Bolivia Travel Guide

Iglesia de San Francisco

People congregate in the plaza in front of this imposing church, a mixture of neo-classical Spanish and mestizo architecture. Construction began in 1549 but it was only finished in the mid-18th century. On Saturday mornings it is often possible to see colorful Quechua or Aymara wedding processions leading to and from the church while on any day of the week this is an ideal place to pass the time and watch Bolivian life go by. Don't miss the atmospheric stairway to the fabulous rooftop, offering great views of the city below.

The Witches' Market (Mercado de Brujas)

Situated in a maze of narrow alleyways in La Paz is one of the most bizarre markets in the world. An unusual collection of merchandise is sold here, from herbs and remedies used in Aymara traditions to potions, charms, and dried llama foetuses. Stretching up and around it is the traditional market scene, selling a huge variety of goods for everyday needs, as well as Andean art and handicrafts. Expect to see yatiri(traditional healers) with their dark hats and coca pouches offering to read the fortunes of locals.

Museo de Coca (Coca Museum)

This is a relatively new museum that describes the place of coca in the traditions and culture of the Bolivians. From as far back as they can remember, coca has been a part of their culture and has a place in legendary history when the gods and goddesses used the divine coca leaf to alleviate hunger, cold, fatigue and pain. At first the chewing of leaves was restricted to use in religious ceremonies and by upper-class families but the Spaniards soon became aware of its stimulating effects. They began to promote it widely among the Indian laborers to increase output and numb the senses against the hardships and anxieties they faced. The displays are very provocative and educational, and also include the use and exploitation of coca in the soft drink and pharmaceutical companies.

Cooperative Mines of Cerro Rico

Entering the mines is like a step in to the past. It is a demanding, shocking yet memorable experience. Visitors can experience conditions much the same as when the Spanish used Andean peasants as slave laborers to work the wealth from the silver deposits in the hills. Guided tours lead groups along the narrow tunnels and up rickety ladders, stopping along the way to chat to the miners at work. Working conditions are primitive, shafts are poorly ventilated and safety provisions barely exist. The miners work by hand, chipping away at the rock and hewing out rough shafts in which to place their dynamite. An occasional blast shakes the tunnels and deafens the ears. Thousands of miners work their way through the mountain with no overall control or plan, chewing their way through bags of coca leaves to fend off hunger and exhaustion, in the hope of hitting a rare vein of silver.

Museo de la Casa de la Moneda

The Casa de la Moneda was the Royal Mint House used by the colonial Spanish to turn the silver from the mines into coins to be shipped back to Spain. This is one of Bolivia's best museums, explaining the history of silver production and its influence. Inside are restored presses and wooden minting machines, coins and coin stamps. It also has rooms containing religious art, many by indigenous Andeans, the country's first locomotive and Tiahuanaco artifacts.

Salar de Uyuni

Covering an area of 4,680 square miles (12,121 sq km), the Salar is the world's largest salt desert set at an elevation of 11,970ft (3,650m) and filled with an estimated 10 billion tons of salt. With picks and shovels the local people harvest the salt from the lake that once covered most of southwestern Bolivia. This region is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Bolivia, a photographer's delight. It is a surreal landscape combining salt pans, wind-eroded rock formations, and wandering llamas in a completely unspoiled region. In the middle is Isla de Pescadores, a landmass appearing as a mountain out of the white nothingness, covered in towering stands of cactus. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde are other isolated marvels. One a fiery-red and the other a deep blue-green, these lakes are inhabited by flamingos and surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Nearby Sol de Mañana reeks with the smell of sulphurous gases from the geysers, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. The village of Uyuni, to the south east of the Salar, is the best base from which to explore the area and tours can be arranged from here. 'Salt Hotels' around the periphery of Salar are a unique form of accommodation where everything (walls, furniture, etc.) is made from salt blocks cut from the flats. Another popular attraction at the Salar de Uyuni is the train cemetary, containing trains abandoned by mining companies.

Tupiza

This little mining town in the Potosi department may not be an attraction in itself, but it serves as a popular base for tours to nearby San Vicente, the major draw card of this region. San Vicente has a bit of 'Wild West' history to it: two of the world's most famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, fled the United States in 1901 to escape pursuit from the Pinkerton Detective Agency (which later became the FBI). Lured by the Bolivia's silver wealth, they headed for South America. The outlaws are rumoured to have been gunned down by the Bolivian army in San Vicente over a century ago, just days after robbing the payroll of a Bolivian mine.

Organized tours from Tupiza lead tourists along the 'death trail' of Butch and Sundance, giving visitors the unique opportunity to follow the outlaws' last days all the way to their supposed final resting place, where the billboard reads, 'Welcome to San Vicente: Here lie the remains of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'. Although many attempts to exhume the unmarked graves have been made over the years, no remains with DNA matching the outlaws' living relatives have yet been discovered.

Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque is the starting point for vacationers planning an eco-tour to the Amazonian pampas and jungle. This little frontier settlement, perched between the surrounding jungle and the River Beni, is the loveliest of the Bolivian lowland villages. A trip on the river in a dugout canoe is an unforgettable experience, while the rainforest in Madidi National Park and surrounding Pampas is abundant in wildlife and many vacationers come to see anacondas, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), monkeys, turtles, macaws, caymans, piranhas, and even to swim with the pink dolphins. The tapir and armadillo are difficult to spot, often deep in the impenetrable tangle of the jungle, but there is plenty of bird life to be seen and heard. The rainforest is known for its immense biodiversity, ranging from mountain cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid lowland rainforest to savannah, to wild rivers and lakes.

