There are such a lot of issues to see and do in Bolivia, that typically I ponder whether the three months I spent there touring have been sufficient. With the mix of off-the-beaten-path, standard vacationer stopovers, quirky happenings, cultural occasions, and a various panorama, Bolivia is really a paradise for anybody bitten by the wanderlust bug.
Out of all of the Latin American international locations I visited and lived in, Bolivia has a particular place in my coronary heart. Initially, it’s a kind of international locations the place the indigenous tradition takes a entrance seat in distinction to many others in Latin America. After which, though not as standard as its neighbors comparable to Peru or Chile, it’s positively less expensive. So, if you’re on a finances and don’t know the place to go subsequent, go to Bolivia.
And though residents of most international locations can go to Bolivia with a vacationer stamp or a Bolivia visa on arrival, in case you wish to research Spanish or volunteer or do enterprise, Bolivia is a good place. Together with travelling, I additionally took Spanish courses and volunteered in Bolivia. For the reason that entry and immigration necessities to Bolivia could be a little complicated typically, here’s a guide to totally different visas for Bolivia.
Often, the dry season (April to October) is the very best time to go to Bolivia because the transport is extra dependable and the roads are in higher situation. Listed below are 16 locations I imagine you need to positively go to in Bolivia.
1. Salar de Uyuni – one of the vital well-known and finest locations to go to in Bolivia
There isn’t a place on the earth like Salar de Uyuni. I imply yeah, there are Salt flats within the USA and some different international locations, however none of them are as monumental as this Salt desert of Bolivia. At greater than 11000 sq. miles, this place is definitely greater than some international locations like Lebanon and Barbados. So take a second to let that sink in.
Visiting this Salt Desert is nothing however surreal, particularly when it has rained and you possibly can see the reflections of every little thing. Whenever you step into this huge whiteness of salt, it’s virtually like moving into an alien panorama the place no different indicators of life exist.
And you may take some peculiar and great photographs – that’s for positive!
2. Lake Titicaca – one of the vital beautiful locations to discover in Bolivia
Whereas Peru and Bolivia each share this highest navigable lake on the earth, in my expertise a visit to Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian facet is a should. The Peruvian facet is nice for the floating islands, however the Bolivian facet provides you a extra intimate and serene journey expertise.
If you find yourself there, positively go to the Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, the dual islands believed to be the birthplaces of the Solar and the Moon, as per the native legends.
On Isla del Sol, you’ll be able to hike to quite a few Inca ruins, all of the whereas being subsequent to the spectacular fantastic thing about the lake.
3. Madidi Nationwide Park – a very great Bolivian magnificence spot
Out of all of the nationwide parks in Bolivia, Madidi nationwide park is actually probably the most visited, and that’s for a purpose. With numerous mammals, reptiles, and greater than 1200 species of birds, it boasts among the richest biodiversity on Earth.
And if you’re actually fortunate, you may even spot an elusive jaguar or a kind of cute big river otters.
To not neglect that the park can also be residence to some 50 odd indigenous communities who’ve discovered a technique to amalgamate their historical customs with right this moment’s way of life. You may get an opportunity to study a factor or two from them as properly.
4. Toro Toro Nationwide Park – a beautiful pure marvel to go to
Should you love mountain climbing, then the canyons of Toro Toro nationwide park are the best place to be. After which there are infinite underground caves the place you’ll be able to have a enjoyable caving expertise.
However past the canyons and caves, Toro Toro has one thing very particular: monumental dinosaur footprints, that are very well-preserved. That’s why it’s known as the Jurassic park of Bolivia.
5. Potosi
Situated at over 4000m above sea degree, Potosi is a mining city in Bolivia well-known for its silver-rich Cerro Rico (Wealthy Mountain). Again in Colonial occasions, it was the previous financial middle of the Spanish empire.
You possibly can be a part of a half-day guided tour to the mines to grasp every little thing that occurs in these mines and get a glimpse of the lives and dealing circumstances of the miners.
6. Sucre
Sucre is town that everybody loves. Individuals go there to take Spanish courses ( I did as properly), to calm down, or make it a base as a digital nomad. Just a little chilled often, it’s calm as hell. And wherever you look, you will notice whitewashed buildings with orange roofs.
There are all these colonial church buildings, monasteries, authorities buildings, parks, museums in its historic middle that additionally give it this refined really feel, and have earned the tag of a world heritage web site.
There are numerous cafes the place you’ll be able to work from in case you keep there. Many nomads use Sucre as a base to go to a lot of the cities in Bolivia from there.
