October 3, 2023
When you start preparing for your trip to Bolivia, the first things that might come to your mind are Salar de Uyuni or Lake Titicaca. Of course, we are not saying that you should skip them because they are absolutely unmissable, but Bolivia is full of hidden treasures, and it would be a shame to miss out on them! Compared to its famous neighbours Argentina and Peru, Bolivia is less touristy, but it's one of the most unspoiled and authentic destinations of South America. This fascinating country is filled with unreal landscapes, diverse cultures, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences. So if you dare get off the beaten track, you will be greatly rewarded!
Unleash your adventurous side and let us guide you through the most exciting experiences in Bolivia that only a few travellers get to live!
Get ready to be blown away in Amboro park
Created to protect one of the worlds most diverse ecosystems, Amboro Park is now home to the greatest concentrations of birds per square mile. Stretched across 4,425 square meters, it can be divided into three specific sections, each incredible and unique in the ecosystem it holds. So, whether it's the Andeans foothills, the Amazon Basin, the Nothern Chaco, or maybe it's all three that you are after, we guarantee that you will be transported away from your everyday worries and into a calm jungle-like environment.
The 812 birds species aren't the only creatures you'll find here, with over 177 mammals. The flora and fauna are incredible as tremendous efforts have been made to protect the homes of the wildlife from deforestation and hunting. There are plenty of activities here, with hiking being the most popular but also fishing and canoeing along the river. All of them allow you to experience the park's greatness and enjoy the wildlife spotting experience.
Take a break in the peaceful Chochis
If you're looking for a quiet place where you can rest for a few days, you should have a look at Chochis. Located 4 hours away from Santa Cruz, this cute little town in the middle of nature will charm you with perfect weather and gorgeous painted houses. There you can climb to its iconic gigantic rock tower for a breath-taking view or visit Mariano de la Torre Sanctuary and admire its beautiful wood carvings. You can also hike in the mountain range of Chochis and see gorgeous lagoons and archaeological remains.
For the perfect relaxing time, head off to Agua Caliente and enjoy the thermal river and its benefits for your skin and health.
Discover Fuerte Samaipata and its beautiful surroundings
If you want to learn more about the Inca culture, the mystical Samaipata fort is a great place to visit in Bolivia. Located just 9 km outside the town of Samaipata, this Unesco World Heritage has been occupied by diverse ethnic groups and was used by the Incas as a religious and ceremonial centre. Besides being an amazing archaeological site that gives you an insight into the life of three different ethnic groups, the fort is also a spectacular viewpoint on the Andes.
Stay in the beautiful Samaipata for a few days to escape the hustle and bustle of Santa Cruz and enjoy its laid back and tropical atmosphere. From there, you can also access Amboró National Park to discover its unique environment found anywhere else on the planet. A true paradise for wildlife lovers!
Go back in time in Tupiza
For those who want to experience true remoteness, Tupiza is a little rough gem in the South of Bolivia. Wander around the town to take a trip back in time and taste local specialities at the market. Head off to Cerro de La Cruz, located just a few minutes outside the town, for an incredible view of the town and the red rock mountains surrounding it. You will be pretty much by yourself during this walk, so make sure that you take plenty of water and ask the exact direction to locals before you start your hike.
From Tupiza, you can also visit la Cordillera de Chicas by horse or jeep and explore its breath-taking arid desert scenery.
Visit one of the best Indigenous markets of South America in Tarabuco
If there's one market you shouldn't miss in Bolivia, it's the Tarabuco indigenous market. Every Sunday, Tarabuco's main square comes alive, with hundreds of locals coming from the surrounding remote villages to sell or buy their goods. It's one of the best ways to discover the Yampara indigenous culture and encounter people in their magnificent traditional clothes.
Despite being well known by travellers, Tarabuco's market remains authentic and mainly visited by locals, so you won't be surrounded by a crowd of tourists. Leave Sucre early to be one of the first to arrive, take the time to stroll around the town, taste some delicious fresh food and buy gorgeous handicrafts.
Follow the footsteps of Che Guevara in La Higuera and Vallegrande
If you are passionate about History and want to understand more about Che Guevara's life, take "la Ruta del Che" and visit the tiny towns of Vallegrande and La Higuera. There is not much to do there, and the journey from Sucre or Santa Cruz is quite a trip, but you will have the chance to retrace the last steps of the famous revolutionary and get to know better this unique era.
Do some trekking in Sorata
For all the serious hikers out there, Sorata is a great starting point for off the beaten track hiking adventures in Bolivia. You will get to climb the snow-capped mountains of the cordillera real or visit the beautiful Laguna Chilata. It's also a great place for other outdoor activities like canoeing, rafting, kayaking, or biking. There is not much to do in the village, but you will appreciate the calm to rest after hours of trekking.
Watch a Cholitas Wrestling Show
This might be one of the most unique experiences you can live in La Paz, and honestly, it is absolutely worth your evening! The wrestling Cholitas are fearless and powerful women who dressed in their traditional clothes execute extremely well-choreographed performances where they dominate their male opponents. You can expect a very fun show that will keep you entertained for a few hours!
Even though wrestling has been quite popular in Bolivia since the '50s, only men could participate. Women only started to get involved in the mid-2000s when a small group of women victims of domestic violence decided to create their team to make friends and try to relieve some stress. Attending one of their shows is a great way is great way to support them!
Climb down the Cerro Rico mine
This is not your usual holiday experience, but if you're not fainthearted and want to understand the conditions on which your precious jewellery is made, you should go for it. We prefer to warn you directly; the Cerro Rico Mines are called the man-eating mountains, and the story of its miners is not pretty. Potosi was once one of the richest cities in the world and was exporting almost 80% of the world's silver. The city was glorious, and the concentration of wealth was matchless. But the time Bolivia got its independence from Spain, Potosi was completely drained from its silver, and it's today one of the poorest cities in the world.
This experience is extremely interesting; you will learn about the mine's history and the working conditions of the miners. However, as the mines are very dangerous, you must carefully choose your tour company who will do their best to keep you safe while respecting the miners.
Please get in touch if you want to ad some of these experiences to your vacations in Bolivia. We create customisable trips to suit all of your needs for a memorable trip.
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