Yungas Road

Not an attraction for the faint of heart, the dangerous Yungas Road, which has been dubbed the 'El Camino de la Muerte' (Road of Death), stretches between La Paz and Coroico in Bolivia and is estimated to claim the lives of approximately 200 to 300 travelers each year. Built during the 1930s Chaco War by Paraguayan prisoners, the road is situated high in the Yungas region of Bolivia and has extreme drops of up to 610 meters (2,000 ft) and has ironically become a popular tourist destination, drawing some 25,000 thrill seekers each year, particularly mountain bikers who love the adrenalin of the continuous downhill riding along 40 miles (64km) of treacherous road. The beautiful location of the road also adds to its allure, but it remains a serious danger as at least 13 cyclists have died since 1998, and trucks have serious problems passing each other. Crosses dotted along the road mark the spots where cars have plunged off the edge of the steep cliff. Drivers on Yungas Road must obey a strict set of rules, as rain and fog often reduce visibility and there are no guard rails. Contrary to normal Bolivian driving, drivers keep to the left, and uphill vehicles always have the right of way. Yungas Road has been upgraded in the last decade with many new safety measures, but the original route, now called North Yungas Road, is still in use by tourists.

La Paz Golf Club

Founded in 1912 by British railway workers, the La Paz Golf Club members built a 9-hole course in a suburb of the city El Alto, but the course has long since moved to the nearby Mallasilla area of La Paz. Laid out at a dizzying height of 3048 meters (10,800 ft), the La Paz Golf Club is established 18-hole golf course can stake its claim has the highest golf course in the world. With breathtaking views of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) below, well maintained greens and rolling fairways, the course was rated by Golf Digest among the most attractive courses on earth. Probably one of the most exciting holes on the course is the 12th hole, where the island tee box is reached by two bridges and golfers are required to drive the ball 180 yards (165m) to the verdant fairway across the plummeting gorge below - an experience of a lifetime!

Huayna Potosi

A popular attraction for more adventurous travelers in Bolivia and located about 18 miles (30 km) north of La Paz, the mountain of Huayna Potosi in the Cordillera Real range is rated as an easy climb, but harsh weather conditions can often make it tricky. Each year only around 1,000 climbers make it to the summit; many of those who attempt the climb turn back due to cold temperatures and the high altitude.

The entry point for the treks and base camp are located at 4700m (15,419 ft) on the Zongo Pass. The climb can be done in two daily stages and Rock Camp at 5130m (16,830 ft) offers breathtaking views across the valley and beyond. Several difficult snow and ice routes go up this 1,000 meter (3,280 ft) high face and the easiest route is up the glacier. Those who make it to the summit will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Cordillera Real range, Lake Titicaca and La Paz.

Isla del Sol

Located on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is a major tourist attraction and featuring more than 180 ruins dating back to the 15th century, it's not hard to see why. The rumoured birthplace of the Incan civilization, Isla del Sol (meaning Island of the Sun) is named so because it is believed to be the birthplace Inti, the Incan god of the sun. Visit the Chincana complex on the north of the island, the site of the sacred rock where the Inca creation legend began, explore the island via the maze of elaborate walking trails (but watch out for altitude sickness) and meet the locals in the villages of Yumani and Cha'llapampa.

Coroico

Coroico is a popular weekend break for La Paz locals and a welcome low altitude chill-out spot for visitors. The trip from La Paz traverses the so-called World´s Most Dangerous Road, which makes for a photogenic and adrenalin-charged entrance into this laid back resort town. Perched atop the peak of Cerro Uchumachi, Coroico offers gorgeous views of cloud covered mountain tops, forested canyons, orchards and in the distance on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. Coroico is a good base for some interesting hikes into the jungle and for mountain-biking trips into the local area, including guided descents of the precipitous highway.

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos

The Jesuit Church sent missionaries to many rural areas of Bolivia in the 16th century in order to 'civilise' and convert indigenous tribes, but by the 18th century they had been expelled by the Spanish government. The churches have remained active and today many of the vibrant villages are centered around beautiful colonial churches. Some of the most popular mission towns include San Ignacio, Concepción, San Rafael, San Javier, and San José, which are in the Chiquitania region near Santa Cruz. Many local tour operators offer packages that include several villages.

Samaipata

Two hours southwest of Santa Cruz lies the tiny village of Samaipata, home to a diverse array of local tribes and some beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Samaipata has several important attractions, more so than one would expect from a town of its size; including El Fuerte, a set of pre-Incan ruins designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the waterfalls of Las Cuevas. Samaipata is also conveniently located near stunning natural attractions like the diverse flora and fauna of Amboro Park; the 3.5 mile (5,700m) tall Condor Mountain, considered the Matterhorn of the Andes; and the stunning 262-foot (80m) La Pajcha Waterfall. Samaipata is also home to the former grave of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, and is the start and finish point of the Che Guevara Trail, which visits sites of interest including his guerrilla camp and school.

Amboro National Park

Amboro National Park is a nature reserve in central Bolivia that is home to more than 800 species of birds, and many endangered animals such as the puma, jaguar and Spectacled Bear. The diverse terrains offer seemingly neverending vistas and spectacular scenery filled with rivers, waterfalls, forests, canyons and mountains. Visitors can pass the time birdwatching at La Chonta outlook, sunning themselves on the beaches of the Surutu River, or hiking the Yunga Mountains.

