Bolivia is one of those destinations that offer incredible and unforgettable experiences. The landscapes change very quickly, between the peaks of the Andes, which reach even more than 6,000 meters of altitude, the expanses of salt, the lakes at high altitude, the jungle, the colonial cities and indigenous traditions. Once you have visited this country, believe us, you will never be able to get it out of your mind and heart.
When to go to Bolivia: best time
Bolivia is located below the equator and therefore its seasons are reversed compared to the northern hemisphere. The climate is equatorial, characterized by two seasons, one dry (from April to September) and one humid (from November to March).
The climate in Bolivia is divided between rainforest, savannah and the Andes mountain range, but surely the difference between dry season and wet season unites these three areas and decrees the best time to visit the country. However, the difference between these two seasons is narrowing in the Andes, much more arid than the other areas and characterized by a dry cold all year round.
The best time for a vacation is the dry season, especially the months of June, July, August.
Avoid the months of December and January, which correspond to the peak of the summer season.
- Best period : June, July, August, due to the cool and sunny weather
- Period to avoid : December and January, due to high humidity and rainfall
What to see in Bolivia: cities and attractions
1 – Sucre
Photo by Valdiney Pimenta. Sucre is the capital of Bolivia and one of the most beautiful cities in South America.
Despite the centuries, it has kept its historic center unaltered, characterized by colonial architecture. The heart of the city is Plaza 25 and Mayo, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooked by numerous historic buildings and some of the most famous and sought after places in the whole city. Here you can also visit two of the most important religious monuments in the whole nation, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Near the center you must also see the beautiful Parque Bolivar, the most elegant street in the city Calle Dalence and the National Library.
A few kilometers from the center you cannot miss Cal Orcko, a stone quarry where many dinosaur fossil footprints have been found. In this expanse of rock you can see more than 5,000 footprints of nearly 300 species of dinosaurs. A visitor center has been built near the quarry to show visitors the life-size reconstructed dinosaurs that once lived on this land.
SEE ALSO : 10 Must See Things in Sucre Bolivia
2 – Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol
Lake Titicacait is located on the border between Peru and Bolivia and is the eighteenth largest lake in the world. With its 3,812 meters of altitude, this is the highest navigable lake in the world. This area was the land of peoples such as the Quechua, Aymara, Urod, Pacajes and Puquinas, and later the cradle of the Inca civilization, until the arrival of the conquistadors.
In 1978 the Titicaca Reserve was created, with the aim of safeguarding and preserving the flora, fauna and all that is found in this place. Among the creatures that live in the reserve, there are about 60 species of birds, 14 of fish and 18 of amphibians, including the Titicaca giant frog, one of the most famous species, which can weigh up to 3 kg. From Bolivia, the best starting point for exploring the lake and the city of Copacabana. Several tours and excursions depart from here every day.
One of the attractions of the lake are undoubtedly its floating islands. From the Bolivian side, the most famous and undoubtedly Isla del Sol. This island, 13 km² large, is generally divided into two parts: the one to the north rich in archaeological sites, while the one to the south is the village of Yumani and many paths and trails to do around the lake.
3 – Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. It extends for 10,582 km² and contains about 10 billion tons of salt.
To visit it, there are various types of tours, from the fastest ones lasting one or 2 days, or those lasting 3/4 days which also include various trekking routes. Most of the visits depart from the city of Uyuni.
The best way to get around is definitely with the Jeep, for a perfect adventure trip. Warning: it is highly not recommended to visit the place alone! Getting lost is really very simple.
Among the most famous points of interest are: Isla Incahuasi and Isla de Pescado, two islands located in the middle of the desert, inhabited only by huge cacti; the Sol de Manan, a set of boiling mud pools located at 5,000 meters above sea level, while at 4,200 meters there are thermal springs; the Tunupa volcano, a dormant volcano; the Laguna Colorada, an oasis full of pink flamingos
SEE ALSO : Salar de Uyuni – how to visit and when to go
4 – Potosi and Cerro Rico
Potosi, during the Spanish Empire, it was one of the richest and most populated cities in the world, thanks to the discovery of a silver deposit in the nearby mountain. In 1987 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The center is full of elegant churches, the houses are characterized by colored walls and balconies made of wood, while the historic buildings have a colonial style.
