South America is thrived with many beautiful countries be it vibrant Brazil, ancient Peru or Venezuela, famous for football Argentina and Bolivia, recognised for natural landscapes. In our past blogs, we have covered many South American nations and this time it is Bolivia. But why? What is more appealing in this nation that tempts adventure seekers, nature admirers and couples as well? Don’t worry we are here to help you out!!
Travellers before planning any intimidating trip to Bolivia, learn all the aspects so that you can add Bolivia to your next travel bucket list.
Journey of Bolivia in Brief
Bolivia is loaded with jaw-dropping natural panoramas such as salt flats, gleaming beaches and rich in cultural and historical heritage. This country is packed with so many sights and experiences to keep the adventurous traveller on the edge of their seat. The epic Andes, a soaring mountain range marked by numerous snow-capped peaks, urges backpackers to tour Bolivia.
This landlocked country houses the world’s highest flat salt pan is called Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca is the worlds highest navigable lake, renowned for Pink flamingos, here are the highlands with icy mountainous and dense rainforests in the Amazon basin.
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Popular Things to do in Bolivia
Explore Bolivia’s Largest City – La Paz
La Paz is established against the striking backdrop of snow-capped mountains in Bolivia. It is the most popular as well as the largest capital city of Bolivia. Its grand churches and panoramic mountain views fascinate visitors. Old Town, Hernando Siles Stadium, San Francisco Basilica and Plaza Murillo Square are the main attractions in this scenic location in the Andes mountains.
Visit the popular Witches’ Market and take a trip on the world’s highest cable car connecting La Paz and El Alto. Don’t forget to visit the Valle De La Luna which is a deadly hiking spot for witnessing surreal landscape due to its shocking sandstone spires, which have been formed by erosion.
This town is home to numerous museums, cafes, galleries, bars and restaurants. The vivid colours of the 18th-century preserved houses offer a true blend of tradition and modernity, with Bohemian air blowing in the ambience lures travellers.
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Explore Ancient Ruins in Isla del Sol
Isla del Sol is the biggest island in Lake Titicaca. Also known as the Sun Island, Isla del Sol is renowned among travellers for housing more than 80 ancient Inca ruins from the past era as well as for amazing aspects of Lake Titicaca and hiking adventures. The Escalera del Inca in Yumani village and Chicana ruins in Challapampa village located near Isla del Sol are preserved sites.
You can also discover ancient weaving techniques and take in some of Lake Titicaca’s best views by taking a boat ride. These are all great sites to visit in Isla Del Sol for history buffs who want to explore something new.
Admire the Bolivian Altiplano
The Altiplano or Collao or Andean Plateau is located in west-central South America. The Bolivian Altiplano is a dreamlike landscape of colours and contours with rough horizons, deciduous wildlife and incredible sunsets. Wind erosion has produced oddly unusual rock formations on the Altiplano. It is the largest high plateau in the world after Tibet.
This high plateau area of the Andes mountains is shared with other South American countries such as Peru, Argentina and Chile, but the Bolivian Altiplano is the most widespread and is dominated by volcanoes. The most important thing is you can witness so many Cute Llamas of Altiplano and other indigenous wildlife with pink flamingos.
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Cochabamba – City of Eternal Spring
Cochabamba is a beautiful city located in the heart of Bolivia, in a valley in the Andes mountain range. It is marked as the City of Eternal Spring and The Garden City because of its spring atmosphere throughout the year, thus many travellers want to visit Cochabamba.
It has lots of attractions such as Plaza Colon, the important one is the Tunari Peak, El Cristo de la Concordia, Palacio Portales and Felix Capriles Stadium. Also known as the Gastronomical capital of Bolivia, this vast town has streets loaded with restaurants and a bar for enjoying vibrant nightlife. Go on adventures tours and hiking which includes the trips to Parque Torotoro and Tunari peak.
Book a Tour of Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth located in Bolivia. It was once a prehistoric lake in the Altiplano region and is now the biggest salt flats. Salar de Uyuni is the largest natural mirror of the world and the most captivating destination among all sort of travellers, especially photographers.
The white salt flats look so mesmerising that no one wants to leave this beautiful location. Uyuni has other attractions too such as Train Cemetery and Plaza Arce.
Relax on the Beaches of Copacabana
Copacabana is a picturesque little town to explore in Bolivia. It is one of the best destinations for couples to spend some quality time as it has many shops, eateries and bars overlaying the colourful street and shores.
It is also known for its beaches and offers lots of things to see. The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, Copacabana Beach, Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and Sucre Square are some popular attractions in this city.
Take a Boat Trip for Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is one of the most beautiful sites of Bolivia which lures global tourists. It is not only a treasured landmark, but it is also the world’s highest navigable lake. Travellers come to take in the breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca and learn about the Incas’ empire. A boat ride from Copacabana to Isla del Sol is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of Lake Titicaca.
Meet Aymara villagers who are currently cultivating the land and preserving Inca sacred sites. Walking from one side of the island to the other is a magnificent experience that allows visitors to see some of Bolivia’s most stunning scenery.
Sucre – The Historic City of Bolivia
Sucre is well-known for comprising one of the most impressive colonial cities of South America. It is the official capital of Bolivia. Spanish colonial architecture in the city centre with amazingly maintained white-washed houses and elegant balconies date back to the 16th century.
Many museums, beautiful churches and the castle provides a fascinating insight into Bolivian history. Templo de San Felipe Neri, Castillo de la Glorieta Plaza 25 de Mayo, Capilla de la Virgen de Guadalupe and Iglesia de San Francisco are major highlights of Sucre. Nightlife is also buzzing here among youths.
Watch Andean Flamingos at Bolivia
Do you know Andean Flamingos are one of the rarest flamingo species in the world? And the most important thing is you can see them here in Bolivia. For nature lovers, bird watchers and photography freaks, it a great opportunity to capture pink Andean Flamingos with a backdrop of lake and mountains as you can see in the below picture.
Moreover, Bolivia is the sixth most diverse country in the world in regards to bird species as there are approx 1,400 bird species in Bolivia. You can also witness Llamas in the Bolivian highlands.
Santa Cruz – Cultural Capital & Business Hub
Santa Cruz is the cultural capital but sometimes recognised as the powerhouse of Bolivia. Thus it is responsible for holding grand churches, museums and art galleries. Santa Cruz illustrates how well Bolivia’s modern lifestyle blended with traditional values.
It stands out from the rest of the world due to its tropical savanna climate, low-lying altitude, gorgeous scenery, exciting nightlife and diverse culture. Amboro National Park, Parque El Arenal, Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Lomas de Arena Regional Park, Biocentro Guembe Mariposario are popular attractions of city.
Savour Delicious Bolivian Dishes
Bolivia is also quite known for its agricultural resources. However, Bolivian cuisine is very varied due to its diverse landscape. As the production of potatoes, corn, coffee and sugar cane is higher in Bolivia, its taste can be relished in many dishes. Saltenaas are savoury pastries stuffed with beef, pork and chicken is the national dish of Bolivia.
Apart from it, Choclo, Sopa De Mani, fried trout and kingfish are popular in the regions around Lake Titicaca. More you want to savour in Bolivia than go for Anticuchos, Chajchu, Noodle Chilli and Yuca Sonso.
Bolivia is a very economical travel destination. If you are a low budget traveller, looking to stay in hostels and dining in cheap cafés with regular travel costs you will keep under $30 per person.
Although there is a lot more for describing the beauty of Bolivia. But we know covering all aspect here in one blog is quite challenging from readers perspective too. I’m concluding here but Bolivia is far better than many south American nations if you are looking for a power pack holiday destination.
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