In the center of South America, Bolivia is surrounded by five neighbouring countries. The lack of a direct connection to the sea has a major impact on prosperity and development. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, but on the other hand, it has a rich culture and nature. If you are traveling to Bolivia soon, then you should not miss the following 10 highlights!
10. Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America that lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia. On the way to the lake, all cars and buses have to cross the water in Tequina. There is no bridge or ferry so all cars and buses have to go to the other side via small push boats. An undertaking that quickly takes an hour for a distance of a few hundred meters.
On the Bolivian side, Copacabana is the most popular city. From there, daily boat trips depart to Isla del Sol, one of the most beautiful islands in Lake Titicaca, where, according to ancient Inca legend, the sun was born.
9. Death Road
El camino de la muerte was the most dangerous road in the world for many years. Nowadays a new road exists from La Paz to Coroico and the road is primarily a paradise for daredevils who race down by bike. The tour starts at over 4,000 meters in the cold, after which you descend through the clouds at lightning speed and finally arrive more than 3,000 meters below sweaty in the jungle Coroico. During the way back up in the minibus, you only experience how deep the abysses and you see the small crosses of cars and buses that have collapsed into the abyss.
8. Fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque
Rurrenabaque is located on the edge of the rainforest and is the starting point for tours to the pampas or the Amazon. A bus journey takes almost 20 hours, but fortunately, there is a much more spectacular way. With a small plane, you are in 40 minutes from the height of La Paz in the sweaty jungle. On the way, you will fly just over the peaks of the Andes and feel every steering movement of the pilot tight in your stomach.
7. Live to the football
As in all South American countries, football is the national sport. They are not a high flyer and have only been allowed to play the final round of the World Cup three times, but that does not hurt the Bolivians. The home games at 3,500 meters are invariably a heavy effort for the opponent, which gives them a strong home reputation. You should not experience a match in the Bolivian league for the high-quality football, but for the special experience where the fans sing and dance non-stop for hours.
6. The mines of Potosi
The silver from the Cerro Rico in Potosi was responsible for Potosi’s heyday in the 16th century, when it was one of the largest cities in the world. That silver is still extracted from the mine and the working conditions have not changed over the centuries. 13 people die in the mine every month and the life expectancy of the workers is barely 45 years. Funnily enough, the mine is nowadays the most visited tourist attraction, a visit that will not leave you unmoved.
5. By bus from Uyuni to Potosi
To discover the local culture of Bolivia, a bus ride is the perfect way. One of the most beautiful routes is from the salt flats from Uyuni to Potosi. A beautiful asphalt road winds its way through the Andes at 4,000 meters, with dilapidated houses and herds of llamas showing the only sign of life along the way. An hour from Potosi, a number of vendors get on the bus and try to sell medicinal roots, pills or drinks with an elongated argument, which are enthusiastically bought by the locals on the bus.
4. Salar de Uyuni
The salt flats of Uyuni are a fantastic natural phenomenon that originated from dried out salt lakes. The white plain consists of a beautiful white carpet of hexagonal salt tiles that stretch far to the horizon. In the rainy season, this carpet turns into a gigantic mirror, where even the reflection of the stars can be seen at night. The infinite grandeur of these plains are truly enchanting.
3. Madidi National Park
Far from the dry and high salt flats of Uyuni is the Bolivian Amazon. Most of the Amazon is inaccessible to tourists, but there are a number of national parks that show the best of this nature. The Madidi National Park has a special natural diversity with the largest number of bird species in the world. If you have a warm heart for nature, you can spend a few days in the park with various eco-tourism operators. An experience you will not soon forget.
2. Huyana Potosi
The highest adventure in Bolivia is undoubtedly the ascent of the Huyana Potosi, 6,100 meters high, one of the few six-thousanders that is possible without much experience. The three-day hike is especially demanding for altitude, but the reward is at least as great if you stand atop the top above the clouds on the last day at 7 am with a beautiful view of La Paz and Lake Titicaca.
1. A Bolivian wedding
The introduction to Bolivia is complete with a traditional Bolivian wedding. The diversity of the cultures is so enormous that this wedding will differ greatly from region to region, but it will be very special everywhere. In Santa Cruz, the whole party is danced until the early hours, with the heat creating a sultry atmosphere. For more information check the travel guide about Bolivia on : https://delaattravel.com/destination/bolivia/
