Top 15 Incredible Places to Visit in Bolivia

Laguna Esmeralda is often overlooked by visitors to La Paz, but it's truly beautiful and a great day trip
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Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Bolivia is a wonderful country mainly known for the famous Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. This natural wonder arguably put Bolivia on the backpacker map and is why most people visit.

In fact, most people I met only planned to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats and La Paz before continuing their journey to either Peru or Chile. While the Salt Flats are breathtaking and worth visiting, there is so much more to see in Bolivia. With the Amazon Jungle, several epic national parks, important Inca sites, the red rocks of Tupiza and endless epic day hikes, xthere is so much more to Bolivia than just the Salt Flats and La Paz. (I’ve written a whole post on all the exciting things to do in the country.)

Related read: Check out my solo female travel guide for Bolivia

I was lucky enough to spend almost one month exploring Bolivia solo. This still didn’t feel like enough time to see everything the country has to offer. I really hope I can return one day to see more of this underrated country. If I’m being entirely honest, I was blown away by Bolivia, and I can’t see why it is so overlooked compared to neighbouring Peru. Bolivia is such an incredible place.

In this post, I’ve shared the absolute best places to visit in Bolivia to add to your Bolivia itinerary. I’ve also shared a quick overview of the best things to do in each destination.

Read next: Discover the best way to get around Bolivia

The absolute best places to visit in Bolivia Pinterest

La Paz

How many days to spend in La Paz: at least 3 or 4 days

Let’s start with an obvious one… La Paz! Arguably Bolivia’s most famous city, La Paz is a whirlwind of chaos and culture. Known for its crowds and heavy traffic, I wasn’t expecting to like La Paz, but it turned out to be one of my favourite places in South America.

La Paz is the world’s highest city, situated at 3,640m (11,942 feet) above sea level. So, it’s fair to say La Paz will take your breath away in more ways than one. With the high altitude, it’s worth planning to spend an extra couple of days here to give your body a chance to acclimatise (especially if you’re coming from sea level).

Related: How to Spend One Day in La Paz

La Paz is also famous for its unique Mi Teleférico system. A network of cable cars used by locals to get around the city. This cheap and efficient transport system is a great way to explore the city. You can purchase a transport card at any station, and it costs just 3 Bolivianos ($0.40) per gondola ride (2024 cost).

The views of La Paz are incredible from the Mi Teleferico
Views from the Mi Teleferico

I spent a morning riding around the Mi Teleférico network and exploring different parts of La Paz. The views from the gondolas are absolutely stunning, and it’s such a unique and memorable way to explore the city. I’d suggest starting on the Blue Line and changing to Yellow to go to the Qhana Pata viewpoint. From here, you can ride the Grey Line and change to the Dark Blue to explore El Alto. Be aware that El Alto can be dangerous, especially at night, so keep your belongings close.

No trip to La Paz would be complete without visiting the famous Witches Market or El Mercado de las Brujas. I’d suggest joining a tour with Red Cap Walking Tours to get the most out of your visit. The company offer a range of tours, including a free walking tour around the historic centre (tip-based).

La Paz is also surrounded by incredible natural beauty, and it’s a great place to base yourself for several day trips. I spent over a week in La Paz, but it still didn’t feel like there was enough time to see everything the area had to offer.

Some of the best day and overnight trips from La Paz include:

