Bolivia is the most unique country I’ve ever visited. The indigenous culture is very strong and the country feels so authentic. It has so much diversity, and you can be in the mountains one day and in the Amazon the next. There is no shortage of memorable experiences to be had in this often overlooked country. Here are the 7 best things to do in Bolivia!
Related: The Best 1 Month Backpacking Itinerary for Bolivia
1. Watch the Sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flats
This 12,000 square kilometer spectacle is said to be where heaven meets earth, and there’s no arguing with that statement. Sunrise and sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flats is the most spectacular thing I’ve seen in my life. The mirror effect that occurs during the wet season will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
2. Climb a 6,000-Meter Mountain
Climbing Huayna Potosí was one of the coolest things I did during my 8 months in South America. It’s one of the easiest 6,000-meter peaks in the world, and most climbers reach the summit. The 3-day climb requires no previous mountaineering experience and costs less than $200 US.
3. Swim with Pink Dolphins
Swimming with pink dolphins is a half incredible half nerve-racking experience, but it’s something you’ll never forget. Dolphins are beautiful animals who instill a bit of fear by nibbling at swimmers’ feet out of curiosity. This is the highlight of tours to Rurrenabaque in the Bolivian Amazon. A trip to Rurrenabaque also means you’ll get to see monkeys, capybaras, sloths, and snakes.
Related: The Most Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Bolivia
4. Tour a Silver Mine
Potosí was once the world’s second-biggest city and produced 60% of the world’s silver. Tours to the famous Cerro Rico mine take you inside the difficult life of Bolivian miners. You learn about the centuries-old traditions of the miners and the poor working conditions that are ultimately a death sentence. The experience is a bit dark, but it makes you think about the struggles that many Bolivians face.
5. Bike the Death Road
Before they built a highway, the Death Road claimed the lives of over 500 motorists a year. The road that links La Paz with the Yungas region was considered the most dangerous in the world. Now it’s used for thrilling bike tours where you’ll reach speeds of 50 km/h while descending from 4,700m to 1,600m.
6. Go to A Folkore Dance Show
Origins Cultural Space in Sucre puts on a phenomenal show displaying traditional Bolivian music and dance from each region of the country. The performers’ colorful clothing and exotic costumes are fantastic, and this show is a must for any visit to Sucre.
Related: 11 Best Things to Do in La Paz, Bolivia
7. Hike Around Isla del Sol
There aren’t too many islands in the world with alpacas and views of snow-capped mountains. Lake Titicaca’s Isla del Sol sits at nearly 4,000 meters and has stunning scenery. It’s said to be the place where the first Inca emerged, and the best way to experience the island is by hiking through the small communities and Inca ruins.
That wraps up the 7 best things to do in Bolivia! Click here for more articles about traveling in Bolivia.