Introducing Bolivia
Simply superlative – this is Bolivia. It’s the hemisphere’s highest, most isolated and most rugged nation. It’s among the earth’s coldest, warmest, windiest and steamiest spots. It boasts among the driest, saltiest and swampiest natural landscapes in the world. Although the poorest country in South America (and boy do Bolivians get tired of hearing that), it’s also one of the richest in terms of natural resources. It’s also South America’s most indigenous country, with over 60% of the population claiming indigenous heritage, including Aymará, Quechua, Guaraní and over 30 other ethnic groups. Bolivia has it all…except, that is, for beaches.
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This landlocked country boasts the soaring peaks of the Cordillera Real around Sorata and the hallucinogenic salt flats of Uyuni, the steamy jungles of the Amazon Basin and wildlife-rich grasslands of the Southeast. Unparalleled beauty is also reflected in its vibrant indigenous cultures, colonial cities such as Sucre and Potosí, and whispers of ancient civilizations. This is exactly what attracts visitors, and with good reason. Bolivia is now well and truly on travelers’ radars; opportunities for cultural and adventure activities and off-the-beaten-path exploration have exploded. But while most travelers stick to the well-worn paths of the Altiplano, there’s plenty to be found elsewhere, including the tropical east and the lowland regions in the south.
Bolivia’s social and political fronts have been in flux since the appointment of the country’s first indigenous president. Optimism is generally high, especially among the indigenous majority, although many changes are afoot. Protests, marches and demonstrations are a perpetual part of the country’s mind-boggling landscape. This is a truly extraordinary place. Put on your high-altitude goggles, take a deep breath (or three) and live superlatively.
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Trek the Inca Trail, explore the Amazon rainforest and cross the Bolivian altiplano
- Discover the sacred Land of the Incas
- Journey from Cusco to La Paz via Lake Titicaca
- Explore the best of Bolivia in 12 days
Last updated: Jan 19, 2012
Tips & articles
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A dream trip for outdoor (and comfort) lovers
1 December 2011
A dream trip in the great outdoors! Sounds fantastic but perhaps slightly intimidating, especially if you don’t have three months...
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Beginner’s guide to South America
29 August 2011
South America has long captivated travellers with its plethora of natural and cultural wonders. Take a quick inventory of continental...
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Seasoned travel: world’s saltiest sights
10 August 2011
These amazing sights won’t be found next to the dried herbs in your pantry! Check out the plains, caves, lakes...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Salar de Uyuni Bolivia - what agency NOT to use
by ClearSkies 14 September 2011
Sorry to hear that. I went with Andes Salt, booked in their office in Potosi, at the end of August. We did the 3d 2n tour and it was awesome…
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RE: Horseback riding in Bolivia
by tunabagel 14 September 2011
tupiza is good because it is cheap, easy to arrange (pretty much every hotel offers) and the scenery is nice "wild west" type canyon scenery…
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RE: Argentina, Chile, Peru
by cmoesc 14 September 2011
Thank you for the tips!!! @trekker502: For time...Iguazu-BA, BA-El Bolson, El Bolson-Santiago are all more or less one day trips right...…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Bolivia
Browse more cities in BoliviaFeatured property
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Hostal de Su Merced
Sucre
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Bolivia
Things to do
- All things to do (733)
- Activities (117)
- Entertainment (87)
- Restaurants (253)
- Shopping (78)
- Sights (153)
- Tours (45)
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Our Top Picks For Bolivia
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1 Salar de Uyuni
An eerie, otherworldly sea of salt that will haunt your daydreams for years to come
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2 Potosí
A wealth of colonial churches with fabulous paintings, and miners looking to strike it lucky in hell
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3 Sorata
Alluring spot for action or inaction, for exhilarating treks or swinging in a hammock
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4 Parque Nacional Torotoro
Thousands of dinosaur tracks criss-cross this rough and rugged beauty of a national park
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5 Samaipata
This picturesque, laid-back town is the gateway to the pre-Inca site, El Fuerte, and stunning Parque Nacional & Área de Uso Múltiple Amboró
Fast Facts about Bolivia
- Birth rate
23.3 births/1000
- Literacy rate
87.2%
- Population below poverty line
64%
- Merchant marines
25 ships
- Annual military spending
US$130 million
- Highest point
Nevado Sajama 6452m
- Population
8.9 million humans, 3 million llamas
- Airports with unpaved landing strips
1068
- Average annual income
US$2900
Our favourite Bolivia Blogs (beta)
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A Digital Nomad Budget: One Year in South America
Blog: Never Ending Voyage - 27 January 2012
To celebrate the launch of our free ebook South America Highlights, it’s South America Week on Never Ending Voyage. We’ve compiled the favourite destinations on the continent of 31 experienced travellers and today we share exactly how much we spent during our one year in South America.
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The Best of South America Part 2: Travellers Share Their Tips
Blog: Never Ending Voyage - 25 January 2012
To celebrate the launch of our free ebook South America Highlights we asked other travel bloggers to share their favourite places and experiences on the continent. In Part 1 we heard their top tips for Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil and now in Part 2 we move on to Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
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South America Highlights: Launching Our FREE Ebook
Blog: Never Ending Voyage - 23 January 2012
Today we are launching our first ebook South America Highlights and it’s free! We spent a year in South America exploring white sandy beaches, bug-filled jungles, snow-capped mountains and elegant colonial cities.
