Stroll through the highest city in the world, sleep in a salt hotel, sail between the mountain peaks and go on an expedition through the jungle? It’s all possible in one country. But which country is that? It’s Bolivia! Bolivia is one of the purest countries in South America. The colorful population, Spanish influences and overwhelming landscapes make this country one of the greatest treasures of the Andes mountains. Unlike many other South American countries, Bolivia is still relatively little visited by travel enthusiasts. Yet Bolivia has a lot to offer. Do you want to get off the beaten track and discover a country full of wonders? Read about 6 reasons why you should put Bolivia on your wish list!
1. Salar de Uyuni
In the south of Bolivia, at an altitude of 3,500 meters you will find a vast white desert: Salar de Uyuni. This huge salt flat covers an area of almost 11,000 square kilometers and can even be seen from space. When you walk over the Salar it seems like you are on top of the clouds! Scattered over the salt flat are several islands. The best known is Isla del Pescado and is full of large cacti, which stick up to 12 meters in the air. If you are lucky it has just rained, turning the whole salt flat into a large mirror. Are you ready to take the most beautiful photo of your life?
You definitely need three to five days to discover Salar de Uyuni. Several local travel agencies offer a fully arranged tour by four-wheel drive from the town of Uyuni. Here you go completely back to basics. You will drive for hours on the magical white plateau, taking surreal photos that will fool you and spot flamingos in secluded red, green and blue mountain lakes. At night you sleep in a hotel made of salt and look at the thousands of stars in the sky. Salar de Uyuni is a place that even the most seasoned traveler will not soon forget!
Photo: dmitriy_rnd – Fotolia
2. Sucre
Sucre is also called the white city and is known as the best-preserved colonial city in South America. Contrary to what most people think, it is not La Paz but Sucre that is the official capital of Bolivia. Sucre is a pleasant town where you will immediately feel at home. The locals are very friendly and the sun almost always shines.
The old town is really a must to visit. Here you will find the cozy Plaza 25 de Mayo. This centrally located square is surrounded by several white churches, Spanish houses and atmospheric restaurants.
Tip: Climb Mount Churuquella for a fantastic view of the city. This is definitely worth it and you won’t find it anywhere else! Take enough water with you, because it is quite a climb!
3. Potosi
Potosí will literally and figuratively be a highlight of your trip to Bolivia. This city is in the record books as the highest city in the world. Potosí used to be one of the richest cities in South America. The city owes this to the Cerro Rico, which means ‘rich mountain’. So much silver was found in this mountain that the population became very wealthy. Today, the mountain is still the main source of income for the local population.
When you enter Potosí after the many winding mountain roads, it is definitely recommended to take a look at one of the mystical silver mines of the Cerro Rico. Stroll through the highest streets in the world and try not to get out of breath. Won’t you succeed! Also taste the local delicacy of the city: k’alapurca. This is a special soup that is heated on a red-hot stone. Very tasty!
Photo: pyty – Fotolia
4. Lake Titicaca
Another highlight of Bolivia that you absolutely should not miss is Lago Titicaca or Lake Titicaca. Shared with Peru, this gigantic 9,000 square meter lake is the highest navigable lake in the world. The ideal base for a trip on the lake is the small ‘hippie town’ of Copacabana. There is a very relaxed and casual atmosphere here.
In the small harbor you can book a boat trip to Isla del Sol, located in the lake, for next to nothing. According to legends, the sun god and thus the Inca Empire were born here. This is reflected in the many ruins that can be found on this island. Also from the island you have a fantastic view of the blue waters of Titicaca and the green mountains that surround the lake!
Photo: saiko3p – Fotolia
5. La Paz
La Paz is the city of bowlers. These hats are worn by almost every married woman and are a symbol of the city and the rest of Bolivia. Perched at a dizzying 3,600 meters altitude, the city is the pride and political center of the country. La Paz is located in a crater. It is definitely recommended to take a taxi to a beautiful spot on the edge of the crater. You will be amazed by the breathtaking view of this metropolis. A visit to the local witch market is also highly recommended. At this traditional market you will find bowler hats, nice souvenirs and colorful ponchos made of alpaca wool. Oh yes, there are also dried llama fetuses for good luck!
Just outside the city you will find Vale de la Luna, which means moon valley. As the name suggests, you walk through a lunar landscape here. This is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax.
Photo: saiko3p – Fotolia
6. Ruennabague
As we descend from the Andes and head north, temperatures continue to rise. The north of Bolivia consists of tropical lowlands. The small jungle town of Ruennabague is the best starting point for an expedition through the pristine jungle of the Amazon. During this trek you will sail on the Rio Beni in a wooden boat. In the river you can fish for piranhas and spot huge crocodiles and turtles!
At night you sleep in a good (and safe) hotel on wooden stilts. It is really a must to close your eyes and enjoy all the sounds that the rainforest has to offer. The next day, you’ll roam the jungle in search of monkeys and the infamous anaconda. Another recommendation is swimming with the freshwater dolphins in the area. But do you still dare this after all the crocodiles?!
Visit Bolivia!
Now it’s time to discover Bolivia. The country has many possibilities and is also the cheapest country in South America! Prepare your trip well and make sure you map out a clear route before departure. Keep these 6 tips in mind! Surprise yourself, immerse yourself in the Bolivian culture and make the tour that you will never forget. Bolivia is worth it!
