Top Activities to do in Bolivia

From exploring the world's largest salt flat to immersing yourself in the Amazon rainforest, Bolivia presents a myriad of opportunities to create unforgettable memories. In this guide, we will unveil the top activities to do in Bolivia, each offering a unique perspective on this captivating country. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping experiences, cultural immersion, or a communion with nature, Bolivia has something extraordinary in store for you.

La Paz:

La Paz, the capital city of Bolivia, offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Here are some top activities to do in La Paz:

Explore the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas): Visit this unique market where you can find a variety of traditional herbs, potions, and charms. It's a fascinating place to learn about Andean spirituality and traditional beliefs.

Take a cable car ride (Teleférico): Experience the city from above by taking a ride on the modern cable car system. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains.

Visit the San Francisco Church: Explore this historic church, known for its beautiful colonial architecture and intricate interior decorations. You can also climb to the bell tower for a stunning view of the city.

Discover the Plaza Murillo: Visit the main square of La Paz, which is surrounded by significant buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Congress. It's a great place to observe daily life and soak in the atmosphere of the city.

Explore the Museo de la Coca: Learn about the history and traditional uses of coca leaves at this unique museum. Discover the cultural significance of coca in Bolivia and its importance in Andean traditions.

Take a walking tour of the city: Join a guided walking tour to explore the different neighbourhoods of La Paz, such as the historic centre, the bohemian district of Sopocachi, and the bustling markets. It's a great way to learn about the city's history, architecture, and culture.

Visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley): Take a short trip outside of the city to explore this unique natural wonder. The Moon Valley features impressive rock formations and a lunar-like landscape, making it a popular spot for hiking and photography.

Experience Cholitas Wrestling: Witness a unique form of entertainment in La Paz by attending a wrestling match featuring Cholitas, indigenous women dressed in traditional attire. It's a fun and energetic spectacle that showcases Bolivian culture.

Taste local cuisine: Sample traditional Bolivian dishes such as salteñas (meat-filled pastries), anticuchos (grilled skewers), and api (a hot corn-based drink). Explore local markets and food stalls to savour the flavours of Bolivian cuisine.

Visit the Coca Museum (Museo de la Coca): Learn about the history, cultural significance, and controversial aspects of coca at this museum. Gain insights into its traditional uses, as well as its role in the modern world.

Explore the Mercado Lanza: Dive into the bustling atmosphere of La Paz's local market, where you can find fresh produce, street food, handicrafts, and much more. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the daily life of the city.

Take a day trip to the Moon Valley: Just outside of La Paz, the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) offers an otherworldly landscape with unique rock formations. Take a guided tour or hike through the area to appreciate its natural beauty.

Visit the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore: Explore Bolivia's rich cultural heritage at this museum, which showcases traditional artefacts, costumes, and exhibits related to the country's indigenous cultures.

Enjoy panoramic views from Mirador Killi Killi: Climb to this viewpoint located in the city's Miraflores neighbourhood for stunning panoramic views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains.

Discover the musical instrument market: Visit the Mercado de los Instrumentos Musicales to explore a wide variety of traditional Bolivian musical instruments. You can even try your hand at playing some of them.

These activities offer a diverse range of experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and natural beauty of La Paz. Enjoy your time exploring the vibrant city and its unique attractions.

Salar de Uyuni:

Salar de Uyuni, located in southwestern Bolivia, is the world's largest salt flat and a must-visit destination.

Here are some top activities and attractions to experience in Salar de Uyuni:

Salt Flat Tour: Take a guided tour across the vast expanse of the salt flats, which stretches over 10,000 square kilometres. Marvel at the stunning white landscape, walk on the salt crust, and capture perspective-bending photos that play with the flatness of the area.

Incahuasi Island (Isla Incahuasi): Visit this unique island in the middle of the salt flats, known for its giant cacti and panoramic views. Take a leisurely hike to the top of the island for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding salt flats.

