Bolivia is one of South America’s most diverse and intriguing countries. It has a complex history, as well as ongoing concerns in terms of poverty, unemployment and political unrest.
Bolivia, however, also has an incredible mix of natural landscapes, culture and food and drink. It is home to South America’s largest percentage of indigenous people, with an ever-present abundance of traditions and customs.
Travel wise, the country is especially suited for those who love adventure, with the planet’s largest salt flat and highest navigable lake, among others, found within its borders. The experiences don’t end there, so read on for our best of Bolivia below.
La Paz
Bolivia’s defacto capital, La Paz, is the highest capital city in the world at over 3600m above sea level. Surrounded by soaring mountain ranges, it is full of colourful nature and indigenous culture. From the city’s Plazas and colonial streets, to the many traditional markets, a visit to La Paz on any trip to the country is a must.
El Alto
While you certainly don’t want to miss La Paz, just adjacent is the fast-growing urban city known as El Alto. Its name, The Heights, derives form the fact it is the highest major metropolis in the world, with an average elevation of 4,150m. El Alto is home to a predominantly indigenous population, of mainly Aymará and Quechua people. The world’s largest cable car system connects El Alto with La Paz, in a mere five minutes and you will also find Bolivia’s largest market, the Mercado 16 de Julio, as well as popular female wrestling matches in town. Finally, the unmissble colourful cholet homes give El Alto a style unseen elsewhere.
North Yungas ”Death” Road
Also near La Paz, is the now famous World’s Most Dangerous road. A can’t miss experience for thrill-seekers, this 64km road connects La Paz to Coroico. The road is bumpy, mostly unpaved, surprisingly scenic and almost entirely downhill. It was the very nature of the narrow roads with crazy tight turns which led to a reported average of some 300 deaths per year.
Since 2008, when a new road opened, Death Road has been a popular -and safer- tourist attraction.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Valle de la Luna is located about 10 kilometers from downtown La Paz. The unique scene full of bizarre geological formations was created by erosion. During this process, in which wind and water wore away the majority of a clay mountain, a lunar landscape was left behind.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, set on the Andean border between Bolivia and Peru, is the largest lake in South America and often referred to as the highest navigable lake in the world. A rich cultural experience takes you into the history of the Lake Titicaca region, visiting cultural centres, villages and the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire, the Isla del Sol.
Interesting fact: more recently, in 2000, a team of international archaeologists found the ruins of an underwater temple, thought to be between 1,000 and 1,500 years old.
Salar de Uyuni, Salt Flats
By far the most popular site in Bolivia are the famous Uyuni salt flats, which draw tourists from all over the world. Seemingly endless, the Salar is the world’s largest salt flat, at 10,582 square kilometers. The remote location in the Bolivian desert mean you not only enjoy spectacular views during the day, including a dazzling mirror effect, but also have an excellent viewing point for stargazing at night!
Ready to discover everything Bolivia has to offer? Check out or adventure travel experiences yourself now.
