Exploring Bolivia's Mountainous Region: Activities And Adventures

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America, boasting rugged mountains, dense rainforests, massive salt flats, and a rich cultural heritage. The country can be divided into three unofficial geographical regions: the Región Andina (Andean Region), the Región Subandina (Sub-Andean Region), and the Región de Los Llanos Orientales (Llanos Region).

The Andean Region covers the western 28% of the country and includes parts of La Paz, Potosí, Oruro, Chuquisaca, and Cochabamba departments. This highly mountainous area is home to the Bolivian Andes and is located at an elevation of about 3,800m (12,400ft). Despite its relatively small size, it is one of the most populous regions in the country, with about 40% of Bolivians calling it home.

The Sub-Andean Region, located to the east of the Andean Region, is a mid-elevation area comprising the Los Yungas and Los Valles regions. It accounts for approximately 12% of the country and includes parts of Cochabamba, Tarija, Chuquisaca, and La Paz departments. The climate here is temperate, making it suitable for agricultural activities.

The Llanos Region is by far the largest region, encompassing about 60% of Bolivia's total land area. It includes nearly all of eastern and northern Bolivia, as well as parts of La Paz, Tarija, Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca, and Cochabamba departments. This region is characterised by mostly flat landscapes that are heavily forested, with much of it forming part of the Amazon Rainforest.

Now, let's delve into some of the specific attractions and activities that the mountain region of Bolivia has to offer.

Explore the Amazon rainforest

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America, with rugged mountains, dense rainforests, massive salt flats, and a rich cultural heritage. The Amazon Rainforest in Bolivia is a budget-friendly option for travellers, with fewer crowds and similar biodiversity to the Brazilian Amazon.

Getting There

The town of Rurrenabaque is the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon. You can either take a short but expensive flight from La Paz or opt for a much longer and bumpier bus ride. The flight is around 40 minutes and will cost between 500 and 700 Bolivianos. The bus ride takes between 12 and 18 hours and costs 150 Bolivianos.

When to Go

The best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is during the dry season, from May to October, when there are fewer mosquitoes and more wildlife. However, it will still be hot and humid, and you can expect the occasional rain shower.

What to Expect

The Amazon in Bolivia offers two different experiences: the Pampas and the Jungle. The Pampas is a wetland savannah with fewer trees, making it easier to spot wildlife such as alligators, squirrel monkeys, and capybaras. The Jungle provides a more classic Amazon experience with denser forest, making it more challenging to spot wildlife but offering a peaceful setting and the chance to see howler monkeys, tarantulas, frogs, butterflies, and snakes.

Tours

There are numerous tour operators offering packages to the Bolivian Amazon, with prices varying depending on the duration and location. A typical three-day/two-night tour in the Pampas costs around $75 USD plus a park entrance fee, while a similar tour in the Jungle can be triple the price. It is recommended to choose a reputable and ethical company that respects the animals and pays their guides well.

What to Keep in Mind

• Be prepared for hot, humid weather and mosquitoes.
• Wear light trekking clothes that cover your skin to protect yourself from bites.
• Bring bug spray and anti-malaria medication (although locals claim there is no malaria in the area).
• Do not touch or feed the animals.
• Choose a reliable tour operator by checking reviews and asking around for recommendations.
• Book your accommodation and transport in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak season.
• There is no reliable ATM in Rurrenabaque, so bring enough cash.

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest in Bolivia offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, discover rare flora and fauna, and experience the wild from a different perspective. With its affordability and accessibility, it is a great alternative to the Brazilian Amazon for budget-savvy travellers seeking adventure and a chance to connect with the natural world.

Visit Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni, also known as Salar de Tunupa, is the world's largest salt flat, or playa, at 10,582 square kilometres (4,086 sq mi) in area. It is located in the Daniel Campos Province in Potosí in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes, at an elevation of 3,656 m (11,995 ft) above sea level.

The Salar was formed as a result of transformations between several prehistoric lakes that existed around forty thousand years ago but had all evaporated over time. It is now covered by a few meters of salt crust, which has an extraordinary flatness with average elevation variations within one meter over the entire area of the Salar. The crust serves as a source of salt and covers a pool of brine, which is exceptionally rich in lithium.

