Must-Visit Places & Natural Wonders

1. Salar de Uyuni

What to see: The world’s largest salt flat (~10,582 km²), famous for its endless horizon. In the rainy season it becomes a giant mirror; in the dry season, geometric salt hexagons stretch across the landscape. Highlights include Isla Incahuasi (cactus island), the Train Cemetery, salt hotels, and colorful lagoons like Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde. Home to pink flamingos, vicuñas, Andean foxes, and vizcachas.

Best time to visit:

Mirror effect: December–April (peak in February–March).
Easier access/exploration: May–October (dry season).

Prices & tips:

*Check official exchange rates as prices may vary

3-day shared tours: ~750 BOB (US$110–130). Private tours or English-speaking guides cost more.
Extra fees: Isla Incahuasi ~30 BOB, Eduardo Avaroa Reserve ~150 BOB, hot springs/showers extra. Carry 200–300 BOB in cash for entrances, snacks, tips.
Tip guides/drivers: 50–100 BOB on multi-day tours.
Money-saving tip: Book tours locally in Uyuni; online prices can be double.
Essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, layers of clothing, snacks, water, toilet paper. Nights can drop below freezing.

2. Madidi Jungle & Amazon Region

What to see: The Madidi National Park covers nearly 19,000 km² and is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to jaguars, pink river dolphins, hundreds of bird species, and unique plants.

Best time to visit:

Dry season (May–October): fewer mosquitoes, easier trekking.
Rainy season (Nov–Apr): lush greenery, higher rivers make boat travel easier, but trails can be muddy.

Prices & tips:

Rurrenabaque is the main access point (short flight or overnight bus from La Paz).
Eco-lodges:
- Chalalán Ecolodge: Community-run, multi-day packages ~US$300–400 including transport, meals, guided treks, and canoeing.
- San Miguel del Bala / Caquihuara lodge: Indigenous-run, more affordable, great for macaw watching and cultural activities.
Tips: Pack insect repellent, lightweight clothing, rain poncho, binoculars, headlamp, and plenty of cash (ATMs are unreliable).

3. Andes & Yungas Road (Death Road)

Why go: The Andes dominate Bolivia with breathtaking peaks, valleys, and diverse ecosystems. The infamous Yungas Road (Death Road) offers one of the most thrilling mountain bike rides in the world, descending from snow-capped mountains into lush jungle.

Best time to visit: Dry season (May–October) offers clearer skies and safer biking conditions.

Prices & tips:

Yungas Road biking tours: ~350–600 BOB (US$50–85) including bike, helmet, lunch, transport, and guide. Popular operators include Gravity Assisted and smaller local companies.
Sajama National Park: Entry ~100 BOB. Great for trekking, hot springs, and spotting vicuñas and Andean wildlife.
Amboró National Park: Guided tours ~300–500 BOB/day, depending on group size. Birdwatcher’s paradise.
Tips: Always travel with a licensed tour operator for Yungas. In Sajama and Amboró, guides are essential to navigate trails. Bring altitude medication, warm clothes, and sturdy hiking boots.

4. The Wine Region

What to see / Why go: The valleys around Tarija, especially Valle de la Concepción, are home to the highest-altitude vineyards in the world (1,800–2,400 m). This regionproduces unique high-altitude wines and singani, Bolivia’s national spirit. Visitors can tour family-run wineries and larger vineyards, enjoy tastings, and pair wine with local cuisine. The landscapes of rolling hills, rivers, and traditional villages make the experience both cultural and scenic.

Best time to visit: The harvest season (March–May) is ideal, with grape-picking, festivals, and winery tours in full swing. The region is pleasant year-round thanks to its mild climate.

Prices & tips:

Wine tours: ~150–300 BOB for guided tours with tastings (often include transportation from Tarija city).
Entry to wineries: ~30–50 BOB for tastings; some require advance booking.
Food & lodging: Local guesthouses and boutique stays are available in Valle de la Concepción. Meals range 25–60 BOB, often with excellent wine pairings.
Getting there: 45 minutes from Tarija city by car or minibus. Tarija has daily flights from La Paz and Santa Cruz (~1 hr).
Tips: Visit smaller boutique vineyards for a more personal experience. Pair a glass of Malbec or Tannat with regional dishes like saice tarijeño. Bring cash as some wineries don’t accept cards.

