Exploring Bolivia: Itinerary Ideas For Your Next Adventure

Bolivia is a captivating country full of contrasts, from bustling cities to indigenous communities, volcanoes, lakes, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, salt flats, and colonial architecture. It is a perfect destination for holidaymakers, long-term travellers, adventure seekers, and history and culture lovers.

La Paz, the de-facto capital of Bolivia, is a great place to start your journey. You can explore the city by strolling through Plaza Murillo, picking up souvenirs at Calle Sagarnaga, and soaring over the city in colourful cable cars. Don't miss the Witches' Market, where you can find a bizarre array of wares, and the Cholitas wrestling match, where indigenous Andean women showcase their athletic prowess in the wrestling ring.

From La Paz, you can take a day trip to the famous Death Road, one of the top attractions in Bolivia. This downhill mountain biking experience is not for the faint of heart. Another popular day trip from La Paz is to the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, which date back over 2,000 years and were once the centre of a sprawling empire.

No trip to Bolivia is complete without a visit to sacred Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Here, you can explore the unique lifestyle of the Uros Indians, who live on curious floating islands made of reeds. You can also visit the Isla de la Luna, home to the Inca nunnery of the Iñak Uyu Sun Virgins, and the Isla del Sol, revered as the legendary birthplace of the sun god.

Another must-see destination in Bolivia is the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. This vast expanse confounds the senses, especially after the rains when the sky and earth blend to create a mirror-like effect. A three-day tour of the salt flats will also take you to abandoned trains, colourful mineral lakes, and geysers.

If you have more time, there are plenty of other places to explore in Bolivia, including the Amazon rainforest, the silver mines of Potosí, the colonial architecture of Sucre, and the diverse national parks such as Amboró and Madidi.

La Paz

Day 1

Take a ride on the city's aerial cable car system, a main form of public transportation for locals, but a great way for tourists to get a first impression of the city. The cable cars offer fabulous views and a unique perspective of the city.

Day 2

Take a day trip to the Tiwanaku Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tiwanaku was the capital of an empire that stretched from Bolivia into Peru and Chile. The ruins and on-site museums give an insight into the Tiwanaku civilization and its culture.

Day 3

Explore the central area of La Paz. Head to Plaza Murillo, a lively square of political significance, surrounded by government buildings, including the National Congress of Bolivia and the Presidential Palace. Visit the Cathedral of La Paz, and the Witches' Market, a unique attraction due to the types of goods for sale. Here, you will find herbal and folk remedies, spells, potions, and llama fetuses, which are traditionally given as an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Day 4

Take a day trip to Palca Canyon, a peaceful and relaxing area outside of the bustling city. The canyon offers fabulous views of the surrounding landscape and Mt. Illimani.

Day 5

Visit Moon Valley, just 10 kilometres from downtown La Paz. This location offers an intriguing insight into the city's topography, with clay pinnacles jutting up from an eroded hillside.

Other attractions in La Paz include:

• Killi Killi Lookout, which offers a 360-degree view of the city.
• The Gold Museum and Museum of Musical Instruments.
• Plaza de San Francisco, a popular meeting place for locals.

Lake Titicaca

The Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca is believed to be the birthplace of the Incas and is usually regarded as more beautiful than the Peruvian side. The lake is located just 72 kilometres from the capital city of La Paz and is accessible by road or boat. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November, and be sure to bring sunblock as the area receives strong solar radiation!

There are several things to do and see on Lake Titicaca. Here is a suggested itinerary for spending two days in the area:

Day 1

• Take a boat ride across the lake, stopping at Sun Island (Isla del Sol) and Moon Island (Isla de la Luna).
• Visit Copacabana, a charming town on the southern shore of the lake that is a popular pilgrimage site.
• Hike from Copacabana to the nearby village of Yampupata.
• Watch the sunset from Cerro Calvario, a popular spot with beautiful views.

Day 2

• Explore the islands of Lake Titicaca, including the Uros Uruitos islands, home to the Uros Indians who live on curious floating islands made of reeds.
• Visit the Inca nunnery of the Iñak Uyu Sun Virgins on Moon Island, one of the most significant archaeological sites on the lake.
• Take a 10-minute boat crossing to Sun Island, revered in Inca society as the legendary birthplace of the sun god.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of the lake's sapphire surface and explore the ancient ruins and local communities on the island.

Uyuni Salt Flats

The Uyuni Salt Flats, or Salar de Uyuni, is the world's largest salt flat, left behind by the evaporation of prehistoric lakes. It is one of the most extreme and remarkable vistas in South America, if not the world. Covering more than 4,050 square miles of the Altiplano, a thin layer of rainwater can transform the flats into a mirror-like reflective canvas of the sky. In the dry season, polygonal patterns of salt rise from the ground, creating a stark white landscape.

