Bolivia is one of South America’s underrated gems to visit. This is especially true for all the amazing places to visit in Bolivia.
Today, Peru’s Inca charm, the culture of South America’s best cities, and the gorgeous city of Santiago make South America a wonderful place to visit.
This is exactly why we wanted to share some of the best places in Bolivia you should visit on your next trip. As we all know, it can actually get quite overwhelming if you don’t plan, especially if you’re planning on seeing as much of the country as possible.
Below are some of the best places to visit once you arrive in Bolivia. Have the best time!
1.) La Paz
Situated in the Andes Mountains and home to the South American country’s executive and legislative branches, La Paz is literally the “city in the clouds.” Situated at a dizzying altitude (3660 m), this city will take your breath away with its diverse landscapes.
Have you ever heard of a “witch’s market”? This off-the-beaten-path shopping experience is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs.
Soak up views of the city itself as you ride the world’s tallest and longest cable car system. When the stars come out and you can see the Milky Way from your perch in the Andes, stroll the streets and find secluded cafes such as: Cafe Vidaor enjoy a fine dining experience at one of our Bolivian restaurants. Gustu.
Moreover, it is definitely one of the best places to visit in Bolivia and can be your arrival or departure point in Bolivia. Therefore, it is a spot that is very easy to visit.
2.) Valley of the Moon
Just nine miles from La Paz, the town of Marasa is home to the extraterrestrial Valley of the Moon.
The stalagmites that cover the area and the boardwalk through the clay and sandstone are must-sees. Different colored minerals create interesting landscapes and endless exploration possibilities.
Honestly, the scenery alone makes this one of the best places to visit in Bolivia, especially since it’s not too far from La Paz.
3.) Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca sparkles on the Bolivian border, just 48 kilometers from La Paz. In fact, this lake can be accessed both from Peru (as we did) and, of course, from Bolivia.
This post is all about Bolivia, so I’ll keep it that way. And even though this lake is shared with Peru, it still ranks as one of the best places to visit when exploring Bolivia.
There are now many boat tours that are great for seeing the lake. However, if you really want to take matters into your own hands, you can always hop in a kayak and get an up-close look at the world’s highest navigable lake.
4.) Salar de Uyuni
Perhaps Bolivia’s most famous tourist attraction is the Salar de Uyuni. This mind-blowing natural wonder is truly amazing, and you won’t soon forget it.
Red and green lagoons, painted rock formations, and colorful wildlife give this place an otherworldly feel.
Spend a full day exploring the world’s highest and largest salt flats. He is probably one of the most must-visit places in Bolivia and is a completely iconic place.
5.) Pampas
Although the Pampas are not part of the Amazon jungle, they are part of the Amazon Basin and prove to be a great place to see wildlife.
Start with a drive deep into the depths in a jeep, then move on to a guided canoe tour. Encounter crocodiles, capybaras and anacondas on the shore for an adrenaline rush.
Most places where you can book a tour now have their own campground where you can stop for lunch along the way. So it’s also a great way to enjoy the vibrancy of the Pampas.
Other activities you can enjoy include piranha fishing and swimming with pink dolphins in the river (although the former makes me really nervous about doing the latter).
6.) Amboro National Park
The national park has two sides, the north and the south, each with its own unique attractions.
Boasting dense rainforest terrain with towering waterfalls, rivers, and natural pools, the Northside is the perfect place to enjoy “rarely seen” jungle sights than the Pampas. After a challenging but exciting hike, enjoy a swim in one of his many natural pools.
Access to the Southside is not as easy, but you’re more likely to see some pretty exciting wildlife here. This includes rare bear sightings.
If hiking isn’t your thing, consider taking a tour of the park on horseback. A great way to explore one of the best places in Bolivia.
Both sides of the national park are truly stunning and offer great insight into Bolivia’s breathtaking natural sights.
7.) Copacabana
To slow things down a bit, head to Copacabana. It’s located near Lake Titicaca, so it might be best to visit to coincide with a visit to Lake Titicaca.
As for tourist attractions, you can reach the top of Cerro Calvario via the Catolica pedestrian crossing and enjoy spectacular views of Copacabana. If you’re a church buff like me, you’ll want to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a 16th-century Spanish colonial cathedral.
The Festival of Our Lady of Candelaria, held in February, offers tourists and locals a cultural festival filled with religious ceremonies and street parties.
After a day of exploring, it’s a lively place to dine on the waterfront and enjoy some of Bolivia’s finest wine.
8.) Sucre
Once you arrive in the southern highlands, spend time in the capital, Sucre, giving yourself time to enjoy a slower-paced adventure.
Don’t miss the (pretty pink) La Glorieta Castle, which takes its name from a fairy tale story in Bolivia’s history.
Sucre’s market is the perfect way to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Bolivia all in one place. Enjoy dinner and entertainment at Espacio Cultural Origenes’ exquisite dinner. Definitely a must-see.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, a paragliding session or a hike in the nearby Andes mountains will get your blood pumping. This is one of the best places to visit for this purpose in Bolivia.
9.) Santa Cruz
A cultural hub of its own, this commercial center is the perfect place to experience more of Bolivia’s unique culture. The National History Museum also has a permanent collection of Chiquitania art. All this means it’s the perfect place to discover Bolivia’s indigenous history.
Santa Cruz Cathedral is another gorgeous 16th-century church with unique architecture, tombs, and religious texts.
If you are interested in local fruits, try Achachealoo. This sweet and sour fruit can be found in local markets and is locally popular as juice and ice cream.
10.) Coffee plantations in Bolivia
When you think about coffee beans and their origins, Bolivia may not be the first country that comes to mind. Just two hours from Santa Cruz lies the coffee-growing town of Buena His Vista.
The best time to visit is from April to July, when the coffee beans are actually harvested, but you can enjoy delicious coffee any time of the year at one of the many cafes in this sleepy little town.
At a local coffee farm, Vynilla Coffee CompanyYou can see the coffee process from planting to harvesting to blending.
Local English speakers are hard to find in Buena Vista, so we recommend brushing up on your Spanish before your visit.
If you love coffee, you’ll easily find one of the best places to visit in Bolivia here.
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