Iglesia de San Francisco

People congregate in the plaza in front of this imposing church, a mixture of neo-classical Spanish and mestizo architecture. Construction began in 1549 but it was only finished in the mid-18th century. On Saturday mornings it is often possible to see colorful Quechua or Aymara wedding processions leading to and from the church while on any day of the week this is an ideal place to pass the time and watch Bolivian life go by. Don't miss the atmospheric stairway to the fabulous rooftop, offering great views of the city below.

The Witches' Market (Mercado de Brujas)

Situated in a maze of narrow alleyways in La Paz is one of the most bizarre markets in the world. An unusual collection of merchandise is sold here, from herbs and remedies used in Aymara traditions to potions, charms, and dried llama foetuses. Stretching up and around it is the traditional market scene, selling a huge variety of goods for everyday needs, as well as Andean art and handicrafts. Expect to see yatiri(traditional healers) with their dark hats and coca pouches offering to read the fortunes of locals.

Museo de Coca (Coca Museum)

This is a relatively new museum that describes the place of coca in the traditions and culture of the Bolivians. From as far back as they can remember, coca has been a part of their culture and has a place in legendary history when the gods and goddesses used the divine coca leaf to alleviate hunger, cold, fatigue and pain. At first the chewing of leaves was restricted to use in religious ceremonies and by upper-class families but the Spaniards soon became aware of its stimulating effects. They began to promote it widely among the Indian laborers to increase output and numb the senses against the hardships and anxieties they faced. The displays are very provocative and educational, and also include the use and exploitation of coca in the soft drink and pharmaceutical companies.

Cooperative Mines of Cerro Rico

Entering the mines is like a step in to the past. It is a demanding, shocking yet memorable experience. Visitors can experience conditions much the same as when the Spanish used Andean peasants as slave laborers to work the wealth from the silver deposits in the hills. Guided tours lead groups along the narrow tunnels and up rickety ladders, stopping along the way to chat to the miners at work. Working conditions are primitive, shafts are poorly ventilated and safety provisions barely exist. The miners work by hand, chipping away at the rock and hewing out rough shafts in which to place their dynamite. An occasional blast shakes the tunnels and deafens the ears. Thousands of miners work their way through the mountain with no overall control or plan, chewing their way through bags of coca leaves to fend off hunger and exhaustion, in the hope of hitting a rare vein of silver.

Museo de la Casa de la Moneda

The Casa de la Moneda was the Royal Mint House used by the colonial Spanish to turn the silver from the mines into coins to be shipped back to Spain. This is one of Bolivia's best museums, explaining the history of silver production and its influence. Inside are restored presses and wooden minting machines, coins and coin stamps. It also has rooms containing religious art, many by indigenous Andeans, the country's first locomotive and Tiahuanaco artifacts.

Salar de Uyuni

Covering an area of 4,680 square miles (12,121 sq km), the Salar is the world's largest salt desert set at an elevation of 11,970ft (3,650m) and filled with an estimated 10 billion tons of salt. With picks and shovels the local people harvest the salt from the lake that once covered most of southwestern Bolivia. This region is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Bolivia, a photographer's delight. It is a surreal landscape combining salt pans, wind-eroded rock formations, and wandering llamas in a completely unspoiled region. In the middle is Isla de Pescadores, a landmass appearing as a mountain out of the white nothingness, covered in towering stands of cactus. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde are other isolated marvels. One a fiery-red and the other a deep blue-green, these lakes are inhabited by flamingos and surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Nearby Sol de Mañana reeks with the smell of sulphurous gases from the geysers, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. The village of Uyuni, to the south east of the Salar, is the best base from which to explore the area and tours can be arranged from here. 'Salt Hotels' around the periphery of Salar are a unique form of accommodation where everything (walls, furniture, etc.) is made from salt blocks cut from the flats. Another popular attraction at the Salar de Uyuni is the train cemetary, containing trains abandoned by mining companies.

Tupiza

This little mining town in the Potosi department may not be an attraction in itself, but it serves as a popular base for tours to nearby San Vicente, the major draw card of this region. San Vicente has a bit of 'Wild West' history to it: two of the world's most famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, fled the United States in 1901 to escape pursuit from the Pinkerton Detective Agency (which later became the FBI). Lured by the Bolivia's silver wealth, they headed for South America. The outlaws are rumoured to have been gunned down by the Bolivian army in San Vicente over a century ago, just days after robbing the payroll of a Bolivian mine.

Organized tours from Tupiza lead tourists along the 'death trail' of Butch and Sundance, giving visitors the unique opportunity to follow the outlaws' last days all the way to their supposed final resting place, where the billboard reads, 'Welcome to San Vicente: Here lie the remains of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'. Although many attempts to exhume the unmarked graves have been made over the years, no remains with DNA matching the outlaws' living relatives have yet been discovered.

Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque is the starting point for vacationers planning an eco-tour to the Amazonian pampas and jungle. This little frontier settlement, perched between the surrounding jungle and the River Beni, is the loveliest of the Bolivian lowland villages. A trip on the river in a dugout canoe is an unforgettable experience, while the rainforest in Madidi National Park and surrounding Pampas is abundant in wildlife and many vacationers come to see anacondas, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), monkeys, turtles, macaws, caymans, piranhas, and even to swim with the pink dolphins. The tapir and armadillo are difficult to spot, often deep in the impenetrable tangle of the jungle, but there is plenty of bird life to be seen and heard. The rainforest is known for its immense biodiversity, ranging from mountain cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid lowland rainforest to savannah, to wild rivers and lakes.

