Discover Bolivia's Unmissable Attractions And Secrets

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, neighbouring Brazil, that is brimming with exciting travel experiences. From the snow-topped mountains of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest, Bolivia has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-sees in Bolivia:

- Salar de Uyuni: The famous salt flats are a photographer's dream, with their endless expanse of white confounding the senses as the sky and earth blend into one. After rainfall, the salt flats turn into the world's largest mirror, creating a truly otherworldly experience.

- La Paz: The lustrabotas, or shoe-shiners, offer unique tour experiences in La Paz. The Mi Teleférico cable car network is also a must-see, providing incredible bird's-eye views of the city.

- Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world at 3812m, Lake Titicaca is believed to be the birthplace of the Inca civilisation and is surrounded by traditional villages and ancient ruins.

- Amazon Rainforest: The town of Rurrenabaque is the gateway to the Amazon in Bolivia, offering guided expeditions to see wildlife such as pink river dolphins, crocodiles, and jaguars.

- Valley of the Moon: Located just outside La Paz, this protected area features dramatic pinnacles and gorges, earning its name from astronaut Neil Armstrong due to its resemblance to the craters on the moon.

Bike down the World's Most Dangerous Road

The World's Most Dangerous Road, or "Death Road", is a 61km (38-mile) route that is not for the faint-hearted. This infamous road in Bolivia was given its morbid nickname in 1995 when an average of 200 to 300 people died yearly in accidents, with vehicles often falling off the steep cliffs. The road is narrow, with a single lane in most places, and has few guardrails.

The official name of Death Road is North Yungas Road, and it connects La Paz to Yungas. The road climbs up to 4,650 meters at La Cumbre Pass and then steeply descends to 1,200 meters at Coroico. This makes it one of the longest downhill stretches in the world.

The road is treacherous, with many unpaved sections, and one side is a sheer 600-metre drop. However, it has become a popular tourist attraction since a new road was built in 2008, diverting most vehicles away.

The Death Road has become a popular destination for thrill-seekers who want to test their mettle by cycling down this challenging route. The journey begins high in the Andes at an altitude of 4,600 to 4,700 meters, offering stunning views of snow-covered peaks. The route then twists and turns through the mountains, with dramatic drops and towering cliffs. As you descend, the climate changes, and the vegetation gets greener.

The most challenging part of the ride is a narrow dirt road cut into the side of the mountain, where you'll ride through mist, low cloud, and dust. It gets progressively hotter and dustier as you approach the end of the route in Yolosa.

Several tour companies in La Paz offer guided mountain biking trips on Death Road, providing transportation, safety equipment, meals, and other amenities. These tours typically include a visit to La Senda Verde Animal Refuge, where you can see rescued animals, including monkeys, an Andean spectacled bear, capybara, and birds.

If you're an adrenaline junkie looking for an unforgettable experience in Bolivia, biking down Death Road is sure to give you a thrill like no other. But remember, this road earned its name for a reason, so always put safety first!

Explore the Salt Flats

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is considered one of the most remarkable vistas in South America, if not the world. The salt flats are the result of prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago, leaving behind a thick crust of salt that extends to the horizon. The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, covering an area of 10,582 square kilometres (or 3,900 to 4,050 square miles) and sitting at 3,656 metres (11,995 feet) above sea level.

The best way to visit the salt flats is on a tour, with most tours departing from the city of Uyuni. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your trip to the Uyuni salt flats:

Getting There

To get to Uyuni, you can take a long night bus from one of the big cities, such as La Paz or Sucre. The bus journey takes between 6 to 12 hours, depending on your departure point, and costs around $30 to $40 each way. Alternatively, you can fly from La Paz to Uyuni with Amaszonas or BoA for about $130 round-trip.

Booking a Tour

There are various tour options available, ranging from one-day to three-day tours. The three-day tour is the most popular option as it allows you to fully explore the salt flats and visit nearby attractions. You can book your tour in advance online or through tour offices in La Paz, or you can arrange a tour after arriving in Uyuni. There are many tour agencies in the town, and you can also find people offering tours at the bus station.

What to Bring

The salt flats can be extremely cold, especially at night, so bring plenty of warm layers, including gloves and a hat. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and sunglasses as well, as the sun can be harsh and reflect off the salt. Lip balm is also essential, as the dry air and sun can be hard on your lips. If you plan to take photos, bring a small toy, such as a dinosaur, to create those funny perspective shots that the salt flats are famous for.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options on the tours vary, from budget options with shared rooms to more luxurious private tours. Some tours include a stay in a "salt hotel", which is a unique experience but can be extremely cold. If you prefer more comfort, you can stay in Uyuni town, where there are hotels with heating.

What to See and Do

In addition to the stunning salt flats, there are several other attractions in the area that are worth visiting. These include:

• Incahuasi Island: This small island in the salt flats is covered with Trichocereus cacti, creating a stark contrast with the white salt. It offers a 360-degree view of the salt flats and is a great place for a short hike.
• Train Graveyard: Located just outside Uyuni, this "Great Train Graveyard" features abandoned trains and equipment from the 1940s that have been rusted by salt winds over the years.
• Coloured Lagoons: The Canapa, Hedionda, and Turquiri Lagoons in the Fauna Andina National Reserve are home to flamingos and offer beautiful, colourful scenery.
• Hot Springs: You can relax and unwind in natural hot springs, such as Termas de Polques.
• Volcanoes: You can visit active volcanoes, such as Licancabur Volcano on the Chile-Bolivia border.

The Uyuni salt flats are a truly unique and unforgettable destination. With its vast expanse of salt, otherworldly landscapes, and abundance of activities, it is a must-see on any trip to Bolivia.

Visit the Witches Market in La Paz

Bolivia is a country brimming with stunning natural landscapes, delicious food, and amazing experiences. When visiting, one of the must-sees is the Witches Market in La Paz. Also known as El Mercado de las Brujas or La Hechiceria, this market is located in Cerro Cumbre, a mountain clearing in La Paz.

The Witches Market is a unique and fascinating place, lined with vendors selling a variety of strange and intriguing products. Among the items on offer are dried llama fetuses, said to bring good luck and prosperity. These fetuses are buried under the foundations of new buildings as an offering to Pachamama, the goddess revered by the Aymara people. However, this practice is usually only carried out by poorer Bolivians, as wealthier Bolivians sacrifice a living llama. In addition to the llama fetuses, you will find dried frogs, soapstone figurines, aphrodisiacs, owl feathers, dried turtles and snakes, herbs, and folk remedies.

The market is run by local witch doctors called yatiri, who can be identified by their black hats and coca pouches filled with amulets, talismans, and powders promising luck, beauty, and fertility. These yatiri also offer fortune-telling services to those seeking insight or guidance.

The Witches Market is easily accessible, located in a lively tourist area on Calle Jiminez and Linares, between Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz. It is a popular destination and has even been featured in various media outlets, including National Geographic.

A visit to the Witches Market in La Paz offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Aymara people and provides a unique shopping experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Marvel at the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is a must-see for any traveller to Bolivia. This vast and diverse ecosystem is home to an array of wildlife, including pink river dolphins, capybaras, jaguars, and countless bird and insect species. The best starting point for your journey into the Amazon is the jungle town of Rurrenabaque, which can be reached by bus or plane. From here, you can join guided expeditions that will take you deep into the heart of the rainforest.

There are two main types of tours available in the Bolivian Amazon: the Pampas Tour and the jungle trek. The Pampas Tour takes place in the wetlands and offers plenty of opportunities to see animals, including swimming with dolphins, alligator spotting, and feeding spider monkeys. The jungle trek is a more traditional rainforest experience, where you'll learn about the different plants and trees that make up this complex ecosystem. You may see fewer animals on this tour, but you'll get to know the interior of the Amazon in a more intimate way.

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, consider booking a stay at one of the eco-lodges in Madidi National Park. This park is world-renowned for its biodiversity, and the dense jungle provides a challenging but rewarding adventure. For those seeking a truly unique experience, there are even jungle survival tours that teach you how to find food, water, and build shelters in the wild.

The dry season in Bolivia, from October to May, is typically the best time to visit the Amazon. However, the month before and after this period can also be suitable, as long as you bring rain gear. No matter when you go, the Amazon rainforest is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of its majestic beauty and abundant wildlife.

Tour the Potosi Mines

Tour the Potosí Mines

The mines at Cerro Rico, a mountain beside Potosí, were once considered one of the world's biggest sources of silver. The city's name was even used as a phrase to describe immense richness: 'vale un Potosí' means 'worth a Potosí' in Spanish. However, the mountain has been mined dry, and now miners are extracting less profitable minerals such as lead, tin, and zinc.

The mines are considered to be the most dangerous in the world, claiming the lives of hundreds of men yearly. The miners work in incredibly harsh conditions, and most cannot afford proper safety equipment. The life expectancy of a miner is only around 50 years old, and the average miner will not live past 40-50.

Despite the controversy and safety concerns, many tourists still choose to visit the mines. There are several companies that offer tours, and it is important to choose a reputable one. Koala Tours is one option that has been recommended by previous visitors.

• The tour will likely start in the morning, and you will first be taken to the mining market to buy gifts for the miners. This usually includes drinks, coca leaves, and sometimes dynamite.
• Next, you will get geared up with safety equipment, including overalls, rubber boots, helmets with lights, and gloves.
• You will then head to Cerro Rico and enter the mine. The mines are dark, dusty, and cramped, with low oxygen levels. There are also no toilets, so it is recommended that you do not drink too much water before entering.
• Inside the mine, you will walk through narrow tunnels and may have to crawl or climb in certain places. You will also see miners at work and can give them the gifts you purchased.
• One of the main attractions inside the mine is a statue of Tio, the devil-like god of the underworld who is believed to be the master of the mine and the dark forces within it. Miners make offerings to Tio to ensure their safety.
• After the tour, you will likely feel mentally and physically drained. It can be a challenging and eye-opening experience that may leave you feeling sad and guilty.

If you choose to take a Potosí mine tour, remember to respect the miners and treat the experience as an opportunity to learn, not to gloat.

Frequently asked questions