The Salar is a major transport route across the Bolivian Altiplano and is a prime breeding ground for several species of flamingos. It is also a climatological transitional zone, as the towering tropical cumulus congestus and cumulonimbus incus clouds that form in the eastern part of the salt flat during the summer cannot permeate beyond its drier western edges, near the Chilean border and the Atacama Desert.

The Salar has been used as a filming location for movies such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Fall, Salt and Fire, and The Unseen.

When to Go

Salar de Uyuni has two distinct seasons. The rainy season (December to April) is when visitors come to witness the breathtaking mirror effect of the salt flat. Be wary of excessive rain in December and January, as it can cause tour cancellations. During the dry season (May to November), temperatures are colder, the ground has hardened, and tourists can drive across the stark white landscape to places that aren't accessible in the rainy season.

How to Get There

The logistics of your trip to Salar de Uyuni will depend on where you're coming from. The most popular jumping-off point for salt flats tours is Uyuni, Bolivia, a small, dusty town packed with tourism agencies in Plaza Arce, its main square. Flights from La Paz to Uyuni can be booked through Amaszonas and BoA (one hour, about $130 round-trip). Overnight buses from La Paz are available with Trans Omar and Todo Turismo (10-12 hours, $30 to $40 each way).

What to Do

One of the highlights of Salar de Uyuni is its endless horizon, which allows photographers to play with perspective and depth of field. Stage battle scenes with toy dinosaurs, cook your friends in pots and pans, or crawl out of seemingly giant jars of peanut butter. The key to great photos is to get the camera low to the ground and close to your prop.

Where to Stay

A number of hotels have been built in the area, including the Palacio de Sal, which was erected in 1993-1995 in the middle of the salt flat and soon became a popular tourist destination. However, its location in the centre of a desert caused sanitation problems, and the hotel had to be dismantled in 2002. A new hotel with the same name was built in 2007 at the eastern edge of Salar de Uyuni, 25 km away from the town of Uyuni. The hotel has a dry sauna and a steam room, a saltwater pool, and whirlpool baths.

Take a boat tour to Isla del Sol

Bolivia's Isla del Sol is a must-see destination, steeped in Incan history and boasting stunning natural scenery. Located in the middle of the sacred Lake Titicaca, the island is accessible only by boat from Copacabana, Bolivia, making a boat tour the ideal way to experience this unique destination. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your boat tour to Isla del Sol:

Getting There

To reach Isla del Sol, you can take a boat from Copacabana, which is about a 2-hour journey. You can opt for a private boat service or a public shared boat. Private boats can be arranged through tour companies like Peru Hop and Bolivia Hop, which offer daily departures from Copacabana. The round trip costs around $10 USD and includes entry to the island. Alternatively, you can take a public shared boat, which costs between 5 to 7 USD. These boats depart twice daily, at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm, from the White Anchor in Copacabana.

Boat Ride Experience

The boat ride to Isla del Sol takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the departure point and weather conditions. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush green hills, and the vast blue waters of Lake Titicaca. The lake itself holds cultural significance as it is shared by both Peru and Bolivia, with 56% belonging to Peru and 44% to Bolivia. Keep an eye out for cute llamas and other animals that call the island home!

What to Expect on the Island

Isla del Sol is known for its tranquil atmosphere and absence of motorised vehicles, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind. The island is rich in Incan history and is believed to be the birthplace of the Sun God, Inti, according to Incan legend. It is also where Inti created his son and daughter, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the founders of the Inca Empire.

The island offers a mix of tourist attractions and natural exploration. On the north side of the island, you'll find pre-Columbian ruins such as the Rock of the Puma, the Inca Table, and the Footsteps of the Sun. Cha'llapampa, the town at the northern end, also houses the Gold Museum, showcasing underwater Inca treasures. The south side is home to the Yumani community, where you can descend the Inca steps to the port and visit the Fountain of Youth. The temple of Pilcocaina is also located further south.

