Bolivia is the poorest country in South America, however, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything to offer. You can visit many must-see places in Bolivia. This country is full of various traditions, kind people and, at least so far, has not been corrupted by tourism. Here we bring you our list of the 8 best places to visit in Bolivia, which you definitely shouldn’t miss. As travel tips from Bolivia, we include all the recommended (and tested) hotels and hostels of where to stay in Bolivia.
Travelling in Bolivia is very easy and most travellers only pass through the country quickly on the Peru – Bolivia – Chile route. Here is our list of the best places to visit in Bolivia. And if you are also going to Peru, here is our tip for getting safely from La Paz to Cuzco. Don’t forget that half of Bolivia is at high altitude – here are our 5 tips on how to deal with altitude sickness.
1. La Paz
La Paz is the economic and political centre of Bolivia, although Sucre is officially the capital. It’s important to note that La Paz is a large South American metropolis, and you shouldn’t miss a few very unique places here. Stopping at the witch market and a ride in the local cable cars (Mi Teleférico) is almost mandatory for all visitors. The town is set in a small valley at an altitude of between 3 600 and 4 000 meters above sea level and offers countless breathtaking views. La Paz also serves as a good starting point for both short and long trips to the surrounding area. The ones we probably liked the most were the Moon Valley or the bike downhill the famous Death Road. If you want to explore La Paz, you can choose a walking tour starting at $ 3.
Where to stay in La Paz:
- YORK Vintage B&B – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
- Landscape – International B&B – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
Photo from the cable car above La Paz
Eva in the Moon Valley just outside the city of La Paz
2. Salar de Uyuni
This is probably the most visited place in Bolivia and there isn’t a traveler visiting the country who would miss it. The largest salt plain in the world spreads over an area of 10 000 km2; long ago it used to form the bottom of a large prehistoric lake. The salt plain is truly enormous and absolutely unique. Nothing can prepare you for seeing the vast expanse of brilliantly white salt crust that attacks your every sense. What you should most certainly see is the salt hotel as well as the islands covered with cactuses. In the other direction from the city of Uyuni lies another mandatory stop – the train cemetery, where hundreds of old, rusty locomotives and trains cars lie left to their fate, and it is truly one of the best places to visit in Bolivia.
Read about our 3D/2N tour from Uyuni to visit Salar de Uyuni and much more.
Where to stay in Uyuni:
- Hostal Castillo de Liliana – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
Panorama from the island in the middle of the Uyuni salt flats
Uyuni Salt Flat is appealing to many different photos – Check out our photo ideas for Salar de Uyuni
The Uyuni train cemetery is really huge
3.Reserva Eduardo Avaroa
If you have some time to spare in Uyuni, head out to explore the Reserva Eduardo Avaroa national park. You can combine this trip with a transfer to the Chilean city of San Pedro. There are several differently coloured lagoons waiting for you to discover in the national park – Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorado, Laguna Salada, Laguna Busch and Laguna Hedionda, where visitors are often able to watch thousands of nesting flocks of flamingos. There are also surreal deserts, geysers, and hot springs in which people can bathe day and night – while watching the incredible night sky. It’s however important to expect low temperatures, which may drop to -10°C during the winter nights. The best way to visit these places in Bolivia is during a 3-day tour from Uyuni.
Read about How to plan a visit Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.
Laguna Hedionda with flamingos during a trip from Uyuni
This was our view at night swimming in thermal springs – the Milky Way Galaxy
4. Potosí
The city of Potosí is situated at an altitude of about 4 000 meters above sea level and is famous for its Cerro Rico Mountain. In the 16th century, Spaniards found a great deal of silver in the mountain, and the city was struck by silver fever. In order to secure enough workers, the Spaniards brought a large number of slaves to the city. Today, most of the silver has been mined already, but there are still more than 800 active mines in the mountain where 5 000-6 000 miners work daily. One of the unique tourist attractions of Potosí is visiting an active mine. It’s a very interesting experience, and we recommend choosing your tour operator very carefully and maybe spending a little more to ensure safety. We chose Big Deal Tours company, and we were satisfied with the mine tour.
Where to stay in Potosí:
- Hostal Eucalyptus – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
The famous Mount Cerro Rico, towering above Potosí
Photo right after we finished the tour in active mine in Potosí
5. Copacabana/Titicaca
The name Copacabana is well-known because of the famous Rio de Janeiro beach, but the original owner of the name is a small town on the shores of the Titicaca Lake with a gorgeous cathedral of the same name. Overlooking the small town is the Cerro Calvario Mountain, which boasts an amazing view of the entire Copacabana and the Titicaca Lake as well. This place has a very pleasant travel atmosphere. Almost everyone who stops here is a traveller going from Cusco to La Paz enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. If you have the time, you mustn’t miss out on a trip to the Isla del Sol and Isla de Luna islands.
Where to stay in Copacabana:
- Hostal Villa Imperial – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
View from Cerro Calvario to the entire Copacabana
The beautiful large cathedral Virgen de la Candelaria
6. Sucre
Sucre is officially the capital of Bolivia and is also sometimes called “The White City.” Sucre has the incredible charm of a colonial Spanish town, so it’s no wonder that since 1991, it has its place on the UNESCO list. When you are in the city, don’t forget to visit the cathedral and the cemetery. Yet the main attraction lies just outside the city. It is a mountain called Cal Orck’o, which is entirely covered with fossilized dinosaur traces. This remarkable paleontological site boasts several of the world’s best. We recommend taking advantage of the free tours, which take place every day from 12 PM to 1 PM. You also can’t miss seeing the eccentric pink Castillo de La Glorieta castle just outside the city.