  • Death Road: One of Bolivia’s most famous attractions, Death Road involves a hair-raising mountain bike ride down the world’s most dangerous road. Known for its narrow passes and sheer drops, cycling down Death Road is no joke, and tourists have died participating in the activity. Thankfully, safety has improved in recent years. I opted to skip this activity as it didn’t appeal to me. If you do opt to do it, I’d suggest going with a company such as this one who are known for their perfect safety record and good quality bikes.
  • Pico Austria: If you’re looking for a great day hike near La Paz, look no further than Pico Austria. This epic day hike takes you to a whopping 5,320m, so it’s no walk in the park. It took me 7 hours to complete the hike, but I was rewarded with some of the most incredible views I’ve ever seen. You don’t need a guide for Pico Austria, but the hike is a 2 1/2 hours drive from La Paz, so it’s normally cheaper and easier to join a day tour. You can book the exact tour I did here, but it’s often cheaper to book in person in La Paz. This is a great acclimatisation hike for those planning to take on Huayna Potosi.
  • Laguna Esmeralda / Condoriri: Another fantastic day hike from La Paz, Laguna Esmeralda is a relatively easy hike up to 5,000m. The hike to the lagoon only takes about an hour, and it’s incredibly beautiful. This is a good acclimatisation hike for those looking to go up even higher. You can book your tour last minute in La Paz. I paid $15 for transport, a guide, and lunch.
  • Huayna Potosi: This three-day climb to the top of one of Bolivia’s most beautiful mountains is one of the most popular things to do in La Paz. Despite climbing ice walls, crossing glaciers and using ice-piques, Huayna Potosi is known as the “easiest” 6000m+ mountain peak to summit in the world. Despite being sold as “easy”, this climb is no joke. Altitude aside, reaching the summit is not for the faint of heart, and it can be dangerous, especially in poor weather. Sadly, I didn’t have time to do this. If I ever return to Bolivia, it’s at the top of my list. If you do choose to do this, make sure to go with a reputable and safe company. South Treks are known as one of the best.
  • Moon Valley: Despite being a major city, La Paz has its own “Moon Valley” or Valle de La Luna. Known for its unique and wonderful rock formations, Moon Valley is well worth a visit. You can find last-minute tours being sold around La Paz. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or public bus.
Pico Austria boasts incredible views
Top of Pico Austria

Where to stay in La Paz

I stayed in two hostels in La Paz: Selina and Iskay Boutique. Both hostels offer dorm rooms or private rooms. Iskay is cheaper, but it’s still of an excellent standard and felt much more like a hotel.

Uyuni Salt Flats

How long to spend here: You can join a day tour from Uyuni, but I would recommend doing at least a 3-day tour.

No list of places to visit in Bolivia would be complete without mentioning the famous Salar de Uyuni (the Uyuni Salt Flats). Arguably the place that put Bolivia on the backpacker map, this incredible natural formation is the world’s largest salt flat and stretches as far as the eye can see.

Visiting Salar de Uyuni is a highlight of all my travels, and it’s an absolute MUST if you’re visiting Bolivia or South America as part of a longer trip.

The Salt Flats themselves are a humongous 10,500 square kilometres in size. The natural phenomenon was created over 40,000 years ago when pre-historic lakes evaporated and left behind a vast layer of salt. I’ve never seen anything like it. The area is one of the flattest places on earth, meaning you can take all those fun photos you’ve no doubt seen all over social media.

While the Salt Flats are impressive, there is SO much more to a Salt Flats tour than the flats themselves. With colourful lagoons, steaming geysers, unique wildlife, towering volcanoes and red rock valleys, a tour of the Salt Flats area is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The best way to visit the Salt Flats is to join a multi-day tour from Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), or from Tupiza in Bolivia.

If it fits your itinerary, I highly recommend joining a Salt Flats tour from Tupiza. This will give you an extra day to explore the area’s unique Wild West scenery. I went with La Torre Tours and can’t recommend them enough.

Those coming from Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama can book their tour at the last minute in either town. Expect to pay slightly more if crossing the Bolivia/Chile border. If you want to plan in advance, this tour is highly rated.

In terms of the best time to visit the Salt Flats, many people will argue that the rainy season (December to March) is the winner. This is because a layer of water sits on the salt, creating a unique and wonderful mirror effect. However, while the mirror may be impressive, there are some drawbacks.

Many areas of Salar de Uyuni are inaccessible during the rainy season. This includes the famous Incahuasi Island which is home to giant cacti. Visiting here for sunrise was a highlight of my winter trip to the Uyuni Salt Flats, and I’m so happy I got to do this. The winter months are also known for their vibrant colours. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde are more colourful and accessible during the winter.

Ultimately, don’t be put off by people who say Salar de Uyuni is only worth visiting in the summer and rainy season. I completely disagree!

Related read: Everything to Know About Visiting Salar de Uyuni in the Winter

Isla del Sol (and Copacabana)

How long to spend on Isla del Sol: 2 nights on the island

Next up is the fantastic Isla del Sol. This gorgeous spot is on the Bolivian side of the famous Lake Titicaca. Most people opt to visit Puno and Uros on the Peruvian side, but I skipped that and went for the more peaceful Isla del Sol.

Lake Titicaca is one of South America’s largest lakes. At over 3,800m above sea level, it’s the world’s highest navigable lake. It’s absolutely stunning and one of my favourite places in Bolivia. It almost felt like being by the ocean. The island also boasts some impressive sunrises and sunsets.

