Are you planning a trip to Bolivia and curious about the best places to visit? Bolivia, located in western-central South America, is a popular spot for tourists, especially backpackers and budget travelers. The country is incredibly diverse, offering a range of experiences from salt flats and deserts to mountains, vibrant cities, ancient ruins, stunning landmarks, and lush jungles.
One must-visit site in Bolivia is the Salar de Uyuni, a massive salt flat located in southwest Bolivia near the Andes. Covering over 10,000 square kilometers, it is the largest salt flat in the world. At an elevation of 3,656 meters above sea level, it’s surrounded by majestic mountains. A three-day jeep tour around Salar de Uyuni is highly recommended. You’ll witness impressive salt and rock formations, colorful lakes, geysers, hot springs, and flocks of flamingos. The sheer vastness of the salt flat is breathtaking, making it an unforgettable experience. It’s also a popular filming location for several movies.
Another thrilling experience is exploring Death Road, officially known as North Yungas Road. This narrow mountain road is a significant tourist attraction, often explored on bicycles. It’s famously treacherous due to its steep slopes, narrow path, and lack of guardrails, as well as frequent fog and rain. The route spans 64 kilometers with a 3,500-meter descent, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe. Many local tour operators offer downhill biking tours on this dangerous road. It’s crucial to choose a reliable company to ensure safety, as quality bikes and functioning brakes are essential. Despite the risks, Death Road remains one of the best activities in Bolivia.
La Paz, the third-most populous city in Bolivia, is another must-see destination. Nestled amid snow-capped peaks, it is one of the most stunning cities in the country. Spend a couple of days here, not just to explore but also to acclimatize, as La Paz sits at 3,640 meters above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the world. The city boasts several colonial landmarks and numerous viewpoints offering panoramic views of both the city and surrounding mountains. La Paz is home to Teleférico La Paz, the longest urban cable car network in the world, which is a fantastic way to travel around the city. The city’s markets are vibrant and varied; the Witches’ Market sells potions, talismans, medicinal plants, and even dried llama fetuses, while Mercado 16 de Julio is one of the largest street markets in Bolivia and Latin America.
For a unique day trip, visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), located just 12 kilometers from La Paz. Known for its unusual erosion patterns, jagged rocks, and tall spires, it’s an extraordinary place to explore.
Lake Titicaca, straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru in the Andes, is not to be missed. It is the largest lake in South America and the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, with a surface elevation of 3,812 meters. Within Lake Titicaca, the Isla del Sol is a popular destination. This island, filled with more than 100 ruins mainly from the Inca period, offers a glimpse into fascinating history and legends, including where the sun was said to have been created according to Inca lore. Nearby, Tiwanaku is a pre-Columbian archaeological site featuring temples, stone monoliths, and the iconic Gate of the Sun arch.
The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is Bolivia’s most visited protected area, renowned for its natural beauty. Highlights include volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, sandy deserts, and picturesque lakes.
Lastly, the Amazon rainforest, primarily contained within Brazil but also accessible from Bolivia, is a budget-friendly option for travelers. Head to Rurrenabaque, a small town that serves as a gateway to the Bolivian Amazon. From there, you can arrange guided tours to the Yacuma River and Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Exploring this part of the Amazon can add a thrilling and enlightening dimension to your Bolivian adventure.