Bolivia

Tourist Guide
Sucre featuring a city

Bolivia Travel Guide Video

This landlocked South American country is a destination of remarkable geographical diversity and varied wildlife, as well as fascinating colonial heritage and indigenous cultures.

Bolivia, the “Rooftop of the World,” is home to breathtaking landscapes, ancient civilizations and colorful wildlife. Its natural splendor ranges from the snow-capped Andes to salt flats and Amazonian rainforests. Bolivia sits in the heart of South America and was under Spanish rule for three centuries. Today, Spanish is spoken alongside over 30 indigenous languages.

Start your visit in La Paz, perched on a plateau over 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) above sea level. Spot colonial landmarks, shop at markets and experience the centuries-old cultures of the Aymara and Quechua people. Visit nearby natural attractions such as Valle de la Luna and Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest commercially navigable lake.

North of La Paz, the Cordillera Real mountain range provides excellent climbing and trekking adventures. Visit the peaceful towns of Coroico and Chulumani, set amid the forested valleys of the Yungas. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas on the Choro or Takesi trails. Experience the thrill of cycling or driving along Death Road, a precarious mountain road that connects La Paz with Coroico.

Join eco-friendly tours in the towns and parks of the Amazon Basin. Meet indigenous Amazonian people and spot wildlife in Madidi National Park. Cruise along the Yacuma River and look out for diverse bird species, turtles and dolphins.

Find some of the country’s most charismatic cities in South Bolivia. Tour a tin mine and join the flamboyant carnival festivities in Oruro. Admire colonial architecture in the capital city, Sucre, or visit the silver mines of Potosi. Further south is Uyuni, a great base for visiting the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. See flamingos at the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna or marvel at the barren desert landscapes of Tupiza.

Bolivia is a low-cost and safe destination for visitors, however you should ensure you only use reputable tour and taxi operators. The diverse topography means that the climate is varied. Enjoy the captivating scenery as you travel between cities and attractions.

Popular cities in Bolivia

La Paz which includes a city
La Paz
Known for Cathedrals, Churches and Scenery
Aymara rituals, colonial architecture and modern nightlife, combined with markets and museums you won’t find anywhere else, make this Bolivia’s cultural capital.

Reasons to visit

  • La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral
  • Witches' Market
  • Mirador Killi Killi
Sucre featuring a city and tranquil scenes
Sucre
Known for Historical, Museums and Cathedrals
High in the beautiful mountains, Bolivia’s cultural capital is home to lively markets, colonial architecture and a large student population.

Reasons to visit

  • Plaza 25 de Mayo
  • Sucre Central Market
  • Sucre Cathedral
Plaza Colon showing a park
Cochabamba
Known for Culture, Museums and Cafes
Step away from the tourist trail in this rapidly developing city, considered by many local residents to be Bolivia’s food capital.

Reasons to visit

  • Plaza Colon
  • Plaza 14 de Septiembre
  • Cristo de la Concordia
Potosi which includes a city and a garden
Potosi
Known for Tours, Budget and Monuments
Delve into Bolivia’s colonial history in a UNESCO-protected city that sprawls across the country’s mineral-rich central highlands.

Reasons to visit

  • San Francisco Church and Museum
  • Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
  • Potosi Cathedral
San Lorenzo Cathedral showing a garden
Santa Cruz
Known for Shopping, Cathedrals and Excursions
Experience Bolivia as the locals see it in the country’s busiest city, where the museums, public squares and churches give you a glimpse into their everyday lives.

Reasons to visit

  • Plaza 24 de Septiembre
  • San Lorenzo Cathedral
Copacabana which includes a coastal town, mountains and a beach
Copacabana
Known for Lakes, Cathedrals and Churches
This western Bolivian town with scenic views is a gateway to the picturesque landscape, ancient ruins and fascinating islands of Lake Titicaca.

Reasons to visit

  • Copacabana Beach
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana

Bolivia