The city is located on the slopes of Cerro Rico , the mountain where a lot of silver was extracted. Nowadays, the mines are still active and tours are also organized to be able to visit them. Undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, but it is not suitable for those suffering from claustrophobia, due to the very dark and in some places even narrow spaces.
5 – La Paz
Photo of Francopancho90. La Paz is the administrative center of Bolivia, so much so that more often than not it is mistaken for the real capital instead of Sucre. It is located in the gorge of a natural canyon at about 3,650 meters high, making it one of the highest cities in the world and, in the background you can admire the imposing Cordillera Real, covered by glaciers, on which the Illimani and Mount Lampu dominate. . What is immediately striking about this city is undoubtedly the riot of colors given by all the colored houses.
Here you will enter the Bolivian culture: between live music at every corner and excellent food to try, you will come across women wearing traditional costumes and performances of typical dances in every street. Not to mention the many craft shops where you can buy and try typical local products.
SEE ALSO : 10 Must-See Attractions in La Paz, Bolivia
6 – Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna The Eduardo Avaroa
National Reserve of Andean Fauna is the most important protected area in the Potosi area, in southwestern Bolivia. With its 40,000 visitors a year it is also the most visited protected area. The reserve is dedicated to Eduardo Abaroa, a Bolivian national and offers an incredible landscape.
Among the most beautiful areas you can find: the Arbol de Piedra, a rocky conformation created by the erosion of the tree-shaped winds; the Termas de Polques, small natural thermal springs at the foot of Cerro Polques; the Sol de Manana, a basin with constant volcanic activity, at about 4,800 meters above sea level, where you can see gaysers and bubbles of mud in constant motion.
If we talk about volcanoes , we absolutely must mention Volcan Uturuncu, the highest mountain in southern Bolivia, with its 6,000 meters of height. The jeeps arrive one kilometer from the top, which can then be reached on foot. The other volcano is Volcan Licancabur, which with its 5,868 meters of height is the most popular peak for climbers.
Inside the reservethere are also several lagoons , including the Laguna Colorada, with a red color due to the algae and plankton present in the water and home to many flamingos, and the Green Lagoon .
7 – Laguna Verde
Photo by Albert Backer. A separate study to be dedicated to the Laguna Verde , one of the salt lakes of the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna, in the south-west of Bolivia, near the border with Chile and at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. It is located at a very high altitude: about 4,300 meters above sea level.
Its beautiful color is due to the mineral sediments of copper, magnesium, calcium carbonate, lead and arsenic that are deposited on its seabed and in the waters.
Small curiosity: in this lagoon you will not find any kind of life because the lake is toxic. Of course, walking in this area will not cause you any harm or danger! Indeed, the place is very popular especially for the trekking routes at the foot of the volcano.
Useful tips: we advise you to dress in layers, as the temperature can change quickly, and to bring sunscreen to avoid burning your face. And most importantly, comfortable shoes for walking.
8 – Tiwanaku
Photo of rodoluca. Tiwanaku is the most important archaeological site in Bolivia and is easily accessible from La Paz, which is about 70 kilometers away.
Recent studies have found that Tiwanaku was the first real Andean empire, which can easily be compared to that of the Incas in strength and extent. But, unlike the Inca civilization, the Andean civilization still remains shrouded in mystery to this day. The information we have on this people is very little, including why and how this empire fell. In fact, not even the name Tiwanaku is correct, as it is of Quechua origin and was given to the place by the Incas when they discovered the remains of the city. The real name is, and probably will forever be, a mystery.
Among the ruins of this uninhabited city for more than a thousand years, you can still admire several monoliths, the pyramid of Akampana, the remains of a ritual platform called Kalasasaya and the Porta del Sol, the symbol of this place, a megalithic gate in which they are several bas-reliefs remained intact.
9 – Madidi National Park
Photo by Michael Kessler, Schweiz. The Madidi National Park is a protected natural area located in the north of Bolivia, on the border with Peru. In 2012, the congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature declared the park the place with the greatest biodiversity in the world.
Here, incredible landscapes alternate: you will pass from the prairie to the savannah, from the tropical forest to the arid expanses of the Andes, reaching up to 6,000 meters above sea level. Inside there are about 5,000 species of plants, 900 species of birds and 2,000 species of wild animals, including howler monkeys, parrots, turtles, jaguars, sloths, toucans, tapirs and many others.
