The 9 best places to visit in Bolivia

09.11.2023 - 18:49 / lonelyplanet.com / Lake Titicaca

From Amazon jungle to the world's largest salt flats by way of soaring Andean peaks, Bolivia rewards travelers with a giddying variety of landscapes.

Better still, this quiet corner of South America doesn't see half as many visitors as neighboring Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, so you can admire the views without a crush.

This general lack of crowds means you'll have no problems lining up essential Bolivian experiences. Try the hair-raising bike ride down the so-called Death Road between La Paz and Los Yungas or take a drink from the fabled Fountain of Youth at Lake Titicaca.

Authentic, adventurous, and largely unscarred by mass tourism, Bolivia is one of South America's best-kept secrets. Start planning your trip there right now with our nine favorite places to visit in Bolivia.

Best for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Undoubtedly the pick of Bolivia's tourist sights, the endless, dazzling-white Salar de Uyuni (salt flats of Uyuni) were formed by the disappearance of an inland ocean that once covered most of the Altiplano.

As the waters evaporated, they left behind the world’s largest salt flats – usually visited on three-day 4WD tours from the town of Uyuni, with side stops at the deserts, geysers, hot springs, and colorful lakes in the surrounding area.

It's an otherworldly landscape at any time of year, but visit during the rainy season (December to February) and a thin layer of water floats above the salt flats, creating a mirror that perfectly reflects the sky.

Planning tip: Make sure you acclimatize to the altitude before crossing the flats to avoid getting sick – spend a few days adjusting in La Paz before leaving for Uyuni.

Best place for cultural encounters

Built into a natural hollow framed by the Cordillera Real mountains, La Paz stands at a dizzying 3600m (11,811ft) above sea level, so don't overdo things in the first couple of days.

At first look, this majestic city can – quite literally – take your breath away. La Paz is a bustling and dynamic metropolis where indigenous traditions coexist with the modernity of a big city, making for an unmissable stop.

The lively center combines colonial architecture with colorful modern buildings from Bolivia's post-independence period. In amongst it all are art museums, a growing gastronomic scene and plenty of vibrant nightlife.

A new cable car system offers wonderful bird’s eye views of the city, and you can dip into the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches Market) to learn about the mysticism of Aymara culture.

Within easy striking distance of La Paz are a number of rewarding natural attractions, including the cactus-filled Valle de Luna – perfect if you want to take a quick break from the busy streets.

Best place for wildlife sightseeing

One of the world's most