Bolivia

Walk on Salar de Uyuni, Bolivian Salt Flat

One of the hands-down best things to do in Bolivia is to visit the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats. Located in southwestern Bolivia, this expansive salt lake stretches out to more than 10,500 square kilometres. The remnants of a prehistoric body of water that dried up, exploring this Bolivian salt lake is a must for every traveller. Walk across the barren plain to experience one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world. Drive across to Incahuasi Island, located in the middle of the lake, to see the giant cacti that grow on this otherwise-barren part of the world. Don’t forget to snap a selfie and play with the perspective of this salty desert.

Wonder around the Bolivian Witch Market

If you’re a fan of all things spiritual and mystical, you’ll want to head straight down to the Witches’ Market in La Paz, Bolivia. Located right in the heart of the city’s tourist district, dozens of vendors line the streets to sell strange and fascinating products of the Aymara people. Walk around the markets to find dried llama foetuses – which are said to bring prosperity and good luck – dried frogs, turtles and snakes, soapstone figurines, aphrodisiac formulas, owl feathers and traditional herbs. Many of these ingredients are used in Aymara rituals, while others are key ingredients for traditional folk remedies. If you’re game enough (and can speak some Spanish), get your fortune told by one of the Witch doctors in dark hats and dresses that wander the market streets.

See flamingos at Laguna Colorada

Lovers of nature, you’ll fall in love with Languna Colorada. This colourful national park is a feast for the senses. Home to the Red Lagoon, a shallow salt lake that spans 6000 hectares (but is less than a metre deep), head straight to this spectacular spot to see some of the country’s famous flamingos. Folklore suggests that the red the water is the blood of the gods, though scientists believe its colour comes from the red algae and rich minerals in its waters. Littered with white islands, pink flamingos and fluffy llamas, try to get down here first-thing in the morning to see the mist rising from the volcanic water and snap some out-of-this world photos.

Dare to drive down the Death Road of Bolivia

Thrill seekers, this one is for you: we dare you to drive, cycle or zoom down Bolivia’s infamous “Death Road.” La Carretera de los Yungas is a 69-kilometre road between La Paz and Coroico, in the Yungas region of Bolivia. Stretching around and across this mountainous region, La Carretera de los Yungas is known as the most dangerous road in the world – but it also has some of the world’s best views. Find a tour company to take you to the top off this 3400-metre mountain, before riding down by moped or bike. But be warned: the sign at the drop-off spot that features this year’s death count might make you change your mind once it’s too late to turn back!

Capture the view from Valle de la Luna

Literally translating to “Moon Valley,” Valley de la Luna isn’t actually a valley at all, but more of a maze of canyons and giant spires. Located about 40minutes from La Paz, this natural wonder consists of clay and sandstone formations created by mountainous erosion. Spend the day exploring the Valley’s two circular walking tracks, each leading you to breath-taking vistas. The most spectacular of these will be found at Devil’s Point, located toward the end of the longest track. If you’ve got a bit of time on your hands, why not stay overnight at the park’s camp site, which boasts amazing views over the valley and get places to hang a hammock.

Alasitas, La Paz

Culture

Alasitas is Bolivia’s annual festival of small-wishes, which is held at different times in different cities. It takes place in the city of La Paz on January 24 each year. The festival combines both Catholic and Pagan Andean traditions. Devotees will buy miniature versions of their dreams, such as toy cars, get them blessed by a Catholic priest and offer them to Ekeko, the Andean God of Plenty.

Semana Santa, Copacabana

Culture & Tradition

Semana Santa is the Catholic festival of Holy Week, which is celebrated in the lead up to Easter Sunday. One of the largest gatherings takes place in Copacabana, along Lake Titicaca. On Good Friday, hundreds make the pilgrimage to Copacabana from La Paz by foot. Easter Sunday is celebrated with parades, champagne and a firework display.

Aymara New Year, La Paz

Culture

The Aymara New Year is a cultural and spiritual celebration of the Aymara people, an ethnic group of Bolivia that inhabits the altiplano – Bolivia’s high plains. Taking place on the winter solstice every year, this festival is marked with ancient sunrise rituals and celebrations. The biggest celebration happens at Tiwanaku, 2 hours from La Paz.

The Procession of el Gran Poder, La Paz

Culture

Officially called La Festividad de Nuestro Señor Jesús del Gran Poder, this festival is celebrated in late May or early June. What began as a simple candle procession in Gran Poder, a district of the city of La Paz, Gran Poder has grown into the largest religious festival in the country. It features a day-long procession with folkloric music and dancing.

Urkupiña Festival in Quillacollo, Cochabamba

Culture

The Urkupiña Festival in Quillacollo, Cochabamba is a colourful spectacle that you’ll definitely be glad you experienced. Paying homage to the Virgin Mary, this religious and cultural festival features traditional rituals, parades and parties. Held every year from August 14-18, enjoy the traditional music, dances and costumes of this lively event.

Museo de la Coca

The city of La Paz is home to a unique museum dedicated to the coca leaf, best known as the main ingredient of cocaine. The Museo de Coca explores the long history of coca and its sacred use in the Bolivian culture. From its application in ancient rituals and modern pharmaceuticals, learn all about this versatile plant.

Museum of Bolivian Andean Textiles

Tucked away in La Paz’s Miraflores neighbourhood, the Museum of Bolivian Andean Textiles showcases textiles and clothing from the Bolivian Andes. With fabrics that date back more than 3000 years, learn about traditional weaving processes, styles and textiles from many different cultural groups across Bolivia.

Museum Precious Metals

The Museo de Metales Preciosos (the Museum of Precious Metals) features ancient archaeological pieces from the Tiwanaku, Aymara, Mollo, Yampara, Wankarani, Urukilla, Inca and Beni cultures. Housed in the former home of Bolivian revolutionist Apolinar Jaén, marvel at the jewels, crowns and other precious artefacts from some of the great ancient civilisations in his fascinating museum.

National Mint of Bolivia

The 16th century Casa de la Moneda in Potosi was created to process all the silver extracted from the Cerro Rico mountain before shipping it back to Spain. Now known as the National Mint of Bolivia, learn all about the old technologies involved in this process, as well as the stories behind its extensive collection of coins, machines and dioramas.

Museo San Francisco Cultural Center

Established in 1953 to preserve the arts and memories related to the history of La Paz Bolivia, the Museo San Francisco Cultural Center is a collection of the city’s religious art and murals. Head straight up to the roof for a beautiful view of the city, before exploring the surrounding cloisters and garden of the adjacent basilica.

Salteñas

Sajta

Tucumanas

Silpancho

Chicharrón