Train Cemetery: Explore the hauntingly beautiful Train Cemetery near Uyuni, where you can see rusted train cars from Bolivia's mining past. It's a fascinating place for photography and a glimpse into the region's history.

Coloured Lagoons: Take a trip to the nearby Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, where you can witness stunningly colourful lagoons such as Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde. These mineral-rich lakes are home to flamingos and other unique wildlife.

Geysers and Hot Springs: Visit the Sol de Mañana geothermal area, where you can see bubbling mud pots and steam geysers. You can also take a dip in the natural hot springs of Polques to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Train Graveyard: Explore another train graveyard located near the town of Uyuni. This smaller graveyard offers a different collection of abandoned trains, providing more opportunities for unique photographs.

Star Gazing: Salar de Uyuni is an ideal place for stargazing due to its remote location and minimal light pollution. On a clear night, you can witness a breathtaking display of stars and constellations.

Salt Hotels: Stay in a unique salt hotel, where everything from the walls to the furniture is made of salt. Experience the novelty of sleeping in a room entirely made of salt blocks.

Flamingo Watching: Spot different species of flamingos in their natural habitat as you explore the lagoons and wetlands surrounding Salar de Uyuni. These elegant birds add a splash of colour to the already stunning landscapes.

Sunsets and Sunrises: Watch the sun paint the sky with vibrant hues as it sets or rises over the salt flats. The expansive horizon and mirror-like surface of the salt flats create stunning reflections and unforgettable moments.

These activities in Salar de Uyuni offer a unique and surreal experience that is truly unforgettable. It's a destination that captures the imagination and provides breathtaking natural beauty.

Tiwanaku:

Tiwanaku, an ancient archaeological site located near Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, is a fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the pre-Columbian civilization that once thrived in the Andean region. Steeped in history and surrounded by intriguing mysteries, Tiwanaku presents a variety of captivating activities for visitors to explore.

Here are the top activities to do in Tiwanaku:

Exploring the Ruins: Wander through the impressive archaeological ruins of Tiwanaku, which include monumental stone structures, temples, and intricate carvings. Marvel at the skillful stonework and learn about the advanced engineering techniques employed by the Tiwanaku people.

Gate of the Sun: Don't miss the iconic Gate of the Sun, a massive stone gate adorned with intricate carvings of deities and celestial beings. It is considered one of the most significant examples of Tiwanaku art and serves as a ceremonial and astronomical marker.

Akapana Pyramid: Climb the Akapana Pyramid, one of the largest structures at Tiwanaku, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. This pyramid is believed to have served as a religious and administrative centre.

Pumapunku: Explore the enigmatic Pumapunku complex, famous for its precisely cut stones that fit together seamlessly without the use of mortar. Discover the theories and speculations surrounding the purpose and construction of this intriguing site.

Tiwanaku Museum: Visit the on-site museum to deepen your understanding of the Tiwanaku culture. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts, pottery, sculptures, and other archaeological finds from the site.

Ritual Pathway: Walk along the ancient ritual pathways that connect different structures at the site. These pathways were used for ceremonial processions and rituals, and their layout provides insights into the religious practices of the Tiwanaku civilization.

Akapana Underground: If permitted, explore the underground chambers and tunnels beneath the Akapana Pyramid. These passages were once used for ceremonial purposes and may hold hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Calasasaya Temple: Visit the Kalasasaya Temple, an important ceremonial platform that played a significant role in Tiwanaku's religious and spiritual life.

Archaeological Excavations: Depending on the time of your visit, you might have the opportunity to witness ongoing archaeological excavations at Tiwanaku. Observing archaeologists at work can offer a unique insight into the process of uncovering the past.

Sunset and Sunrise Views: Enjoy the magical ambiance during sunrise and sunset at Tiwanaku. The soft hues of the sky cast an enchanting glow over the ancient ruins, creating a memorable experience.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru. It is not only a stunning natural wonder but also a region rich in cultural heritage.