Yungas Road

Not an attraction for the faint of heart, the dangerous Yungas Road, which has been dubbed the 'El Camino de la Muerte' (Road of Death), stretches between La Paz and Coroico in Bolivia and is estimated to claim the lives of approximately 200 to 300 travelers each year. Built during the 1930s Chaco War by Paraguayan prisoners, the road is situated high in the Yungas region of Bolivia and has extreme drops of up to 610 meters (2,000 ft) and has ironically become a popular tourist destination, drawing some 25,000 thrill seekers each year, particularly mountain bikers who love the adrenalin of the continuous downhill riding along 40 miles (64km) of treacherous road. The beautiful location of the road also adds to its allure, but it remains a serious danger as at least 13 cyclists have died since 1998, and trucks have serious problems passing each other. Crosses dotted along the road mark the spots where cars have plunged off the edge of the steep cliff. Drivers on Yungas Road must obey a strict set of rules, as rain and fog often reduce visibility and there are no guard rails. Contrary to normal Bolivian driving, drivers keep to the left, and uphill vehicles always have the right of way. Yungas Road has been upgraded in the last decade with many new safety measures, but the original route, now called North Yungas Road, is still in use by tourists.

La Paz Golf Club

Founded in 1912 by British railway workers, the La Paz Golf Club members built a 9-hole course in a suburb of the city El Alto, but the course has long since moved to the nearby Mallasilla area of La Paz. Laid out at a dizzying height of 3048 meters (10,800 ft), the La Paz Golf Club is established 18-hole golf course can stake its claim has the highest golf course in the world. With breathtaking views of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) below, well maintained greens and rolling fairways, the course was rated by Golf Digest among the most attractive courses on earth. Probably one of the most exciting holes on the course is the 12th hole, where the island tee box is reached by two bridges and golfers are required to drive the ball 180 yards (165m) to the verdant fairway across the plummeting gorge below - an experience of a lifetime!

Huayna Potosi

A popular attraction for more adventurous travelers in Bolivia and located about 18 miles (30 km) north of La Paz, the mountain of Huayna Potosi in the Cordillera Real range is rated as an easy climb, but harsh weather conditions can often make it tricky. Each year only around 1,000 climbers make it to the summit; many of those who attempt the climb turn back due to cold temperatures and the high altitude.

The entry point for the treks and base camp are located at 4700m (15,419 ft) on the Zongo Pass. The climb can be done in two daily stages and Rock Camp at 5130m (16,830 ft) offers breathtaking views across the valley and beyond. Several difficult snow and ice routes go up this 1,000 meter (3,280 ft) high face and the easiest route is up the glacier. Those who make it to the summit will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Cordillera Real range, Lake Titicaca and La Paz.

Isla del Sol

Located on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is a major tourist attraction and featuring more than 180 ruins dating back to the 15th century, it's not hard to see why. The rumoured birthplace of the Incan civilization, Isla del Sol (meaning Island of the Sun) is named so because it is believed to be the birthplace Inti, the Incan god of the sun. Visit the Chincana complex on the north of the island, the site of the sacred rock where the Inca creation legend began, explore the island via the maze of elaborate walking trails (but watch out for altitude sickness) and meet the locals in the villages of Yumani and Cha'llapampa.

Coroico

Coroico is a popular weekend break for La Paz locals and a welcome low altitude chill-out spot for visitors. The trip from La Paz traverses the so-called World´s Most Dangerous Road, which makes for a photogenic and adrenalin-charged entrance into this laid back resort town. Perched atop the peak of Cerro Uchumachi, Coroico offers gorgeous views of cloud covered mountain tops, forested canyons, orchards and in the distance on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. Coroico is a good base for some interesting hikes into the jungle and for mountain-biking trips into the local area, including guided descents of the precipitous highway.

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos

The Jesuit Church sent missionaries to many rural areas of Bolivia in the 16th century in order to 'civilise' and convert indigenous tribes, but by the 18th century they had been expelled by the Spanish government. The churches have remained active and today many of the vibrant villages are centered around beautiful colonial churches. Some of the most popular mission towns include San Ignacio, Concepción, San Rafael, San Javier, and San José, which are in the Chiquitania region near Santa Cruz. Many local tour operators offer packages that include several villages.

Samaipata

Two hours southwest of Santa Cruz lies the tiny village of Samaipata, home to a diverse array of local tribes and some beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Samaipata has several important attractions, more so than one would expect from a town of its size; including El Fuerte, a set of pre-Incan ruins designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the waterfalls of Las Cuevas. Samaipata is also conveniently located near stunning natural attractions like the diverse flora and fauna of Amboro Park; the 3.5 mile (5,700m) tall Condor Mountain, considered the Matterhorn of the Andes; and the stunning 262-foot (80m) La Pajcha Waterfall. Samaipata is also home to the former grave of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, and is the start and finish point of the Che Guevara Trail, which visits sites of interest including his guerrilla camp and school.

Amboro National Park

Amboro National Park is a nature reserve in central Bolivia that is home to more than 800 species of birds, and many endangered animals such as the puma, jaguar and Spectacled Bear. The diverse terrains offer seemingly neverending vistas and spectacular scenery filled with rivers, waterfalls, forests, canyons and mountains. Visitors can pass the time birdwatching at La Chonta outlook, sunning themselves on the beaches of the Surutu River, or hiking the Yunga Mountains.

