Best Things to do in Bolivia

Witness the Otherworldly Beauty of Salar de Uyuni

Stretching across more than 10,000 square kilometers of the Bolivian Altiplano, Salar de Uyuni is an immense, brilliantly white landscape that feels more like a dream than a destination. As the world’s largest salt flat, it offers two profoundly different yet equally mesmerizing experiences depending on the time of year you visit. A journey here is not just a tour; it’s an immersion into one of nature’s most surreal and unforgettable canvases.

Exploring the World’s Largest Salt Flat

The character of the Salar transforms dramatically with the seasons. During the dry season (May to October), the water evaporates completely, leaving behind a vast expanse of blindingly white salt crust that cracks into mesmerizing hexagonal and polygonal patterns. This solid, seemingly infinite landscape is famous for the playful perspective and forced-perspective photographs that tour groups create, where the lack of visual reference points allows for all sorts of optical illusions.

The wet season (December to April) ushers in a truly sublime phenomenon. A thin layer of rainwater covers the salt flats, creating the world’s largest natural mirror. The effect is breathtakingly surreal, a perfect reflection of the sky that erases the horizon and blurs the boundary between heaven and earth. To stand in its center is to feel as if you are walking on clouds, suspended in an ethereal expanse of blue and white. As the sun sets, the entire world around you is painted in fiery oranges and soft purples, reflected with perfect clarity beneath your feet.

• Photography Tips for the Mirror Effect:
• Wear brightly colored clothing to create a striking contrast against the blue and white backdrop.
• Visit at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and the colors are most dramatic, creating a double spectacle in the reflection.
• Get low to the ground with your camera to enhance the reflective quality and the sense of immersion.
• Use a wide-angle lens to capture the sheer scale of the landscape and the immense sky.
• Stay still to allow the water to settle, ensuring the sharpest possible reflection for your photos.

Key Sights on a Multi-Day Tour

Most visits to Salar de Uyuni are part of a multi-day 4×4 tour that ventures deep into the surrounding Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. These tours showcase a series of geological wonders that are just as captivating as the salt flat itself.

A common first stop is Isla Incahuasi, a hilly outcrop that rises from the middle of the salt sea. This “fish island” is covered in fossilized coral and populated by towering, ancient cacti, some over 10 meters tall. A short hike to its summit provides an extraordinary 360-degree panoramic view of the endless white expanse.

Just outside the town of Uyuni lies the haunting Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes). Here, the hollowed-out, rusting shells of 19th-century steam locomotives and rail cars sit abandoned under the desert sun. Once part of a major transport hub for minerals, they now form a powerful, photogenic monument to a bygone industrial era.

A unique feature of the region is the Salt Hotels. Several accommodations, like the famed Palacio de Sal, are constructed almost entirely from salt blocks harvested from the Salar. From the walls and ceilings to the beds and tables, this architectural novelty offers a truly memorable place to rest.

Further south, the landscape erupts in color with a series of high-altitude lagoons. The most famous is Laguna Colorada, or the Red Lagoon, whose shallow waters take on a deep reddish hue from sediments and algae. This is contrasted by the hundreds of pink James’s flamingos that wade through its waters. Nearby, Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) sits at the foot of the Licancabur volcano, its waters shifting from turquoise to a deep emerald green depending on the wind and sun.

Experience the Vibrant Chaos of La Paz

Nestled in a dramatic canyon and sprawling up the surrounding hillsides, La Paz is a city that literally takes your breath away. As the world’s highest administrative capital, its energy is a dizzying mix of indigenous traditions, colonial history, and modern urban life. Acclimatize slowly, and then dive into the vibrant streets, markets, and landscapes that define this unique metropolis.

Navigating the World’s Highest Capital City

The best way to grasp the sheer scale and topography of La Paz is from above. Mi Teleférico, the city’s state-of-the-art cable car system, is far more than public transport; it’s a sightseeing experience in itself. Glide silently over the dense urban landscape, witnessing the stark contrast between the city center in the canyon and the sprawling high plains of El Alto. The panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped Andes, including the majestic Illimani, are simply unforgettable.