Practical Information

When visiting Isla del Sol, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, there is an admission fee of 10 bolivianos to enter the island. Additionally, it is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and layers to stay warm as the weather can be chilly. There are limited dining options on the island, so it is advisable to bring snacks and water. Finally, there are no ATMs on the island, so ensure you bring enough cash to cover any expenses.

Visit the Witches Market in La Paz

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America, boasting rugged mountains, dense rainforests, massive salt flats, and a rich cultural heritage. The country is home to a plethora of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural and historical sites.

One of the most unique and intriguing attractions in the mountain region of Bolivia is the Witches' Market in La Paz. Here are some reasons why you should visit:

• Immerse yourself in the mystical side of Bolivian culture: The Witches' Market, or "El Mercado de las Brujas," is a place where local witch doctors, known as "yatiri," offer a glimpse into the country's rich spiritual traditions. The yatiri are easily recognisable by their black hats and coca pouches filled with amulets, talismans, and powders. They sell a variety of items, including potions, dried frogs, and medicinal plants like retama, all of which are believed to possess magical properties.
• Shop for unique souvenirs and ritual ingredients: The Witches' Market offers a wide range of unusual products that you won't find anywhere else. Among the most popular items are dried llama fetuses, which are said to bring prosperity and good luck. These fetuses are buried under the foundations of new buildings as offerings to Pachamama, the goddess revered by the Aymara people. You can also find soapstone figurines, aphrodisiacs, owl feathers, dried turtles and snakes, herbs, and folk remedies.
• Explore the lively atmosphere: The Witches' Market is located in a bustling tourist area of La Paz, on Calle Jiminez and Linares between Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz. Dozens of vendors line the streets, creating a vibrant and fascinating atmosphere. As you wander through the market, you'll encounter witch doctors offering fortune-telling services and ritual items, creating a unique and captivating experience.
• Learn about traditional rituals and beliefs: The items sold in the Witches' Market are not just souvenirs; they are integral parts of Bolivian rituals and spiritual practices. For example, dried frogs are used in Aymara rituals, and armadillos are used in other traditional Bolivian ceremonies. By purchasing and learning about these items, you can gain a deeper understanding of the country's cultural and spiritual heritage.
• Discover the power of Pachamama: According to Bolivian beliefs, Pachamama is a goddess who resides in the mountains and is revered as the "Earth Mother." By purchasing a dried llama fetus to offer to Pachamama or learning about the rituals associated with her, you can gain insight into the deep reverence and connection that Bolivians have with their natural environment.

A visit to the Witches' Market in La Paz offers a unique and captivating experience that blends culture, spirituality, and tradition. It provides a window into the mystical side of Bolivia and allows you to explore practices that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're seeking good luck, curious about folk remedies, or simply wanting to immerse yourself in the local culture, a trip to the Witches' Market is sure to be memorable.

Visit the Incallajta ruins

The Incallajta ruins are a must-see when visiting the mountain region of Bolivia. This archaeological site, located in the Cochabamba Department, is the largest Inca site in the country and covers an area of 67 hectares. It was once a series of cities built by the Incas to control the advances of the Chiriguano Indians into the semi-tropical valleys of what are now the Cochabamba and Santa Cruz states.

Incallajta is believed to have been constructed between 1463 and 1472 during the rule of Tupa Inca Yupanqui and later reconstructed by Inca Huayana Capac. The site includes the Kalanka, a large space with a longitude of 70 meters, 12 doors, and 44 niches. It also has habitational, defensive, military, religious, and agricultural areas, as well as towers for astronomical use.

The most prominent feature of the ruins is the immense stone fortification that sprawls across alluvial terraces above the Río Machajmarka. There are at least 50 other structures scattered across the 30-hectare site, including an ushnu, or ritual platform, and the Torreon of Inkallaqta, a six-sided structure with possible calendrical or astronomical significance.

To visit the Incallajta ruins, it is recommended to join a guided tour or have your own transportation. Camping is also an option, but be sure to bring plenty of water, food, and warm clothing. The nearest town, Pocona, is 17km from the ruins and has an information centre and a small exhibition of archaeological finds from the site.

Incallajta is a remote and rarely visited site, but it is well worth the trip to explore this significant piece of Bolivian history and take in the stunning mountain scenery.

Frequently asked questions