Read next: How to visit Isla del Sol

Most people visit Isla del Sol on a day trip from La Paz or the nearby Copacabana, but I highly recommend spending two nights on the island. This will give you time to explore the island properly and hike around the island to visit various archaeological sites.

The beautiful Isla del Sol is a great place to visit Bolivia
Isla del Sol

As well as being surrounded by incredible scenery, Isla del Sol has a lot of history. The island is incredibly important in Inca mythology, and it’s believed to have been the birthplace to Inti, the Inca Sun God. On the island, it’s possible to visit some impressive Inca ruins known as Chincana.

To reach Isla del Sol, you’ll first need to go to Copacabana, which is on the shores of Lake Titicaca and about four or five hours from La Paz. From here, you can take a boat trip across to Isla del Sol.

I didn’t bother to spend time in Copacabana, there didn’t seem to be much going on and instead went straight to the island where I spent two nights. Some people decide to stay in Copacabana and do a day trip to Isla del Sol, but it’s worth so much more than this.

Once on the island, there are various things to do, including:

  • Hiking the 18km track around the entire island
  • Visiting various Inca sites
  • Watching the sunrise and sunset
  • Relax (Isla del Sol is the perfect place to slow down)

Tip: If it’s possible, try and leave your main luggage in Copacabana. Most of the accommodation on Isla del Sol is up a steep stone staircase, it took me about thirty minutes to reach my hostel which was not fun carrying an 18KG backpack (and at 4,000m).

Where to stay on Isla del Sol

Accommodation is quite limited on Isla del Sol, and it tends to be on the more expensive side. I stayed in Ecolodge El Descanso which was perfect. It was a ten-minute walk from the town, but the views were incredible.

For those looking to splurge, I highly recommend Utasawa. I walked past the hotel, and it looked beautiful. Hostal Inti Kala is another budget option.

Check back soon for my Isla del Sol travel guides.

Watching sunset is one of the best things to do on Isla del Sol
Isla del Sol Sunset

The White City of Sucre

How long to spend in Sucre: 2 or 3 days (or longer if you want to learn Spanish)

The beautiful city of Sucre is often overlooked by visitors to Bolivia, but it’s an absolute must for any Bolivia itinerary.

Bolivia is unique in that it has two capital cities, but many would argue that Sucre is Bolivia’s official capital. The city has an entirely different feel to other areas I visited in Bolivia. I fell slightly in love with it here and wish I could have stayed longer.

Sucre is Bolivia’s sixth-largest city, home to around 250,000 people. The charming spot is filled with colonial architecture, stunning cathedrals, and beautiful white buildings dating back to the 16th century. It’s a good place to learn more about Bolivia and its interesting history. I joined a walking tour here, and it’s one of the best I’ve ever done.

Related read: How to see the dinosaur footprints in Sucre

Sucre is also one of the best (and cheapest) places in South America to learn Spanish. You’ll find somewhere on almost every street offering affordable Spanish lessons. I met several people who had based themselves in Sucre for a month in order to improve their Spanish skills.

Things to do in Sucre include:

The White city of Scure
Sucre

Where to stay in Sucre

The most popular hostel in Sucre is Villa Oropeza, which is where I stayed. People online rave about this hostel, but I can’t say I was overly impressed with the rooms or kitchen. However, it does have a nice outdoor area, and it’s very easy to meet people.

For those with a bit more of a budget, CasArte is a great spot. I stayed here for one night and wish I had stayed longer. El Jardin De Su Merced is another fantastic choice.

Related read: 10 reasons to visit the city of Sucre

Potosi

How long to spend in Potosi: 1 full day

Potosi is an absolute must-visit for those interested in Bolivia’s history. Silver was discovered in the area during the 15th century, which caused a boom in the mining industry. With so much mining material to exploit, Potosi soon became one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

Before Bolivia gained independence, most of the silver was shipped to Spain, leaving the indigenous people of Potosi to be exploited. Now, a few hundred years later, Potosi is one of the poorest cities in South America.

Most people visit Potosi to tour the still active mines, but there is a big ethical question surrounding the activity. The mines are known to be a dangerous place, and the workers are poorly paid, with their lives often at risk. Is it ethical for tourists to visit and witness this? I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Even if you opt not to visit the mines, Potosi is an interesting city and a good spot for those who want to learn more about Bolivia’s complicated past.

Where to stay in Potosi

Budget hostels in Potosi are very limited. The best option for a dorm bed is the Koala Den hostel.

