Highlights of the Article
A wild land bisected by the impressive Andes, Bolivia has emerged as a popular destination among travelers exploring South America. With a rich tapestry of pre-Incan and Incan histories, colonial explorations, and mining legacies, the country consistently captivates visitors. Here is a selection of 15 top destinations to include in your Bolivian travel plans this year!
Let’s delve into the most remarkable places to visit in Bolivia:
1. Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border of Peru and Bolivia, this vast water body is recognized as the largest lake in South America. Lake Titicaca is fed by 27 rivers descending from the Andes glaciers into the flatlands of the Altiplano.
Both sides of the lake are dotted with islands; Bolivia boasts the enchanting Isla del Sol, which holds historical significance as the revered birthplace of the sun in pre-Columbian mythology. Ancient remnants such as Pilco Kaima and Kasa Pata intersperse with terraced fields, traditional communities, and llamas.
Moreover, Suriki, known for its unique reed boat inhabitants, enhances the cultural tapestry of the lake. Lake Titicaca is undeniably a must-see!
2. Uyuni
Prepare for the cold as you venture to remote Uyuni, the final vestige of Bolivian civilization before the expansive southern salt flats. With average temperatures dipping to one degree, the biting cold and fierce winds create a unique atmosphere.
Nonetheless, relentless travelers flock here to experience the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. Here, Andean flamingos can be spotted on the salt crust, and Incahuasi Island presents an unusual landscape filled with diverse cactus species and jagged cliffs, providing a surreal visual feast.
3. La Paz
Nuestra Señora de La Paz serves as the political and economic center of Bolivia. Following the decline of silver-rich Potosi, this city thrived due to an influx of Altiplano communities and revolutionaries motivated by the aspirations of local leaders like Pedro Domingo Murillo.
Today, the city sprawls into the Cordillera Real, cascading down the Andean slopes into vibrant neighborhoods. Visitors can appreciate the colonial architecture at Plaza Murillo and Calle Jaén, while markets enliven Sagarnaga Street, and the Teleférico cable car presents stunning views of this high-altitude capital at 4,100 meters above sea level.
4. Santa Cruz
Located in the tropical latitudes of the Andes, Santa Cruz is a rapidly expanding city that merges urban life with the surrounding jungle. The metropolis is dotted with elegant reminders of its Spanish heritage, including the Catedral de Santa Cruz and the ornate frontispieces of the Iglesias de la Chiquitania.
The Avenida Monsenor Rivero buzzes with culinary delights such as local bean stews alongside lively pubs, while natural attractions like Amboro National Park and the waterfalls at Jardin De Las Delicas offer a serene retreat from the urban pace.
5. Coroico
Nestled onto the slopes of the lush Cordillera Real, Coroico presents a picturesque setting characterized by deep green cloud forests and vibrant hillsides. The town offers visitors breathtaking vistas of rolling coffee plantations, expansive valleys, and even snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance.
The peaceful vibe is occasionally interrupted by an annual festival, while casual strolls, birdwatching, and enjoying local coffee traditions are popular activities throughout the year!
6. Samaipata
The charming town of Samaipata, graced with red-tiled roofs, is situated between the arid eastern slopes of the Bolivian Andes and the urban hub of Santa Cruz. This tranquil backwater is becoming increasingly popular among travelers drawn to its cobbled streets and colorful local architecture.
In addition to its delightful ambiance, the surrounding landscape offers attractions such as the enigmatic El Fuerte stones, rich in Guarani, Arawak, and Incan heritage, as well as the nearby cloud forests of Amboro, which beckon adventurous hikers.
7. Tiwanaku
Located on the arid plains between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, the archaeological site of Tiwanaku is essential for culturally and historically inclined travelers exploring Bolivia. Regarded as one of South America’s most captivating pre-Columbian ruins, it comprises monolithic gates and subterranean temples that reveal the secrets of an almost forgotten civilization.
