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Published: 13-09-2022
Bolivia is a land of dramatic Andean scenery and home to some of South America’s most untouched and remote areas to visit. Bolivia is one of the world’s top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, yet it is still relatively undiscovered. The country's enormous potential for outdoor activities only adds outdoor activities add to its appeal and makes it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Huayna Potosi
Trekking
Whether you want to stroll for half a day or take a hardcore hike for two weeks over high mountain passes and down into remote Amazon valleys, Bolivia is a trekkers paradise. The most popular trekking region is the Cordillera Real, which is home to spectacular high Andean scenery and is easily accessible from La Paz. The mountains here are zigzagged by paths and trails used by local people that make excellent trekking routes. Some of the best ways are ancient stone highways built by the Incas and even pre-Inca Andean societies. Starting near La Paz, three of Bolivia’s most famous treks – the Choro trail, Takesi Inca Trail and Yunga Cruz – follow these Inca trails across the Cordillera Real before heading down into the tropical valleys of the Yungas. Another excellent base for exploring the Cordillera Real is the town of Sorata, north of La Paz, where many of the best trekking routes begin. You should always be well-equipped when walking, even if it’s just a half-day hike. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and it gets freezing at night. You’ll need strong hiking boots, warm layers; a waterproof top layer; a hat and gloves; an adequate first-aid kit; a water bottle and water purifiers, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses. For camping out, you’ll need a decent tent; a sleeping bag that keeps you warm in temperatures as low as -5°C; an insulated sleeping mat; and a cooking stove (ideally a multi-fuel stove).
Trekking The Cordillera Blanca
Rafting and kayaking
The many rivers rushing down from the Andes into the Upper Amazon valleys offer massive potential for kayaking and white-water rafting. However, these activities are not as developed as they could be. The most easily accessible and famous river is the Río Coroico, in the Yungas, which offers rapids from grade II to IV (and sometimes higher) and is accessible on day trips from Coroico. The most challenging journey is down the Río Tuichi, which runs from the high Andes down into the rainforest of the Madidi National Park.
White-Water Rafting
Climbing
With hundreds of peaks over 5000m in elevation, Bolivia has plenty of types of mountain climbing and many new routes still to explore. As with trekking, the most popular region is the dramatic Cordillera Real, blessed with numerous high peaks, easy access from La Paz and relatively stable weather conditions during the dry season. In addition, the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera Occidental, particularly Sajama, offer some excellent climbs. At the same time, the more remote Cordillera Apolobamba and Cordillera Quimsa Cruz also provide several climbing options. Several of the higher peaks are well within reach of climbers with limited experience. At the same time, Huayna Potosí (6090m), in the Cordillera Real, is considered the most accessible 6000m-plus peak in South America that can be climbed by people with no mountaineering experience at all.
Ice-Climbing
Mountain biking
Bolivia is home to some of the best mountain bike routes in the world, and traveling by bike is one of the best ways to experience the Andes. Easily the most famous route is down the “death road” from La Paz to Coroico in the Yungas, a stunning 3500m descent which many travelers rates as one of the highlights of South America, never mind Bolivia. You don’t need any previous mountain-biking experience to do this ride, which is easy to organize as a day trip from La Paz. Other popular routes include Chacaltaya to La Paz and down the Zongo valley into the Yungas from Chacaltaya, while hard-core mountain bikers can try their luck on the Takesi Trail. As with trekking and climbing, the possibilities are endless as long as you have a decent bike.
Death Road
The Salt Flats
The Salar de Uyuni deserves a whole outdoor section of its own. Allow yourself to get completely blown away by the sheer size and the fantastic sight of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Imagine natural salts as far as the eye can see. They create mesmerizing glittering reflections that make a magical landscape that seems like you are on another planet. This sparkling place of natural phenomenon could be a wonderful romantic vacation or a fun-filled adventure for the whole family! From exploring steamy geysers to colorful lagoons in the desert valley at over 5000 meters above sea level, there is much to see and do in this magical place. The long distances mean a lot of time spent in a four-wheel-drive, but the main sights of interest on the flats are well worth every minute.
