Rich in extraordinary natural beauty, rugged, complex, sometimes bewildering, Bolivia is one of South America's most diverse and surprising countries. There are numerous reasons to plan a trip to this nation in the heart of South America, but we have identified 12 that you simply must not miss.
Rugged, complex, sometimes bewildering, Bolivia is waiting to be discovered ©Jose Arcos Aguilar/Shutterstock
1 Salar de Uyuni
Who could have imagined that such cold weather could be so exhilarating? If it is true that a three- or four-day 4WD tour of the world's largest salt plains will leave you cold, it is equally true that this place could prove to be the most intense experience of your Bolivian adventure. The vastness, austerity and crystalline perfection of this unique environment will stir deep emotions within you. And the memory of an early morning exploration of rock gardens, geysers and steaming water springs will stay with you for a long time.
The unparalleled Salar de Uyuni ©Peter Adams/Getty Images
2 Parque Nacional Madidi
Perhaps the area with the richest biodiversity on the planet, Parque Nacional Madidi encompasses a fascinating variety of habitats, from Andean peaks to the humid rainforests of the lowlands, and botanical and animal species. Immerse yourself in this natural wonder on a guided forest hike or river boat tour, staying overnight in one of the many community-run ecolodges. The extraordinary beauty of the natural setting is accompanied by a constant soundtrack: birds singing at dawn, insects buzzing, howler monkeys calling, frogs croaking.
3 Trekking in the Cordillera Real
Follow in the footsteps of the Incas along the many trails that wind from the Andes to the Amazon basin in the majestic wilderness of the Cordillera Real, which seems to reach skyward. These treks, which last between four and 14 days, are no mean feat, but they are worth every step, every drop of sweat and every blister on your feet. Along the way you can eat with the natives, cool off in the waterfalls and get in deep contact with Pachamama (Mother Earth) in the green immensity of her kingdom.
4 Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca
The icing on the cake of the vast Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is considered the cradle of Andean civilisation. You can easily spend four days there, exploring forgotten Incan trails leading to small archaeological sites, remote coves and indigenous communities virtually untouched by time. Towards evening, enjoy the sunset in your ridge-top lodge, sipping a cerveza (beer). The lake exudes a magnetism, power and energy unique in the world, and it is no wonder that many claim that the ancient civilisation of Atlantis flourished here.
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The colourful markets of La Paz ©Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock
5 The markets of La Paz
A whirling engine that feeds and fuels the nation, the markets of La Paz are so chaotic, colourful, crazy, smelly and fascinating that you will spend a lot of time perusing them. There are areas reserved for food, others for witchcraft, others where you can buy back your stolen camera, stalls selling flutes and polystyrene objects of all shapes and sizes, and others filled with fruit, flowers and rotting fish, with a mixture of smells that will stun you.
The Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe in Sucre ©Rafal Cichawa/Shutterstock
6 Sucre
The white city of Sucre, resplendent under the Andean sun, is the cradle of the nation and a must-see stop on any trip to Bolivia. At the bottom of a lush valley and against the backdrop of the mountains, it is a diverse and atmospheric mix of old and new, where you can visit historical buildings and museums during the day and be captivated by the city's famous nightlife at night. Those who visit Sucre invariably fall in love with it.
The mystical ruins of El Fuerte in Samaipata ©Elisa Locci/Shutterstock
7 Samaipata
Despite its increasing presence on Bolivian tourist itineraries, cosmopolitan Samaipata manages to retain the appearance of a peaceful mountain village. However, it is not only the landscape, the mild climate, the good value hotels and top-notch restaurants that attract visitors. Its proximity to the mystical ruins of El Fuerte and to a number of places of outstanding natural beauty that can be reached within a day induces many to stay in Samaipata much longer than expected.
Horseback riding in the Tupiza Canyon ©Jess Kraft/500px
8 Tupiza
Like in a classic western film, the canyon region around Tupiza is a wonderful place to ride off into the sunset on horseback, mountain bike, on foot or off-road. Discover the thousand colours of the desert and canyons, visit desolate mining villages and the place where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid met their end. The pleasant climate and poetic atmosphere of the town will welcome you after the fatigue of wandering the plateau.
9 The Tarija wine region
Take a deep breath of the rarefied mountain air and get ready for a heady tasting of wines from the highest vineyards in the world, in Tarija. Produced in an area with a Mediterranean climate at altitudes of up to 2400 m, these wines are sold throughout the country and have won international acclaim for their fresh, fragrant aroma. Whether you prefer it tinto, rosado or blanco, you will be pleasantly surprised by its quality.
Tiwanaku, Bolivia's most important archaeological site ©SL-Photography/Shutterstock
10 Tiwanaku
Bolivia's most important archaeological site will fire your imagination. Although in terms of prestige and fame it does not compare with other South American sites such as Machu Picchu or Tikal, this pre-Inca settlement has much to offer history buffs. Massive solstice celebrations are held here every year, while the adjoining museum gives an insight into life in a religious and astronomical centre. Easily accessible by day from La Paz, Tiwanaku is a good place to start your Andean adventure.
The courtyard of the Casa Nacional de la Moneda in Potosí ©Noradoa/Shutterstock
11 Potosí
Believed to be the highest city in the world, Potosí stands on land once rich in silver, a resource that financed the Spanish empire for centuries. Today, the mines are unproductive, but the affluence of the past is evoked by the withering elegance of the colonial buildings and magnificently preserved churches.
Potosí's most famous museum, the Casa Nacional de la Moneda, is housed in the former Bolivian national mint and offers a fascinating historical journey from the rise to the fall of a city that once called itself 'the envy of kings'.
12 Jesuit Mission Circuit
Although it is a demanding circuit, the magnificent churches in the villages along the route are worth every effort. Lovingly restored with the help of artisans and historians to give a glimpse of past splendour, these churches testify to the commitment of the missionaries, who, despite adversity, managed to establish thriving communities in remote Chiquitania before being expelled from the Spanish colonies in 1767.
And that is not all
Bolivia is a country for fearless hearts: down the 'world's most dangerous road' on a mountain bike to the sultry Yungas; high above the green valley of La Paz on a paraglider; riding a horse in the wilds of Tupiza; wrestling with a huge catfish hooked in an Amazon river (which may be your dinner!). Armed with crampons and an ice axe for the conquest of a 6000 m Andean peak or the courage to jump into the void from a glider, Bolivia's rocks, rivers and crevasses will challenge - nay, provoke - you to push your physical and mental limits. Bolivia is also the Latin American nation with the highest percentage of native population. Discover its history and culture in the excellent museums, the traditions still alive in the customs of daily life and learn more about it by participating in community tourism activities and hiring local guides.
And those with a sweet tooth can sample the llama fillet, perhaps with a glass of Tarija wine. The country's cuisine is as varied as its people: the markets are a good start, even if the steaming pots may arouse suspicion. Fresh fruit juices will become a healthy habit and today the coffee of the Yungas is served in the many new cafés that are popping up everywhere. In La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, you will find excellent restaurants offering traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
