As a country still pushed to the edges of the standard South American “gringo” trail, some travellers actively avoid travel in Bolivia, concerned by mixed reports about safety and the quality of transport, accommodation and tours. But for those seeking an adventure, travel in Bolivia should be top of your list.
No, Bolivia isn’t quite the trekking paradise that is Patagonia (although it does have its fair share of excellent if very adventurous hikes) or home to iconic Machu Picchu or other world-famous ruins like Kuelap.
But adventure travel in Bolivia is a reality. It might take a bit more planning and investigating to hunt out the best places to visit in Bolivia, but the extra effort is certainly worth it. When I was living in Bolivia for eleven months, I went out of my way to experience as many of the lesser-known destinations and activities that you’re unlikely to hear about when you’re just passing through. These include surreal salt flats, dense, pristine rainforests and chaotic but compelling cities.
My Guide to Travel in Bolivia
I personally receive a lot of questions about what you have to see or do when travelling in Bolivia and what exactly visiting this country entails.
As someone who fell in love with the country when I lived there, I’m always keen to oblige and to prove that Bolivia isn’t half as dangerous as the rumours or travelling gossip might suggest. While it’s certainly not the easiest or most comfortable country for travel, it’s worth the confusion, chaos and extra effort.
Travel in Bolivia
Get ready to be inspired: 25 tourist attractions in Bolivia you just can’t miss
What’s it really like to travel alone in Bolivia? I write about my experiences as a solo female traveller
Hitchhiking in Bolivia: learning to appreciate patience and time
Uyuni:
Everything you need to know about planning and trip to El Salar de Uyuni (aka the Bolivian salt flats), written by a local expert
Potosi:
How to visit Cerro Rico, Bolivia’s deadliest active mine
Rurrenabaque:
How to take a tour and experience Madidi National Park, one of the world’s most biodiverse places
La Paz:
A different side to La Paz: El Dia de Los Peatones & the day La Paz fell silent
Sucre:
Adventurous things to do when visiting Sucre, the Bolivian capital
Guide to hiking the Maragua Crater, the most spectacular trekking destination in the Chuquisaca region
What it’s like to volunteer in a tiny community, four hours away from Sucre
Tarija:
How to hike the Inca Trail near Tarija, an adventurous alternative to the classic Inca Trail in Peru
A photo essay of hiking the Tarija Inca trail