Thankfully, a private room in Potosi shouldn’t hurt the budget too much. Los Faroles is a great choice for those on a budget. Virreyes is another solid option for those with a bit more to spend.

Cochabamba

How long to spend in Cochabamba: 1 day

Cochabamba is another major city in Bolivia and is known as the culinary capital. The city is the gateway to Torotoro National Park, but it’s worth spending a day in Cochabamba itself if you have the time (but definitely prioritise time in Torotoro).

If you have time to spend in Cochabamba, you can easily fill your day exploring the city’s busy streets and visiting the Cristo de la Concordia (Bolivia’s very own Christ the Redeemer).

I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit Cochabamba. However, if Torotoro is on your Bolivia itinerary, Cochabamba is well worth a stop!

Where to stay in Cochabamba

There aren’t many traditional hostels in Cochabamba, but if you’re keen on a dorm room, try Running Chaski, which has affordable options.

If you have the budget, I highly recommend Casa San Martin Suites. It was by far the nicest place I stayed in Bolivia, and it was affordable.

Torotoro National Park

How long to spend in Torotoro: 2 days

Slightly off the beaten path, Torotoro National Park is home to a beautiful canyon, an incredible cave network and prehistoric dinosaur footprints. The long journey to reach Torotoro puts many people off, but it’s well worth visiting if you have the time.

To reach Torotoro, you must head to Cochabamba and jump in a Colectivo. From here, it’s a 3-hour drive to the small town of Toro Toro. You need a guide to enter the park, and most visitors will split their time over two days.

Each guided tour can have a maximum of six people. The price is set per group, so if there are fewer than six people, expect to pay more per person to cover the cost. The best thing to do is head to the National Park office in Torotoro first thing in the morning to find other travellers looking for a guide.

Torotoro Viewpoint
Torotoro Viewpoint

As I visited in the off-season, I heard stories of solo travellers having to wait two or three days to find a group to split the cost of a guide. I was on a tight timeframe, so I opted to join an organised tour from Cochabamba instead to guarantee entry to the park. This is one of the worst organised tours I’ve ever joined, and I would not recommend it. It’s much better (and cheaper) to head to Torotoro independently.

There are three main hiking circuits in Torotoro, and you’ll need to find a group that wants to do the same as you.

Day one: If you’re lucky, you can do the Vergel Circuit when you arrive in Torotoro. This incredible circuit takes you to an epic viewpoint of the canyon known as the ‘Natural Theatre’. You can then walk down neverending steps to a beautiful waterfall to go swimming. This tour also includes a stop at the dinosaur footprints.

Day two: The other two circuits can be done in one day. Most visitors want to do both, and guides often sell the day as one package. The first section is to Carverna Umajalanta, one of Bolivia’s largest caves. I get incredibly claustrophobic and lasted thirty seconds in the cave, so I don’t have much to say about this. However, the people who did it only had good things to say. The other part of the day takes you to Cuidad De Itas, a unique ‘rock city’ offering breathtaking views.

In terms of costs, expect to pay 100 Bob ($15 USD) per person for the park’s entrance fee. This will cover you for both days (or up to four days if you plan to stay longer). As of July 2024, a guide costs 170 Bob ($25 USD) per circuit. However, you can split this between six people. You may also need to pay additional transport costs around the park depending on the group and guide.

Where to stay in Torotoro

Most of the accommodation can be found in the main town. Hostal Toro Toro and Hostal Margaritas tend tp be the top choice for backpackers. They also offer private rooms for those with a bit more to spend.

Finding dinosaur footprints in Torotoro
Dinosaur footprints Torotoro

Samaipata

How long to spend in Samaipata: At least 3 days

Samaipata is a unique town in Bolivia, and it feels like you’ve been transported to Europe. This makes sense as Samaipata was settled by Europeans and is now a popular spot for European and American immigrants. The town is filled with Western-style restaurants and tends to be more expensive than other places in Bolivia.

I enjoyed Samaipata, but there were mixed feelings among other travellers I met. Some felt it was ‘too Western’ and didn’t truly represent Bolivia. This is undoubtedly true, but I personally enjoyed some home comforts and the scenery.

In fact, Samaipata is the gateway to Amboro National Park, home to some epic jungle adventures. No visit to Samaipata would be complete without exploring this unique and wonderful area.