UNESCO Sites

5. Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco)

Why go: UNESCO World Heritage site and Bolivia’s most important archaeological complex. Once the capital of a powerful pre-Inca civilization, it features the Akapana pyramid, Kalasasaya temple, Pumapunku’s massive stone blocks, and the Site Museum with the famous Bennett Monolith.

Best time to visit: Year-round, though June 21–22 (Aymara New Year/Winter Solstice) includes traditional ceremonies at sunrise.

Prices & tips:

Entry fee: ~100 BOB for foreigners.
Getting there: Public minibuses from La Paz (~90 min, ~15 BOB one-way).
Bring: layered clothing (day warm, night near 0 °C), sun protection, water, snacks, toilet paper, power bank, and cash (no ATMs).
Tips: Respect the ruins—don’t climb or touch artifacts. Visiting with a guide gives more context.

6. Potosí & Jesuit Missions

Potosí:

Why go: Once the world’s richest silver city, it played a major role in the Spanish empire. Visit Cerro Rico mines, the Casa de la Moneda museum, colonial churches, and historic streets.
Best time: May–October (dry season, cold but clear).
Prices & tips: Entry to Casa de la Moneda ~40 BOB; mine tours ~100–150 BOB. Layer up—it’s very cold at night.

Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos:

Why go: Six beautifully preserved baroque churches blending indigenous and European artistry. The area also hosts the world-famous baroque music festival (every two years).
Best time: Dry season (May–September) for easier travel.
Prices & tips: Entrance fees ~15–30 BOB per mission. Best explored via organized tours or self-drive from Santa Cruz.

Missions of Moxos (Beni):

Why go: Less developed for tourism but historically rich, with unique Jesuit and indigenous heritage.
Tips: Travel is more challenging—prepare for long distances, muddy roads in rainy season, and basic facilities.

7. Torotoro National Park

Why go: A hidden gem in central Bolivia, Torotoro is known for its dinosaur footprints, vast cave systems (Umajalanta being the largest), deep canyons, waterfalls, and surreal rock formations. It’s a paradise for geology lovers and adventurers.

Best time to visit: May–October (dry season) for clear skies and easier hikes. Rainy season makes trails slippery and caves harder to access.

Prices & tips:

Entrance fee: ~100 BOB.
Guides are mandatory (organized at the park office in the town of Torotoro), costing ~100–150 BOB per group depending on the trek.
Tours: Half-day hikes, full-day canyon/cave tours, or multi-day itineraries.
Getting there: 4–5 hrs from Cochabamba by bus or shared taxi. Roads are rough—plan extra time. Essentials: Sturdy shoes, flashlight for caves, plenty of water, snacks, and cash (no ATMs).

8. Samaipata

Why go: A charming town in the foothills of the Andes blending Inca, Spanish, and indigenous history. Highlights include El Fuerte de Samaipata (UNESCO site, pre-Inca ceremonial center carved into stone), lush valleys with waterfalls (Las Cuevas), and nearby Amboró National Park for birdwatching and hiking. The town itself is laid-back, popular with artists, expats, and nature and wine lovers.

Best time to visit: Year-round, though May–September (dry season) has the most pleasant weather. Summer (Dec–Feb) is rainier but greener.

Prices & tips:

Entry to El Fuerte: ~50 BOB (includes local guide at the site).
Tours to Amboró: ~300–500 BOB/day depending on group size. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels (~70–100 BOB) to eco-lodges and boutique stays.
Getting there: 3–4 hrs from Santa Cruz by bus or shared taxi.
Roads can be bumpy but scenic.
Tips: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and good walking shoes. Samaipata is cooler than Santa Cruz, so pack a light jacket for evenings.

9. Copacabana (Lake Titicaca)

Signature Dish: Trucha del Lago (Lake Titicaca Trout)
What it is: Fresh trout fished directly from Lake Titicaca, usually grilled, fried, or baked. Served with rice, salad, potatoes, or fried plantains, and often flavored with garlic or herbs.
Where to try: The lakefront in Copacabana town is lined with family-run restaurants offering freshly caught trout. Popular spots include La Orilla (known for variety and great views) and Restaurant Km 0.

10. Rurrenabaque (Amazon Gateway)

Signature Dish: Pacu and Surubí Fish
What it is: Amazonian river fish dishes—pacu (a meaty freshwater fish) is often grilled in banana leaves, while surubí (catfish) is fried or prepared in coconut milk sauces. Both come with yuca, rice, and plantains.
Where to try: Local riverside eateries in Rurrenabaque serve fresh daily catches. El Nomadico and Casa de Campo are traveler favorites for authentic Amazon flavors.