Bolivia is not a place that always tops travelers’ lists, but those who discount this lesser-known South American country would be wise to reconsider their options. Far from being merely a country to pass through on the way from Peru to Chile, Bolivia is a wonderland of stunning sights, ancient culture, unique experiences and singular landscapes. It is much more than just a pit stop, so we take a look at some of the best things to take some time to see, do and explore in Bolivia. If you make it to the end of this article, we’ve shared additional links to diver and and learn more about this incredible country.
Islands of Lake Titicaca
Coming from Peru, one of the easiest ways to experience Bolivia is by spending a few days in and around Lake Titicaca. On the Peruvian side, one of the biggest highlights is the Floating Islands. These islands are formed by laying layers of locally-growing reeds on top of each other to create a floating bed. The islands currently number 120, and just a short trip away is the Bolivian side of the lake. Plan a visit the lively town of Copacabana, before setting sail on the still waters of this altiplano lake before reaching the Island of the Sun. “La Isla del Sol,” in Spanish, has a rustic charm filled with ancient secrets and mysteries of cultures long ago.
Get lost in La Paz
La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. A heady mix of indigenous culture, ancient histories and modern living. Those with strong stomachs can sample some of the local street food at one of the many night markets. Our daily excursions is one of the best ways to discover all of the untold tales of La Paz and the highlights of the city. Here you learn of the merging of pagan and Christian religious beliefs, the Pachamama earth goddess, ritualistic ceremonies and lots more. This sprawling mass of ramshackle constructions is also home to some of the weirdest and most wonderful architecture in all of South America. La Paz has started to attract architects and architectural historians to marvel at its idiosyncratic glory.
Uyuni and the salt flats
Most people who plan a trip to Bolivia do so to visit the otherworldly expanse of the salt flats. Located near the crumbling settlement of Uyuni, you will pile into a 4×4 driven by a local expert guide on a 3 or 4-day adventure into the salt flats. Our specialized guides will take you through the bandit country where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out when they were on the run. There’s also the opportunity to stay in a lodge made entirely out of salt bricks, visit the fish island, covered in countless species of cacti. Of course, you find yourself on the never-ending plain of salt, which stretches as far as the eye can see. Make sure you stop and have some fun taking optical illusion photos, and pay a visit to the train graveyard when you arrive back at Uyuni.
Made it this far…want more?
Explore more adventures and destinations in/around Bolivia, check out our Bolivia Travel Guide here. Still want more, read up on another article featuring the our Highlight Destinations of Bolivia article. Check out our Bolivia Tours, all have daily departures and customizable…Contact Us!
