will meet inside. These offerings typically include coca leaves, which are chewed to suppress hunger and fatigue, along with soft drinks, pure alcohol, and even sticks of dynamite, all of which are part of the miners’ daily work and rituals offered to “El Tío,” the spirit guardian of the mountain.

It is important to approach this experience with awareness and respect. The conditions inside the mines are harsh, dangerous, and a stark reminder of the economic realities that compel people to work here. The tour is not an adventure spectacle but a sobering educational experience. Visitors should consider the ethical implications of this type of tourism. By choosing a reputable tour operator that works directly with and supports the mining cooperatives, you can ensure your visit contributes positively to the community while gaining a profound understanding of the human element behind the city’s famous mountain.

Colonial Sights in the City

A visit to the Casa Nacional de la Moneda (National Mint of Bolivia) is essential. Housed in a magnificent and imposing baroque building, this was once the Spanish colonial mint that produced silver coins for much of the empire. The museum’s well-preserved wooden machinery and extensive exhibits provide a fascinating look into the coining process and the economic power Potosí once wielded.

Another architectural gem is the Convento de San Francisco. This historic convent and church showcases beautiful religious art and colonial architecture. The highlight for many is the opportunity to climb to the rooftop, which offers sweeping panoramic views of Potosí’s colonial streetscape and the ever-present Cerro Rico dominating the skyline.

Andean Wonders and National Parks

Beyond the major cities and iconic salt flats, Bolivia’s raw, high-altitude landscapes offer some of South America’s most dramatic and untouched scenery. These national parks and reserves protect fragile ecosystems and provide a sanctuary for unique Andean wildlife, presenting a different, more primal side of the country.

Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve

Located in the extreme southwest corner of Bolivia, this vast and desolate reserve is a landscape of surreal beauty. It’s important to note that a visit here is almost always integrated into the standard 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour, forming the spectacular second and third days of the journey. The reserve is a high-altitude desert punctuated by otherworldly phenomena and hardy wildlife.

• Laguna Colorada (The Red Lagoon): This shallow, rust-colored lake is one of the reserve’s most famous sights. Its striking hue comes from red sediments and the pigmentation of algae. It is a critical feeding ground for thousands of flamingos, including the rare James’s flamingo, which can be seen wading through the crimson waters. This is a must-see when visiting Laguna Colorada Bolivia.
• Sol de Mañana Geyser Basin: At an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), this geothermal field is a powerful display of the earth’s inner energy. Visitors can carefully walk among bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and craters spewing sulfurous steam into the frigid morning air.
• Laguna Verde and Licancabur Volcano: At the foot of the imposing Licancabur volcano lies the Green Lagoon. Its incredible turquoise-green color is caused by mineral suspensions of arsenic, lead, and copper. The intensity of the color often changes with the wind, creating a mesmerizing, almost unearthly scene against the volcanic backdrop.
• The Dalí Desert (Desierto de Dalí): This barren valley is named for its resemblance to the surrealist landscapes painted by Salvador Dalí. The wind-eroded rock formations, including the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), stand like isolated sculptures against the vast, empty plains, creating a truly dreamlike environment.

Sajama National Park

For travelers seeking to venture further off the beaten path, Sajama National Park offers a more tranquil and intimate Andean experience. Located on the border with Chile, this is Bolivia’s oldest national park, established to protect the unique high-altitude flora and fauna. The park is dominated by the immense, perfectly conical, and snow-capped Nevado Sajama, Bolivia’s highest peak at 6,542 meters (21,463 feet).

The park’s attractions are a testament to its volcanic origins and high-altitude setting. You can explore a bubbling geyser field where jets of hot water shoot into the sky and then unwind in natural hot springs with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The landscape is also home to vast herds of wild vicuñas—a graceful, protected relative of the llama—as well as alpacas and viscachas. Sajama also contains the world’s highest forest, a grove of hardy queñua trees that survive at altitudes above 5,000 meters.

Essential Planning and Travel Tips for Bolivia

A journey through Bolivia is an adventure across diverse landscapes and altitudes, which requires some thoughtful preparation. Understanding the basics of when to go, how to get around, and what to pack will ensure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Best Time to Visit

Bolivia’s climate is defined by two primary seasons, each offering a distinct experience. The ideal time for your visit depends entirely on what you wish to see and do.

• Dry Season (April to October): Considered Bolivia’s winter, this period offers clear, sunny skies and stable weather, making it the prime time for trekking in the Andes and exploring the Amazon without heavy rain. The Salar de Uyuni is a vast, cracked landscape of white salt, perfect for perspective photography. Be prepared for cold nights, especially at high altitudes.
• Wet Season (November to March): During the summer months, the rains transform the landscape. The Altiplano becomes greener, and most importantly, the Salar de Uyuni floods with a shallow layer of water, creating the world’s largest natural mirror. While this is a spectacular sight, be aware that heavy rains can sometimes cause travel disruptions and road closures, particularly in the lowlands.

Getting Around the Country

Bolivia is a large country with varied terrain, and moving between its key destinations is part of the adventure. The primary modes of transport are bus and plane, each with its own advantages.

• Long-distance buses: The most common and economical way to travel. For overnight journeys, investing in a cama (fully reclining bed-like seat) over a semi-cama (partial recline) is highly recommended for comfort. Roads can be winding and bumpy, but the views are often part of the experience.
• Domestic flights: To cover the vast distances between cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Rurrenabaque (for the Amazon), flying is a time-efficient option. Airlines such as Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) operate the main domestic routes.
• Tourist-specific bus companies: Several companies cater specifically to travelers, offering direct routes between popular hubs like La Paz, Uyuni, and Copacabana. They often provide a higher level of comfort and convenience than public buses.

Health and Safety

Staying healthy and safe in Bolivia largely comes down to common sense and proper preparation, especially concerning the altitude.

• Acclimatizing to high altitude: Much of Bolivia lies at a high elevation. Upon arriving in a city like La Paz (3,640m), it is crucial to take it easy for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, eat light meals, and stay well-hydrated. Locals swear by coca tea (mate de coca) to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, known as soroche.
• Food and water safety: To avoid stomach issues, drink only bottled or purified water and be cautious with ice in drinks. When sampling street food, choose vendors that are busy with local customers, as this is often a good sign of freshness and quality.
• General travel precautions: As in any country, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like markets and bus terminals. Keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

What to Pack

Packing for Bolivia means preparing for a little bit of everything, from freezing Altiplano nights to humid jungle days. Versatility is key.

• Layered clothing: The most important packing strategy. Bring a combination of t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a fleece or warm mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer jacket. Temperatures can plummet from day to night, especially on the Salar de Uyuni tour.
• Sun protection: The sun is incredibly strong at high altitudes. A high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-quality sunglasses are non-negotiable to protect against intense UV radiation.
• Sturdy hiking shoes: Comfortable, broken-in walking or hiking shoes are essential for navigating cobblestone streets, trekking on Isla del Sol, and exploring the rugged landscapes throughout the country. If you’re planning a trip to Lake Titicaca or exploring the mountains, good footwear is a must.