7. Oruro
Oruro is a sleepy little city in Bolivia that continues to be sleepy 12 months round. Then why point out it on this article? The Carnival of Oruro- that’s why. Even in case you have been to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you need to come right here for Bolivia’s refreshing tackle carnivals.
Don’t get me unsuitable. Right here issues do get loud and loopy as properly. However if you see the 1000’s of intricately dressed dancers marching and dancing to the infectious rhythm of marching bands, you’ll bear in mind it for a very long time to return.
8. Cochabamba
Due to its nice local weather, Cochabamba is thought to be town of everlasting spring in Bolivia. It isn’t as standard as Sucre or La Paz, and that’s what makes it much more engaging.
It has a thriving cultural scene, nice gastronomical choices, and loads of beautiful nature reserves. I might positively suggest taking a tour of Museo Convento Santa Teresa, a previously utterly cloistered convent which had been not too long ago renovated.
You can too go to the Palacio Portales and get an opportunity to admire its breathtaking art work and architectural designs.
9. La Paz
Recognized to be the world’s highest (administrative) capital, La Paz is a particular cease for anybody visiting Bolivia. There’s a bevy of issues to do and see in La Paz.
That being mentioned, I might absolutely embody El Mercado de las Brujas or Market of the Witches in my La Paz itinerary. Near Melchor Jimenez avenue, this market has a powerful assortment of pure cures for nearly any illness, in addition to elixirs, llama fetuses, potions, voodoo charms, and whatnot.
At two hours’ drive from La Paz, you’ll be able to go on the loss of life valley tour, which might have you ever hurtling down probably the most harmful highway on the earth, on a mountain bike. Other than the adrenaline rush, this tour comes with views of the plush semi-tropical jungle of the Yungas area.
And you shouldn’t miss the Cholita wrestling, the quirkiest occasion of all, that occurs each Sunday at 2 pm in El Alto. Right here indigenous Aymara ladies, often called Cholitas domestically, interact in freestyle wrestling with one another and infrequently with males.
10. Valle de la Luna
With its surreal panorama of unbelievable sandstone spires and rock formations, Valle de la Luna or Valley of the moon makes a terrific day journey from La Paz. It has 2 well-marked trails that may lead you to nice lookout factors if you find yourself mountain climbing.
11. El Alto
A teleferico journey away from La Paz, El Alto is a bit larger than La Paz, the capital. Taking a journey on the very best cable automotive system on the earth that provides spectacular views of each La Paz and El Alto, is unquestionably one of many coolest issues to do in Bolivia.
And El Alto has one of many largest markets in the entire of South America, the place you should purchase virtually something.
12. Sajama Nationwide Park
If off-the-beaten-path is your factor, visiting Sajama nationwide park is a good concept. That includes the very best navigable forest on the earth, this park additionally comes with a climbable dormant volcano and reflective lagoons.
And after a day’s hike, you’ll be able to calm down in some temperate sizzling springs.
13. Samaipata
Though not as well-known as Sucre, Samaipata is residence to many worldwide expats and a brand new vacationer favourite. Its year-round temperate local weather makes it a terrific place to reside. Many expats additionally began sustainable farming and different ventures on the market.
If you’re visiting, it’s essential to see the traditional pre-Colombian fortress, the beautiful waterfall, and the swimming holes.
14. Tiwanaku
Situated 75 km from La Paz, Tiwakanu is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that was once the middle of a serious agricultural empire in historical occasions.
This is likely one of the oldest pre-Colombian archeological websites in South America that was deserted round 1000 AD, solely to be rediscovered in 1549. The ruins embody a terrific array of stone monoliths in addition to palaces, temples, and you may go on a guided tour to grasp extra about this place.
You are able to do a day journey from La Paz to Tiwanaku simply.
15. Tarija
Tarija is a kind of locations which could make you ponder whether you’re nonetheless in Bolivia. It’s tremendous near the Argentinian border. So there’s a massive cultural affect from Argentina.
After which there’s a thriving wine trade and colonial buildings right here and there.
16. Tupiza
If you’re a Butch Cassidy fan, you may acknowledge this place from the film, coz’ that is the place Butch Cassidy met his fateful finish, though some folks would inform you that he went on residing with a distinct identification.
The easiest way to discover the badlands of Tupiza that consists of canyons, rivers, and valleys, might be to do a guided horseback driving tour. That is that place that can remind you of the Wild West.
Written by Deb. Initially from India, Deb at all times finally ends up discovering his zen by way of writing and cooking, and can be up for a very good hike any day, and wears many hats like educating EFL, working in expertise, and running a blog. He began The Visa Project, an initiative to have up to date information on visas together with journey suggestions and nomading. You’ll find him on Medium as properly.
