Bolivia is one of the lesser known destinations in the world that often fails to surface in international news or otherwise get covered by the travel media but what a travesty that is. The land of spectacular salt flats (visible from outer space), quinoa, and vibrant indigenous culture, Bolivia is somewhere that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit, not least a South American itinerary.
As for amazing things to see and do here? Let’s take a look at seven of the best.
Coca Museum, La Paz
Bolivia is nothing without coca, its beloved national commodity. This museum, which sits in the heart of the capital, is a must-visit covering every aspect of the locals use of the precious coca leaf. To understand coca is to understand Bolivia and its people. It’s what helps them cope with their high altitude, seasons their food, and even helps cure them of ailments.
Lake Titicaca
With Inca-ruins dispersed around its perimeter and in lake towns like Copacabana, you might think there’s reason enough to visit Titicaca besides the fact its the world’s largest high-altitude lake. This is the place to unwind, get back to nature, take a boat, or just wander around the surrounding villages and towns.
Sucre
Sucre’s history makes it a very interesting place to visit. The first in all of South America to demand independence from its Spanish colonialists, Sucre is amazingly beautiful too. Laden with white buildings, lazy cafes, and chocolate shops, Sucre’s roads are a marvel to wander and deserve a place on any South American city schedule.
Laguna Colorada
A red lake that sits at a height of 14,035 feet above sea-level, Laguna Colorada is a striking natural phenomenon that features red plankton and algae that help bring its strange color inside of its white-fringed perimeter. Also make sure you check out the flamingos here who won’t flutter an eyelid or move a muscle should you choose to snap them in a photo.
Uyuni
Although it sits firmly in the middle of a desert, Uyuni is a definite must-see because it’s the home to the country’s most famous iconic sight, the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Reachable in jeep, watch as the landscape stretches out completely white while you lose all sense of scale and perspective.
Santa Cruz
Situated within Bolivia’s tropical zone, Santa Cruz is Bolivia’s international heart and culinary center, featuring many top-range restaurants, cafes, and bars. A great starting point for the rest of the country, Santa Cruz breaks people in gently to the sights and sounds of Bolivia while still dosing people steeply in the indigenous past and present of the nation.
La Paz Witch Market
Another great spot to check out in La Paz is the witches market, where your senses are truly tested thanks to the many curious sounds, sights, and objects available for sale and haggling here. It might be a maze-like labyrinth to wander through, but it’s no doubt worth your time alongside everything else you can discover in the capital.
This article was previously published on ETravelBlog.com
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