To visit the park we strongly advise you to rely on an expert guide and not to go around alone, as it could be dangerous for you. The best option is to opt for a tour of at least two days.
10 – Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Photo by Rojk. The Noel Kempff Mercado National Parkit is located in the northeastern part of Bolivia, on the border with Brazil. It was founded in 1979 and was initially called “Huanchca National Park”. Later, the name was changed in honor of Professor Noel Kempff Mercado, for the enormous contribution that he made to the park thanks to his numerous researches and discoveries.
This park also offers an incredible biodiversity: from the forest you will pass through the Amazon rainforest, up to the tropical forest and, finally, to the savannah. In its 15,234 km² there are about 4,000 species of vascular plants, as well as various species of bromeliads, araceae and palms. Speaking of animals, there are more than 130 species of mammals, including jaguars, tapirs and river dolphins. A population of the rare black jaguar lives in this area! There are about 620 bird species, accounting for 20% of all birds in South America.
To visit the park, as in the case of the Madidi National Park, we absolutely recommend that you rely on an expert guide. These places are really dangerous to visit alone.
11 – Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Photo by AriomPardo. With its over two million inhabitants, it is the most populous city in Bolivia . Santa Cruz is not particularly high, it is 400 meters above sea level, and this position makes it different from other Bolivian cities : here the climate is milder.
The city is in great turmoil and is now the new economic center of Bolivia, as can be seen from the modern skyline, which does not exist in the other locations. Santa Cruz is today particularly efficient from the point of view of connections, public transport, telecommunications, and is home to most of the foreign companies in Bolivia . To visit the Church of San Lorenzo and the zoological garden.
12 – El Alto
Photo by rodoluca. Located near La Paz, it is the second most populous city in Bolivia with its 960,000 inhabitants and, together with the capital, constitutes the most populated nucleus of the country. Unfortunately, economic growth does not go hand in hand with that of the population: El Alto is one of the poorest cities in Bolivia .
Very interesting is to take the La Paz-El Alto cableway , inaugurated in 2014: this work connects the two cities through a panoramic route. El Alto hosts an important airport, which is then that of La Paz, and is famous for wrestling matches, of which its inhabitants are crazy. Do not miss the city market on Thursdays, if you are in El Alto, very folkloric. The city, despite the height, is not very cold, but watch out for the winds: they pull intensely all year round.
13 – Cochabamba
Photo of Lucas. With a population of 618,000, this city remembers, with its name, the language of the ancient Quechua people who lived here . It is the seat of the Union of South American Nations , an important political and diplomatic center. On the top of Cerro San Pedro, in the city, there is one of the tallest statues in the world: the Cristo de la Concordia, 34 meters high and reachable by cableway, or, for the more daring, with a staircase of 1,399 steps.
In Cochabamba it hashome to the largest university in Bolivia , and therefore also an important cultural and youth center . Here, too, is the Carnival period, with great celebrations and folkloristic performances. The climate is rather dry and temperatures mild throughout the year, despite the altitude of 2,500 meters.
14 – Oruro
Photo by Pedro Szekely. Located near the shores of Lake Uru Uru, along the Andean ridge, the city takes its name from the ancient population dedicated to the production of ceramics . It is an ancient city, founded in 1585 with the name of San Miguel de Oruro.
There are many attractions to visit: the monument to the Virgen del Socavon, with the homonymous sanctuary, the 10 de febrero square, the archaeological museum and, for nature lovers, it is possible to visit the nearby Sajama National Park. This city too, like many in Bolivia, has an important height: 3,700 meters above sea level. The most famous event is the Carnival , during which you can attend very old traditional dances.
15 – Trinidad
Photo of Devy Shakty. The full name of this city is La Santisima Trinidad . It has almost one hundred thousand inhabitants and is located in the Amazon River basin, capital of the department of Beni, more than 400 kilometers from La Paz. Here the climate is tropical, typical of the rainforest. The city is very old, formed in 1600 around a Jesuit mission.
Trinidad is an important center of the agricultural market of Bolivia , in its surroundings there are crops of cocoa, tobacco, cereals. The city offers many attractions for nature lovers, real reserves dedicated to the Amazon, parrots, and water sports on the shores of Lake Suarez.
