Bolivia is not the most visited country in South America, but we hope to change this narrative. Bolivia is sure to take your breath away, literally. The country is at an altitude of 5,100 metres above sea level. It usually takes a few days to adjust to the thinner air. When you arrive in Bolivia, especially somewhere like La Paz, make sure you know where your accommodation is exactly to avoid getting lost while carrying your luggage around, sometimes up steep hills. Without further ado, this article will highlight some of Bolivia’s best places to visit and activities to do that will make you return for more.
Copacabana Village
On the coast of Lake Titicaca, the border town of Copacabana is a mere 30 minutes from the Peruvian border. You’ll find numerous pricey, fancy restaurants, hotels, and even more international travellers. You can take long strolls along the coast or runs, if that’s your thing, or hike and bike in the countryside. Climb up the famous Calavario hill for a spectacular view of the town. At sunrise or sunset, sit and meditate or do a few minutes of restorative yoga, feeling the sun’s rays on your skin. You can take a short boat ride from here to Isla del Sol and Isla del Luna. Both islands are walkable, with Isla del Sol being the biggest island with much more to see, including climbing “Escalera del Inca”, the Inca Staircase.
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Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia’s and one of South America’s most famous attractions, is a salt flat stretching 10 582 km! There are two legends as to how the salt flats formed. The first is that the surrounding mountains were once giant people who were both involved with the goddess Yana Pollera. She became pregnant, with the two mountains fighting over who the father was. Yana then sent her baby away for safety but worried it wouldn’t survive alone. So, she flooded the plain between them with her milk, which eventually turned to salt. The second is an Aymaran legend that believes the two mountains were once people and married to each other. But Kusku left his wife, Tunupa, for Kusina. Tunupa was devastated and cried enough to fill the salt flats you see today. Experience relaxation in a salt hotel. Everything from the walls, floors, and beds is made from salt blocks. Some of these hotels have a variety of amenities, including spas, swimming pools, games rooms, restaurants, and even a golf course. Fun fact, some salt hotels will only last 10-15 years as the salt disintegrates, which requires the whole hotel to be rebuilt.
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Food in La Paz
Bolivia’s city centre, La Paz, is well-known for its good, traditional food. The cuisine is a great mix of Spanish and Indigenous foods and often includes warm, filling stews and soups. The cuisine takes seemingly boring and bland ingredients such as potatoes, quinoa, corn, peanuts, and beans combined with Spanish imports of rice, wheat, and meat proteins to make very not boring and bland dishes. Dishes such as the Chola sandwich, Plato Paceño, El intendente, and Huarjata are some of the local favourites. Drinks including the Yungueñito Cocktail, Sucumbé, and Té con Té might not magically help you speak the local dialect, but it will surely get you close to feeling like a local.
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Valle de la Luna
The Valley of the Moon apparently received its name from Neil Armstrong himself, as it resembled the craters he saw on the moon. Have an extraterrestrial experience walking through this valley with two circular routes to choose from. The longer, 45-minute route leads you to Devil’s Point, which is quite a spectacular viewpoint. The shorter, 15-minute route is a sufficient experience if you’re in a rush. Each of these thousands of years old formations is unique; no two look alike. Remember to bring your camera, hat, sunscreen and water as it can get quite hot in the day, unlike the moon.
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Add Bolivia to your bucket list!
As you can see, the food and landscape are as colourful and magnificent as the people. The rich cultural heritage and diverse wellness activities are just waiting for exploration. From the shores of Copacabana to the world’s mirror in Salar de Uyuni and the extraterrestrial landscape of Valle de la Luna, you are guaranteed to feel transported into another world at each destination. Don’t forget to refuel on some of Bolivia’s most-loved traditional dishes or have a yoga session with an unforgettable view of Lake Titicaca. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!
If you enjoyed this article, hop on over to the Galapagos Islands.