Here are the top activities to do in Lake Titicaca:

Floating Reed Islands (Uros Islands): Visit the unique Uros Islands, which are man-made islands constructed from totora reeds. Learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Uros people and their connection to the lake.

Taquile Island: Take a boat ride to Taquile Island and immerse yourself in the local Quechua culture. Explore the picturesque terraced fields, enjoy stunning views of the lake, and observe the islanders' traditional textile artistry.

Amantani Island: Experience a homestay on Amantani Island, where you can live with a local family, participate in their daily activities, and engage in cultural exchanges.

Sun Island (Isla del Sol): Explore Sun Island, believed to be the birthplace of the Inca civilization. Hike to the Temple of the Sun and the Fountain of Youth while enjoying panoramic views of the lake.

Kayaking on Lake Titicaca: Rent a kayak and paddle through the pristine waters of Lake Titicaca, exploring hidden coves and enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Chucuito Peninsula: Visit the Chucuito Peninsula, known for its fertility temples and the famous "Temple of Fertility" or "Inca Uyo," an ancient site with stone phalluses.

Sillustani Archaeological Site: Take a day trip to the Sillustani burial towers, ancient funerary structures located on the shores of Lake Umayo, near Lake Titicaca.

Chullpas of Cutimbo: Explore the pre-Inca burial towers known as chullpas in the Cutimbo archaeological site, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Sunset and Sunrise Views: Capture mesmerising views of the sunrise and sunset over Lake Titicaca, as the changing colours paint the sky and reflect off the shimmering waters.

Traditional Boat Ride: Take a ride on a traditional reed boat, known as a totora boat, to experience the lake's traditional transportation methods and understand its cultural significance.

Birdwatching: Lake Titicaca is home to numerous bird species, including Andean gulls, Andean coots, and the giant Titicaca grebe. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find plenty to admire here.

Visit the Puno Cathedral: Explore the city of Puno and visit the Puno Cathedral, an iconic landmark with a rich history and impressive architecture.

Sucre

Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia, is a charming and historical city with a rich colonial heritage. Known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and pleasant climate, Sucre offers a range of activities that cater to various interests.

Here are the top activities to do in Sucre:

Casa de la Libertad: Visit the Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia's Declaration of Independence was signed. Explore the museum's exhibits to learn about Bolivia's revolutionary history and see historical artefacts.

Sucre's Historic Centre: Stroll through Sucre's UNESCO-listed historic centre, admiring its beautiful colonial architecture, including the stunning white buildings with red-tiled roofs.

La Recoleta Viewpoint: Hike up to La Recoleta, a hill with a convent and a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Sucre and the surrounding mountains.

Dinosaur Footprints: Visit Parque Cretácico (Cretaceous Park) to see over 5,000 dinosaur footprints, including the famous "Cal Orcko" wall with tracks from various dinosaur species.

Textile Workshops: Participate in traditional textile workshops and learn about the art of weaving from local artisans who still preserve ancient techniques.

Tarabuco Market: Take a day trip to Tarabuco on Sundays to experience its colourful and authentic indigenous market, where you can find handicrafts, textiles, and local products.

Convento de San Felipe de Neri: Explore the Convento de San Felipe de Neri, a former convent that now houses a museum with religious art and historical exhibits.

Parque Bolivar (Bolivar Park): Relax in Parque Bolivar, the city's central park, surrounded by beautiful gardens and featuring a statue of Simón Bolívar.

Learn Spanish: Sucre is a popular destination for Spanish language learners, with many schools offering immersive language courses.

Food and Culinary Exploration: Delight in Sucre's culinary scene, trying traditional dishes such as salteñas (empanada-like pastries), chorizos chuquisaqueños, and api con pastel (corn drink with pastries).

Cretaceous Park: Visit the Cretaceous Park, a fascinating paleontological site featuring life-size dinosaur sculptures and interactive exhibits.

Cal Orcko Paleontological Site: Take a guided tour to Cal Orcko, the quarry where dinosaur footprints are preserved in a vertical rock face, offering a unique perspective on prehistoric life.