Iglesia de San Francisco

People congregate in the plaza in front of this imposing church, a mixture of neo-classical Spanish and mestizo architecture. Construction began in 1549 but it was only finished in the mid-18th century. On Saturday mornings it is often possible to see colorful Quechua or Aymara wedding processions leading to and from the church while on any day of the week this is an ideal place to pass the time and watch Bolivian life go by. Don't miss the atmospheric stairway to the fabulous rooftop, offering great views of the city below.

The Witches' Market (Mercado de Brujas)

Situated in a maze of narrow alleyways in La Paz is one of the most bizarre markets in the world. An unusual collection of merchandise is sold here, from herbs and remedies used in Aymara traditions to potions, charms, and dried llama foetuses. Stretching up and around it is the traditional market scene, selling a huge variety of goods for everyday needs, as well as Andean art and handicrafts. Expect to see yatiri(traditional healers) with their dark hats and coca pouches offering to read the fortunes of locals.

Museo de Coca (Coca Museum)

This is a relatively new museum that describes the place of coca in the traditions and culture of the Bolivians. From as far back as they can remember, coca has been a part of their culture and has a place in legendary history when the gods and goddesses used the divine coca leaf to alleviate hunger, cold, fatigue and pain. At first the chewing of leaves was restricted to use in religious ceremonies and by upper-class families but the Spaniards soon became aware of its stimulating effects. They began to promote it widely among the Indian laborers to increase output and numb the senses against the hardships and anxieties they faced. The displays are very provocative and educational, and also include the use and exploitation of coca in the soft drink and pharmaceutical companies.

Cooperative Mines of Cerro Rico

Entering the mines is like a step in to the past. It is a demanding, shocking yet memorable experience. Visitors can experience conditions much the same as when the Spanish used Andean peasants as slave laborers to work the wealth from the silver deposits in the hills. Guided tours lead groups along the narrow tunnels and up rickety ladders, stopping along the way to chat to the miners at work. Working conditions are primitive, shafts are poorly ventilated and safety provisions barely exist. The miners work by hand, chipping away at the rock and hewing out rough shafts in which to place their dynamite. An occasional blast shakes the tunnels and deafens the ears. Thousands of miners work their way through the mountain with no overall control or plan, chewing their way through bags of coca leaves to fend off hunger and exhaustion, in the hope of hitting a rare vein of silver.

Museo de la Casa de la Moneda

The Casa de la Moneda was the Royal Mint House used by the colonial Spanish to turn the silver from the mines into coins to be shipped back to Spain. This is one of Bolivia's best museums, explaining the history of silver production and its influence. Inside are restored presses and wooden minting machines, coins and coin stamps. It also has rooms containing religious art, many by indigenous Andeans, the country's first locomotive and Tiahuanaco artifacts.

Salar de Uyuni

Covering an area of 4,680 square miles (12,121 sq km), the Salar is the world's largest salt desert set at an elevation of 11,970ft (3,650m) and filled with an estimated 10 billion tons of salt. With picks and shovels the local people harvest the salt from the lake that once covered most of southwestern Bolivia. This region is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Bolivia, a photographer's delight. It is a surreal landscape combining salt pans, wind-eroded rock formations, and wandering llamas in a completely unspoiled region. In the middle is Isla de Pescadores, a landmass appearing as a mountain out of the white nothingness, covered in towering stands of cactus. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde are other isolated marvels. One a fiery-red and the other a deep blue-green, these lakes are inhabited by flamingos and surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Nearby Sol de Mañana reeks with the smell of sulphurous gases from the geysers, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. The village of Uyuni, to the south east of the Salar, is the best base from which to explore the area and tours can be arranged from here. 'Salt Hotels' around the periphery of Salar are a unique form of accommodation where everything (walls, furniture, etc.) is made from salt blocks cut from the flats. Another popular attraction at the Salar de Uyuni is the train cemetary, containing trains abandoned by mining companies.

Tupiza

This little mining town in the Potosi department may not be an attraction in itself, but it serves as a popular base for tours to nearby San Vicente, the major draw card of this region. San Vicente has a bit of 'Wild West' history to it: two of the world's most famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, fled the United States in 1901 to escape pursuit from the Pinkerton Detective Agency (which later became the FBI). Lured by the Bolivia's silver wealth, they headed for South America. The outlaws are rumoured to have been gunned down by the Bolivian army in San Vicente over a century ago, just days after robbing the payroll of a Bolivian mine.

Organized tours from Tupiza lead tourists along the 'death trail' of Butch and Sundance, giving visitors the unique opportunity to follow the outlaws' last days all the way to their supposed final resting place, where the billboard reads, 'Welcome to San Vicente: Here lie the remains of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'. Although many attempts to exhume the unmarked graves have been made over the years, no remains with DNA matching the outlaws' living relatives have yet been discovered.

Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque is the starting point for vacationers planning an eco-tour to the Amazonian pampas and jungle. This little frontier settlement, perched between the surrounding jungle and the River Beni, is the loveliest of the Bolivian lowland villages. A trip on the river in a dugout canoe is an unforgettable experience, while the rainforest in Madidi National Park and surrounding Pampas is abundant in wildlife and many vacationers come to see anacondas, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), monkeys, turtles, macaws, caymans, piranhas, and even to swim with the pink dolphins. The tapir and armadillo are difficult to spot, often deep in the impenetrable tangle of the jungle, but there is plenty of bird life to be seen and heard. The rainforest is known for its immense biodiversity, ranging from mountain cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid lowland rainforest to savannah, to wild rivers and lakes.

