Bolivia, hidden treasure of South America
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Discover the natural wonders of Bolivia.
A journey between ancestral traditions and majestic landscapes.
Must-see locations
Explore Bolivia and experience an unforgettable adventure
Bolivia offers breathtaking landscapes and a population with diverse origins that dazzles travelers by providing a rare and authentic view of Amerindian culture. With 11 million inhabitants and more than 28 ethnic groups, culture enthusiasts will discover the richness of Bolivian folklore, the most vibrant in Latin America. Lovers of wide open spaces can admire incredible landscapes with varied wildlife, where one might encounter vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and flamingos. Thrill-seekers can climb Huayna Potosi, which peaks at 6,088 meters above sea level. Those passionate about pre-Columbian civilizations will love visiting the archaeological site of Tiwanaku.
A Country of a Thousand Faces and Surprises
Bolivia is the country of contrasts par excellence. It stretches from the highest peaks of the Andes mountain range to the Amazon rainforest, passing through the Altiplano, deserts, central valleys, and the plains of the Oriente.
The must-sees to discover
Sail on Lake Titicaca and the Island of the Sun at almost 4,000 meters above sea level. Discover mythical sites for an immersion into the heart of Inca civilization. After crossing the high Andean plateaus from La Paz, stop at Copacabana before heading to the Island of the Sun and the Island of the Moon.
Explore the desert expanse of the Salar de Uyuni and South Lipez. This salt desert is magical in spring after the rainy season: the horizon line disappears and travelers lose their sense of perspective. Beyond the Salar, explore South Lipez with its desert expanses where Dali's sculptures invite themselves into the landscape. Between volcanoes, hot springs, and colorful lagoons, discover Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde.
Dive back into history by strolling through the streets of Sucre, a jewel of South America, also called the white city. Three hours away by road lies Potosi and its sacred mountain which enriched the Spanish kingdom in the 16th century with its silver mine.
Out of 10 million Bolivians, more than 6 million are Indians from distinct ethnicities. Due to this incredible ethnic diversity, Bolivia is considered a country for preserving Amerindian cultures: Aymara, Quechua, Guarani... By organizing your trip with a local Bolivian agency, you can more easily connect with these Bolivians for an authentic journey.
Explore authentic Bolivia: hidden treasures and unique experiences
The Oruro Carnival, listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, takes place every February. It's an opportunity to discover Bolivia's cultural and artistic richness, with music from all over the country and about twenty typically Bolivian dances: Diabalada, Morenada, Caporales, tinku...
Embark on a trek in the Apolabamba mountain range to explore secret Bolivia. Discover the Kalawayas community, who practice traditional plant-based medicine. Offer something to the Pachamama, Mother Earth, before continuing your journey through magnificent landscapes.
Enjoy a custom-made trip to explore the Jesuit missions route. An exciting journey for history and culture enthusiasts! You will discover Santa Cruz, Chiquitos, Moxos as well as the Madidi and Kempff national parks.
A tour following in the footsteps of Che Guevara is possible through a local agency. Start in Samaipata, then follow the path taken by the famous Cuban revolutionary to La Higuera.
A Living and Preserved Culture
From the absence of mass tourism, Bolivia has gained certain benefits. It has notably managed to preserve its traditions and customs intact. Its folklore remains extremely vibrant in all regions and, more surprisingly, across all layers of the population without distinction. Ancestral dances and music are perpetuated during the many festivals, religious or civil, throughout the calendar. The most important is the Oruro Carnival, which gathers nearly 15,000 musicians and dancers from across the country in February, making it the largest indigenous carnival on the continent after Rio de Janeiro's. The festival as an outlet: the concept is well-known but remains relevant.
The Natural Resources of Bolivia
Another paradox, and not the least: in this country where the per capita income is on average one of the lowest on the continent, the resources are immense and their limits still unknown. Today's wealth is certainly natural gas, with Bolivia having the largest deposits on the American continent. The mines of Potosí, mostly exploited by the Spaniards, are considered the most important silver deposit ever discovered. And what about the three Bolivians, the "tin barons," who were counted among the ten largest fortunes in the world at the beginning of the 20th century? Not to mention the incredible lithium resources under the Salar de Uyuni, whose market value continues to increase.
Adventures and Discoveries in Bolivian Land
Bolivia has managed to maintain a rare authenticity, similar to that of Guatemala. Nowhere else in South America will you feel as disoriented by the richness of cultures, the harmony of colors and music, the diversity of climates, and the kindness of a peaceful people. The absence of routine is as charming as it is tiring for the Western traveler. Generally, you don't spend your holidays in Bolivia: you travel there. A trip requires preparation because uncertainty reigns supreme here. Simply following the traditional route connecting the main cities by bus is too frustrating. Bolivia, a country at the end of the world, is a hymn to adventure, authentic encounters, and unexpected events that often become our best memories.
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