First uncovered in the 1500s by conquistador Pedro Cieza de Leon, this site represents the remnants of the formidable Tiwanaku Empire, which at its peak spanned from Bolivia to Chile and Peru!
8. Sucre
As the official capital of Bolivia, Sucre enjoys the unique advantage of cooler highland breezes and refreshingly temperate climates year-round. Although it may not be the country’s largest city, with a populace of around 300,000, its rich history and stunning architecture offer a regal charm.
During colonial times, the city flourished with opulent mansions built by wealthy merchants from nearby Potosi, giving rise to the striking whitewashed homes surrounding Plaza 25 de Mayo. Following Bolivia’s quest for independence, Sucre became synonymous with revolutionary fervor, serving as a significant site for Bolivia’s liberation!
9. Chulumani
Encircled by lush cocoa and banana plantations, Chulumani tumbles down the slopes of the Sud Yungas. This idyllic town is one of the favored stops along the renowned Camino de las Yungas, a dramatic route that traverses the steep Andean ridges.
Renowned for its natural hot springs and historical significance, Chulumani attracts numerous visitors eager to explore the hiking trails in the vicinity, observe rare butterflies, or participate in the lively summer festival.
10. Rurrenabaque
Rurrenabaque presents a captivating blend of backpacker enclave, hiking retreat, and traditional Bolivian town, resonating with the vibrant sounds of the Amazon rainforest within its quaint plazas and local cottages.
Located strategically where the pampas meet the wilds of Madidi National Park, the town has attracted a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. Some may opt to explore the ziplines and lush canopies of the rainforests across the Beni River, while others venture eastward to the outback of Santa Rosa, where wildlife such as alligators and anacondas thrive.
11. Oruro
Oruro, known for its resilient miners and hardworking population, is positioned on the windswept Altiplano. Historical mining activity has endowed the town with substantial wealth, primarily from tungsten and tin extraction.
Oruro’s humble tourist scene flourishes thanks to a fascinating ethnographic museum, featuring mummified artifacts and South American treasures, as well as an annual festival showcasing traditional cultural rites and vibrant performances, including the famed Dancers of the Devil.
12. Trinidad
Emerging from the wetlands of the Llanos de Moxos, Trinidad features a charming colonial core and strategic access to the expansive pampas wilderness. The centerpiece of the town is Plaza Mariscal Jose Ballivian, adorned with palm trees and picturesque Spanish-style buildings.
Visitors can enhance their cultural experience by exploring four remarkable museums, including the Fish Fauna Museum, notable for its piranhas and river dolphins. Additionally, excursions to observe the critically endangered Wagler’s macaw in the surrounding forests are highly sought after.
13. Cochabamba
Positioned at the base of a prominent plain between Santa Cruz and La Paz, Cochabamba is home to over 500,000 inhabitants and merges gritty local life with abundant opportunities for outdoor activities. Morning adventures may include shopping in thriving markets such as La Cancha and enjoying corn beer in lively squares.
Later, visitors can venture to the snow-capped peaks of Tunari, where activities like hang-gliding and hiking become possible amidst stunning landscapes.
14. Tarija
Nestled among palm trees and warmed by the tropical breezes of southern Bolivia, Tarija remains relatively under the radar for tourists. Those who venture to this regional capital are often pleasantly surprised by its stunning Governor’s Mansion, expressed in vibrant whites and blues, as well as its tranquil Spanish ambiance.
However, the true draw of Tarija lies in its proximity to one of Bolivia’s most celebrated wine regions, the Central Valley of Tarija. Here, visitors find some of the world’s highest vineyards, with numerous options for tasting sessions available year-round.
15. Potosi
Potosi, once a prosperous boomtown that enriched the former Spanish rulers of South America, is now celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dominating the city’s landscape is the iconic Cerro Rico, a conical hill that provided endless wealth through silver mining for decades.
Today, travelers are drawn to witness the miners still working, explore the rich history of the old town, and marvel at the splendid Potosi Cathedral, which adorns one of the highest urban centers on the globe.
