Bolivia is one of South America's most diverse travel destinations, offering everything from the extraordinary Salar de Uyuni and the high-altitude city of La Paz to Lake Titicaca, colonial Sucre, historic Potosí, ancient Tiwanaku and the tropical landscapes of the Amazon. Whether you are visiting Bolivia for a short holiday, planning a longer trip or living in the country, there are many places to explore and activities to experience.
The best things to do in Bolivia range from sightseeing and cultural tourism to hiking, wildlife watching, adventure travel, photography, food experiences and visits to historic sites. Because Bolivia has such varied geography, a trip can include the Andes, high-altitude deserts, salt flats, tropical forests, colonial cities and indigenous cultural sites.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Bolivia, the following destinations are among the country's most interesting attractions and travel experiences.
The Salar de Uyuni is one of Bolivia's most famous natural attractions and one of the country's biggest tourism draws. The immense salt landscape in southwestern Bolivia offers a completely different environment from the Andes cities and tropical lowlands.
A trip to Uyuni can include far more than simply visiting the salt flats. Multi-day tours commonly combine the salar with high-altitude deserts, volcanic landscapes, lagoons and other natural attractions in the surrounding region.
Uyuni is particularly attractive to photographers because the flat white surface creates unusual perspectives and, under the right conditions, dramatic reflections.
La Paz is one of the most distinctive cities in South America. Its steep streets, dramatic mountain setting, markets and modern Mi Teleférico cable-car network make sightseeing here different from a conventional city break.
La Paz is also an important base for adventure activities in the surrounding Andes, although visitors should take altitude seriously because the city sits at a very high elevation.
Bolivia is an excellent destination for travelers interested in adventure tourism. The country's geography creates opportunities for cycling, hiking, trekking, climbing, rafting and wildlife experiences.
Bolivia has an exceptional variety of ecosystems. The country stretches from the high Andes to tropical Amazonian forests and lowland plains, making nature tourism one of the best reasons to explore beyond the major cities.
Madidi is one of Bolivia's most important destinations for rainforest and wildlife experiences. Visitors can take guided excursions through tropical environments and look for birds, monkeys, reptiles and other wildlife.
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in Santa Cruz Department protects a large and exceptionally diverse area of Amazonian and tropical ecosystems. UNESCO recognizes the park as a World Heritage property because of its biodiversity and range of habitats.
Torotoro is known for dramatic geological landscapes, caves, canyons and prehistoric dinosaur footprints. It is particularly interesting for travelers who want an outdoor destination away from Bolivia's better-known attractions.
Sajama National Park offers high-altitude landscapes, volcanoes, hot springs, geysers and spectacular Andean scenery. It is a good choice for travelers interested in Bolivia's remote highlands.
Bolivia has a deep cultural and historical heritage shaped by Indigenous civilizations, Spanish colonial history and the country's modern multicultural identity.
Tiwanaku is one of Bolivia's most important archaeological sites. The ancient city became a major political and cultural center between approximately 500 and 900 AD. Its monumental remains are located near the southern shores of Lake Titicaca.
Sucre is famous for its preserved colonial architecture and historic center. It was founded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and became an important religious, cultural and administrative center. UNESCO lists the Historic City of Sucre as a World Heritage property.
Potosí became enormously wealthy during the colonial period because of the silver deposits of Cerro Rico. Today visitors can explore the historic city, museums and mining heritage associated with the mountain.
Eastern Bolivia is home to the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, a group of historic mission settlements known for their churches, architecture and cultural heritage.
Near the town of Samaipata is Fuerte de Samaipata, an important archaeological and cultural site recognized by UNESCO. It combines archaeological remains with a large carved rock and evidence of different historical cultures.
Sucre is one of Bolivia's best destinations for travelers interested in history, architecture and culture. The city's white buildings and historic center make it particularly attractive for walking tours.
Lake Titicaca is one of Bolivia's most famous natural attractions. The Bolivian side of the lake is centered around Copacabana, a popular destination for travelers visiting the Altiplano.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra provides a very different experience from the high-altitude cities of western Bolivia. Its tropical lowland setting, parks, restaurants and nightlife make it an important destination in eastern Bolivia.
Trying local food is an important part of experiencing Bolivia. Cuisine varies between the Andes, valleys and tropical lowlands.
Bolivia has a strong festival and cultural tradition. Depending on the time of year, visitors may encounter major celebrations involving music, dance, religious traditions and elaborate costumes.
Bolivia is an exceptional destination for photography because of its enormous geographic and cultural variety.
Bolivia's nightlife varies considerably between cities. La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Sucre have restaurants, bars, live music and nightlife venues, while smaller destinations generally offer a quieter evening experience.
| Destination | Best Known For | Popular Activities |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | High-altitude city, markets, cable cars and culture | Sightseeing, markets, museums, viewpoints, day trips |
| Uyuni | Salar de Uyuni and Altiplano landscapes | Salt-flat tours, photography, 4x4 trips |
| Copacabana | Lake Titicaca | Boat trips, sightseeing, hiking, cultural tourism |
| Sucre | Colonial architecture and history | Walking tours, museums, churches, food |
| Potosí | Colonial mining heritage | Historic sites, museums, cultural tourism |
| Santa Cruz | Tropical Bolivia and urban life | Restaurants, parks, nightlife, excursions |
| Rurrenabaque | Amazon and wildlife | Wildlife tours, river trips, rainforest excursions |
| Torotoro | Canyons, caves and dinosaur footprints | Hiking, geology, caves, photography |
The best time to visit Bolivia depends on the region and the type of activities you want to do. Bolivia's climate varies substantially between the high Andes, valleys and tropical lowlands.
The dry season is often preferred for many highland sightseeing and outdoor activities because roads and trails can be easier to manage. The rainy season can produce spectacular conditions at Salar de Uyuni, when a thin layer of water can create the famous mirror effect.
Before booking a trip, check the conditions for the specific destination rather than relying on one nationwide "best time" because Bolivia has several different climate zones.
Want to see Bolivia before you visit? Explore our Bolivia Travel Videos page featuring La Paz, Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni, Copacabana, Sucre, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Potosí and Rurrenabaque.
Video walking tours can be particularly useful for getting a feel for Bolivia's streets, markets, landscapes and cities before planning your itinerary.
Bolivia is best experienced as a combination of destinations rather than as a single-city trip. A traveler might combine La Paz with Lake Titicaca, visit the Salar de Uyuni, continue to Sucre and Potosí, or travel east toward Santa Cruz and the Amazon.
The right itinerary depends on your available time, budget, interests and tolerance for high altitude. If you are visiting Bolivia for the first time, the Salar de Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Sucre and Bolivia's major cultural attractions are excellent starting points.