From Amazon jungle to the world’s largest salt flats by way of soaring Andean peaks, Bolivia rewards travelers with a giddying variety of landscapes.
Better still, this quiet corner of South America doesn’t see half as many visitors as neighboring Argentina, Brazil or Chile, so you can admire the views without a crush.
This general lack of crowds means you’ll have no problems lining up essential Bolivian experiences. Try the hair-raising bike ride down the so-called Death Road between La Paz and Los Yungas or take a drink from the fabled Fountain of Youth at Lake Titicaca.
Authentic, adventurous, and largely unscarred by mass tourism, Bolivia is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Start planning your trip there right now with our favorite places to visit in Bolivia.
1. La Paz
Best place for art, culture and nightlife
Built into a natural hollow framed by the Cordillera Real mountains, La Paz stands at a dizzying 3600m (11,811ft) above sea level, so don’t overdo things in the first couple of days. At first look, this majestic city can – quite literally – take your breath away.
La Paz is a bustling and dynamic metropolis where indigenous traditions coexist with the modernity of a big city, making for an unmissable stop.
The lively center combines colonial architecture with colorful modern buildings from Bolivia’s post-independence period. In amongst it all are art museums, a growing gastronomic scene and plenty of vibrant nightlife.
A cable car system offers wonderful bird’s eye views of the city, and you can dip into the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches Market) to learn about the mysticism of Aymara culture.
Planning tip: Take a short break from the busy streets of the administrative capital with a visit to a number of rewarding natural attractions, including the cactus-filled Valle de Luna, all within easy striking distance of La Paz.
2. Salar de Uyuni
Unmissable Bolivian experience
Undoubtedly the pick of Bolivia’s tourist sights, the endless, dazzling-white Salar de Uyuni (salt flats of Uyuni) were formed by the disappearance of an inland ocean that once covered most of the altiplano (high plateau).
As the waters evaporated, they left behind the world’s largest salt flats, usually visited on three-day 4WD tours from the town of Uyuni, with side stops at the deserts, geysers, hot springs…
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