I’ve spoken more about visiting Amboro National Park below. Other things to do in Samaipata include:

  • Look for Condors
  • Visit the Inca ruins of El Fuerte de Samaipata
  • Hike to the nearby waterfalls

Where to stay in Samaipata

Samaipata is filled with accommodation options, most boasting beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Andorina is a brilliant choice, with the option of either a dorm room or various private rooms. Casa Samai Boutique is another fantastic choice.

Amboro National Park

How many days to spend in Amboro National Park: At least 2 days

Amboro National Park is one of Bolivia’s hidden gems. This unique part of the Amazon Rainforest is home to some incredible wildlife and is the gateway to some great hiking trails.

There are various ways to visit Amboro National Park, but you will need a registered guide to enter the park. The key thing to know is that there are two parts to Amboro National Park—the Northern Side and the Southern Side. Once within the park, you can’t access the other area.

If you’re in Samaipata, you can visit the southern part of the National Park. The south side is much more mountainous, and the hiking trails can be tough. There are several agencies in Samaipata offering day tours into the park to explore waterfalls and learn more about the fauna and flora.

However, the best way to visit the South side of Amboro National Park is to stay at Refugio de Los Volcanoes. This beautiful spot is found inside the park, and it’s a great way to get the most out of your visit to Amboro.

For those keen to visit the North side or not planning to visit Samaipata, you can access both sides from Santa Cruz de La Sierra. It’s a two or three-hour drive, but the payoff makes the journey worth it.

If you want to visit Amboro without staying in Samaipata, I recommend using Amboro Tours, which offers tours to both the North and South sides.

The Amazon Rainforest

How long to stay here: At least 3 days (as a tour)

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest is a highlight of my backpacking trip to Bolivia. After living in the Costa Rican jungle, I have a special connection with this wonderful place. It’s my happiest of happy places, and being surrounded by such a diversity of wildlife brings me so much joy.

Bolivia is one of the best places in South America to visit the Amazon Rainforest. It’s cheaper than other countries such as Peru and Brazil, relatively accessible, and home to incredible wildlife.

Related read: Struggling to decide what to wear in the Amazon? Here’s a helpful guide

Most people visit the Amazon in Bolivia by first heading to Rurrenabaque, the gateway to the Amazon. Here, you’ll find streets lined with tour operators selling multi-day tours to various lodges. It’s undoubtedly the easiest and cheapest way to visit, but I don’t necessarily think it’s the best.

From Rurrenabaque, you can visit both Pampas and Madidi National Park. Pampas is known for wildlife viewing, and Madidi is known for its beautiful scenery. Most tour operators offer a combined package to visit both, which most people do.

The problem? It’s very touristy. Sadly, both Pampas and Madidi are crowded with tourists. Each tour operator wants to give their customers the best experience. Unfortunately, this often means putting animals at risk to give people the best experience. I heard stories of chasing the pink river dolphins, feeding monkeys and even handling animals.

While there are some ethical tour operators out there, I opted to avoid the area altogether and instead visited Chuchini Lodge in Trinidad. It’s a journey to get there, but it’s well worth it. The eco-lodge owns a protected reserve area that is teeming with wildlife. We saw dolphins, endless caimans, turtles, monkeys, and even a sloth. We also didn’t see another tour group during the entire stay.

It wasn’t perfect, and I was disappointed when they caught a wild caiman to show us. We spoke to the owners about this, and they said it’s a debate amongst themselves, and they are considering stopping the activity (which I hope they do).

However, compared to some of the stories I heard from Rurrenabaque, Chuchini Lodge felt like the best option. It costs slightly more than other lodges, but the money goes back into protecting the local reserve area, which is another great reason to choose them.

I opted for the three-day tour filled with jungle walks, boat rides searching for wildlife, ziplining, horse-riding and even mud baths!

Watching sunset in the Amazon Rainforest
Sunset in the Amazon Rainforest

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

How long to spend in Santa Cruz: 1 or 2 days

I was torn on whether to include Santa Cruz in this list of places to visit in Boliva, but as Bolivia’s largest city, it seems silly not to. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a major city in Bolivia, and completely different to anywhere else I visited in the country.

Located at sea level and away from the highlands, this busy and somewhat modern city feels more like the USA than South America. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the place to go if you want some home comforts and familiar shops and brands.

Santa Cruz is also home to Bolivia’s main international airport, and from here, you’ll likely find the cheapest flights to North America and Europe.

