Must-see attractions in Bolivia

  • Jardín Botánico

    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…

  • Parque Pantanal

    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…

  • Hospital Señor de Malta

    Santa Cruz & Gran Chiquitania

    After Che’s execution in La Higuera, south of Vallegrande, his body was brought to the hospital laundry and put on display for the world's press. The…

  • Mamani Mamani Gallery

    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,…

  • Batea Q’ocha Rock Paintings

    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…

  • Cerro de la Cruz

    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…

  • Iglesia Parroquial de S.I.

    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,…

  • 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 …

  • Iglesia de San Cristóbal

    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…

  • Templete Semisubterráneo

    Tiwanaku

    East of the main entrance to Kalasasaya, a stairway leads down into the Templete Semisubterráneo, an acoustic, red-sandstone pit structure measuring 26m…

  • Pukara

    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…

  • Templo de las Vírgenes

    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…

  • Museo de Pariti

    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…

  • Copacabana Beach

    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…

  • Paseo Turístico La Costanera

    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…

  • Museo Apus

    Bolivia

    This amateur anthropology museum is dedicated to the preservation of indigenous culture and the passion of Crispin Ventura whose home houses the…

  • Sol de Mañana

    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…

  • Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

    Potosí

    The ornate and beautiful bell tower, on what remains of the former Jesuit church, was completed in 1707 after the collapse of the original church. Both…

  • 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…

  • Main Plaza

    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…

  • Prefectura de Chuquisaca

    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…

  • Pilko Kaina

    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…

  • Cerro Kopakati

    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…

  • Museo Ictícola

    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…

  • Museo San Francisco

    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…

  • Museo del Poncho

    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…

  • Chari

    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…

  • Museo Misional

    Santa Cruz & Gran Chiquitania

    Intricate art-restoration work is performed in the Museo Misional on the south side of the plaza which, apart from being the birthplace of the former…

  • Museo Arqueológico

    Santa Cruz & Gran Chiquitania

    Samaipata’s small archaeological museum displays pieces excavated from El Fuerte and provides information about the site. It's worth coming here before…

  • El Mercado de los Campesinos

    Tarija

    This sprawling maze-like scene covers several city blocks with row upon row of vendors selling everything from lemons to electronics. The vegetable and…

  • Mirador Loma de San Juan

    Tarija

    This park area above the tree-covered slopes of the Loma de San Juan provides a grand city view and makes it a favorite with smooching students. Climb…

  • Geysers

    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…

  • Museo del Charango

    Bolivia

    All things charangos (traditional Bolivian ukulele-type instruments) are celebrated at this modest museum in Aiquile. Check out the variety in the…

  • Pipiripi

    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…

  • Plazuela Natuch

    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…

  • Desierto de Dalí

    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…

  • Mercado Negro

    La Paz

    Tight travelers can grab a bargain at the Mercado Negro, a clogged maze of makeshift stalls that sprawls over several blocks to the west of Isaac Tamayo…

  • Presidential Palace

    La Paz

    Beside the Catedral Metropolitana is the Presidential Palace, a mustard-yellow building that is the official residence of the President of Bolivia. It…

  • Cathedral

    Amazon Basin

    Riberalta’s cathedral is a wonderful structure in classic Missionary style, wide and elegant, built using red brick and cedar. It sits on the main square…

  • Teleférico Turístico

    Bolivia

    These slick cable cars transport passengers on an 823m journey high above Oruro from Plaza del Folklore to the Virgen del Socavón statue atop Cerro Santa…

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