Bolivia: More than just a pit-stop between Peru and Chile
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.
Combining colossal icebound peaks and dazzling high-altitude deserts of the Andes with lush rainforests and ample savannas in the Amazon basin, as well as sprawling urban jungles, Bolivia is a geographical marvel and a must-see destination. Landlocked at the remote heart of South America, Bolivia boasts all the thrilling activities and stunning sights that adventurous travelers long for. What’s more, Bolivia is brand new to scientific endeavor and new unique wildlife species are being discovered daily. From freshwater pink dolphins to tube-lipped nectar bats, Bolivia is any nature lover’s dream. Parque Nacional Amboró, for example, has 830 species of birds, more than the US and Canada combined! The country’s ethnic and cultural identity are equally as fascinating. With South America’s largest percentage of indigenous population, Bolivia is rife with Aymara and Quechua culture. Although almost three centuries of colonial rule have left its mark on the nation’s language, religion and architecture, these are no more than a transparent veil wrapped around Bolivian identity. Bolivian streets buzz with over 30 indigenous languages and while Bolivians superficially embrace the Catholic religion, at home they make offerings to the mountain gods or perform other rites passed on from generation to generation for centuries. Despite all of its highlights and attractions, Bolivia remains one of South America’s least-visited countries. The fact that it hasn’t yet hit the main trail of travelers visiting South America means that you can enjoy thrilling adventures and formidable landscapes all to yourself! To maximize your Bolivian experience, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 destinations in Bolivia.
Discover the stunning landscapes and cityscapes of Bolivia
#1 Admire the urban spectacle of La Paz
Your first glimpse of La Paz, as you soar over the sprawling metropolis by plane or cruise round the corner of the narrow canyon where the city is curled will take your breath away – literally. With altitudes ranging from 13,313 ft. (4,058 m) in El Alto to 10,170 ft. (3,100 m) in the lower residential areas, La Paz is the highest state capital in the world. The quaint urban spectacle displays towering concrete jungles of office blocks in the center hugged by ramshackle homes clinging cautiously to steep slopes on the outskirts, the whole dwarfed by the stunning backdrop of Mount Illimani. As the political and commercial hub of Bolivia, the seat of government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and housing an estimated 835,000 residents, La Paz is the capital of Bolivia in all but name (technically, that honor still lies with Sucre). La Paz embodies a world of contrasts, from international banks rubbing shoulders with local street markets to, the Bolivian ethnical identity, that comprises of distinct European and Indigenous Aymara communities. The Aymara make up not only the majority of the city’s population but also that of El Alto, La Paz’s expanding alter-ego, most easily accessible by the newly-built cable car Mi Teleferico. Make sure you check out El Alto’s open-air market, the largest in all Bolivia, where you will truly feel removed from life as you know it! Although conventional tourist attractions are limited, we recommend that you stay a few days in La Paz to immerse yourself in authentic Bolivian culture and explore the ins and outs of this mysterious metropolis.
Visit the vibrant, sprawling city of La Paz / Source
#2 Lose yourself in the endless Salar de Uyuni
The blinding white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni that reflects the glistening desert sun feels like visiting another planet. Its harsh and inhospitable terrain, covered by a few feet of salt crust make up the world’s largest salt flats. The area was originally part of a prehistoric salt lake, Lago Minchín, which once extended over most of western Bolivia. When it dried up, it left a couple of seasonal puddles and several salt pans, including the Salar de Uyuni. When it’s covered in water after heavy rains (from December to April), the Salar is transformed into a gigantic mirror that reflects the endless sky and snow-capped mountains so impeccably, that the horizon disappears and the mountains resemble other-worldly islands floating in the sky. The Salt Flats also provide major breeding grounds for several species of flamingos, including the rare James’ flamingo. Every November, the Uyuni ‘lake’ is dotted with thousands of pink flamingos as well as approximately 80 other bird species. Colonies of cacti and other hardy plants, rabbit-like visachas and isolated communities of Aymara and Quechua campesinos also cling to life in this desolate and arid area. The savage beauty of this vast salt desert is one of Latin America’s most astonishing sights. Unfortunately, there have been a number of accidents on the Salt Flats due to unsafe vehicles and drivers. We use our 20 years experience working with only the best local providers in Latin America to ensure that all the vehicles we use have seatbelts, emergency radio transmitters and first aid equipment as well as, careful drivers. All of this will ensure not only your safety but of course, an incredible and memorable experience at the world’s largest Salt Flats!
