Bolivia Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

• Explore the streetlife in the world's highest capital city: La Paz is situated 3,632m (11,910ft) above sea level and is overlooked by Mount Illimani.

• Take a cruise on Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, which straddles the Bolivia-Peru border. The enormous freshwater lake is home to several small island communities, including the Uros islands made entirely from reeds.

• Travel around the Salar de Uyuni and marvel at Laguna Colorado, its fiery-red waters illuminating wandering flamingos that criss-cross the terrain, framed by copper mountains, and Laguna Verde with its conical volcano on the Chilean border.

• Discover the garden city, Cochabamba, with its excellent local cuisine, warm climate and imposing statue of Christ.

• Explore historic Potosí, once the most important city on the continent. Situated at the foot of Rich Mountain, it was famed for its mineral wealth, especially silver. Today guided tours visit the mines and the former Royal Mint, Casa de la Moneda.

• Ponder the mysteries of ancient history at Tiahuanaco, believed to be the capital of the Pre-Inca civilization. The site is dominated by a series of evocative temples and a compelling museum of ancient artifacts.

• Marvel at the colonial facades of Sucre, 'the white city', with its UNESCO-listed architecture and tranquil central square for strolling and chatting with the locals.

• Admire the striking churches along the Jesuits Missions Trail (website: www.chiquitania.com, built in the 17th-century and rescued from disrepair in from the 1950s onwards by Latter-Day Jesuits. The sites are now UNESCO-protected and home to a bi-annual sacred music festival.

Top Things to Do

• Go trekking through ancient Inca trails. Most treks start from La Paz and Sorata, and the most popular trek is the moderate three-day Choros Trail from La Paz to Coroico. The three-day Taquesi Trail is a moderate hike from La Paz, while the Illampus Circuit from Sorata is a rewarding but demanding six-day trek.

• Hurtle down 'the world's most dangerous road' on a mountain bike. Starting from the Bolivian Andes outside of La Paz, descend rapidly down twisting mountain roads into the Yungas jungle.

• Venture into the Amazon and stay at a jungle eco lodge, such as Chalalan (website: www.chalalan.com). Typical jungle trips include motorized canoe trips, guided rainforest walks with a local guide who knows the indigenous plants and wildlife, and rustic lodge accommodation.

• Climb the Cordillera Real, which has several peaks above 5,000m (14,500ft). Climbing excursions (complete with mules, porters and guides) can also be booked in Sorata, an Alpine-style village. Seek out the cafe Pete's Place for the latest news on routes and access.

• Follow in the footsteps of the iconic Che Guevara and visit the place where he died by taking the Che Guevara Trail from Santa Cruz through the southeast lowlands of Bolivia to La Higuera.

• Join in the street party at the annual Carnival (website: www.orurocarnaval.com), the most faithful expressions of folklore in South America being in Oruro with its historic Entrada and Diablada procession. It is often viewed as one of the world's last 'authentic' cultural celebrations.

• Soak up the unique atmosphere and revel in the exotic wildlife on a tour of the Salar de Uyuni, the world's highest salt flats. Agencies in Uyuni will arrange a two-night excursion with basic accommodation and guides.

• Admire some of Bolivia's spectacular mountain scenery on a day hike or horse ride around the Zona Sur region of La Paz. Hotel Calacoto (website: www.hotel-calacoto-bolivia.com) can arrange excursions.