8 Best Places to Visit in Bolivia

Bolivia, a landlocked gem nestled in the heart of South America, is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and culturally rich destinations in the world. From the altiplano to the Amazon rainforest, this diverse country offers travelers a unique blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking tranquil nature escapes, Bolivia has something to satisfy every kind of traveler.

One of the most iconic sites is the Uyuni Salt Flats, a surreal, vast expanse of white that creates an otherworldly experience, especially during the wet season. If you're into ancient history and indigenous cultures, a visit to Tiwanaku and the Lake Titicaca region will transport you back in time to explore ancient ruins and sacred sites.

For those seeking a thrill, Bolivia’s Death Road near La Paz is notorious among bikers for its steep cliffs and heart-pounding descent. On the other hand, nature lovers can marvel at the lush diversity found in places like Madidi National Park and Yungas, home to diverse wildlife and untamed jungles.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the best places to visit in Bolivia, offering insider tips on what to see, where to stay, and how to make the most of this remarkable country. So buckle up for an unforgettable journey through one of South America's most captivating destinations.

Top 8 Places to See in Bolivia

You already understood: Bolivia is a destination and ancestral rituals, colonial cities, pre-Incan ruins, roads where adrenaline runs without brakes, Jesuit missions and corners worth a Potosí await you... which, by the way, is also here.

Ready to embark on a trip to one of Latin America's lesser-known countries?

1. Uyuni Salt Flats and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

Visiting the Salar de Uyuni is not only one of the best things to do in Bolivia, but we would dare say that it is one of the best things to enjoy in all of South America and, if you push us, in the entire world.

It is nothing more and nothing less than the largest salt flat in the world , a place that seems to come straight out of a fantasy world, with gigantic plains of salt that look like an endless ice rink, islands populated by centuries-old cacti, magical reflections and sunsets. It is without a doubt the greatest jewel to see in Bolivia.

How to visit it? We went by night bus from La Paz to Uyuni and there we had already booked a 3-day, 2-night tour of the Salar de Uyuni and the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve . The latter is often forgotten, but it also has a lot of charm: colorful lagoons, landscapes from another planet, geysers and super curious natural rock sculptures.

Uyuni Salt Flats

2. Peace

The most common mistake among travelers is to believe that La Paz is the capital of Bolivia. In reality, this privilege is held by the city of Sucre, which we will also tell you about. But no one can ignore the importance of La Paz, the country's main political center , and one of the highest large cities in the world (3,6000 meters above sea level).

And there are plenty of things to do in this chaotic, noisy but surprisingly pleasant city.

You can ride its (almost) endless network of cable cars that will give you the best views of the city, visit the emblematic Witches' Market where llama fetuses are mixed with potions of all kinds, walk among colonial buildings such as the Basilica of San Francisco, decorated in a beautiful Andean baroque style... Or if you feel like something original, attend a cholita wrestling match in nearby El Alto .

La Paz, Bolivia

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3. Lake Titicaca, one of the best things to see in Bolivia

Considered the highest navigable lake in the world (3,808 meters above sea level) and a natural border between Peru and Bolivia, according to Andean legend and mythology, this is where the splendid Inca Empire was born . With that alone, you will understand that visiting Lake Titicaca is one of the most wonderful experiences to live in Bolivia.

But we put more meat on the grill: Copacabana , the town where we decided to spend our first days in Bolivia, seemed to us the perfect stop to relax after so much hustle and bustle. And beware, you will not only find relaxation and rest, Copacabana offers other plans for active travelers.

What to see in Lake Titicaca

For example, it is the perfect base to explore some of the floating islands on the lake ( Isla del Sol is the most famous, but there are many), you can also go up to its viewing platform and paradoxically feel the warm embrace of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real and, why not, enjoy its beach in the sunshine or go on some of the typical summer water rides. And of course, take a stroll through its local market, one of the most colorful and authentic we have ever seen.

⭐ Although we will remember these days (and nights) for the accommodation: Hostal Las Olas is a very peculiar accommodation, with unique, creative cabins and the best views over the lake.

Bonus: The journey between Copacabana and La Paz is a spectacular scenic route that meanders through curves that caress the shores of the lake until you reach a small town where you will have to board a boat to cross the narrowest side of Titicaca, to finally leave it behind.

Lake Titicaca Copacabana

4. Tiahuanaco Ruins

Did you know that one of the most fascinating places to see in Bolivia is a pre-Incan ruin ? The Tiwanaku culture was one of the most important and long-lived in all of America, until it vanished from the face of the Earth, leaving behind a handful of mysteries… But luckily it also left us an indelible legacy: the city of Tiwanaku , from the 2nd century BC.

This archaeological site, located not far from Lake Titicaca, preserves part of what was once a large and prosperous city. Its monoliths , its gates such as the Puerta del Sol , the Pyramid of Akapana and the Temple of Kalasasaya are some of its most precious treasures.