Witness the world’s largest mirror in the Salar de Uyuni / Source
#3 Visit the charming colonial town of Sucre
Famed for its Spanish colonial architecture and year-long springtime, Sucre is the symbolic heart of the nation. It was here that independence was proclaimed and although La Paz is now the seat of the government and treasury, Sucre is recognized in the constitution as the nation’s capital. While Sucre offers many tourist attractions in the form of stunning historical buildings, a renowned theater, fascinating museums and indigenous prehistoric sites in the surrounding villages, the highlight of Sucre is its tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, that detains many travelers longer than expected. The enchanting town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and as a result strict control was imposed on development in Sucre to ensure it remains a showpiece of Bolivia. Laid out in a classic grid system, the city is an architectural jewel with its whitewashed buildings sheltering pretty patios and attractive iron balconies. The city exudes a sense of being frozen in time somewhere in the nineteenth century. Buildings are whitewashed once a year to maintain the characteristics that earned it the name of “The White City of the Americas”. Sucre is also the market center for a mountainous rural hinterland inhabited by Quechua-speaking indigenous communities that have become famous for their stunning weavings that are displayed at Sucre’s wonderful Museum of Indigenous Art, or on a day-trip to Tarabuco, a rural town about 37 miles (60km) to the Southeast.
Linger in the red-tiled colonial town of Sucre
#4 Explore the bustling streets of Santa Cruz
Set among the steamy tropical lowlands of Bolivia, this vibrant city will provide a splendid and much-needed break from the country’s high-altitude destinations. Santa Cruz is one of the fastest growing cities in the world with almost 2.5 million inhabitants to date, making it the largest city in Bolivia. The sprawling city with its booming oil, gas, timber, cattle and agro-industry economy is soaring past La Paz in terms of economic importance. Although Santa Cruz has few conventional tourist attractions, witnessing the metamorphosis of this hybrid city is nothing short of fascinating. Bolivia’s largest city oozes with modernity yet clings to tradition. The city center thrives and is laced with the contrasting sights of suited businessmen pacing rapidly, while taxis battle with horses and carts for pole position at the traffic lights. Locals still lounge in the main square listening to Camba (eastern lowlands) music and shops close to accommodate time for a siesta. Santa Cruz’s most fascinating aspect however, is its divergent population. The phenomenal growth of the city has attracted a diverse range of immigrants including Japanese rice farmers, overall-wearing Mennonites strolling the streets past Goth kids, bearded Russians and fashionable cruceños (Santa Cruz locals) cruising the streets in their SUVs and indigenous migrants from the nearby Andes. Some may find Santa Cruz’s brash materialism and pseudo-Americanism unappealing but others will certainly enjoy its dynamism and effervescent identity.
Enjoy exploring the charm of Santa Cruz
#5 Take a lakeside stroll in Copacabana
An enchanting waterfront town on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana is the perfect place for a relaxing stop-off on your otherwise adventurous and urban Bolivian travels. The town assembles an untidy collection of red-tiled houses and large modern buildings nestled between two hills. The town is an important Catholic pilgrimage site as it is home to one of Bolivia’s most revered figures, La Virgen de Copacabana (Copacabana virgin). Several colorful fiestas take place annually to pay homage to the Virgin but Copacabana sees a steady stream of religious devotees seeking her blessing. The lakeside town is also the strategic launchpad for visits to Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, two islands with sacred Inca archaeological sites. A classic stopover for travelers combining Bolivia and Peru, you will find plenty of tourists enjoying the laidback atmosphere of Copacabana.
