6 Things Not to Miss in Bolivia

6 Things Not to Miss in Bolivia

Visiting Sun Island (Isla del Sol) on Lake Titicaca in BoliviaDon’t let the visa fees which apply to US citizens or the sketchy public transport dissuade you from including Bolivia in your South American travel itinerary- its varied landscapes of tropical jungles and rivers, high Andean plains, glacial mountain peaks ascending into the clouds, buzzing metropolises, and the highest navigable lake and largest salt flat in the world are continually astounding visitors and bringing Bolivia into their top-ranked travel moments.

#1: La Paz

Your arrival in La Paz may be a bit of an altitude shock, but it’s a lively stop, especially during Carnaval in February. Aside from empanadas, humitas, and other tasty specialties, unique attractions such as the fabled Witches Market and the Burnt Palace, and activities like Cholitas wrestling and bridge jumping, it’s also the base for a host of day trips from biking to mountain climbing.

  • Plan a restful first day or two in A panoramic view of La Paz, Boliviaorder to acclimatize to the high altitude.
  • For nightlife, try Mongos, La Gitana, or the Sopocachi area in general.
  • La Paz is definitely Bolivia’s culinary highlight. If you’re on a budget, hit the market near Plaza San Francisco.
  • If you’re exploring La Paz and feel lost, walk downhill- you’ll hit Prado or one of the other main avenues eventually, from where you can orient yourself or take a taxi.
  • The tourist strip is Sagarnaga Street south of Plaza San Francisco- if you’re looking for a café with wi-fi, souvenir stores, hiking equipment, and the like, it’s all there.
  • For affordable lodging just a block and a half from the La Paz bus terminal, visit Pirwa La Paz!

#2: The World’s Most Dangerous Road

Thrill-seekers can’t pass through La Paz without tackling the infamous Death Road, a steep, narrow road with hairpin turns, blind spots, waterfalls, sheer drops from jutting cliffs, and spectacular views of green mountainsides in the mist. The ride begins just an hour outside of La Paz and takes riders from the cold high Andean plains into the subtropical Yungas valley. If you’re in search of a non-stop adrenaline rush and unbeatable bragging rights, this one’s for you.

  • Avoid budget operators in this case and with a reputable agency, one which has moved thousands without a single incident and which boasts top of the line equipment.

Death Road from La Paz, Bolivia through the YungasDeath Road from La Paz, Bolivia through the YungasDeath Road from La Paz, Bolivia through the Yungas

More information: Want to book a ride on Death Road?

#3: Canyoning in Coroico 

Most travelers don’t take the time to stop in Coroico in the subtropical Yungas valley despite Death Road ending just a half-hour away. That’s unfortunate because the warm pools and Canyoning in Coroico, Boliviaexpansive views are perfect for relaxing. If you have the time, you can give canyoning a try: rapelling down through waterfalls.

#4: Rurrenabaque to the Pampas & Jungle

From the gateway town of Rurrenabaque you have two choices: into the pampas (the tropical marshlands) or into the jungle, depending on whether you opt for upriver or downriver. Although it may seem counterintuitive since the lush jungle has more plantlife, you actually get to seem more wildlife during a pampas tour, as many animals tend to gather by the riversides. Travel along exuberant and exotic plants while appreciating monkeys, pink dolphins, piranhas, capybaras, cayman and anaconda, among others.

Find More info on Jungle & Pampas Tours in Bolivia here.

#5: Uyuni Salt Flats

Tours of Uyuni don’t only include the world’s largest salt flats (which become a large mirror during the rainy season), but also boast other surreal landscapes marked by gigantic cacti, red and green lagoons, feeding flamingos, ‘islands’ of prehistoric coral, shooting geysers, hotels made entirely of salt, and bizarre eroded rock structures in the dali desert.

  • There’s a lot of ground which will be covered in a Jeep 4×4, so checking the group size is important for your comfort.
  • Bring sunglasses for the sun’s reflection on the sand, sunblock, gloves and a hat, walking shoes, and warm sleepwear. If traveling between Nov. and Feb., bring a raincoat as well.

More info: Spend three days in Bolivia’s Uyuni Salar!

Copacabana, Bolivia#5: Copacabana

If Coroico didn’t make it onto your list, Copacabana is another town that’s ideal for relaxing. It’s gained a reputation for being something of a backpacker’s resort town. Although massive Lake Titicaca is too cold for swimming, the views are tranquil and expansive. Hiking enthusiasts will find several options both on the outskirts of town and on the islands of the lake.

  • It’s famously difficult to withdraw money in Copacabana because of the lack of ATMs and the limited bank operating hours (and bank fees), so try to have some cash on hand.

#6: Isla del Sol

Most travelers stop in Copacabana to visit Isla del Sol, an island considered sacred even in pre-Incan times and which is the site to which the Inca themselves traced their mythical origins. Alongside pre-Columbian ruins, you’ll see the Spanish-named Fountain of Youth, and the Inca steps of Yumani. One-day tours visit the northern side of Visiting Sun Island (Isla del Sol) on Lake Titicaca in Boliviathe island, while two-day tours take in more of the island.

  • If you are planning on spending only a few hours on the island, head for Challapampa on the northern side- you’ll be able to hike to Yumani stairway and down to the return point.
  • There are some small hostels on the island if you’d like to stay the night.

Pirwa Travel Service offers numerous Copacabana and Sun Island combo tours, which you can browse here.

 

 

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