Discover Bolivia's Must-See Attractions And Destinations

Bolivia is a land of surreal landscapes, from the world's largest salt flats to the rugged Amazonian rainforest. This South American country is a nature lover's paradise, offering a variety of ecosystems, from the soaring Andean peaks to the biologically diverse Madidi National Park.

- Salar de Uyuni: The vast salt flats create a perfect mirror during the rainy season, providing a unique and mesmerising experience.

- La Paz: A bustling metropolis nestled in a natural hollow, where indigenous traditions coexist with modern city life. The cable car system offers breathtaking bird's-eye views.

- Madidi National Park: Part of the Bolivian Amazon, this park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including pink dolphins and capybaras.

- Sucre: The nation's capital, known as the White City, boasts well-preserved colonial architecture and is the site where the Bolivian republic was founded.

- Potosí: Once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the Americas due to its silver mines, Potosí now offers a glimpse into its affluent past through its impressive colonial architecture.

- Death Road: Formerly one of the world's most dangerous roads, this gravel route connecting La Paz to Los Yungas is now a thrilling cycling adventure.

- Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world, home to the Isla del Sol, which is revered as the legendary birthplace of the Inca sun god.

- Samaipata: A charming village with a year-round pleasant climate, offering a relaxing atmosphere and natural attractions such as the Las Cuevas waterfalls and Amboró National Park.

- Tiwanaku: A pre-Incan archaeological site with impressive stone gateways, statues, and walls adorned with faces, providing a glimpse into a civilisation that predated the Incas.

The Salar de Uyuni salt flats

The best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni salt flats is during the rainy season, from December to April. During this time, nearby lakes overflow and a thin layer of water transforms the flats into a stunning reflection of the sky. This mirror effect, as it is often called, is a beautiful and otherworldly sight. However, be wary of excessive rain during the months of December and January, as it can cause tour cancellations.

During the dry season, from May to November, the ground hardens and visitors can drive across the stark white landscape to places that are not accessible during the rainy season. The dry season is also the best time to see the polygonal patterns of salt that rise from the ground. Tour operators consider June through August their high period, and rates may rise accordingly.

The landscape of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats is completely flat, creating an endless horizon that is optimal for perspective photos. It is no wonder that this part of the world is regarded as a paradise for photographers.

In addition to its stunning visual appeal, the Salar de Uyuni is also a major transport route across the Bolivian Altiplano. It is also a prime breeding ground for several species of flamingos and a lucrative extraction site for salt and lithium.

La Paz

• Take in the views from the cable car system, which offers a wonderful bird's-eye perspective of the city.
• Visit the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market) to learn about the mysticism of Aymara culture.
• Explore the nearby natural attractions, such as the cactus-filled Valle de Luna, for a quick break from the busy streets.
• Hike along the Inca Trail to the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, located about two hours outside of La Paz.
• Summit Huayna Potosí, a towering 6,088-metre (19,974 ft.) mountain that looms behind the city.
• Experience the Death Road, a former road connecting La Paz to Los Yungas that is now closed to motor traffic and used for mountain biking.
• Soar over the city in the Mi Teleferico, the highest cable car system in the world at 4000 metres above sea level.

Madidi National Park

The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, with elevations ranging from 180 to 5,760 metres above sea level. The climate varies with elevation, from cold in the alpine region to moderate at mid-level elevations, and tropical in the northern lowlands. The dry season lasts from May to September, while the wet season spans from October to March.

The park is also home to indigenous groups, including the Tacanan-speaking Tacana and Ese Ejja, the closely related Tsimané and Mosetén, and the voluntarily isolated Toromona. The local inhabitants, who migrated from the Andean highlands, speak the Quechua language.

Sucre

• Explore the city's stunning colonial core, including Plaza 25 de Mayo (the main square), the Freedom House, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the San Felipe church.
• Visit Parque Cretácico to see the world's largest dinosaur footprints, which belong to several species, including Sauropods.
• Learn about Bolivian culture and history by visiting some of the city's excellent museums, such as the Museo del Tesoro, the Freedom House, the Museum of Indigenous Art, and the Ethnographic Museum.
• Shop for artisanal products and local goodies at the Mercado Central, where you can find everything from fruits and coffee to alpaca sweaters.
• Visit Castillo de la Glorieta, Bolivia's only royal castle, which was home to the country's only two royals, Princess Clotilde and Prince Francisco.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Recoleta Convent viewpoint and the roofs of the San Felipe Cathedral.
• Feast on local specialties such as salteña empanadas at El Patio Salteñeria, or try Bolivian food at Café el Mirador or the central market.
• Take a day trip to the Seven Waterfalls or the Maragua Crater for some of the best hikes near Sucre.

With its beautiful architecture, rich history, and cultural attractions, Sucre is a captivating city that will leave you wanting to stay longer.

Potosí

In addition to the mines, Potosí has a number of other attractions, including:

• Casa Nacional de Moneda: This is Potosí's grand colonial-era mint where the silver from Cerro Rico was turned into coins before being shipped off to Spain. Now a museum, it features a collection of contemporary and religious art, as well as artifacts from its coin-pressing days.
• Colonial buildings: Potosí's city center boasts several impressive and well-preserved colonial churches and buildings, including the Torre de la Compañía de Jesús, the Catedral de la Ciudad de Potosí, the Convento Museo Santa Teresa, and the Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas.
• Hot Springs: Half an hour from the city center, Tarapaya is home to some pleasant thermal baths. There is a basic resort with a restaurant, hotel, and pools, as well as a naturally heated outdoor lagoon called Ojo del Inca.

Frequently asked questions