Exploring Bolivia's Wonders In A Whirlwind 48 Hours

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America with some of the most spectacular natural wonders on the continent. It is also the most multiethnic country in South America, with over 50% of the population being indigenous.

If you only have two days to spend in Bolivia, you might want to focus on one or two destinations. Here are some suggestions for places to visit and things to do:

- La Paz: The country's largest city and administrative capital, La Paz is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Plaza San Francisco, take a cable car ride on the Mi Teleférico, explore the Witches Market, and immerse yourself in the history of the colonial Calle Jaén.

- Salar de Uyuni: The world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, is a breathtaking landscape that will make you feel like you're on another planet. A 3-day tour is recommended to fully appreciate the area, including a visit to the Isla Incahuasi, a cactus-covered island in the salt flat.

- Lake Titicaca: One of the main natural wonders in Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, shared between Bolivia and Peru. Visit the floating islands of the Uros people and explore the archaeological sites of Isla del Sol, believed to be the birthplace of the sun god in Inca society.

- Potosí: A lovely colonial town in Bolivia, Potosí is known for its mines and the majestic Cerro Rico mountain. Take a tour of the mines to learn about the harsh working conditions and the history of silver extraction during the Spanish colonial period.

- Sucre: The official capital of Bolivia, Sucre is a charming colonial city with white-dominated facades. Visit the Casa de la Libertad, the San Felipe Nery Convent, and climb the hill to the La Recoleta Monastery for amazing views of the city.

Explore La Paz and its surroundings

La Paz is the biggest city in Bolivia and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It is also one of the two capitals of the country, the other being Sucre. It is the highest capital city in the world, sitting at an elevation of almost 12,000 feet above sea level.

Things to do in La Paz

• Take in a panorama from Mirador Monticulo, a viewing area with stunning views of the city.
• Immerse yourself in the rich history of the colonial Calle Jaén, a cobblestone street that is considered the finest colonial street in La Paz.
• Traverse the eclectic Witch's Market or Mercado de Las Brujas, where you can find everything from dried frogs to llama fetuses, amulets, and folk remedies.
• Visit Plaza Murillo, the central square in La Paz, surrounded by government buildings, including the Presidential Palace, and a cathedral.
• Explore Mi Teleferico, La Paz's cable car system, which offers stunning views of the city and is a great way to get around.
• Check out the San Francisco Basilica, La Paz's numero uno Catholic church, which holds various religious relics, spooky catacombs, and offers unbeatable views of the city from its bell tower.
• Experience the thrill of Urban Rush, a crazy abseiling experience that sees brave tourists leaping down the face of a 17-story hotel overlooking Plaza San Francisco.
• Wander along Jaen Street, La Paz's best-preserved colonial street, filled with cafes, restaurants, and museums.
• Shop for souvenirs at the city's tourist market on Calle Sagarnaga and Linares, where you can find quality Bolivian handicrafts at rock-bottom prices.
• Take a day trip to Tiwanaku, located about 44 miles west of La Paz, which is one of the most important precursors to the Inca Empire.

La Paz Surroundings

• Visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), an unusual sight on the outskirts of La Paz, featuring a collection of canyons and spires that resemble the moon's landscape.
• Cycle the Yungas Road, also known as the "World's Most Dangerous Road," which runs from La Paz to Bolivia's Amazon rainforest region. It is a favourite among mountain bikers for the 40-mile stretch of downhill riding from La Cumbre to the city.
• Take a trip to Lake Titicaca, one of the main natural wonders in Bolivia and the highest navigable lake in the world. On the lake, you will find the Island of the Sun, one of the most mythical places of the Inca culture.

Visit the Salar de Uyuni

The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, covering 10,582 square kilometres in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes. It is an incredible sight, with a thick crust of salt stretching to the horizon, quilted with polygonal patterns. The Salar was formed by the transformation and evaporation of several prehistoric lakes. It is now covered by a few metres of salt crust, which serves as a source of salt and covers a pool of brine rich in lithium.

The Salar is a major transport route across the Bolivian Altiplano and is a breeding ground for several species of flamingos. It is also a popular tourist destination, with a number of hotels built from salt blocks cut from the Salar.

The best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni is during the rainy season from December to April, when a thin layer of water transforms the flats into a stunning mirror. During this time, you can witness the breathtaking mirror effect, with the sky perfectly reflected in the water. However, be wary of excessive rain, which can cause tour cancellations.

The dry season from May to November offers a different experience, with colder temperatures and a hardened ground. This is the best time to drive across the stark white landscape and explore areas that are not accessible during the rainy season.

There are various tour options available, ranging from one to four days. The longer tours include stops in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, where you can see snowy mountains, colourful lagoons, geysers, rock formations, and flamingos. Most tours depart from the town of Uyuni, which can be reached by bus or plane from La Paz.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that Uyuni can be quite dusty and basic in terms of accommodation and infrastructure. It is recommended to book your tour upon arrival in Uyuni to get the best price.

The Salar de Uyuni is a unique and otherworldly destination that will leave you amazed and feeling like you're on another planet. It is a must-see when visiting Bolivia and will provide you with unforgettable experiences and photo opportunities.