The Uyuni Salt Flats are accessible from La Paz, Bolivia, and San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. It is recommended to book your tour in advance and to opt for a 3-day tour to make the most of the experience. The tour includes a visit to the train cemetery, salt hotels, salt mounds, isolated islands, and plenty of time for photography. The 3-day tour also covers coloured lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, geysers, rock formations, and painted volcanoes.

The best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats depends on the experience you are looking for. The rainy season, from December to April, offers the opportunity to witness the salt flats transform into a giant mirror. During this time, the flats are flooded, creating stunning optical illusions and unique photo opportunities. However, be cautious of excessive rain, as it can lead to tour cancellations. The dry season, from May to November, provides colder temperatures and access to areas that are not accessible during the rainy season.

When planning your trip to the Uyuni Salt Flats, keep in mind the potential for altitude sickness. Uyuni is located at a high altitude of 3,656 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, and proper acclimatization is essential. It is recommended to spend a day or two in La Paz before embarking on the salt flats tour to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Sucre

Bolivia's capital, Sucre, is a beautiful city with a rich history and a relaxed atmosphere. Known as "La Ciudad Blanca" (The White City), Sucre is filled with whitewashed colonial buildings, bell towers, and rooftop terraces. Located in the southern part of Bolivia's Central Highlands, the city was established in 1538 during the Spanish colonial era. With its well-preserved architecture, Sucre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. Here are some places to visit and things to do during your stay in Sucre:

• Plaza 25 de Mayo: The city's main square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Cathedral, Liberty House, and State Government Building. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Casa de la Libertad (Liberty House): Considered the birthplace of Bolivia, as the Declaration of Independence was signed here in 1825. This museum chronicles the turbulent history of the country.
• Parque Simon Bolivar: A long, tree-lined park across from the Supreme Court, offering a quiet escape from the city centre. It features an archway and a miniature Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
• Convento de San Felipe de Neri: A former monastery turned school, with exquisite architecture and one of the best places to admire the city's panoramic views.
• La Recoleta Monastery: Located at Plaza Anzurez, another popular gathering place and lookout point in Sucre.
• Cafes and Restaurants: Sucre has a vibrant food scene, offering both gourmet meals and street food at affordable prices. Some recommended spots include La Taverne, El Huerto, Cafe Florin, and Los Balcones.
• Museo del Tesoro: The Treasure Museum houses gold, silver, and other precious gems, showcasing the country's mining history.
• Parque Cretácico: This unique museum is home to Cal Orck'o, a giant wall containing thousands of dinosaur footprints from different species.
• El Castillo de La Glorieta: A pink castle located outside the city, featuring a mix of Byzantine, Moorish, and Gothic architectural styles. It was once occupied by Bolivia's only royal family.
• Language Schools: Sucre is known for its language schools, making it a great place to learn Spanish.
• Maragua Crater: A trekking destination that offers panoramic views of swirling multi-coloured rocks, dinosaur footprints, cave paintings, and a section of the Inca trail.

Santa Cruz

• Plaza 24 de Septiembre: This large square is a social gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It features gorgeous plants, tall palm trees and benches. The square's most dominant building is the cathedral, which can be visited for free. For a small fee, you can climb the bell tower for views of the city.
• Catedral de Santa Cruz: This beautiful Spanish colonial-style cathedral is unusual in that it is made of red bricks instead of stone and stucco. The inside is nicely decorated with paintings and has a wooden ceiling. The square outside is a beautiful tree-lined promenade where people stroll, sit, talk, and enjoy ice cream.
• Biocentro Güembe Mariposario: This eco-park and pool complex is a bit far from the city centre and is hard to reach by public transport. It features a monkey jungle, a butterfly house, a vast parrot cage, and an orchid garden. There are also pools connected by waterfalls and small slides, surrounded by palm trees and colourful flowers.
• Jardin Botanico Santa Cruz: This botanical garden is famous for its flora and fauna, including native trees, colourful butterflies, birds, monkeys, and sloths. There is also a lagoon with an artificial waterfall and turtles.
• Parque Lomas de Arena: This national park features sand dunes that cover over 3000 hectares. Tours to the dunes include activities such as wildlife spotting, sandboarding, and a visit to the Palmasola Prison to learn about its dark past.
• Markets: Santa Cruz is a trade city, so its markets are bustling. Some markets to check out include Los Pozos Market, Mercado Nuevo, and Market Barrio Lindo.

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