Back on the ground, immerse yourself in the living culture at the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market). This fascinating market offers a window into the Aymara belief system that endures in modern Bolivia. Here you’ll find vendors selling a variety of herbs, folk remedies, and ceremonial items. The most notable offerings are the dried llama fetuses, which are traditionally buried under the foundations of new buildings as a cha’lla, or offering, to the goddess Pachamama (Mother Earth) for protection and good fortune. When visiting, it is essential to be respectful. This is a place of genuine belief, not just a tourist attraction. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or their stalls, and approach the experience with genuine curiosity.

For a tranquil escape, wander down Calle Jaén. This narrow, cobbled lane is one of the best-preserved colonial streets in the city. Lined with brightly painted 18th-century houses and old-fashioned street lamps, it feels like a step back in time. The street is also home to a collection of small but interesting museums, making it a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon of exploration away from the city’s relentless pace.

Adventures from La Paz

La Paz is a gateway to some of Bolivia’s most exhilarating adventures. For adrenaline seekers, biking the Yungas Road, notoriously known as the “Death Road,” is a rite of passage. This ride takes you on a staggering descent of over 3,500 meters, from the stark, high-altitude Altiplano down into the lush, humid Amazonian jungle. While the road has been largely replaced by a modern highway for most traffic, it remains a popular challenge for mountain bikers. It must be emphasized that this is a demanding activity for confident thrill-seekers. Your safety is paramount, so choosing a reputable and professional tour company with high-quality equipment, experienced guides, and a proven safety protocol is absolutely essential.

For a more serene but equally surreal experience, take a day trip to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). Located just outside the city, this area presents a bizarre and beautiful landscape. Over centuries, wind and rain have eroded the mountainside, creating a maze of tall, otherworldly spires and canyons. Well-maintained walking paths allow you to meander through the badlands, offering a unique perspective on the region’s geology. It’s a fantastic half-day excursion that feels a world away from the urban center.

Discover History and Colonial Charm in Sucre

Often overlooked for the high-altitude drama of La Paz, Sucre offers a different, more tranquil Bolivian experience. As the nation’s constitutional capital, this city is a living museum, a place where history feels present on every cobblestone street. Its lower elevation provides a welcome respite, allowing visitors to explore its architectural and historical treasures at a relaxed pace.

Bolivia’s Constitutional Capital

Known affectionately as the “White City” (La Ciudad Blanca), Sucre’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its stunning collection of well-preserved colonial architecture. Spend a day simply wandering from the central Plaza 25 de Mayo, admiring the pristine, whitewashed facades of churches, convents, and government buildings. The calm courtyards, ornate balconies, and terracotta roofs create a harmonious and photogenic cityscape that feels suspended in time.

At the heart of Sucre’s historical significance is the Casa de la Libertad (House of Freedom). It is here, in this elegant former Jesuit chapel, that Bolivia’s Declaration of Independence was signed in 1825. Visiting the building is a journey through the nation’s founding moments. The main hall, with its original rostrum and portraits of revolutionary figures, retains a palpable sense of history, offering profound insight into the country’s birth.

Just a short drive from the city center lies a discovery of a much more ancient past. Cal Orck’o is a sheer limestone rock face that holds the world’s largest and most diverse collection of dinosaur footprints. The sheer scale of the site is astounding, with over 12,000 individual tracks from at least eight different species, perfectly preserved from the late Cretaceous period. The adjacent Cretaceous Park provides context with life-sized models and exhibits, making this a fascinating excursion for anyone interested in paleontology or the planet’s deep history.

Delve into the Mining History of Potosí

Once the wealthiest city in the Americas, Potosí’s history is a dramatic tale of immense riches and profound human suffering. Perched at over 4,000 meters (13,400 ft), this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a sobering yet essential glimpse into the forces that shaped much of the modern world, funded by the silver extracted from its legendary mountain.

The City That Financed an Empire

The story of Potosí is inseparable from Cerro Rico (“Rich Hill”), the rust-colored mountain that looms over the city. After the Spanish discovered vast silver deposits here in the 16th century, Potosí exploded into a bustling metropolis, its wealth bankrolling the Spanish Empire for centuries. The phrase “vale un Potosí” (“worth a Potosí”) became synonymous with unimaginable fortune. This prosperity, however, was built on the forced labor of millions of Indigenous and African people, whose lives were consumed by the brutal conditions within the mountain.