Take a Cholitas wrestling tour

If you're looking for a quirky, unique experience in Bolivia, look no further than the 'Cholitas' wrestling shows in El Alto, just outside La Paz. This theatrical, comedic show is inspired by North American professional wrestling and has become a popular attraction for both foreigners and locals alike. The show is performed by a group of indigenous women, dressed in their traditional pollera (skirt), shawl and bowler hat, who perform an array of athletic moves in a display of empowerment and strength.

History of Cholitas Wrestling

The history of Cholitas wrestling dates back to the mid-2000s when a group of indigenous women who were domestic violence victims started practising the sport as a form of stress relief and a way to regain a sense of empowerment. Juan Mamani, a promoter, recognised the potential of this group and brought the pastime into the professional realm.

The Show

The Cholitas wrestling shows are held in the Coliseo 12 de Octubre in El Alto. The show runs for about one and a half hours and typically includes a mix of genders performing theatrical stunts, suplexes, body slams and high-flying acrobatic manoeuvres. The Cholitas shows also include interactive elements with the crowd, such as kissing audience members and throwing drinks and popcorn.

The Cholitas shows are performed in the style of classic Mexican lucha libre, with a técnica, who fights clean and represents good, and a ruda, who fights dirty and represents evil. This type of wrestling originated in the United States and was influenced by Mexican wrestlers, who introduced colourful masks and dramatic storylines.

Tour Options

There are several tour companies that offer trips to the Cholitas wrestling shows, including Red Cap and Andean Secrets. Tours typically include transportation from central La Paz to El Alto and back, with pickups from hotels or meeting points. Some tours also offer upgrades, such as the Supertour, which includes a mask and t-shirt. Tickets for the show can also be purchased at the door for about $13 USD.

The Cholitas wrestling shows take place on Thursdays and Sundays, with shows starting at 5:30 pm and 4:30 pm respectively. It's important to note that pickups for tours are only available on Sundays, and on Thursdays, pickups are from fixed meeting points due to traffic in La Paz.

Discover the Isla del Sol

Isla del Sol, or the Island of the Sun, is a large island in the southern part of Lake Titicaca, which is divided between Bolivia and Peru. The island is easily accessible from the tourist city of Copacabana, located on the lakeshore. Isla del Sol is a must-see destination when visiting Lake Titicaca and can be explored in a day.

The island is known for its strong connection to the Inca civilisation and is considered a sacred site. According to legends, the Inca empire was born on this island, and it was once an important centre of pre-Columbian settlement. The island's name originates from the Temple of the Sun, where Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the founders of the Inca dynasty, were believed to have been sent to earth by the sun god.

Isla del Sol offers stunning views, great hikes, and a glimpse into the past with its pre-Columbian ruins. The island has several traditional communities, decent tourist infrastructure, and amazing sunsets. The main village, Yumani, is located at the south end of the island, and boats usually drop visitors at the village dock. From there, you can explore the beautifully reconstructed Escalera del Inca (Inca stairway) and discover the nearby ruins complex.

The island is home to over 80 ruins, most of which date back to the Inca period of the 15th century AD. Among these ruins are Titi Qala, a labyrinth-like building called Chinkana, Q'asa Pata, and Pillkukayna. The most spectacular ruins lie near the island's northern tip, featuring the Palacio del Inca, a maze of stone walls.

Isla del Sol also offers agricultural terraces dating back to the Inca times, which are still maintained and used today. The island's terrain is rocky and hilly, with many eucalyptus trees. There are no motor vehicles or paved roads, and the main economic activities for the approximately 800 families are farming, fishing, and tourism.

A visit to Isla del Sol provides a unique opportunity to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of this sacred island in the heart of Bolivia.

Hike the Cordillera Real Traverse

The Cordillera Real is a sub-range of the Andes mountains, located in Bolivia. The range was named by 16th-century conquistadors for its majestic snow-capped peaks. The Cordillera Real is approximately 125 km long and 25 km wide, with nine peaks over 6,000 m and more than 600 peaks over 5,000 m. The range is situated in west-central Bolivia, with Lake Titicaca and Peru to the west, and the Amazon Jungle to the east.

The Cordillera Real receives relatively little backpacking traffic compared to other South American hiking destinations such as Patagonia and Peru's Cusco and Cordillera Blanca regions. The hike offers a combination of cross-country, animal trails, established paths, and occasional stretches on dirt roads. The terrain is challenging, with 90% of the hiking taking place above 4,400 m, and 23 passes to navigate in a span of only 241 km. It is recommended that hikers are fit and experienced before attempting this trek.

The southern terminus of the Cordillera Real Traverse is Cohoni Village, at the base of Nevado Illimani, and the northern terminus is Sorata, at the base of Nevado Illampu. The highest elevation along the route is 5,295 m at "No Name Pass". The hike typically takes between 14 and 19 days to complete, including a rest day in La Paz for acclimatization. Resupply options are limited, so hikers need to be prepared to carry up to five days' worth of food.

The Cordillera Real Traverse offers stunning views of snowy peaks, turquoise lakes, and tropical glaciers. The trails are mostly visible, although there may be multiple trails to choose from in some sections. The route passes through small stone houses, seasonal settlements of local herdsmen, and farming communities. The local people are generally friendly and welcoming, although it is recommended to take standard safety precautions when travelling through this region.

Frequently asked questions