Bolivia

Bolivia is a destination that feels like another planet. It is the most rugged, remote, and culturally resilient country in South America—a land where ancient Aymara and Quechua traditions are not just preserved, but lived every day. From the dizzying heights of the Altiplano to the steamy depths of the Amazon basin, Bolivia offers a raw, unfiltered beauty that challenges and inspires in equal measure.

For the traveler who seeks the extraordinary, Bolivia is the ultimate frontier. It is a place of salt flats that mirror the sky, silver mines that changed history, and high-altitude cities that touch the clouds.

Why we love Bolivia

We love Bolivia for its defiance of the ordinary. It is a country that doesn’t try to be anything other than itself. It is the sight of “cholitas” in traditional bowler hats navigating the world’s highest cable car system, and the silence of a desert filled with pink flamingos and red lagoons. It is a destination that demands your attention and rewards you with views that seem to exist only in dreams.

The Most Beautiful Places in Bolivia

From the blinding white of the salt flats to the deep blue of the world’s highest lake:

1. Salar de Uyuni

The world’s largest salt flat is a landscape of surreal perfection. During the dry season, it is a vast, cracked white sea; during the wet season, a thin layer of water transforms it into the world’s largest mirror. Staying in a hotel built entirely of salt blocks is an essential part of this otherworldly experience.

2. La Paz

Set within a massive bowl-shaped canyon and overlooked by the towering Illimani mountain, La Paz is a city like no other. The best way to see it is from the Mi Teleférico—the city’s “subway in the sky.” Explore the mysterious Witches’ Market or the colonial elegance of Calle Jaén to feel the city’s dual soul.

3. Lake Titicaca & Isla del Sol

Shared with Peru, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. On the Bolivian side, the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) is considered the birthplace of the Inca. With no cars and over 80 ruins to explore, the island offers a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere with breathtaking views of the Cordillera Real.

4. Sucre

The constitutional capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sucre is known as “The White City.” It is perhaps the most beautiful city in Bolivia, filled with pristine colonial architecture, quiet plazas, and a spring-like climate. It is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the country’s more refined side.

5. Madidi National Park

For a complete change of scenery, descend from the Andes into the Amazon. Madidi is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Deep in the rainforest, you can find jaguars, giant otters, and macaws, staying in community-run eco-lodges that protect this fragile wilderness.

Highlights of a Tour Through Bolivia

  • The Eduardo Avaroa Reserve: Journey beyond the salt flats to see the Laguna Colorada (red lagoon) and Laguna Verde (green lagoon), framed by smoking volcanoes and soaring Andean condors.
  • The Silver Mines of Potosí: Visit what was once the wealthiest city in the world. A tour of the Cerro Rico mines offers a sobering and profound look at the history of the Spanish Empire and the endurance of the local miners.
  • Death Road (Yungas Road): For thrill-seekers, cycling down this dramatic road—which drops 3,000 meters from the Altiplano to the rainforest—offers some of the most spectacular (and heart-racing) views in the world.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The dry season (May to October) is the best time for clear skies and easy travel, especially for the Salar de Uyuni. To see the “mirror effect” on the salt flats, visit during the wet season (January to March).
  • Altitude: Altitude sickness is a real factor. Take a few days to acclimate in Sucre before heading to La Paz or Uyuni. Drink plenty of coca tea, a local remedy that works wonders.
  • Getting around: Distances are vast and terrain is rugged. While “flotas” (buses) are common, we recommend private 4×4 tours for the Altiplano and domestic flights to save time between major hubs.
  • Currency: The Boliviano (BOB) is the official currency. Cash is king in Bolivia, especially outside of major cities, though USD is often accepted for larger purchases.