Summary:
Bolivia is one of those underrated South American gems to visit. This is especially true with all the best places in Bolivia to visit that are stunning.
Now, the lure of the Incas in Peru, the culture of the best South American cities and the gorgeous city of Santiago make South America a totally amazing place to visit.
This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best places in Bolivia to visit on your next trip. You see, unless you plan, you’ll actually get quite overwhelmed, especially if you’re planning to see as much of the country as possible.
Take a look, below, at some of the best places in Bolivia to visit when you arrive. Have the best time!
1.) La Paz
Situated in the Andes Mountains, and home to the South American country’s executive and legislative branches, La Paz is a literal “City in the Clouds.” With its dizzying altitude (3660m), the city will take your breath away with its eclectic sights.
Ever heard of a “Witch Market?” This off-the-beaten-path shopping experience is just the right place to find unique souvenirs.
Take some time to indulge in a view of the city itself by riding the world’s highest and longest cable car system. When the stars come out and you can see the Milky Way from your perch in the Andes, stroll through the streets and find a secluded café, like Café Vida, or treat yourself to high-end dining at a restaurant with Bolivian cuisine, like Gustu.
Plus, it’s easily one of the best places in Bolivia to visit and will likely be where you arrive or depart the country. This makes it a totally easy spot to visit.
2.) Valley of the Moon
In the town of Mallasa, just 6 miles from La Paz, lies the extraterrestrial, Valley of the Moon.
This must-see is a blanket of stalagmites covering the area, and a walking trail through the clay and sandstone. Different colored minerals create a rather intriguing landscape and endless possibilities to explore.
Honestly, the landscape alone makes this one of the best places in Bolivia to visit, especially as it’s not too far from La Paz.
3.) Lake Titicaca
Glistening on the border of Bolivia and just 30 miles away from La Paz is Lake Titicaca. You can actually access the lake from Peru (like we did) or of course, from Bolivia.
Seeing as this post is all about Bolivia, we’ll stick to that one. And, even though it’s a shared lake with Peru, it’s still up there as one of the best places in Bolivia to visit when you explore the country.
Now, there are lots of boat trips available which are excellent ways to see the lake. Though, if you really want to take matters into your own hands, you can always hop into a kayak and get up close and personal with the highest navigable lake in the world.
4.) Uyuni Salt Flats
Arguably, the most famous attraction in Bolivia is the Uyuni Salt Flats. This perspective-defying natural wonder is absolutely stunning and one you won’t forget in a hurry.
Red and green-hued lagoons, painted rock formations, and brightly colored wildlife lend to the location’s other-worldly atmosphere.
Be sure to carve out a full day to explore the highest and largest salt flats in the world. It’s probably one of the best places in Bolivia to visit and totally iconic.
5.) The Pampas
While the Pampas are not part of the Amazon Jungle, they are part of the Amazonian basin and can prove to be a better place to see wildlife.
Starting with a jeep drive into the thick of it and transitioning into a guided canoe tour. This experience will get your adrenaline racing as you encounter alligators, capybaras, and anacondas on the banks.
Now, for most places you can book tours with will have their own campsites along the way to stop for lunch. This means it’s a great way to really take in the liveliness of the Pampas, too.
Other activities available include piranha fishing and even swimming with pink dolphins in the river (though the thought of the former makes one really worry about doing the latter).
6.) Amboró National Park
This national park has two sides, North and South, which have their own unique sights.
The North Side boasts thick rainforest terrain with towering waterfalls, rivers, and natural pools and is a great place for jungle sights that aren’t as ‘rare to find’ as the Pampas. After a challenging but exciting hike, enjoy a swim in one of the many natural pools.
The South Side is not as easy to access, but you are more likely to find rather exciting wildlife here. This includes rare bear sightings, too.
If you aren’t up for a hike, think about doing a horseback tour of the park. It’s a great way to explore one of the best places in Bolivia.
7.) Copacabana
To slow the pace down a little bit, head over to Copacabana. As it’s close to Lake Titicaca, this might be best to coincide with your visit to the Lake.
Sights-wise, the Catholic Stations of the Crosswalk leads you up a to the summit of Cerro Calvario for a grand overlook of Copacabana. If you’re a church junkie like me, you’ll want to see the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a 16th-century colonial Spanish shrine.
In February, the festival of the Virgin of Candelaria offers travelers and locals a cultural fiesta rich with religious ceremonies and street parties.
After exploring during the day, the waterfront is a lively location to enjoy a meal and some of Bolivia’s finest wines.
8.) Sucre
When you get to the southern highlands, set some time aside for a slower-paced adventure by spending some time in the capital city of Sucre.
Don’t miss the (rather pink) Castle of La Glorieta, as it stems from a fairy-tale story of Bolivia’s history.
The markets in Sucre are a great way to get a feel for Bolivian sights, sounds, and tastes in one location. Enjoy dinner and entertainment at Espacio Cultural Origenes’ dinner spectacular, an absolute must-see.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, get your blood racing with a paragliding session or a hike in the nearby Andes. It’s one of the best places in Bolivia to visit for this!
9.) Santa Cruz
A cultural hub of its own, this commercial center is a great place to experience more of Bolivia’s unique culture. The Museo de Historia Nacional is home to a permanent collection of Chiquitania art, too. This all means it’s a great place to discover the history of Bolivia’s Indigenous people.
The Catedral de Santa Cruz is another gorgeous 16th-century church with unique architecture, graves, and religious books.
If you’re game for local fruits you’ve got to try achachairú. This sweet and sour fruit can be found in local markets, and is a local favorite for juice and ice cream!
10.) Bolivian Coffee Plantation
While Bolivia may not be the first country to pop into your mind when thinking of coffee beans and their origins. Just two hours from Santa Cruz lies the coffee-producing town of Buena Vista.
The best time to visit is April – July when they are actually harvesting coffee beans, but you can grab a cup of that good stuff any time of year at one of the many cafés in the quiet little town.
The local coffee plantation, Vainilla Coffee Company, offers tours of the process of planting the coffee, harvesting, and blending.
Do bear in mind that you will be hard-pressed to find lots of local English speakers in Buena Vista so you’d best brush up on your Spanish before you visit.
If you love coffee, you’ll easily find this one of the best places in Bolivia to visit for sure.
