10 Best Things To Do in Bolivia

Standing on the world’s largest salt flat feels unreal. Stretching endlessly in every direction, the Salar de Uyuni looks like a frozen ocean of white. During the rainy season, usually from January to March, it transforms into a giant mirror reflecting the sky, creating one of the most surreal landscapes you’ll ever see.

Whether it’s soft pastel tones at sunrise or dramatic colors at sunset, these moments on the salt flats are unforgettable. The silence and the light make this one of Bolivia’s most magical experiences.

I got this question a lot about where the boots I’m wearing on the salt flats are from. For the salt water, you usually don’t need to bring your own boots. Tours and many hotels provide rubber boots and hand them out for the time you’re there.

There are also some activities you can do on the wide salt flats. Don’t miss visiting the Stairway to Heaven, the salt sculptures, and Incahuasi Island while exploring the area.

This remote reserve in southern Bolivia is pure wilderness: colorful lagoons, volcanic deserts, flamingos, llamas, and endless open space. It’s a long journey, but the raw beauty makes every kilometer worth it.

The entrance fee to the reserve is 150 Bolivianos (around €18 / USD 21) per person, paid directly at the checkpoint when entering.

It is located in southern Bolivia near the Chilean border and sits at altitudes of around 4,000–5,000 meters above sea level. The area is extremely remote, with little to no phone signal, no Wi-Fi, and only a few lodge or homestay options. All of this adds to its raw, off-the-grid feel and makes preparation essential when exploring the region.

Important: Bring enough cash. Lodges and homestay options only accepted cash payments.

We explored this reserve on our own with a rental car from La Paz, without a local guide. Be aware that it can get quite challenging, as you’ll need to plan and handle everything yourself. A big recommendation is to carry extra gasoline in a canister, as the last gas station is in San Cristóbal.

One of the most surreal sights in Bolivia, a red-hued lagoon set against barren mountains and dotted with hundreds of flamingos. The contrast of colors here feels almost unreal. The lagoon’s intense red tones come from algae and minerals in the water, creating a unique habitat for flamingos.

Here, steam rises from the earth at nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. Bubbling mud pools and hissing fumaroles create a dramatic, almost lunar atmosphere, and the air smells, not kidding, like rotten eggs, the kind you definitely notice right away. It’s again another one of the most unique natural experiences in Bolivia.

The geysers are caused by volcanic activity beneath the Earth’s surface, where magma heats underground water, creating steam and pressure that erupt through vents in the ground.

La Paz’s cable car system is more than public transport, it’s an amazing experience! Floating above the city gives you incredible views of the urban development, surrounding mountains, and daily life unfolding far below.

A ride on Mi Teleférico in La Paz costs 3 Bolivianos (around €0.40 / USD 0.45) per trip, making it one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to get around the city.

These cable cars were built to ease traffic congestion (traffic is crazy here!) and to provide a more efficient transportation system for residents, especially those living in steep and densely populated areas.

The most colorful neighborhood in La Paz! Tucked away from the busy city center, Challuma offers a more local and authentic side of the city. Its quiet streets are lined with colorful traditional houses, and the views over the valley make it perfect for a relaxed walk and photography.

Like Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia, Challuma has transformed from a once struggling neighborhood into a vibrant and beautiful area.

Located in the heart of the city, this historic basilica is one of La Paz’s most important landmarks. Its detailed façade, rich history, and central plaza make it a must-stop while exploring the city on foot, and it’s also a great place to see many cholitas going about their daily lives.

Cholitas are Indigenous Aymara and Quechua women from the Andean regions of Bolivia. They traditionally dress in colorful clothing and wear hand-woven blankets on their backs, often used to carry items or even babies.

A fascinating glimpse into Andean traditions and beliefs, known as the Mercado de las Brujas. This small street is lined with stalls selling herbs, talismans, and offerings used in indigenous rituals, and it’s also a great place for unique souvenir shopping you won’t find anywhere else.

Combine your visit to the Witches’ Market with a walk along Calle Sagárnaga. The two streets are just a few minutes apart and make a perfect loop for souvenir shopping, cafés, and exploring the historic center on foot.

Just a 30-minute drive from La Paz, this dramatic landscape of eroded rock spires feels completely otherworldly. It’s an easy escape from the city and perfect for hiking, photography, and soaking in Bolivia’s unique geology.