Take a stroll next to Lake Titicaca in Copacabana / Source
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Traveling from the Atacama Desert to the Uyuni Salt Flats
Have you ever dreamt about slipping off to another planet? Or wondered what really lingers on the surface of Mars and the moon?
From the sublime valleys of the world’s driest desert to the spindly flamingos of the world’s largest salt flat, the beauty of this unique Latin American journey will defy your earthly expectations!
The four day journey from Chile’s magnificent Atacama Desert to the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia is packed with wonder, mystery, and moon-like landscapes to satisfy your other worldly curiosity twice over.
Sunrise in the Atacama Desert
♦ Day one: From dawn to dusk in the Atacama Desert
Your exciting journey begins with a pre-dawn hike to Atacama’s impressive El Tatio geyser field.
As the sunrise soaks Atacama’s volcanic peaks in changing light, the sights of the hissing geysers and billowing fumaroles are an instant reward for your early morning effort.
After a replenishing breakfast the fun carries on to Laguna Cejar, where you’ll float effortlessly in the emerald lake’s highly concentrated salt water before heading to the Valle de La Luna. Wandering through the ethereal Moon Valley at dusk puts you in the middle of a breathtaking color show where the inspiring sky transforms the faces of the peaks and valleys, from red to orange to purple. When the sky is finally black, an empyrean display of constellations dances above to justify the valley’s beautiful name. Though it’s a long day, we recommend sticking around to stargaze so you don’t miss out on the remarkable sky by night.
El Tatio Geyser fields, San Pedro de Atacama
♦ Day two: Through the desert lagoons
After a night of starry dreams, the path from Chile to Bolivia journeys through the heart of one of the world’s most thrilling desert landscapes. The first stop along the road trip is in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve where you can snap photos of the glimmering Green Lagoon under the towering Licancahur Volcano. A quick drive past native llamas and vicuñas brings you to the geysers and volcanic holes of Sol de Mañana before a stop at the surreal Red Lagoon.
The shallow salt lake packed with red sediment is dotted by islands and three different species of gangly flamingos who’ll make you feel like you’re lost in your very own Dr. Seuss story.
A final tour through the orange Siloli Desert concludes the day’s journey in Ojo de Perdiz where you’re free to relax and revel in the overwhelming sights and sounds of your freshly made memories.
♦Day three: Villages, viewpoints and the world’s first salt hotel
If the Valle de La Luna took your imagination to the moon, the stark 4,086 square miles of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni will land you in an extraterrestrial atmosphere. Your first day exploring the world’s largest salt flat includes visits to the quaint villages of San Cristobal and Alota, where locals explain the legends of the prehistoric lake that evaporated to create the thick, bright crust that can be seen all the way from space.
A tour through the famous climbing spot Valle de las Rocas, a view of the Ollagües stratovolcano, and the flamingo lined shores of the Hedionda, Honda, Chiarkhota and Ramaditas lagoons unveil Salar de Uyuni’s rare geological richness.
Spend the night resting at the exotic Palacio de Sal, where architectural genius, luxurious amenities, and local inspiration make guests feel at home in the world’s first salt hotel.
A room at Palacio de Sal, Salar de Uyuni
♦ Day four: Incahuasi Island and the neverending flats
It’s only right to spend the last day walking along the never-ending Salt Flats themselves – and don’t forget your camera for this one! Photos from the flats and Incahuasi Island will leave your friends scratching their heads at how you suddenly learned to levitate
During the rainy season (November to March) the flats flood, creating an illusion of a giant mirror. Standing alone on the sky’s perfect reflection, you’ll look as if you’ve ditched gravity to make all of your space travel dreams come true.
A final stop at the Incahuasi Island in the center of the flats reveal all that’s left of the volcano that was once submerged in the prehistoric lake. Peruse the island’s lanky cacti and fossils as a final send-off on your celestial adventure.
Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to book your four day journey from Chile to Bolivia.
