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Published: 26-12-2022
A journey to Bolivia with its range of unique landscapes almost feels like a journey to different planets. Some places feel so remote that it may seem you are the last human on earth, while the cities are buzzing with activity. Landlocked between Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, it is not often on a traveler's map… but it should be. Bolivia is wild, rugged, and raw. Its natural landscape is beautiful and its people are fascinating. The mighty Andes form its western backbone, combing the skies for the precious moisture that sustains its northern Amazonian tributaries and wide eastern savannahs. In the southwest, shimmering salt deserts and chromatic lakes paint otherworldly panoramas. The central highlands are lush and cool, supporting tropical forests that teem with photogenic fauna. Experience the diversity of Bolivia on this 10-day Multi-destination trip of Bolivia.
Stone Tree, Dahli Desert
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has a special charm and combines its modern air and its big city pace with the charm of colonial architecture. A visit to the city of Santa Cruz should not be missed. The city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra has an incessant rhythm, within an exuberant natural environment. It is an extensive urban set, of wide avenues and modern construction without forgetting its colonial past and the perfect launching spot for this 10-day Bolivia tour.
Santa Cruz
Samaipata
Samaipata is a town in the valleys of Santa Cruz, and there is the Fort, an impressive rock carved with geometric and zoomorphic figures considered the largest petroglyph in the world. Samaipata is a small mountain village at 1650 meters above sea level in a fantastic place at the base of a valley which gives it an ideal climate with spring temperatures all year round.
The small town of Samaipata is a haven of peace and security as well as home to awesome trekking and other outdoor activities. The beauty of Samaipata is in its surroundings, it is a fantastic place for fans of nature in its purest form, hiking and especially mountain trekking. The fort is the most famous tourist place in Samaipata, but don’t be fooled by its name, because the fort in Samaipata is not a fort. It is an archaeological site considered the largest rock architecture work in the world. It is known as a fort because the Spaniards located a defense post there in the fight against the local Indians. The fort of Samaipata also known as the “El Fuerte”, was a ceremonial and administrative complex founded and used by the pre-Hispanic cultures of the area.
Samaipata
Sucre
Sucre is a lively and beautiful city in the heart of Bolivia, filled with history, gorgeous architecture, and culture. If you give it a chance during your Bolivia visit, it will surprise you with its charming and well-preserved historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. A lot less chaotic than the rest of the country, Sucre was built in 1538 by prosperous Spanish colonels who benefited from the silver mines in the southern regions. The streets of the historic town, bordered by white houses topped by red terracotta roofs offer nice strolls to the central market, the main plaza, and numerous other places to visit or relax with a book in hand. The ex-capital of Bolivia can easily be visited in a couple of days, but what makes Sucre so special is the laid-back atmosphere, the great food scene, and the surroundings that offer an authentic getaway into the Bolivian culture.
Sucre
Potosi
As one of South America’s most important colonial cities, Potosi is a must for those looking to add a little history to their Bolivian tour. Although the notorious Cerro Rico mines are the town’s biggest draw card, Potosi has a number of other attractions that make it well worth a visit. Cerro Rico was the biggest industrial complex of the Spanish colonial empire, and the historical importance of Cerro Rico is difficult to overstate. Some 60,000 tonnes of silver were extracted from the mountain during Spanish rule which tragically resulted in the death of an estimated 6 million indigenous and African slaves. Take a trip down the silver mine for an authentic insight into the way of life of these miners, who still work the mine today.
Cerro Rico, Potosi
Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni, with an area of over 10,000 square kilometers, is the largest salt flat in the world. Located in the southwest part of Bolivia, at an altitude of 3,656 meters above sea level this is one of the most mind-blowing places in the world. Each season is beautiful at Salar de Uyuni so the answer really depends on what you would like to see there. The wet season (December to April) is when the salt flats turn into a giant mirror offering excellent photographic opportunities. The dry season (May to November) is when you can see the salt being crystalized and making geometrical patterns on the ground. There really is no bad time to visit the Salar de Uyuni!
Salar de Uyuni
La Paz
Situated in a sweeping valley amid towering Andean peaks, the lofty heights of La Paz will literally take your breath away. Exotic, chaotic, and brimming with colorful customs, Bolivia’s high-elevation capital can admittedly feel overwhelming at times. The altitude is 3640 meters above sea level, making La Paz the highest capital in the world. The magnificent combination of the old and the modern is prolific and fascinating and there are a number of excellent activities including a visit to the witch's market, as well as the famous show of Cholita Wrestling, where Bolivian women dressed up in traditional clothes fight against each other in a wrestling ring. A sight to behold!
Moon Valley, La Paz
Book this Va Expeditions 10-day Multi Destination Bolivia tour here.
