Best Road Trips in Bolivia
Though the highways are mostly well-maintained, driving in Bolivia can be stressful due to unpredictable drivers, landslides depending on the season, and last-minute roadblocks that derail your schedule. However, the stunning landscapes, including Lake Titicaca, the world-famous Uyuni Salt Flats, and Tarija wine country, make any road trip worthwhile.
These eight itineraries range from the most famous attractions in Bolivia to emerging travel destinations, showcasing everything from the soaring Andes to the relaxed vibes of eastern villages.
1. The Road to Sorata
Best road trip for stunning scenery
La Paz–Sorata; 142km (88 miles); allow two days
Driving in La Paz can be stressful due to its ups and downs and messy traffic disruptions, but it’s worth it for everything you’ll see later. Along the road to Sorata, through National Route 2 and Road 16, there are impressive views of the Cordillera Real mountains and Lake Titicaca, one of the top destinations in Bolivia.
Sorata is a town with a laid-back atmosphere that lies in a valley beneath majestic mountains and canyons – a great spot for hikers.
Detour: Thirty minutes away from Sorata on a dusty road, there’s a navigable lagoon inside a cave, which is the town’s main attraction. You can see it walking on a three-hour easy hike.
2. The Andes to the Amazon Rainforest
Best road trip for nature lovers
La Paz–Coroico; 108km (67 miles); allow two days
This route offers an outstanding diversity of landscapes, departing from bustling La Paz and finishing up in the warm village of Coroico through Road 3. In just two hours, you’ll gorgeously descend from the snowy peaks of the Andes into the Amazon rainforest – a drop in altitude of 3,600 meters (11,482 feet) with many scenic spots to capture photos.
Moreover, the most famous way to get to Coroico is by bicycle on what’s known as “Death Road,” although that can be challenging for some. Road-tripping on a different route presents a less risky alternative – and equally wonderful views.
Planning tip: You may experience fog and rain during the descent, so it’s best not to travel to Coroico at night.
3. La Chiquitania
Best road trip for architectural heritage
Santa Cruz–Santa Cruz; 934km (580 miles); allow five to six days
Discover centuries-old Jesuit Mission towns among epic landscapes and natural attractions in eastern Bolivia’s La Chiquitania. This multi-day itinerary allows you to visit at least four small towns and explore their stunning baroque architecture.
In your travels between Santa Cruz and San Jose, make sure to stop in San Javier, Concepción, and San Ignacio to visit the churches and museums for a complete experience.
Detour: If you’re not in a rush to return to Santa Cruz, pivot 150km (93 miles) to the east and visit Aguas Calientes for a short break in relaxing thermal baths.
4. Ancient Cities and Historic Attractions
Best road trip for historical immersion
Sucre–Potosí; 155km (96.3 miles); allow three days
Sucre is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in South America, with colonial and republican buildings emerging from the white-painted downtown. From there, head along Road 5 to Potosí, the once world’s biggest and most important city, thanks to silver production during colonial times. Both cities feature numerous historical attractions that make them worth visiting.
The road also has interesting spots. Just minutes after departing, you’ll find El Castillo de la Glorieta, an eclectic castle built in the late 19th century for Francisco and Clotilde Argandoña, who were declared the only royalty in Bolivia’s history.
You’ll also pass several small agricultural towns that may not attract tourists but hold delightful artisan markets you won’t want to miss.
Planning tip: Potosí is the highest city in the world, at an altitude of 4,067m (13,343 feet). Drink coca tea and plenty of water during the journey to avoid sickness.
5. Uyuni Salt Flats
Best road trip for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Potosí–Uyuni; 205km (127 miles); allow five days
There are many ways to reach Uyuni, the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia’s most famous attraction. The easiest route is a three-hour drive on Road 5 from Potosí to Uyuni, a well-maintained path with impressive views of the Andean wildlife and scenery.
Although Uyuni is an underfunded town with few amenities, it’s the primary entrance to the salt flats and their surroundings. Reserve at least four days for a complete tour, including volcanos, geysers, and colorful lagoons inside the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.
Planning tip: This is a harsh environment for vehicles, and breakdowns may happen. It’s advisable to hire a local guide and vehicle to navigate the flats effectively. Booking ahead with tour operators is recommended.
6. Tarija Wine Country
Great road trip for getting off the beaten path
Potosí–Tarija; 348km (216 miles); allow three days
It’s no longer a secret that Bolivia produces high-quality wines. On this route, which winds from Potosí to Tarija through Road 1, you’ll pass through Camargo and Villa Abecia, two small towns dedicated to producing wine and singani, a beverage distilled from white grapes unique to these valleys.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the area’s natural attractions, including river bathing and easy hiking trails. The journey ends in the charming city of Tarija, where the wine industry is a primary economic activity, offering numerous wineries amidst stunning scenery reminiscent of Tuscany.
Local tip: The best time to visit these valleys is mid-March when the Grape Harvest Festival takes place.
7. Samaipata and the Valleys of Santa Cruz
Best road trip for camping and waterfalls
Santa Cruz–Samaipata; 121km (75 miles); allow two days
Samaipata and the route to Santa Cruz’s valleys offer plenty of natural attractions via Road 7. On this undulating road bordering rivers and climbing hills, you will pass by Las Cuevas, an excellent stop to camp and enjoy the waterfalls.
The small town of Samaipata, while peaceful, features a broad range of accommodations and dining options, becoming a favored tourist destination and an entry point to Amboró National Park.
Explore nearby attractions at your own pace, hiking through the renowned fern forest or visiting the pre-Columbian archaeological ruins of El Fuerte, a massive sculpted rock designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Planning tip: Avoid weekends and holidays for a quieter experience, as Samaipata can get particularly crowded during these times.
Tips for Driving in Bolivia
Driving in Bolivia can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. Road conditions vary, but the principal routes mentioned are typically well-maintained. However, roadblocks are not uncommon; therefore, it’s wise to ask locals for advice and check for updates through local resources.
On the road, expect various checkpoints where you may encounter tolls, but in some instances, you’ll need to walk to a nearby police station to show your driver’s license.
In cities, traffic can be heavy, drivers may act unpredictably, and there’s often a lack of proper traffic signals, which can make driving more difficult. Moreover, watch for unexpected potholes and speed bumps that might not always be visible.
