Bolivia is a country in South America. Technology here is combined with centuries-old customs, so even in metropolitan areas people still wear traditional outfits and make offerings to Pachamama, the goddess of the earth. In this country 37 languages are officially accepted: Spanish and 36 Indian languages.
Tourists come to Bolivia to see ancient cities of vanished civilizations, to see the sky reflected in the Uyuni salt marsh, and to sail across Lake Titicaca in small boats, as Indians did in the pre-Columbian era.
When to go to Bolivia
Many people travel to Bolivia to see in all its glory its main attraction – the salt lake Uyuni. For this purpose, it is better to come from January to early March. During this time there are heavy rains, which turn the lake into a huge mirror.
From the beginning of March, the dry season begins and Uyuni no longer looks so impressive. But at this time fewer tourists come to Bolivia, so the prices for excursions are noticeably reduced.
How to pay in Bolivia
The local currency is boliviano (BOB).
It is better to arrive with cash dollars and exchange them for local money.
How to get around Bolivia
Bolivia has a well-developed intercity bus system. Tickets are sold at the train station, but you can usually pay only in cash.
Almost all intercity buses are very comfortable: many have Wi-Fi, TVs, and seats that recline so they are comfortable to sleep in.
Another option is to rent a car and travel by car.
Bolivia Attractions
La Paz is a town located very high in the mountains
La Paz is considered by many to be the capital of Bolivia. De facto it is, because most of the government offices are located there. But according to all official documents, the capital is still the city of Sucre.
At 3,869 meters above sea level, La Paz is one of the highest altitude cities in the world. Most tourists need a day or two to adapt to this altitude. Therefore, it is better not to plan many activities in the first few days after arrival.
This city, surrounded by the Andes, is a marvelous mix of 19th century Spanish colonial buildings and modern architecture. You can see all of La Paz from the cable car, visit the unique witches’ market where potions are sold, and watch wrestle Bolivian women in traditional costumes.
Valle de la Luna
This place is located 10 kilometers from La Paz. The labyrinth of canyons resembles the surface of the moon – hence the name. The valley is quite small, you can walk around it in an hour and a half.
You can get here by taking the bus that goes to the Mallasa stop, it leaves regularly from the central square of La Paz, near the cathedral.
Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni (or Uyuni Salt Lake) is one of the most unusual places not only in Bolivia, but in all of South America. It is the largest salt lake in the world. Tourists here are impressed by the giant salt plains, in which the sky is reflected as if in a mirror.
The Uyuni salt marsh is located near the town of the same name. It can be reached by tour or by bus from La Paz in 10 hours or from Sucre in 12 hours.
To see the entire salt marsh, it is worth taking a tour, as Uyuni is very large (larger than the entire territory of Cyprus). Without an experienced guide you will not be able to find all the sights.
You can book a tour online or at any travel agency in town – they are on every corner. It is usually cheaper to book a tour locally.
Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
From the salt marsh you can also drive to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Many tourists do not know about this place, but this is where you can find extraordinary landscapes and geysers.
It is convenient to reach the town of Uyuni by train or daily buses. But most tourists prefer to visit the reserve together with the lake in one tour for two or three days. You can book such a tour in the town of Uyuni itself.
A ticket to the national park is not included in the tour price and costs 150 bolivianos.
There is a lagoon (laguna colorada) that changes colors depending on the season and time of day, from dark blue to bright pink. There is no magic: the color changes because of the pigment of the algae that grow there.
Lago Titicaca
Titicaca is located 3,810 meters above sea level. It is the highest in the world.
The Indians considered Titicaca the birthplace of the sun, so it was sacred to the Bolivians.
Titicaca divides Bolivia and Peru, so you can take a boat across the lake and end up in the other country.
It is worth visiting the floating man-made islands made of reeds, where the Uros Indian people still live. You can also take a ride on the lake in small traditional boats, which have been used by the locals for hundreds of years.
Tiwanaku – the capital of a vanished empire
In Bolivia there are many archaeological monuments of the mysterious civilization of the Tiwanaku Indians. It started as a small agricultural community and grew into a real empire.
Tiahuanaco was actively developing in the first three centuries AD, their capital became the center of trade in the region. The civilization reached its peak by the 6th century. It is believed that during this period the territory of Tiwanaku was equal to the territory of modern France. Only in the capital of this empire lived 115,000 inhabitants.
At Lake Titicaca, on the border with Peru, there is an archaeological park where you can touch the ruins of this civilization.
Mostly traveled from La Paz, it takes 2.5 hours by bus or cab to get here.
Bolivia’s most unusual city – Santa Cruz de la Sierra
When most tourists think of Bolivia, they picture mountains, exotic animals and locals in traditional costumes. But the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra doesn’t fit that picture.
You can see colonial buildings as well as trendy high-rises. It is the country’s most modern and wealthy city, yet it is located in the tropics.
The AmboróParque nacional Amboró National Park () is 36 kilometers away. There are about 3,000 plant species and more than a thousand animals, including jaguar, anteater, crested guana and several species of Ara parrots.
What food to try in Bolivia
- It is a typical Bolivian fast food. It resembles a kebab served on a skewer with potatoes. Everything is grilled, often with a spicy peanut sauce.
- Pique macho (pique macho). This dish is made of ground meat, chorizo, roasted potatoes and tomatoes. A special locotos pepper is also added, which gives it a piquant flavor.
- Salteñas. As in many Latin American countries, empanadas (fried patties with fillings) are very common here. In Bolivia they are made with chicken or beef, added potatoes, peas, olives and onions. Because of the special recipe, Bolivia’s type of empanadas, salteñas, are more difficult to make than similar dishes of their neighbors.
- The name comes from the Quechua word sillp’anchu, which means elongated or flattened. It is a breaded meat fillet with rice, boiled and fried potatoes, glazed potatoes and salad. This dish is very hearty, so do not order any appetizers with it.
- Sonso de yuca. Yucca is a common vegetable in Latin America that resembles a potato. To make sonso de yuca, Bolivians mashed potato it and mix it with cheese, then grill it.
If you dream of visiting one of the highest altitude cities in the world and seeing incredible nature, you will definitely enjoy Bolivia. Don’t let the long flight scare you, it’s worth it.
And also from Bolivia you can go to Peru, we also told about in PSJRthis country , and see there the mysterious city of Machu Picchu.