Guide to Valentine’s Day in Latin America
There is no denying that Valentine’s Day splits opinion with people either counting down the days until February 14th or preparing themselves to cringe at the back to back romantic movie marathons. In Latin America Valentine’s Day does not just serve as a day to show your affection for your partner or significant other and it has become a more inclusive occasion where people share it with their friends too. So whether you’re traveling to Central America or South America with friends, family or just you and your partner; the romance of its destinations is bound to sweep you off your feet!
Argentina In Argentina, the country of tango, passion, wine and red meat, ‘Día de los Enamorados’ (Valentine’s Day) is a lower-key affair than in the United States and the United Kingdom. It’s not uncommon to see couples celebrating the romantic day in local restaurants and bars whilst of course showing their Argentine passion with an extra-long public display of affection. However, this is not the only day of the year dedicated to showing love and affection. Argentineans also celebrate ‘Semana de la Dulzura’ (Sweetness Week) from the 1st – 7th July and unsurprisingly, the day was invented by the largest Argentinean sweet manufacturer, Arcor, and the Association of Candy Distributors. With its roots buried in a marketing campaign, the day has become a full week where Argentineans exchange candies for a kiss with one another, just one of the many ice-breakers you may discover when getting to know Argentineans!
Bolivia There is no doubting that Bolivia has plenty of love to go around as not just one but two days are dedicated to love and friendship with neither actually taking place in February. The first ‘Día del Amor y la Amistad’ (Day of Love & Friendship) takes place on July 23rd during Bolivia’s often cold winter. Perhaps to help Bolivians get rid of their winter blues or even a second chance at love, the second, ‘Día del Amor’ is on September 21st and is in conjunction with Students’ Day, the Day of Spring and Children’s Day. The days are celebrated with the traditional exchange of cookies, candies and flowers, just in case you were looking for some tips on what to buy!
Brazil With the samba rhythm, bright costumes and caipirinhas galore, Brazil’s calendar in February is taken up with the famous and not-to-be-missed Carnival celebration. The Brazilians therefore disregard the traditional date of February 14th and instead on June 12th, celebrate ‘Dia dos Namorados’ in honor of Saint Anthony, the saint of marriage and matchmaking. Brazilians usually celebrate the day with a romantic meal, exchanging gifts and ending the night swinging their hips to the samba beat.
Traditionally, single Brazilian women will perform a ritual called ‘simpatias’ in order to help them decide on a boyfriend or husband. Writing the names of the possible eligible bachelors on pieces of paper, they fold them up the night before Día dos Namorados. The following morning, they will choose one at random and open it to determine which one man they should pursue for marriage…we wonder how many of the women re-fold their first choice before picking another one!
Guatemala It’s easy to fall in love with Guatemala as whether admiring the picture-perfect scenery of Lake Atitlan or encountering the Mayas at Tikal, this Central American country may become your first true love! The Guatemalans celebrate ‘Día del Cariño’ (Day of Affection) on February 14th and consists of exchanging flowers, chocolates and cards similar to the celebrations in the United States. However, the Guatemalans, widen the reach of gift-giving to include their friends and colleagues as well as their loved ones, making the day more inclusive than the usual slightly in your face Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Peru From the stunning landscapes of Peru and the diverse species of flowers, Peru is perhaps the unsung hero of romance in South America. Instead of exchanging roses, Peruvians share elegant and native orchids with one another which aren’t only gorgeous flowers but with over 3000 species of orchid in Peru, you will be spoilt for choice! It is said that only 50% of Peru’s orchids have been discovered, so if you find yourself being given one of these treasured new discoveries, make sure to look after it! Unlike their Brazilian neighbors, the loving Peruvians wouldn’t dream of postponing Valentine’s Day for Carnival so instead they celebrate both Carnival and Valentine’s Day making for quite the celebration of love and happiness!
Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect trip to Central or South America.
3 Awe-inspiring places in South America
Inspired by TripAdvisor and to be honest in the end by your opinions we decided to publish this post about 3 awe-inspiring destinations in South America. That immediately makes this our first posts about one of our favorite Bolivia destinations, Salar de Uyuni since adding Bolivia to our product range. Time to reveil the South America tour destinations that made it to this awe-inspiring list:
