Exploring Bolivia: A Travel Guide To The Country's Best Attractions

Bolivia is a treasure trove of unique experiences, from the majestic peaks of the Andes to the vast expanses of its rainforests. It is a small South American country that doesn't hold back when it comes to epic things to do. From the steamy Amazon to the soaring Andes, colonial cities to salt flats so huge they're visible from space, Bolivia has something for every type of traveller.

- Salar de Uyuni: The Uyuni Salt Flats are the world's largest salt flats, where the white landscape stretches as far as the eye can see.

- La Paz: La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and offers a blend of old-world charm and modern-day dynamism. The city's cable car system, Mi Teleferico, is a great way to get around and see the city from above.

- Valle de la Luna: Located just outside La Paz, the Valley of the Moon boasts a landscape that feels otherworldly, with eroded rock formations and intricate patterns.

- Lake Titicaca: This legendary lake rests at the crossroads of Bolivia and Peru and is the highest navigable lake in the world. It is a blend of history, mythology, and unparalleled scenic beauty.

- Tiwanaku: As one of South America's most significant archaeological sites, the ancient city of Tiwanaku provides insights into a civilization that thrived long before the Incan Empire.

- The Amazon Rainforest: Bolivia's slice of the Amazon is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, teeming with life and vibrant flora and fauna.

- Sucre: Bolivia's official capital, Sucre is home to Cal Orcko, a cliff showcasing thousands of dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period.

- Laguna Colorada: In the southwestern region of Bolivia, this shallow salt lake is a spectacle, with its reddish hues and flocks of flamingos.

- North Yungas Road: Also known as Death Road, this stretch of road is considered one of the world's most dangerous routes, offering breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers.

- Potosi: Once the richest city in the world due to its silver mines, Potosi stands as a testament to Bolivia's rich colonial history.

- Cholita Wrestling: One of the most entertaining things to do in Bolivia is watching a Cholita wrestling match in La Paz, where women in traditional garments put on an outrageous and high-spirited show.

- Copacabana: This tranquil town on the shores of Lake Titicaca reflects Bolivia's deep-rooted spirituality and captivating natural beauty, with its whitewashed buildings and blue waters.

Bike the Death Road

If you're an adrenaline junkie, Bolivia's North Yungas Road, or "Death Road", is the place for you. This 43-mile-long stretch of road through the Cordillera Oriental mountain chain is not for the faint of heart. Starting at a height of 15,260 feet above sea level, the road twists and winds its way down towards the Amazon rainforest, with a 2,000-foot drop just off the side of the road.

The Death Road is considered one of the world's most dangerous roads, with reports of upwards of 200-300 people dying on it every year. The road has no guard rails, visibility can be limited, and the constant rain and fog can make for treacherous conditions.

Despite the dangers, many tourists choose to cycle down the Death Road. There are a number of tour groups that organise trips for adrenaline junkies, with prices ranging from $50-100. The journey takes about 5 hours, and you'll be provided with all the gear you need, including a helmet, a sweatsuit to wear over your clothes, and sometimes even a GoPro to strap to your helmet.

The Death Road starts at La Cumbre, high up in the mountains, with paved roads and a mild downhill slope. But don't be fooled—the road soon turns into a dirt road with loose gravel and deadly drop-offs. The road is very narrow, with only enough room for one bike at certain points, and there are no guardrails. You'll need to keep a tight grip on both handlebars at all times and adjust your speed according to your abilities.

The Death Road ends in the town of Coroico, where you can relax and unwind after your harrowing journey.

Visit the Salt Flats

Bolivia's Salt Flats, or Salar de Uyuni, are a must-see for any trip to South America. The remote location near the borders of Chile and Argentina is accessible by bus or plane from La Paz, or from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The Salt Flats are the world's largest salt flat, compromising more than 10,500 square kilometres of dried, flat, white lunar-like landscape.

The most popular way to tour the Salt Flats is as part of a 3-day, 2-night expedition that will also take you through geysers, mountain peaks, coloured lagoons, and more. The Salt Flats are known as the "world's largest mirror", and if you're lucky enough to visit after some rainfall, you'll get to see this incredible sight for yourself. The remote location and lack of light pollution also make for excellent stargazing.

There are a few different starting points for a tour of the Salt Flats: Uyuni or Tupiza in Bolivia, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. It is strongly recommended to book your tour in advance and to book with a reputable company to avoid scams and unsafe conditions. The best way to choose your tour company is to ask for recommendations from other travellers and to read reviews.

The Salt Flats are at a very high altitude, so it is important to prepare for the effects of altitude sickness. It is recommended to spend a few days acclimatising before the tour, drinking lots of coca tea, and avoiding too much alcohol. Despite the potential for altitude sickness, the tour is definitely worth it for the incredible scenery.

There are both 1-day and 3-day tour options available. The 1-day tour is the cheapest option and usually involves a visit to the train cemetery, a stop in Colchani, and plenty of time for taking photos on the Salt Flats. The 3-day tour is the most popular option and usually involves seeing coloured lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, hot geysers, crazy rock formations, and more.

The unique setting of the Salt Flats also provides the opportunity for some fun perspective photography. Bring small items like toy animals, action figures, and props like sunglasses to create funny scenes for your photos.