Yungas Road

Not an attraction for the faint of heart, the dangerous Yungas Road, which has been dubbed the 'El Camino de la Muerte' (Road of Death), stretches between La Paz and Coroico in Bolivia and is estimated to claim the lives of approximately 200 to 300 travelers each year. Built during the 1930s Chaco War by Paraguayan prisoners, the road is situated high in the Yungas region of Bolivia and has extreme drops of up to 610 meters (2,000 ft) and has ironically become a popular tourist destination, drawing some 25,000 thrill seekers each year, particularly mountain bikers who love the adrenalin of the continuous downhill riding along 40 miles (64km) of treacherous road. The beautiful location of the road also adds to its allure, but it remains a serious danger as at least 13 cyclists have died since 1998, and trucks have serious problems passing each other. Crosses dotted along the road mark the spots where cars have plunged off the edge of the steep cliff. Drivers on Yungas Road must obey a strict set of rules, as rain and fog often reduce visibility and there are no guard rails. Contrary to normal Bolivian driving, drivers keep to the left, and uphill vehicles always have the right of way. Yungas Road has been upgraded in the last decade with many new safety measures, but the original route, now called North Yungas Road, is still in use by tourists.

La Paz Golf Club

Founded in 1912 by British railway workers, the La Paz Golf Club members built a 9-hole course in a suburb of the city El Alto, but the course has long since moved to the nearby Mallasilla area of La Paz. Laid out at a dizzying height of 3048 meters (10,800 ft), the La Paz Golf Club is established 18-hole golf course can stake its claim has the highest golf course in the world. With breathtaking views of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) below, well maintained greens and rolling fairways, the course was rated by Golf Digest among the most attractive courses on earth. Probably one of the most exciting holes on the course is the 12th hole, where the island tee box is reached by two bridges and golfers are required to drive the ball 180 yards (165m) to the verdant fairway across the plummeting gorge below - an experience of a lifetime!

Huayna Potosi

A popular attraction for more adventurous travelers in Bolivia and located about 18 miles (30 km) north of La Paz, the mountain of Huayna Potosi in the Cordillera Real range is rated as an easy climb, but harsh weather conditions can often make it tricky. Each year only around 1,000 climbers make it to the summit; many of those who attempt the climb turn back due to cold temperatures and the high altitude.

The entry point for the treks and base camp are located at 4700m (15,419 ft) on the Zongo Pass. The climb can be done in two daily stages and Rock Camp at 5130m (16,830 ft) offers breathtaking views across the valley and beyond. Several difficult snow and ice routes go up this 1,000 meter (3,280 ft) high face and the easiest route is up the glacier. Those who make it to the summit will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Cordillera Real range, Lake Titicaca and La Paz.

Isla del Sol

Located on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is a major tourist attraction and featuring more than 180 ruins dating back to the 15th century, it's not hard to see why. The rumoured birthplace of the Incan civilization, Isla del Sol (meaning Island of the Sun) is named so because it is believed to be the birthplace Inti, the Incan god of the sun. Visit the Chincana complex on the north of the island, the site of the sacred rock where the Inca creation legend began, explore the island via the maze of elaborate walking trails (but watch out for altitude sickness) and meet the locals in the villages of Yumani and Cha'llapampa.

Coroico

Coroico is a popular weekend break for La Paz locals and a welcome low altitude chill-out spot for visitors. The trip from La Paz traverses the so-called World´s Most Dangerous Road, which makes for a photogenic and adrenalin-charged entrance into this laid back resort town. Perched atop the peak of Cerro Uchumachi, Coroico offers gorgeous views of cloud covered mountain tops, forested canyons, orchards and in the distance on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. Coroico is a good base for some interesting hikes into the jungle and for mountain-biking trips into the local area, including guided descents of the precipitous highway.

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos

The Jesuit Church sent missionaries to many rural areas of Bolivia in the 16th century in order to 'civilise' and convert indigenous tribes, but by the 18th century they had been expelled by the Spanish government. The churches have remained active and today many of the vibrant villages are centered around beautiful colonial churches. Some of the most popular mission towns include San Ignacio, Concepción, San Rafael, San Javier, and San José, which are in the Chiquitania region near Santa Cruz. Many local tour operators offer packages that include several villages.

Samaipata

Two hours southwest of Santa Cruz lies the tiny village of Samaipata, home to a diverse array of local tribes and some beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Samaipata has several important attractions, more so than one would expect from a town of its size; including El Fuerte, a set of pre-Incan ruins designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the waterfalls of Las Cuevas. Samaipata is also conveniently located near stunning natural attractions like the diverse flora and fauna of Amboro Park; the 3.5 mile (5,700m) tall Condor Mountain, considered the Matterhorn of the Andes; and the stunning 262-foot (80m) La Pajcha Waterfall. Samaipata is also home to the former grave of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, and is the start and finish point of the Che Guevara Trail, which visits sites of interest including his guerrilla camp and school.

Amboro National Park

Amboro National Park is a nature reserve in central Bolivia that is home to more than 800 species of birds, and many endangered animals such as the puma, jaguar and Spectacled Bear. The diverse terrains offer seemingly neverending vistas and spectacular scenery filled with rivers, waterfalls, forests, canyons and mountains. Visitors can pass the time birdwatching at La Chonta outlook, sunning themselves on the beaches of the Surutu River, or hiking the Yunga Mountains.