Suggested
itineraries 20-day itinerary: from the Andes to the Amazon
- First day : Arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and overnight at the hotel
- Second day : Visit the beautiful city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- Third day : Internal flight from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Sucre at 2.800m, the actual capital of Bolivia: visit of the “Villa Blanca” with its palaces and museums.
- Fourth day : From Sucre in 3 hours you reach the city of Potosi (4,000 m) at the foot of Cerro Rico: visit of what was once the silver mining city with a very nice museum, a church and period squares . Overnight in Potosi.
- Fifth day : From Potosi, passing through a wonderful landscape made of canyons, pinnacles, labyrinths and colored rocks, we arrive in Tupiza, a small town on the border with Argentina.
- Sixth day : From Tupiza aboard a 4×4 Jeep you enter the heart of Bolivia at an altitude of more than 4,000 m: journey to Uyuni, the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt desert in the world. Overnight in refuge in Uyuni.
- Seventh day : From Uyuni visit the train cemetery and then you start to cross the track that leads to the Salar: you cross the Colchani salt flats, stop at the Incawasi island with the giant cacti and arrive in the late afternoon in Tahua, a small community at the foot of the Tunupa volcano, where we spend the night.
- Eighth day : Departure to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve where the Canapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda and Ramadites lagoons follow one after the other. We then cross the Salar di Chiguana to admire the Ollague volcano and before evening we arrive in the Siloli desert where we will spend the night in a refuge.
- Ninth day : Departure to admire the Laguna Colorada with thousands of red flamingos, visit the Sol de Manana geysers, stop at the thermal waters of Polques for a quick bath at 38 °.
In the afternoon we will cross the Dali Desert with its famous Green Lagoon and return to Uyuni for the night. - Tenth day : Departure for La Paz with an internal flight and day dedicated to visiting the second capital of Bolivia.
- Eleventh day : Full day visit to La Paz (3,640m).
- Twelfth day : From La Paz transfer to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3812 m) and arrival in the afternoon in La Isla del Sol where you will spend the night.
- Thirteenth day : After a trek on the Isola del Sol, return to La Paz in the evening.
- Fourteenth day : From La Paz in flight we reach Rurrenabaque (270 m) starting point for the splendid Madidi National Park between the Amazon and the Andes.
- Fifteenth day : From Rurrenabaque you enter the heart of the Madidi park and on board a motorboat you will sail the Beni and Tuichi rivers to observe the flora and fauna. In the afternoon trekking in the rainforest and overnight stay in an eco-lodge.
- Sixteenth day : In the morning trekking along some paths to spot the different species of plants and animals while in the afternoon guided excursion along the Biwa trail to see the black spider monkeys. Overnight in the forest in the eco-lodge.
- Seventeenth day : This day is entirely dedicated to the excursion to Lake Santa Rosa where you can go fishing for piranha, canoe and spot caimans, tapirs, squirrel monkeys and capuchin monkeys. For the night we return to the eco-lodge inside the Madidi Park.
- Eighteenth day : Transfer day from Madidi Park to Trinidad where we will spend the night.
- Nineteenth day : In the morning flight from Trinidad to Santa Cruz and connections with flights to Italy.
- Twentieth day : return to Italy.
How much does it cost
Price details
- Price per person starting from : € 3.200
- The fee includes : the fee includes international flights and internal flights, overnight stays, shelters and eco-lodges in the Amazon; transfers by bus and 4×4 Jeep.
- The fee does not include : The fee does not include meals and what is not specified in the fee includes.
14-day itinerary: the best of Bolivia
- First day : Arrival in Santa Cruz and overnight at the hotel.
- Second day : Departure to visit the Amboro Park, a natural reserve with an incredible biodiversity where you can observe the American Tiger and the Gold mammal of the Andes. Return to Santa Cruz in the evening.
- Third day : Flight to Sucre, the capital of Bolivia also known as the “White City” and visit of its buildings. Overnight in Sucre (2800m)
- Fourth day : By bus you reach Potosi, famous for the extraction of silver; visit of the colonial center with its squares and alleys kept as they once were. Overnight in Potosi (4000m)
- Fifth day : Visit of the still functioning Cerro Rico mine where lead, zinc and tin are extracted. Return to Potosi and bus to Uyuni where we will spend the night.
