Unlike neighboring South American countries, Bolivia often gets overlooked by travelers and is still off the beaten track. Although it is one of the most underrated countries for traveling, Bolivia has so much to offer: some of the most surreal and breathtaking landscapes, adventure tourism, amazing trekking and hiking routes, ancient civilizations, bustling markets, rich cultural heritage and so much more.
On top of that, Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America which makes it ideal for budget travelers.
Wondering what the top things to do in Bolivia are? Here are must-visit places and top things to do in Bolivia.
1. Sajama National Park
Sajama National Park, the first national park in Bolivia, was one of the highlights of our trip. It is a perfect destination for travelers who prefer to get off the beaten track, as travelers still overlook it, so you have the whole place to yourself. In fact, you will see more alpacas and llamas than people. Besides, you will have a chance to see graceful wild camelids – vicuñas.
Vicuñas are the wild ancestor of domesticated alpacas. Extremely fine vicuña wool is the most expensive of all specialty wool. Vicuñas produce only small amounts of wool, it can only be shorn every three years and has to be caught from the wild.⠀
Undoubtedly, Sajama National Park is a heaven for landscape photographers: you are surrounded by surreal jaw-dropping landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano, snow-capped volcanoes and mountains, lagoons, and geysers,
Must-visit in Sajama National Park
Sajama Volcano
Sajama National Park is home to Bolivia’s highest peak – Sajama Volcano (21,463 ft / 6,542 m). You can see it from almost any point in the park. We hiked to Sajama base camp (15,419 ft / 4,700 m) and stayed there overnight.
Huayñacota Lagoon
To get to Huayñacota Lagoon walk about 8 miles/ 13 km /3 hours from Sajama village along the main road in the northern direction.
Geysers.
Take a path that takes you behind the church, cross the bridge over the river and go further. Geysers are about 5 miles / 8km west of the village.
Lagunas de Altura
The hike to Lagunas de Altura is usually done in 2 days with overnight camping near Laguna Sora Pata. Please note that two of the lagoons are located on the Chilean side.
Hot Springs (Aguas Termales)
You can head to the hot springs on the way back from the Lagunas de Altura or walk about 1.5 hours from Sajama village.
Read my post on Sajama National Park for more details.
2. Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is by far the most famous destination in Bolivia and is an absolute must-visit place. South America has some amazing salt flats, but Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest at over 10.5 square km which is bigger than the area of Lebanon or Puerto Rico.
During the rainy season, Salar de Uyuni turns into the world’s largest mirror. The most popular and easiest way to visit the place is to join a tour. If you want to see Salar de Uyuni only, opt for one day tour. But if you want to see more, including volcanoes, colored lagoons, flamingoes, and much more, take 3 days 2-night tour.
Besides Salar de Uyuni itself, other highlights of the tour include:
Train Cemetery
Flamingos
Laguna Colorada
Ollague Volcano
Salvador Dali Desert
Read my post on Salar de Uyuni for more details.
3. Trek in the Bolivian Andes
Bolivia offers amazing trekking and hiking opportunities. The Cordillera Real is one of the best trekking destinations in South America. We did a 3-day trek from the small village of Tuni to Huayna Potosi via Condoriri. First-night camping was at the base of Condoriri, it was one of the most beautiful camping spots in my life. The second night was at Maria Lloco camp.
Condoriri massif is a cluster of 13 peaks and is possibly the most beautiful mountains in the Cordillera Real. The three highest peaks together look like a condor lifting its wings. The highest peak is known as Cabeza del Condor (Head of the Condor), and the twin single ridges on both sides are called Las Alas (The Wings).
There’s no regular public transport, and we hired a taxi to bring us to the beginning of the trek and pick us up on the third day.
Popular Treks in Bolivia:
El Choro Trek, 55 km / 2-3 days
Huayna Potosi summiting /2-3 days
Illampu Circuit, 97 km /7 days
The Takesi Trek, 32.5 km /2-3 days
The Maragua Crater, 34 km /2-3 days
4. Visit the ruins of Tiwanaku and Puma Punku
One of the top things to do in Bolivia is visiting the ruins of Tiwanaku and Puma Punku. Tiwanaku is one of the largest pre-Colombian archaeological sites in South America. It is located between La Paz and Lake Titicaca and can be easily reached by public transport from La Paz. Alternatively, you can book a day tour from La Paz.
When visiting Tiwanaku, don’t miss Puma Punku complex which is just a short walk away. Apparently, many people overlook visiting Puma Punku, as the whole area was empty, while there were lots of visitors at Tiwanaku.
The stonework of Puma Punku ruins is absolutely impressive and looks like there is no definitive explanation of how it was done.
5. La Paz
La Paz is one of those cities which left a long-lasting impression on me. De facto capital of Bolivia, La Paz is a fascinating, bustling high-altitude city crammed into a canyon and sitting between 10,170 ft/ 3,100 m and 13,325 ft /4,061.5 m.
La Paz is the highest large city in the world sitting at an altitude higher than Mount Fuji summit. Its airport, El Alto International Airport (13,325 ft /4,062 m) is the world’s highest international airport. Imagine arriving here from the sea level!
Unlike most cities where wealthy people live at higher elevations, in La Paz because of extreme altitude, the higher you live, the poorer you are. Wealthy people live in the lowest affluent parts of the city, while poor people live on the upper edges of the hills.
Must-visit places and things to do in La Paz
Mi Teleferico
La Paz’s cable car system is the highest in the world and is a great way to enjoy a spectacular bird’s eye view of the city and surrounding Cordillera Real mountains. Mi Teleferico is public transport allowing the residents to avoid chaotic traffic and a tourist attraction at the same time.
The fares are incredibly affordable, one ride costs 3 bolivianos (USD 0.43). Please note that you need to buy a new ticket when changing lines. Mi Teleferico network has 10 lines. The best line to enjoy the views of La Paz is the Red Line which connects La Paz and El Alto and passes over the main cemetery and the colorful neighborhood of Chualluma.
Visit Witches Market
Witches Market (Mercado del las Brujas) is located one block up the hill from Plaza San Francisco between the streets of Santa Cruz and Melchor Jiminez.
The stalls run by local witch doctors sell medicinal herbs and potions which cure everything from headaches to infertility and hair loss. Head here if you need to cast a love spell, or buy amulets to attract good luck or fortune.
One of the most famous products sold here is dried llama fetuses. In Bolivian culture, llama fetuses are buried in the foundations of new buildings as an offering to Pachamama, a goddess revered by the indigenous people of the Andes.
Hike in Palca Canyon
Palca Canyon is located about 25 km southeast of La Paz, and you can get there by public transport. The hike starts in the village of Uni and finishes in the town of Palca. To start the hike you need to walk through the village.
Palca canyon is stunning. You hike for about 8 km mostly downhill through amazing rock and mud spires resembling Gothic cathedrals.
Visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)⠀
Enjoy the fascinating alien landscape of the Valley de la Luna (Moon Valley). The Moon Valley landscape of clay and sandstone spires was formed by erosion by strong winds and rains.
The place is about 10 km from La Paz and is easily reached by public transport.
Hike to Muela del Diablo (Devil’s Tooth)
Hike to Muela del Diablo is a great one-day trip from La Paz. As the name suggests, Muela del Diablo is a volcanic plug that looks like a tooth. You can easily access the trailhead by public transport. To get there take a bus to Pedregal, and from there hike up to the base. It takes 2-2.5 hrs there and back. If you prefer to go by taxi, there is a road going to the base.
On the way up you can enjoy great views of La Paz. Please be aware that you can come across some aggressive dogs on way. They attacked us a couple of times.
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