If you don’t have enough time, visit at least Sucre and Uyuni because they are the best places to visit in Bolivia.
Where to stay in Sucre:
- Hostal Recoleta Sur – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
A typical street in Sucre
Very special private Glorieta Castle is a short walk from the center of Sucre
7. Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The city of Santa Crus is located in the tropical Amazonian part of Bolivia, which is why its climate is much different from all the previous places mentioned. Thanks to its location at the foot of the Andes and pleasant weather, it’s the largest city in Bolivia. That’s why you’ll feel comfortable staying here, like staying in a small town. Santa Cruz is said to be the centre of the Bolivian nightlife, which is why you shouldn’t miss Monseñor Rivero Street. However, if you prefer nature, you should visit the Parque El Arenal or Jardin Botanico parks, and see the local monkeys and sloths.
Where to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:
- 360 grados – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo Santa Cruz
8. Cochabamba
The city of Cochabamba is said to be the gourmet metropolis of Bolivia so it’s no wonder that the country’s best restaurants can be found here and the local gastronomical scene is truly very diverse. The city has its own very specific atmosphere and a pleasant climate. Another thing to see is the giant statue of Christ, located on one of the hills around the city, which is actually even slightly larger than the famous statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro. We recommend visiting the statue during the weekend when they allow visitors to look inside as well. In addition, you must n’t miss visiting the opulent villa Palacio Portales de Bolivia.
Where to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:
- Hotel Ginas – Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com
Do you know other great places to visit in Bolivia? Let us know in the comments.
The giant statue of Christ towers directly over the city
Famous Villa Palacio Portales de Bolivia
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Wow, I never really had Bolivia on my travel radar but after reading your post I’ll definitely change that! Especially that picture of the nightsky is just breathtaking!!! #TheWeeklyPostcard
You should put Bolivia on your travel bucket list. The country can offer so many interesting stuff.
I’ve been wanting to visit Bolivia after hearing really interesting things about it – how it has a large indigenous population (including the president), isn’t too touristy yet, etc. Unfortunately I also read that it wasn’t too safe, but I’ve since met people who have travelled solo around Bolivia with no problem. The salt plains of Uyuni are definitely on my list. An ex-colleague told me once that it was by far the best part of his South America trip – even better than Machu Picchu!
Don’t worry, Bolivia is safe and it is on the same level as Peru. We met many solo travelers there and haven’t heard about any safety issue. It’s very hard to compare Uyuni and Machu Picchu. Both of these attractions are the most visited places in the countries and I recommend to see both of them 😉
Wow! I knew about the salt flat but that was pretty much it. Just the salt flats alone were tempted me to visit Bolivia. I would love to take pictures there, but now I know there is lots more to see. Pinning for future reference. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcardd.
Most of the people know only about Salt Falt in Uyuni, but in Bolivia is much more attractions, so I recommend to spend there at least 2 weeks 😉
Oh my! Those cactii and flamingos in the middle of nowhere, how absolutely stunning!!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, there are thousands of flamingos in Lagunas, I wouldn’t expend that 😉
I don’t know anything about Bolivia but it certainly looks beautiful! I’ve been to South America and would love to go back! So interesting to learn that Rio’s Copacabana beach stole the name from here! Now I’ve just gotta see the original! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Lots of people don’t know anything about Bolivia, but that’s the reason why is the best time to go there now 😉 Anyway, I fell in love with South America.
Bolivia looks like a fantastic country to visit, Tom. I know very little about this country, but your post is an eye opener to its beauty. I can only hope to make it there someday. Thanks for sharing this on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Bolivia is kind of hidden for tourist in the shadow from Peru and Chile. Most of the people might know just Uyuni Salt Flats, but I think that is a hidden gem of S. America 😉
Those are some stunning landscapes! Love the cacti, too. We’ve been seeing more and more from Bolivia, and really like the mix of cities and natural areas, traditional Latin architecture and colonial buildings, desert and high mountains…it all blends into what looks like a beautiful destination. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
I’m glad that you like our post 🙂 Bolivia has truly incredible landscape.
Loved Uyuni and the Lagunas, such incredible natural beauty. Sucre was my favourite city, although I only spent a short amount of time in La Paz, not nearly long enough. Glad to see Copacabana and Isla del Sol on the list too. Great list! #theweeklypostcard
Thank you, David. How long did you spend in Bolivia? We were there more than two weeks.
Really thanks for sharing this useful post !! Bolivia is a nice place to visit for holidays and i will definitely visit these places with my friends.
Thank you for your comment, I hope you will enjoy your holiday in Bolivia 🙂
Awesome article, thanks for the tips! Indeed, Bolivia a beautiful country in South America that is bisected by the majestic Andes, and is home to the gorgeous Lake Titicaca which straddles Peru and Bolivia.
However, there are tourist-targeting scammers and petty crime to be wary of.
Do be wary of the fraudulent prison tour, overcharging vendors, medical bill extortion, longhauling taxis, bag theft, hotel tax, corrupt police officers and many more!
Hi David, thanks for your comment, fortunatelly, we were lucky so nothing bad happened to us in Bolivia.