- Sixth day : Day dedicated to visiting the Salar de Uyuni, stop at the Inkawasi island and crossing the immense salt desert you arrive in San Juan where you will spend the night in a simple refuge.
- Seventh day : Day aboard a 4×4 jeep to cross the Sioli desert between rock formations and volcanoes. In the afternoon we reach the Laguna Colorada where we will spend the night in a refuge.
- Eighth day : Visit of the Laguna Colorada, Verde and Bianca area; stop at the geyser for a dip at 38 ° and return in the evening to Uyuni where we spend the night.
- Ninth day : Transfer to the airport and flight to La Paz, the second capital of Bolivia; in the afternoon visit of the highest capital in the world (3650 m).
- Tenth day : Departure by bus for Lake Titicaca (3812 m) and then by boat to reach the Isola del Sole; visit of the temple of the sun and overnight stay in Humany.
- Eleventh day : Day dedicated to visiting the island with a simple trek to reach the Fuerte del Inca. Return to the shores of the lake by boat and then by bus for the night to La Paz.
- Twelfth day : Visit the ruins of Tiahuanaco and Puma Punku the oldest sites in South America wrapped in charm and mystery. Night in La Paz.
- Thirteenth day : Return flight to Italy
- Fourteenth day : Return to Italy
How much does it cost
Price details
- Price per person starting from : € 1.700
- The fee includes : includes internal flights, guide, driver and transport to and from airports, accommodation in double rooms or shelters, breakfasts, excursions as per itinerary, museum entrances
- The fee does not include : international flights, meals, options and extensions and tips
Do-it-yourself Bolivia: flights, costs and advice
In Bolivia it is possible to organize a do-it-yourself trip to save some money, however it is essential to have a driver and guide for the part that involves visiting the Salar and Lagoons .
Furthermore, in the Salar area, there are few accommodation facilities, often sleeping in shelters or private homes without heating, therefore suitable clothing is recommended. In cities, however, you can choose hotels or hostels depending on how much you intend to spend.
The cost of living (meals, drinks etc.) is quite low but tours and excursions, on the other hand, are quite expensive as they require expert guides.
Particular attention should be paid to the altitudes since most of the journey takes place between 2800 m and over 4000 m
- Minimum period for a tour in Bolivia : to visit the main things you need at least 14/15 days (including round trip travel)
- Recommended cities to base : Among the cities to base are Santa Cruz, La Paz, Uyuni, Humany (on Lake Titicaca) and Rurrenabaque (if you want to visit the Madidi Park).
- How to get around : In the Salar and Lagune area it is necessary to use a 4×4 jeep with driver / guide; between the main cities you can move by bus or internal flights.
- Flights : they can cost between € 668.00 and € 1700. The main companies that connect Italy to La Paz or Santa Cruz are Iberia, Tam and KLM – Compare flights
- Accommodations and accommodations : While in the cities it is possible to find both hostels and more luxurious hotels with prices that therefore vary from € 25.00 to € 100.00 per person, in the most remote areas it is necessary to stay overnight in shelters or private houses where the cost is around € 15.00 – Look at the offers
Travel informed: useful information and necessary documents
- Inhabitants : about 11 million
- Capital : Sucre
- Languages : Spanish
- Local currency : Boliviano (€ 1.00 = 7.80 BOB)
- Climate : there are different climates based on the area and altitude: in the far north the climate is equatorial, while in the center-south it is tropical; in the Andes and on the various mountain peaks and cold and arid
- Time Zone : 5 hours behind Italy, 6 when there is summer time in Italy
- Vaccinations : Yellow fever vaccine highly recommended
- Entry requirements : passport with a residual validity of at least 6 months at the time of entry; the exit ticket is also mandatory; you do not need a tourist visa if you stay in the country for less than 90 days.
- Distance from Italy : 10,335.67 km (13 hours flight) from Rome to Sucre
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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Where is it
Bolivia is located in South America and, together with Paraguay, is the only country that does not overlook the sea, but is completely surrounded by other states. Furthermore, it is the highest country in the entire American continent.
To reach it there are no direct flights from Italy. Your best bet is to book a flight to Peru or Chile and then take a second flight to Bolivia.
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