So, is Santa Cruz in Bolivia worth visiting? Well, yes and no. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit here, but if it naturally falls into your route around Bolivia, then it’s worth a stop. It’s also a good base for those visiting Amboro National Park or Samaipata, which I’ve spoken about above.

Things to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra include:

  • Join a walking tour
  • Visit the Botanic Gardens
  • Go sandboarding in Parque Lomas de Arena
  • Explore the historic centre

Discover more things to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Coroico

How long to spend here: 2 or 3 days

Visitors to Bolivia often overlook the small town of Coroico. Close to La Paz, this beautiful jungle town is a great place to slow down and relax after all the exploring, and it’s a real change to the busy streets of La Paz.

Found at the end of Death Road, this getaway town is home to some beautiful scenery. There’s not much to do, but that’s the beauty of it, really. You’ll find several hiking trails around the town, including a trail to ‘The Three Waterfalls’. For the more adventurous, it’s also possible to go canyoning and ziplining.

Most people arrive in Coroico after their Death Road cycling tour. It’s usually possible to ask your tour operator to leave you there to give you more time to explore the town. I’ve heard that some tour operators will also bring you back a few days later, provided they have space in the van.

For those skipping Death Road (like me), head to the North Bus Terminal in La Paz. You’ll find minivans heading to Coroico for around Bs 35 each way. They only leave when full, so be prepared to wait a while. The drive only takes around two or three hours.

Tupiza – The Wild West of Bolivia

How many days in Tupiza: 2 days

Bolivia’s Wild West, the lively town of Tupiza, is a great place to include on your Bolivian adventure. Close to the Argentinian border, Tupiza is where most backpackers coming from Argentina begin their trip around Bolivia.

Tupiza is surrounded by magnificent scenery of unique red rocks and canyons. It almost felt like arriving on another planet. The town itself is not much to scream about, but the hiking trails around the area are what make this place so special.

Horseback riding is a great way to explore Tupiza
Horseback riding in Tupiza

Tupiza is an excellent option for beginning your multi-day Salar de Uyuni salt flats tour. If you start from Tupiza, you’ll embark on a four-day tour instead of the usual three-day tour. The extra day involves exploring some of the unique natural landmarks between Tupiza and the salt flats, and it’s well worth it, in my opinion.

Most tours end in Uyuni or back in Tupiza. I booked my Salar de Uyuni tour with La Torre Tours and can’t recommend them enough. Tupiza is well connected to Uyuni by Colectivos and by bus to other cities, including La Paz and Sucre.

Other things to do in Tupiza include:

  • Go hiking (just be aware of stray dogs)
  • Go horseback riding
  • Visit the local market
  • Embark on a jeep tour around the area (for those not starting their Salt Flats tour there)

Related read: FIVE Great Reasons to Visit Tupiza in Bolivia

More of the special scenery around Tupiza
Incredible views in Tupiza

Tarija

How long to stay in Tarija: 2 days

Did you know Bolivia produces its own wine and has a whole wine-growing region? I didn’t either until I landed in South America. The Tarija area is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world, and it’s possible to explore the area and visit several vineyards.

I have to say I’m not the biggest fan of red wine, but I liked the type produced in Bolivia.

Located in the South of the country, Tarija is certainly a more off-the-beaten-path destination. It’s popular with visitors who have their own transport, especially those coming from Argentina.

However, it’s possible to reach Tarija via bus from most major cities in Bolivia, including La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz and Tupiza.

Tarija also has its own airport with flights to and from La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de La Sierra.

So, is Tarija worth visiting? If you want to explore a completely different area of Bolivia (and try some local wine), then yes, it is. I’m not sure it’s worth going out of your way for, but if you have the time and are heading to the South anyway (such as to Tupiza), then certainly consider adding Tarija to your itinerary.

Sajama National Park

How long to spend in Sajama: 1 or 2 days

Sajama is another incredible National Park in Bolivia. Home to the country’s highest peak, the area is filled with hiking trails and wonderful nature to explore.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit there. I have a friend who spent a few days exploring the park solo so I asked for her thoughts. She said it’s a wonderful spot and well worth visiting. However, she mentioned it felt very remote, and she didn’t always feel safe on the hiking trails as it’s a vast area.

With this in mind, she suggested joining a tour from La Paz. Visiting as a day tour is possible, but this won’t give you much time in the park itself. Consider this 3-day tour from Bolivian Mountain Guides, one of Bolivia’s most reputable tour agencies. Make sure the tour includes a stop at the Sajama Hot Springs.

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