A visit to a working cooperative mine inside Cerro Rico is one of Bolivia’s most intense and controversial travel experiences. It is not an adventure tour but a stark look at the perilous reality miners have faced for centuries and continue to face today. Descending into the dark, narrow tunnels, you witness firsthand the primitive techniques and incredibly harsh conditions—dust, toxic gases, and the constant risk of collapse. It is a profoundly humbling and eye-opening experience that illuminates the human cost behind the city’s opulent past.

• Ethical Considerations: Choosing a responsible tour operator is paramount. Seek out companies run by former miners or those that demonstrably support the mining community with fair wages and contributions to health and safety initiatives.
• Respectful Participation: It is customary for visitors to bring gifts for the miners, such as coca leaves, soft drinks, or dynamite (which they must purchase for their work). This is a gesture of respect and solidarity, not a transaction for a photo opportunity.

To fully grasp the scale of Potosí’s output, a visit to the National Mint of Bolivia (Casa Nacional de la Moneda) is essential. Housed in a magnificent and imposing colonial building, this museum is one of the best in South America. You can see the massive wooden machines, powered by mules, that pressed the silver into the famous “pieces of eight” coins, which became a global currency. The museum meticulously documents the entire process, from raw ore to minted coin, providing a powerful counterpoint to the raw reality of the mines themselves.

Explore the Sacred Waters of Lake Titicaca

Straddling the border between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is not just the highest navigable lake in the world; it is a place of profound spiritual significance and serene beauty. Its deep blue waters, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Cordillera Real, have cradled ancient civilizations for millennia. For travelers, it offers a tranquil escape and a direct connection to the living history of the Andes. Learn more about the history of Bolivia to understand the context of these ancient sites.

The Birthplace of the Incas

According to Andean mythology, it was from the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca that the creator god Viracocha emerged, bringing forth the sun, moon, and stars. Later, the first Inca rulers, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, were said to have risen from the lake to found their empire. This legacy makes a visit here a journey into the very heart of Incan cosmology.

The primary Bolivian access point to this mythical landscape is the pleasant lakeside town of Copacabana. More than just a departure point for island trips, Copacabana is a pilgrimage site in its own right, home to the impressive 16th-century Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to acclimatize and prepare for exploration. For more on acclimatizing and preparing for your trip, check out our what to pack for Bolivia guide, which includes tips on adjusting to altitude.

From Copacabana, boat trips are the essential mode of transport to the lake’s sacred islands.

• Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun): The larger and more visited of the two main islands, Isla del Sol is a car-free landscape of terraced hillsides, eucalyptus groves, and small indigenous communities. The best way to experience it is by hiking the ancient Inca trails that traverse its length. These paths connect sacred sites and offer continuous, breathtaking views of the lake. Key points of interest include the Inca Steps, a stone staircase leading up from the water, and the nearby Fountain of Youth, a natural spring believed to grant longevity.
• Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon): A short boat ride from Isla del Sol, this smaller island offers a more tranquil experience. It is home to the ruins of the Iñak Uyu, or Temple of the Virgins of the Sun, a convent for chosen Inca women. With fewer visitors, the island provides a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation and enjoying the stark beauty of the Altiplano.

A visit to Lake Titicaca is a step back in time. Walking the same paths as Inca pilgrims, surrounded by the vastness of the sky and water, offers a unique opportunity to connect with the enduring spirit of the Andean world. Consider our La Paz travel guide for information on reaching Copacabana.

Journey into the Amazon Basin from Rurrenabaque

Leaving the Andean highlands behind, the small, bustling town of Rurrenabaque serves as the primary gateway to Bolivia’s vast and wild Amazon basin. From here, travelers can embark on expeditions that offer profoundly different, yet equally compelling, encounters with the rainforest. The choice typically comes down to two distinct types of tours, each catering to different interests and expectations for a jungle adventure.

Choosing Your Jungle Adventure

Your experience in the Bolivian Amazon will be defined by whether you opt for a tour of the pampas (wetlands) or the selva (deep jungle). While both offer incredible insights into this vital ecosystem, they provide very different perspectives and opportunities for wildlife encounters. If you’re planning a trip to Bolivia, it’s worth understanding the weather and climate in Bolivia to best prepare for these diverse environments.