Iglesia de San Francisco

People congregate in the plaza in front of this imposing church, a mixture of neo-classical Spanish and mestizo architecture. Construction began in 1549 but it was only finished in the mid-18th century. On Saturday mornings it is often possible to see colorful Quechua or Aymara wedding processions leading to and from the church while on any day of the week this is an ideal place to pass the time and watch Bolivian life go by. Don't miss the atmospheric stairway to the fabulous rooftop, offering great views of the city below.

The Witches' Market (Mercado de Brujas)

Situated in a maze of narrow alleyways in La Paz is one of the most bizarre markets in the world. An unusual collection of merchandise is sold here, from herbs and remedies used in Aymara traditions to potions, charms, and dried llama foetuses. Stretching up and around it is the traditional market scene, selling a huge variety of goods for everyday needs, as well as Andean art and handicrafts. Expect to see yatiri(traditional healers) with their dark hats and coca pouches offering to read the fortunes of locals.

Museo de Coca (Coca Museum)

This is a relatively new museum that describes the place of coca in the traditions and culture of the Bolivians. From as far back as they can remember, coca has been a part of their culture and has a place in legendary history when the gods and goddesses used the divine coca leaf to alleviate hunger, cold, fatigue and pain. At first the chewing of leaves was restricted to use in religious ceremonies and by upper-class families but the Spaniards soon became aware of its stimulating effects. They began to promote it widely among the Indian laborers to increase output and numb the senses against the hardships and anxieties they faced. The displays are very provocative and educational, and also include the use and exploitation of coca in the soft drink and pharmaceutical companies.

Cooperative Mines of Cerro Rico

Entering the mines is like a step in to the past. It is a demanding, shocking yet memorable experience. Visitors can experience conditions much the same as when the Spanish used Andean peasants as slave laborers to work the wealth from the silver deposits in the hills. Guided tours lead groups along the narrow tunnels and up rickety ladders, stopping along the way to chat to the miners at work. Working conditions are primitive, shafts are poorly ventilated and safety provisions barely exist. The miners work by hand, chipping away at the rock and hewing out rough shafts in which to place their dynamite. An occasional blast shakes the tunnels and deafens the ears. Thousands of miners work their way through the mountain with no overall control or plan, chewing their way through bags of coca leaves to fend off hunger and exhaustion, in the hope of hitting a rare vein of silver.

Museo de la Casa de la Moneda

The Casa de la Moneda was the Royal Mint House used by the colonial Spanish to turn the silver from the mines into coins to be shipped back to Spain. This is one of Bolivia's best museums, explaining the history of silver production and its influence. Inside are restored presses and wooden minting machines, coins and coin stamps. It also has rooms containing religious art, many by indigenous Andeans, the country's first locomotive and Tiahuanaco artifacts.

Salar de Uyuni

Covering an area of 4,680 square miles (12,121 sq km), the Salar is the world's largest salt desert set at an elevation of 11,970ft (3,650m) and filled with an estimated 10 billion tons of salt. With picks and shovels the local people harvest the salt from the lake that once covered most of southwestern Bolivia. This region is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Bolivia, a photographer's delight. It is a surreal landscape combining salt pans, wind-eroded rock formations, and wandering llamas in a completely unspoiled region. In the middle is Isla de Pescadores, a landmass appearing as a mountain out of the white nothingness, covered in towering stands of cactus. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde are other isolated marvels. One a fiery-red and the other a deep blue-green, these lakes are inhabited by flamingos and surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Nearby Sol de Mañana reeks with the smell of sulphurous gases from the geysers, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. The village of Uyuni, to the south east of the Salar, is the best base from which to explore the area and tours can be arranged from here. 'Salt Hotels' around the periphery of Salar are a unique form of accommodation where everything (walls, furniture, etc.) is made from salt blocks cut from the flats. Another popular attraction at the Salar de Uyuni is the train cemetary, containing trains abandoned by mining companies.

Tupiza

This little mining town in the Potosi department may not be an attraction in itself, but it serves as a popular base for tours to nearby San Vicente, the major draw card of this region. San Vicente has a bit of 'Wild West' history to it: two of the world's most famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, fled the United States in 1901 to escape pursuit from the Pinkerton Detective Agency (which later became the FBI). Lured by the Bolivia's silver wealth, they headed for South America. The outlaws are rumoured to have been gunned down by the Bolivian army in San Vicente over a century ago, just days after robbing the payroll of a Bolivian mine.

Organized tours from Tupiza lead tourists along the 'death trail' of Butch and Sundance, giving visitors the unique opportunity to follow the outlaws' last days all the way to their supposed final resting place, where the billboard reads, 'Welcome to San Vicente: Here lie the remains of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'. Although many attempts to exhume the unmarked graves have been made over the years, no remains with DNA matching the outlaws' living relatives have yet been discovered.

Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque is the starting point for vacationers planning an eco-tour to the Amazonian pampas and jungle. This little frontier settlement, perched between the surrounding jungle and the River Beni, is the loveliest of the Bolivian lowland villages. A trip on the river in a dugout canoe is an unforgettable experience, while the rainforest in Madidi National Park and surrounding Pampas is abundant in wildlife and many vacationers come to see anacondas, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), monkeys, turtles, macaws, caymans, piranhas, and even to swim with the pink dolphins. The tapir and armadillo are difficult to spot, often deep in the impenetrable tangle of the jungle, but there is plenty of bird life to be seen and heard. The rainforest is known for its immense biodiversity, ranging from mountain cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid lowland rainforest to savannah, to wild rivers and lakes.

