Bolivia may not be the most talked-about destination in South America, but it’s easily one of the most rewarding places to visit. From its surreal landscapes to its vibrant culture, Bolivia is full of surprises at every turn. Whether you have just a week or a little longer, here’s an outline of what to do in this incredible country.
La Paz – The High-Altitude Capital
La Paz is a city like no other, nestled in the Andes at over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level. It’s a chaotic yet beautiful city, surrounded by towering mountains, with a network of cable cars offering stunning views.
Start your visit by exploring the bustling Witches’ Market, where you’ll find everything from herbal remedies to llama fetuses used in Aymara rituals. Plaza Murillo is home to historic buildings, and San Francisco Church offers a glimpse into Bolivia’s colonial past. If you have a strong stomach, a trip to the Mercado Rodríguez is an adventure in itself, filled with colorful produce and local delicacies.
For those looking for an adrenaline rush, biking down Death Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once dubbed the world’s most dangerous road, it now serves as an epic downhill biking route through cloud forests and deep valleys. Alternatively, Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is a surreal, eroded landscape just outside the city that’s worth exploring.
Lake Titicaca – The Sacred Lake
If you’re coming from Peru, Lake Titicaca is a natural crossover point. As the highest navigable lake in the world, its deep blue waters are breathtaking, and the surrounding landscapes are some of the lushest in Bolivia. Take a boat trip to Isla del Sol, where you’ll find ancient Incan ruins and scenic hiking trails with sweeping lake views. Copacabana, the main lakeside town, is a great spot to relax and enjoy fresh trout dishes while soaking in the Andean atmosphere.
Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia’s Surreal Salt Flats
Perhaps the most famous attraction in Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is a landscape like no other. A vast white expanse stretching as far as the eye can see, it transforms into a giant mirror during the rainy season, reflecting the sky above. Most travelers opt for an overnight or multi-day tour to explore the salt flats and beyond.
Start with a visit to the eerie Train Cemetery, where abandoned locomotives from Bolivia’s mining era rust under the open sky. Incahuasi Island, covered in giant cacti, offers panoramic views of the salt flats. At night, the lack of light pollution makes this one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
If you have time, extend your tour to explore the Eduardo Avaroa National Park, home to surreal landscapes, bubbling geysers, hot springs, and the flamingo-filled Laguna Colorada.
Tupiza – Wild West Landscapes
Often overlooked, Tupiza offers stunning red rock formations and dramatic canyons reminiscent of the American Southwest. It’s a great spot for horseback riding or taking a scenic hike through the quebradas. Many travelers start their Salar de Uyuni tours from Tupiza instead of Uyuni, allowing for a quieter and more scenic route through Bolivia’s southwest.
Tupiza is the best for affordable accomodation: Hotel Mitru
Potosí – A Town Shaped by Silver
Once one of the richest cities in the world, Potosí owes its history to Cerro Rico, the mountain that fueled the Spanish Empire’s silver trade. Today, it’s possible to visit the working mines, where miners still extract minerals using traditional methods. A tour here is eye-opening—both fascinating and humbling—but it’s important to be respectful of the workers and the harsh conditions they endure.
Aside from the mines, Potosí’s colonial charm can be explored in the narrow streets and beautiful plazas. The Casa de la Moneda, a former mint, provides a deep dive into the city’s history.
Sucre – Bolivia’s Colonial Gem
Bolivia’s official capital, Sucre, is a stark contrast to the rugged landscapes of the Altiplano. Known as the ‘White City’ due to its well-preserved colonial buildings, it’s a charming place to slow down and enjoy Bolivia at a more relaxed pace. Wander around Plaza 25 de Mayo, visit the Recoleta viewpoint for panoramic views, and explore the city’s many museums.
For a unique day trip, head to Parque Cretácico, home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur footprints in the world. If visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss Tarabuco Market, a traditional Andean market known for its vibrant textiles and crafts.
Madidi National Park – Amazonian Adventure
For those looking to experience Bolivia’s lush jungles, Madidi National Park is the perfect escape. Located in the Amazon Basin, this biodiverse paradise is home to jaguars, tapirs, macaws, and pink river dolphins. From the town of Rurrenabaque, you can take guided tours deep into the rainforest, spotting wildlife, learning about indigenous communities, and hiking through pristine nature. Whether you opt for a lodge stay or a riverboat expedition, Madidi offers an unforgettable glimpse into Bolivia’s wild side.
Road Tripping in the Andes
If time allows, a road trip through Bolivia’s rugged landscapes is an unforgettable experience. The roads between major destinations are surprisingly well-maintained, and the scenery—dramatic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and endless skies—makes every drive spectacular.
Bolivia is an adventure in every sense of the word. Whether you’re marveling at the Salar de Uyuni, hiking around Lake Titicaca, or wandering the colonial streets of Sucre, this country has a way of capturing travelers’ hearts. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that delivers both natural wonders and cultural richness, Bolivia should be at the top of your list.
Suggested Itineraries
1 Week in Bolivia
- Day 1-2: Explore La Paz – visit the Witches’ Market, take a cable car ride, and bike down Death Road.
- Day 3: Travel to Lake Titicaca – take a boat to Isla del Sol and hike to viewpoints.
- Day 4-5: Visit Salar de Uyuni – take a tour of the salt flats and the Train Cemetery.
- Day 6: Head to Potosí – tour the mines and explore the colonial town.
- Day 7: Return to La Paz and fly home.
10 Days in Bolivia
- Day 1-2: La Paz – explore the city and take a side trip to Valle de la Luna.
- Day 3-4: Lake Titicaca – visit Isla del Sol and relax in Copacabana.
- Day 5-7: Salar de Uyuni – take a multi-day tour including Laguna Colorada and Eduardo Avaroa National Park.
- Day 8-9: Visit Potosí and Sucre – explore colonial architecture and history.
- Day 10: Fly back to La Paz and depart.
2 Weeks in Bolivia
- Day 1-3: La Paz – explore the city, take a day trip to Valle de la Luna, and bike Death Road.
- Day 4-5: Lake Titicaca – boat to Isla del Sol, hike, and relax in Copacabana.
- Day 6-9: Salar de Uyuni – take a longer tour including Laguna Colorada and hot springs.
- Day 10-11: Potosí and Sucre – visit the mines and colonial sites.
- Day 12-13: Madidi National Park – explore the Amazon and spot wildlife.
- Day 14: Return to La Paz and fly home.
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