⭐ The best way to visit the Tiahuanaco Ruins if you don't want to waste time is to take a tour from La Paz.

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5. Sucre, the capital of Bolivia

As we already mentioned, Sucre is the historical capital of Bolivia , although it is often forgotten, even by us 😛 However, everyone who visits it shares one opinion: it is a pleasant city , with a beautiful historic centre full of colonial buildings, both religious and civil (they say the courtyards are beautiful), which is worth including in your itinerary through Bolivia. It is not in vain that it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

If you decide to do so, also note on the map the Cal Orck'o Cretaceous Park , the largest known site with dinosaur footprints: there are more than 5,000! You can visit it on your own or on a tour like this one .

Curiosity: Sucre is the capital because this is where the Casa de la Libertad is located , the place where the country's independence was signed on August 6, 1825.

Sucre city in Bolivia

6. Death Road, a curious thing to do in Bolivia

The name alone scares and attracts in equal parts. We can all agree that whoever named it that way was a marketing genius… But what exactly is Death Road? It is nothing more and nothing less than the most dangerous road in the world (we'll have to see how good we are at riding our bikes on some roads in Pakistan, India, Nepal or China…).

Whether or not it's the most dangerous, a bike tour isn't exactly going to be a leisurely, relaxing ride (believe it or not, it's one of the most popular activities in Bolivia). You'll ride along the edge of ravines and cliffs with a drop of up to 600 metres, on a path that's rarely wider than 3 metres. Did we mention that you can forget about asphalt and that here there's only gravel ?

Mmm, we DIDN’T do it, but it’s common knowledge that we’re more into eating a salteña than riding a bike, especially when we have to cross a road with that name XD. What are we going to do if when the gift “courage” was handed out, we were in the “fatty” line?

VERY important advice: before you embark on the adventure, look for references about the agency you want to hire. Read the comments and see if they explain everything in detail.

Death Road Bolivia

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7. Potosi

If the legend of El Dorado remained a legend, the city of silver was not only found but is still very much alive: welcome to Potosí. Alive, yes, but not going through its best times: at one time it was the richest city in all of the Americas (we must remember that its silver financed the Spanish Empire for a long time). Now you understand the saying “you are worth a Potosí”, right?

What remains today is a historic center with colonial buildings of astonishing beauty, churches and old palaces of rich people, and a handful of interesting museums (the Casa Nacional de la Moneda is a must-see). But if there is one thing this Bolivian destination is famous for, it is its mines.

The Mines of Potosí

Like the coins that were minted here, Potosí also has another side: the Cerro Rico mines and the deplorable conditions of the miners . Working dozens of meters below ground, in the bowels of the earth, with very high temperatures, at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level and breathing particles of dust, silver, arsenic and sulfur for hours and hours, seems unthinkable in our century.

Visiting the mines, yes or no? Visiting a cooperative (an active mine) is something that is always suggested as one of the best things to do in Bolivia and specifically in Potosí, but first we should consider certain things…

First of all, it is important to understand that this is not a typical tourist visit : if you have asthma, claustrophobia, etc., it is better to give up. It should also be remembered that this is a tour that carries a certain amount of danger (check with local agencies if you decide to do it). Ethical questions are also important: is it right to visit a place where the life of workers is worthless and where child labour is the norm ? We are clear about that, and you?

Potosi Bolivia

8. Gastronomy of Bolivia

We have this next and last point of the essential things to do in Bolivia just as clear. No more roads of death, dodgy mines and llama fetuses hanging on ropes, and welcome to empanadas! Bolivia may not have the most famous and well-known cuisine on the American continent, but you will definitely eat delicious and cheap food .

Some of the typical dishes that we recommend you try are:

Salteñas , delicious, tasty and juicy empanadas, filled with meat and potatoes, yum!
Silpancho , breaded and fried beef served with potatoes, rice and often a fried egg.
Anticucho , skewers with beef heart, are one of the most popular street dishes (we almost preferred to take the road of death).
Cuñapé , yuca bread with cheese.
Chola sandwich , a sandwich filled with crispy pork foot, chili, tomato and onion.

→ Do you want to know more about Bolivian food? In this post we recommend the 10 most delicious typical Bolivian dishes (coming soon).

Salteñas Bolivian gastronomy

More places to see in Bolivia

Of course there are many more things to see and do in Bolivia… from a route through the Bolivian Amazon to the Jesuit missions of Chiquitania , from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to the Madidi National Park or the Amboró National Park … and we are sure we have forgotten a lot of places.

What is clear is that Bolivia deserves a trip, two and ten: it was one of the great discoveries of our trip to South America and we were left wanting more. We will return and it is a threat.

Do you know more places to see in Bolivia? Have you been to this wonderful and unknown country and want to share your recommendations?

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