Lake Titicaca
This hillside gate (named 'the Incan Gallows' by the Spaniards) is a fascinating pre-Incan astronomical observatory, surrounded by pierced rocks that…
Must-see attractions in Bolivia
Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón
Bolivia
Dedicated to the Virgen de Candelaria (the patron of Oruro miners), this small church is a colorful 19th-century reconstruction of the 1771 original and…
Amazon Basin
Trinidad’s loveliest feature is Plaza Gral José Ballivián, with its tall, tropical trees, lush gardens and community atmosphere. You can spend a pleasant…
Sucre
Sucre’s immaculately maintained cemetery is evidence that inequality doesn't die when we do. Mausoleums of wealthy colonial families and their descendants…
Amazon Basin
Sleepy San Buenaventura sits across the Río Beni from Rurrenabaque, watching all the busy goings-on, but content with its own slower pace. The Centro…
Lake Titicaca
The summit can be reached in half an hour and is well worth the climb, especially for a view of the sunset. The trail begins near the church at the end of…
Amazon Basin
Created by Conservation International in 1982 as a loosely protected natural area, this 334,200-hectare park was recognized by Unesco in 1986 as a ‘Man &…
Bolivia
At the foot of Cerro Polques lies Termas de Polques, a small 29.4°C hot-spring pool, and an absolute paradise after the chilly salar nights. Although they…
Sucre
Wondering why millions labored for centuries under terrible conditions, and still do, including in mines around nearby Potosí? Check out the highly…
Bolivia
This amazing house-museum is the quirky home of a man who has spent years of his life pacing the cerros (mountains) with a rockhound’s eye. The house is…
Isla del Sol
Just uphill from the ferry dock at Yumani, along the beautifully reconstructed Escalera del Inca (Inca stairway), you’ll pass plenty of terraced gardens,…
La Paz
An oasis in the urban jungle, the time you spend here will be the most tranquil during your visit to La Paz. Swan along the palm-shaded pathways which…
Amazon Basin
On the road to the airport, this wooded park no longer serves as a wildlife rehab center – the inmates got a bit feisty – but it's still a nice place to…
La Paz
A gallery of art, yes, but also a collection of saleable artwork, including notecards and posters of Bolivia's most colorful and well-known modern artist,…
Bolivia
Above the third bend of the Río Torotoro, 1.5km downstream from the village, are several panels of ancient rock paintings collectively called Batea Q’ocha…
Bolivia
A steep, rocky path leads to the top of Cerro de la Cruz, affording breathtaking views of Tupiza and the surrounding hills. The hike takes about two hours…
Amazon Basin
The church on the plaza was restored and rebuilt from 1995 to 2003 and adopts the familiar Jesuit style with a wide roof supported by wooden columns,…
Bolivia
In 1999, this handsome Jesuit church was relocated stone by stone – along with other buildings in the village – from its original location, 20km away, to…
Casa de la Cultura Simón Patiño
Bolivia
The grand former residence of tin baron Simón Patiño is now a museum, displaying his furniture, personal bric-a-brac, musical instruments and fine toys …
Bolivia
A set of Mollo ruins so little explored that locals say you can still find ceramic pieces and other artifacts. It lies like a fortress on the peak above…
Lake Titicaca
The ruins of an Inca nunnery and temple dedicated to the Virgins of the Sun – also known as Ajlla Wasi or Iñak Uyu – occupy an amphitheater-like valley…
Lake Titicaca
The stunning pots and ch’alladores (vases) found on Isla Pariti in 2004 are now on display at this tiny museum near the excavation site. Exhibits here…
Lake Titicaca
While Bolivia’s only public beach can’t hold a candle to its better-known counterpart in Rio de Janeiro, on weekends the festive atmosphere is a magnet…
Amazon Basin
This well-maintained walking path on Riberalta’s river bluff overlooks a broad, sweeping curve of the Río Beni and affords the standard Amazonian view…
Bolivia
This amateur anthropology museum is dedicated to the preservation of indigenous culture and the passion of Crispin Ventura whose home houses the…
Bolivia
Most tour groups wake at dawn to visit the large geyser field dubbed Sol de Mañana. This 4850m-high geyser basin has bubbling mud pots, hellish fumaroles…
Museo de Instrumentos Musicales
La Paz
A must for musicians. The brainchild of charango master Ernesto Cavour Aramayo displays all possible incarnations of the charango (a traditional Bolivian…
Amazon Basin
In the main plaza is a monument to Chirípieru, El Machetero Ignaciano, with his crown of feathers and formidable-looking hatchet, a look that’s re-created…
Sucre
For the best view in town, inquire at the national police office inside the wedding-cake-like Prefectura de Chuquisaca, next to the cathedral. If they're…
Isla del Sol
This prominent ruins complex near the southern tip of the island is about 30 minutes (2km) south by foot from Yumani. It sits well camouflaged against a…
Lake Titicaca
Located about 4km down the road from Horca del Inca toward Kasani, this carved stone features pre-Incan ruins and pictographs. The best known, though…
Amazon Basin
At the university 1.5km north of town along Cipriano Barace is the Museo Ictícola, an extensive aquarium featuring some of the 500 species of Amazonian…
La Paz
The cloisters and garden of the Museo San Francisco, adjacent to the basilica, beautifully revive the history and art of the city’s landmark. There are…
Lake Titicaca
A visit to Museo del Poncho will help you unravel the mysteries of the regional textiles. The exhibits, spread over two floors, give a clear insight into…
Bolivia
The traditional Kallawaya village of Chari, a 6km walk from Charazani (90 minutes), is a blend of terraces, flowers and vegetable gardens. The town is…
Bolivia
About 7km (1½ hours on foot) due west of Sajama is an interesting spouting geyser field. It makes for a great hike from Sajama. Take the road downhill…
Bolivia
All things charangos (traditional Bolivian ukulele-type instruments) are celebrated at this modest museum in Aiquile. Check out the variety in the…
La Paz
La Paz’s children’s museum has interactive exhibits and plenty of stickiness and stinky-sock smells over four rambling levels. The views are awesome, and…
Amazon Basin
Worth a quick look for the colorful Beni wall murals and statues of native wildlife, including a prone jaguar and a family of capybara. There are usually…
Bolivia
Where the route splits about 20km south of Sol de Mañana, the more scenic left fork climbs up and over a 5000m pass, then up a stark hillside dotted with…