Pampas Tours are centered around the Yacuma River and its surrounding wetlands. The journey itself is an adventure, with most of the tour conducted from a motorized canoe. Because the vegetation is less dense than in the deep jungle, wildlife is significantly easier to spot. For visitors hoping for frequent and virtually guaranteed animal sightings, this is the superior option. As you navigate the waterways, you can expect to see families of capybaras lounging on the riverbanks, squirrel monkeys chattering in the trees, and countless caimans sunning themselves. With a knowledgeable guide and a bit of luck, you might also find a colossal anaconda coiled in the grasslands or spot the elusive and enchanting pink river dolphin swimming alongside your boat.

Jungle (Selva) Tours offer a more immersive and challenging rainforest experience, typically taking place within the protected boundaries of the magnificent Madidi National Park. These tours are for those who want to feel the pulse of the deep jungle. The focus is on trekking through dense, primary rainforest, where your guide will reveal the secrets of the ecosystem, pointing out medicinal plants, intricate insect life, and the tracks of nocturnal animals. Wildlife sightings are less predictable and require more patience; you are searching for elusive creatures like peccaries, tapirs, or even the faint possibility of spotting a jaguar. This experience is less about volume of sightings and more about the profound feeling of being enveloped by the immense biodiversity of the Amazon.

Conquer Peaks and Trek Through Andean Landscapes

Bolivia’s dramatic Andean spine offers some of the most accessible and rewarding high-altitude mountaineering and trekking in the world. For those with a spirit for adventure and a good pair of lungs, the country’s towering peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and remote trails provide an unparalleled sense of discovery far from the crowded circuits of other ranges.

For the Serious Adventurer

While the landscapes are breathtaking, these adventures demand respect for the altitude and the environment. Proper preparation and a measured approach are key to safely experiencing the raw beauty of the Cordillera Real and beyond. Considering safety in Bolivia is paramount for any high-altitude endeavor.

Climbing Huayna Potosí

Rising to an impressive 6,088 meters (19,974 feet), Huayna Potosí is a fixture on the skyline near La Paz and a magnet for aspiring mountaineers. It is often touted as one of the most accessible 6,000-meter peaks in the world, typically climbed over two or three days. However, this accessibility should not be mistaken for ease. The climb is a serious undertaking that requires a significant level of physical fitness and, most critically, thorough acclimatization to the high altitude. The final ascent involves navigating glaciers with crampons and an ice axe, culminating in a summit ridge walk that offers staggering views over the Cordillera Real and the distant Amazon basin. Choosing a reputable guide is essential for a safe and successful experience.

Trekking the Condoriri Traverse

Considered one of Bolivia’s classic high-altitude treks, the Condoriri Traverse is a multi-day journey through the heart of the Cordillera Real. The trek is named for the Condoriri massif, a group of peaks whose shape resembles a condor with its wings spread. This challenging route takes you through a landscape of sharp, snow-dusted peaks, vivid turquoise glacial lakes, and vast, empty valleys. Hikers navigate high passes, often exceeding 5,000 meters, and camp in remote, spectacular locations. It is a true immersion into the Andean wilderness, suitable for experienced trekkers who are well-acclimatized and prepared for rustic conditions. For budget-conscious travelers, understanding the money matters and budget for Bolivia is crucial for planning such an expedition.

Hiking in Sajama National Park

In the far west of Bolivia, on the border with Chile, lies the starkly beautiful Sajama National Park. This high-altitude park is dominated by the perfectly conical, snow-capped form of Nevado Sajama, Bolivia’s highest peak at 6,542 meters (21,463 feet). The park offers a different kind of Andean experience, with unique landscapes including bubbling geysers, natural hot springs, and the world’s highest forests of queñua trees. It is also a vital habitat for native wildlife, and hikers are almost certain to spot herds of graceful vicuñas, the wild ancestors of the alpaca, grazing on the altiplano. Hiking here offers a profound sense of solitude and a connection to a raw, powerful environment.

Uncover Ancient Civilizations

Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) Ruins

Long before the rise of the Inca Empire, the high plains of the Altiplano were home to the Tiwanaku civilization, one of the most significant and enduring cultures in the Americas. Located a relatively short journey from La Paz, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiwanaku offers a profound glimpse into a sophisticated pre-Columbian society that flourished for centuries. Walking among its monumental stone structures, you can feel the weight of a history that shaped the Andean world, a history detailed in our guide to the history of Bolivia.