Yungas Road

Not an attraction for the faint of heart, the dangerous Yungas Road, which has been dubbed the 'El Camino de la Muerte' (Road of Death), stretches between La Paz and Coroico in Bolivia and is estimated to claim the lives of approximately 200 to 300 travelers each year. Built during the 1930s Chaco War by Paraguayan prisoners, the road is situated high in the Yungas region of Bolivia and has extreme drops of up to 610 meters (2,000 ft) and has ironically become a popular tourist destination, drawing some 25,000 thrill seekers each year, particularly mountain bikers who love the adrenalin of the continuous downhill riding along 40 miles (64km) of treacherous road. The beautiful location of the road also adds to its allure, but it remains a serious danger as at least 13 cyclists have died since 1998, and trucks have serious problems passing each other. Crosses dotted along the road mark the spots where cars have plunged off the edge of the steep cliff. Drivers on Yungas Road must obey a strict set of rules, as rain and fog often reduce visibility and there are no guard rails. Contrary to normal Bolivian driving, drivers keep to the left, and uphill vehicles always have the right of way. Yungas Road has been upgraded in the last decade with many new safety measures, but the original route, now called North Yungas Road, is still in use by tourists.

La Paz Golf Club

Founded in 1912 by British railway workers, the La Paz Golf Club members built a 9-hole course in a suburb of the city El Alto, but the course has long since moved to the nearby Mallasilla area of La Paz. Laid out at a dizzying height of 3048 meters (10,800 ft), the La Paz Golf Club is established 18-hole golf course can stake its claim has the highest golf course in the world. With breathtaking views of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) below, well maintained greens and rolling fairways, the course was rated by Golf Digest among the most attractive courses on earth. Probably one of the most exciting holes on the course is the 12th hole, where the island tee box is reached by two bridges and golfers are required to drive the ball 180 yards (165m) to the verdant fairway across the plummeting gorge below - an experience of a lifetime!

Huayna Potosi

A popular attraction for more adventurous travelers in Bolivia and located about 18 miles (30 km) north of La Paz, the mountain of Huayna Potosi in the Cordillera Real range is rated as an easy climb, but harsh weather conditions can often make it tricky. Each year only around 1,000 climbers make it to the summit; many of those who attempt the climb turn back due to cold temperatures and the high altitude.

The entry point for the treks and base camp are located at 4700m (15,419 ft) on the Zongo Pass. The climb can be done in two daily stages and Rock Camp at 5130m (16,830 ft) offers breathtaking views across the valley and beyond. Several difficult snow and ice routes go up this 1,000 meter (3,280 ft) high face and the easiest route is up the glacier. Those who make it to the summit will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Cordillera Real range, Lake Titicaca and La Paz.

Isla del Sol

Located on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is a major tourist attraction and featuring more than 180 ruins dating back to the 15th century, it's not hard to see why. The rumoured birthplace of the Incan civilization, Isla del Sol (meaning Island of the Sun) is named so because it is believed to be the birthplace Inti, the Incan god of the sun. Visit the Chincana complex on the north of the island, the site of the sacred rock where the Inca creation legend began, explore the island via the maze of elaborate walking trails (but watch out for altitude sickness) and meet the locals in the villages of Yumani and Cha'llapampa.

Coroico

Coroico is a popular weekend break for La Paz locals and a welcome low altitude chill-out spot for visitors. The trip from La Paz traverses the so-called World´s Most Dangerous Road, which makes for a photogenic and adrenalin-charged entrance into this laid back resort town. Perched atop the peak of Cerro Uchumachi, Coroico offers gorgeous views of cloud covered mountain tops, forested canyons, orchards and in the distance on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. Coroico is a good base for some interesting hikes into the jungle and for mountain-biking trips into the local area, including guided descents of the precipitous highway.

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos

The Jesuit Church sent missionaries to many rural areas of Bolivia in the 16th century in order to 'civilise' and convert indigenous tribes, but by the 18th century they had been expelled by the Spanish government. The churches have remained active and today many of the vibrant villages are centered around beautiful colonial churches. Some of the most popular mission towns include San Ignacio, Concepción, San Rafael, San Javier, and San José, which are in the Chiquitania region near Santa Cruz. Many local tour operators offer packages that include several villages.

Samaipata

Two hours southwest of Santa Cruz lies the tiny village of Samaipata, home to a diverse array of local tribes and some beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Samaipata has several important attractions, more so than one would expect from a town of its size; including El Fuerte, a set of pre-Incan ruins designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the waterfalls of Las Cuevas. Samaipata is also conveniently located near stunning natural attractions like the diverse flora and fauna of Amboro Park; the 3.5 mile (5,700m) tall Condor Mountain, considered the Matterhorn of the Andes; and the stunning 262-foot (80m) La Pajcha Waterfall. Samaipata is also home to the former grave of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, and is the start and finish point of the Che Guevara Trail, which visits sites of interest including his guerrilla camp and school.

Amboro National Park

Amboro National Park is a nature reserve in central Bolivia that is home to more than 800 species of birds, and many endangered animals such as the puma, jaguar and Spectacled Bear. The diverse terrains offer seemingly neverending vistas and spectacular scenery filled with rivers, waterfalls, forests, canyons and mountains. Visitors can pass the time birdwatching at La Chonta outlook, sunning themselves on the beaches of the Surutu River, or hiking the Yunga Mountains.