EXPLORE YOUR SENSES - VA EXPEDITIONS

EXPLORE YOUR SENSES - VA EXPEDITIONS

4MINREAD
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4 min read
Overview & Key Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bolivia, a land of surreal landscapes, rich colonial history, and vibrant culture. From the high-altitude salt flats of Uyuni to the bustling markets of La Paz, this guide explores the sensory delights that make Bolivia a must-visit destination for every traveler.

Discover the Sensory Wonders of Bolivia

This largely undiscovered country is just starting to gain international recognition as a must-visit tourist destination for a good reason. Bolivia has plenty in store for the curious traveler, offering various tastes, sights, and smells to delight the senses. From Andean and Amazonian produce to world-class wine-tasting and diverse meat products, the culinary journey is endless. Beyond the plate, you can marvel at stunning mountains, ice caps, high-altitude deserts, volcanoes, hot springs, lush jungles, and luminous lakes. Whether you want to explore the surreal landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni, conquer beautiful peaks, or fish for trout in Lake Titicaca, Bolivia is the perfect place to explore all of your senses.

Traveler taking a selfie on the Uyuni Salt Flats
Selfy on the Salt Flats

Santa Cruz

We begin in Bolivia’s economic powerhouse, Santa Cruz, which travelers largely overlook. While this rapidly expanding city doesn’t have many tourist attractions, venture a few hours beyond its borders, and you’ll find captivating dunes, rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. You might even see a sloth casually hanging out in one of its central plazas.

View of Santa Cruz city streets
Santa Cruz

Sucre

Bolivia’s official capital and colonial centerpiece charm even the weariest of travelers. Sucre's delightful array of whitewashed churches, government buildings, parks, and monasteries entice many visitors to stay longer than initially intended. It’s also the best place to learn Spanish in South America, with numerous high-quality yet inexpensive language schools to choose from, as well as eclectic cafes and restaurants to sample.

Colonial architecture in Sucre
Sucre

Potosi

Potosi used to be one of the biggest cities in the world due to its silver-rich Cerro Rico Mountain. These days, a visit to Potosi provides a fascinating insight into Spanish Colonialism and mining history. Many travelers join a guided tour to gain first-hand experience of the working conditions in the country’s most notorious mine, still open today.

Cerro Rico mountain in Potosi
Cerro Rico

Uyuni

Bolivia’s number one tourist attraction never fails to amaze. The stunning Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest and highest salt flat, conveniently surrounded by several other natural wonders, including colorful lagoons, towering volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, and steamy geysers. An absolute must-do while traveling through Bolivia.

Expansive view of the Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni

Tarija

Tarija, not far from the border with Argentina, will have you questioning if you are still in Bolivia. This laid-back, Mediterranean-style town features whitewashed colonial architecture, a thriving and delicious wine industry, and a noticeable Argentine influence.

Vineyards in the Tarija countryside
Tarija Countryside

La Paz

Situated in a sweeping valley amid towering Andean peaks, the lofty heights of La Paz will take your breath away. Exotic, chaotic, and brimming with colorful customs, this unofficial Bolivian capital is where the ancient and the modern come together in one of the most unique ways.

Street scene near the Witches Market in La Paz
Near the Witches Market, la Paz

Lake Titicaca

Finally, we visit the largest navigable lake in the world, crossing the two countries of Bolivia and Peru. One of the most historically significant places in the Andes, a trip to Lake Titicaca is a must. Grab a delicious plate of fresh trout on Copacabana’s shore before jumping on a ferry to the sacred Isla del Sol. Locals believe the Sun and the Moon were born here, and for many visitors, it’s not hard to see why. Bolivia truly is a destination to explore your senses to the full!

Sunset over Lake Titicaca
Dusk on Titicaca

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Claire Dean
Written By

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
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