The archaeological complex is vast, but several key structures provide insight into the city’s former grandeur. The most iconic symbol is the Gateway of the Sun, a monolithic arch carved from a single block of andesite, adorned with intricate iconography centered on a figure believed to be the Staff God. Nearby, the Kalasasaya temple, a large open-air courtyard, likely served as a ceremonial center and astronomical observatory, with its precise stone-cutting and imposing monoliths. One of the most intriguing areas is the semi-subterranean temple, a sunken courtyard whose walls are studded with dozens of unique, carved stone heads, their enigmatic expressions staring out across the ages.

Understanding Tiwanaku is essential to understanding the deep history of the Andes. For over five hundred years, it was the capital of a powerful state whose influence in politics, religion, agriculture, and art extended across a vast territory. Its advanced engineering, precise astronomical alignments, and distinct artistic style laid a cultural foundation upon which later civilizations, including the Inca, would build. A visit here is not merely a tour of ancient ruins but an encounter with the intellectual and spiritual heart of a foundational American civilization.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Bolivian Adventure

Best Time to Visit

Bolivia’s dramatic landscapes are shaped by two distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience. Choosing when to go depends entirely on your priorities, whether they involve clear skies for trekking or the surreal reflections of the salt flats.

• Dry Season (April – October): This is generally considered the best time for travel. You can expect clear blue skies, making it ideal for high-altitude trekking in the Andes and exploring the country’s national parks. Roads are more reliable, and travel is generally easier. However, be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night in the Altiplano regions of Uyuni and Potosí, where it can drop well below freezing.
• Wet Season (November – March): The summer months bring rain, which transforms the highlands into lush, green landscapes. This is the time to witness the legendary mirror effect on the Uyuni Salt Flats, as a thin layer of water covers the salt flats. While visually spectacular, this season can present challenges. Heavy rains can cause road closures and travel disruptions, particularly in the Amazon Basin and more remote areas.

Getting Around Bolivia

Navigating Bolivia is an adventure in itself. The country is vast, and infrastructure can be basic, so planning your transport is a key part of the journey.

• Long-distance buses: This is the most common and economical way to travel between cities. Companies offer various levels of comfort, from standard seats to fully reclining ‘cama’ (bed) or ‘semi-cama’ buses for overnight journeys. They are a great way to see the countryside, but be prepared for long travel times and winding mountain roads.
• Domestic flights: To save significant time covering the large distances between places like La Paz, Sucre, and Rurrenabaque, domestic flights are a practical choice. Airlines like Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) connect the major hubs, turning a 20-hour bus ride into a one-hour flight.
• Tours vs. Independent Travel: For complex, remote destinations like the Salar de Uyuni, the Amazon, or multi-day treks, joining an organized tour is highly recommended. It handles all logistics, from transport and accommodation to food and guides. In cities like La Paz and Sucre, independent travel is straightforward and allows for greater flexibility.

Health and Safety

A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth and healthy trip to Bolivia. The primary considerations are the high altitude and general travel awareness.

Acclimatizing to High Altitude

Many of Bolivia’s main attractions, including La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Potosí, and Uyuni, are located at extreme altitudes. Altitude sickness, or soroche, is a common concern and can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. The key is to acclimatize properly. Upon arriving at a high-altitude destination, plan to take it easy for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, eat light meals, and stay well-hydrated with water. Locals swear by mate de coca (coca leaf tea), which is widely available and helps alleviate mild symptoms.

Food and Drink

Bolivian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in its Andean and Spanish heritage. Exploring the local food is a highlight of any visit. Be sure to try a few national specialties:

• Salteñas: A beloved morning snack, these baked pastries have a sweet, thick crust filled with a savory, slightly spicy stew of meat or chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.
• Pique a lo Macho: A formidable and delicious platter meant for sharing, piled high with chopped beef, sausages, french fries, onions, bell peppers, and boiled eggs, all topped with a zesty sauce.
• Singani: Bolivia’s national spirit, this grape brandy is the star of the country’s signature cocktail, the Chuflay, a refreshing mix of Singani, ginger ale, and lime.

Staying Safe

Bolivia is a welcoming country, but like anywhere, it’s wise to take standard precautions. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like markets and bus terminals. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas late at night, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. When withdrawing money, use ATMs located inside banks or shops. By staying aware of your surroundings, you can focus on enjoying the incredible experiences Bolivia has to offer.