Whether you choose a 1-day or 3-day tour, a visit to the Salt Flats is sure to be a memorable part of your trip to Bolivia.

Explore the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, covering around 5.5 million square kilometres. Given the opportunity to see rare flora and fauna, it's no surprise that it's at the top of many travellers' bucket lists.

When most people think of the Amazon, they think of Brazil. However, the Amazon basin actually stretches across nine countries in South America, one of which is Bolivia. Bolivia provides a budget-friendly option for exploring the rainforest. It's cheaper, and the tours are less crowded than in Brazil.

Where to Start

The starting point for trips into the Bolivian Amazon is the town of Rurrenabaque. It's easy to sign up for tours here, and it will be cheaper than booking in advance in La Paz. It's a small town, so it's simple to wander around and find a guesthouse while you check out a few tour agencies.

Pampas Tours

The pampas tours are the cheapest option and are where you'll see the most wildlife, including alligators, squirrel monkeys, and capybaras. However, this may not be the classic Amazon jungle experience you envisioned, as the pampas are a wetland savannah on the edge of the Amazon basin rather than deep in the jungle. The lack of trees means it's much easier to spot wildlife.

All tour operators offer near-identical three-day/two-night trips for around $75 USD, plus a park entrance fee of around $20 USD. Tours include transportation, food, and a guide. You get what you pay for, so expect basic accommodations and meals. Your guide may not be the most knowledgeable if you go with a very cheap operator. Since guides are so important to the overall experience, make sure you ask around for a company with good, knowledgeable guides.

Jungle Tours

For a more classic Amazon experience, opt for a jungle tour, where you can stay at an eco-lodge and do activities from there. Note that this can be pricey. You'll get a large, comfortable bungalow, great food, and a professionally run trip. Although it's triple the price of a pampas trip, this is still much less than you'd pay for a similar experience in Brazil.

Jungle treks are tiring in the heat and humidity, and there are many more mosquitoes than in the pampas. It is also much more difficult to spot wildlife.

When to Go

The best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is the dry season, from May to October, when there is more wildlife and fewer mosquitoes.

See the Valley of the Moon

The Valley of the Moon, or Valle de la Luna, is a geological formation located about 10 kilometres away from the urban centre of La Paz, Bolivia. It is a protected area that belongs to the district of Mallasa. The valley was formed due to erosion consuming the upper part of a mountain, made up of clay soil. This erosion has, over time, created a spectacular and unusual landscape of white chimneys.

The Valley of the Moon is said to have been named by Neil Armstrong because of its resemblance to the craters on the moon. Armstrong visited the site in 1969, a few months after he returned from the moon.

The Valley of the Moon is a popular tourist attraction, with two circular walking trails to choose from, each leading to different viewpoints. The longer trail takes around 45 minutes to complete, and the shorter trail takes 15 minutes. The cost to enter the valley is 15 bolivianos for foreigners, which is about two dollars. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes, as some trails are narrow and uneven.

You can get to the Valley of the Moon by booking a tour with one of the several tour agencies in La Paz, or by taking a taxi or bus from downtown La Paz. If you take the bus, first go to the paradero near San Francisco Church and Sagarnaga Street and catch the bus to Mallasa. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes.

Take a cable car in La Paz

La Paz is the world's highest capital city and is a beautiful, underrated destination in South America. One of the highlights of any trip to La Paz is taking a ride on Mi Teleférico, the city's cable car system. Operating at 4,000 metres above sea level, it is the highest cable car system in the world!

The cable car is an excellent way to get around the city and offers incredible views. It is also very affordable, with tickets costing less than a dollar. There are several different lines you can take, each offering unique perspectives of the city and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you may even spot the stunning Illimani mountain in the background.

The cable car system is easy to navigate and can be used just like a subway in any other city. The cars run frequently and are safe and clean. The stations are easy to find, and you can purchase tickets at any of them. The operating hours are typically Monday to Friday from 6 am to 9 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 am to 7 pm.

• Start at the Sopocachi station (yellow line) or the Prado station (light blue line), depending on where you are staying.
• From the light blue line, continue to the yellow line or vice versa.
• Make your way to the end of the yellow line and reach the 'Qhana Pata' viewpoint.
• Take the Silver line until you reach the blue and red station.
• At this point, you have two options: continue with the red line or take an extra ride on the dark blue line to reach the final station, El Alto. El Alto is worth visiting, but be cautious as the area has a reputation for being slightly dangerous. It is best to avoid wandering around El Alto after dark, and always be aware of your belongings. El Alto is home to the biggest open market in La Paz, with bustling streets full of vendors and unique services like shaman ceremonies. The market is especially busy and vibrant on Thursdays and Sundays.
• After your visit to El Alto, continue your journey on the red line, then change to the orange line, and finally to the white line. These lines will offer diverse and beautiful views of the city.
• By this point, you will be close to your starting point. If you have extra time, take the light blue line to the green line and make your way to the end of the green line - Irpawi.
• From Irpawi, you can take a taxi to the Moon Valley, a group of incredible rock formations located outside the city. However, it is not recommended to visit the Moon Valley late in the day or after dark.

So, if you're looking for a unique and affordable way to explore La Paz and take in breathtaking views, the cable car system is an excellent choice. Enjoy your journey and soak in the beauty of this South American gem!

Frequently asked questions