BoliviaTravel Guide

If you’re a first-timer in Bolivia, La Paz is a great place to stay. The country’s administrative capital city is bursting at the seams with sights and experiences, and a range of accommodation options too. On a budget? Casa Fusión Hotel Boutique has got you covered. This casual hotel offers affordable rates, and access to an outdoor pool and a lovely garden. Want to splurge? It doesn’t get more luxurious than a stay at Casa Grande Hotel, one of the best hotels in La Paz. It has an on-site café, bar and restaurant, and access to a sauna, indoor pool and free Wi-Fi.

La Paz also has many hostels to choose from, with Saint Peter’s Llama Hostal one of the popular ones. From friendly staff, large dormitories, and continental breakfasts to epic happy hours at the vibey bar, this is a top spot for making new friends and joining the party after a day of sightseeing.

It’s the largest city in Bolivia, so there’s plenty in store for you if you stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Los Tajibos, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is your go-to for a lavish getaway, offering three restaurants, a spa, an outdoor pool, a gym and a conference centre. Located within walking distance of Ventura Mall, Hampton by Hilton Santa Cruz/Equipetrol is also quite plush – especially if sustainable travel is important to you. It’s eco-certified with a relaxed atmosphere, a gym and a rooftop bar offering gorgeous views of the Pirai River. Breakfast is included in your room rate. If hotels are not your thing, you can also find holiday houses and apartments to rent in the city.

How about an island stay? Isla Del Sol, on Lake Titicaca, is a small island so the luxury accommodation providers are limited. Book well in advance unless you’re happy with the basics of a hostel or a no-frills guesthouse. For a sustainable, tranquil escape, the Ecolodge La Estancia, on the island’s southern tip, ticks all the boxes. Incredible views of the mountains and the lake are guaranteed. Another reason to love this lodge? All the cabins were built by community members using materials with minimal environmental impact.

The Altiplano, the country’s mountainous west, is home to the world’s largest salt flat, called the Salar de Uyuni. It spreads across 10 000 square kilometres (3 900 square miles) and in November, during breeding season, it’s dotted with beautiful flamingos. See if you can spot the ultra-rare James’s flamingo – its feathers are a lighter shade of pink, and its bill bright yellow and black-tipped.

Bolivia is also known for its intriguing rock formations and otherworldly landscapes caused by erosion. At Salar de Uyuni, you’ll find the surreal looking, 5m high Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) and many other weird and wonderful rocks.

Yungas Road or “Death Road” has a reputation for being the most dangerous road in the world. Built to connect La Paz to the Bolivian Amazon it’s 64km (40 miles) long with a 3 500m (11 483ft) descent and, in some places, it’s just 3m (10ft) wide. There are many perilous blind corners and sharp turns, so you’re guaranteed an adrenaline rush and bragging rights! Make sure to organise your daring ride with a reputable tour company to maximise your safety!

Here’s another opportunity to lace up those hiking boots – walk up 2 000 stairs to view the Cristo de la Concordia statue, east of the city of Cochabamba, perched on top of San Pedro Hill. It’s the second largest of Christ (the first is Christ the King in Świebodzin, Poland) and while it’s possible to admire it from afar, there’s nothing quite like seeing it up close. But here’s a lazy traveller’s hack: you can get a better look by cable car, too. No sweat!

If wildlife is why you came to Bolivia, then the Biocentro Guembe Mariposario tropical eco-park is your kind of paradise. Situated in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, it showcases unique habitats, such as the terrarium with its iguanas and tarantulas, the swamp, where you could spot one of the world’s smallest deer, and the butterfly farm. Other residents include tiny Capuchin monkeys, colourful tropical birds, and there’s also a tortoise hatchery. If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll have the time of their lives splashing in the pools and lagoons and playing paintball or soccer, and after all that activity, the whole family can relax and refuel at the on-site restaurants.

The Andes Mountains cradle Lake Titicaca, which is sandwiched between Bolivia and Peru. This stunning body of water is a must-see for many reasons. It’s South America’s largest freshwater lake, the world’s highest large lake and it’s also considered an ancient lake, estimated to be about 60 million years old! According to legend, this is the “Birthplace of the Incas”, and Inca ruins have been found in the area. This has made Lake Titicaca popular among culture and history buffs, and also with hikers because of the great trails in the area offering breathtaking views.

One of South America’s most important cultural events takes place every year in the city of Oruro in February, just before Ash Wednesday. So, if you happen to be travelling to Bolivia at this time, experiencing the Oruro Carnival is highly recommended. Thousands of musicians and dancers take part in this tradition that’s about 200 years old, and proceedings always kick off with the “devil dance” (the diablada).

Gustu (which translates to “flavour”) is a stand-out restaurant in La Paz, serving up classic Bolivian fare such as smoked llama, Amazonian potatoes, lamb tamale and many more mouth-watering delights. The restaurant is about preserving and promoting local food heritage and welcomes diners into a minimalistic but warm space.

Ali Pacha, also in La Paz, is one for the vegetarians and vegans. It’s also known for its “secret menus”, adding an element of mystery to the dining experience. Choose from the short menu, the complete menu, and the most exciting of them all: the Ali Pacha menu.

If you’re in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and looking for a good place to have lunch, then head to Restaurant La Barca. A family eatery that’s been around since the 1980s, it’s still going strong! The menu features local cuisine, comfort food and great meat dishes.

Over in Oruro, a popular spot for friendly vibes and no-fuss South American and Peruvian food is El Negrito, which serves all three meals of the day.

Street vendors are everywhere in Bolivia, so it’s a good idea to follow the locals’ lead and go where they’re going. Like a juicy pie? Then try the salteña – packed with vegetables or meat. A surprise street food is popcorn, but if you need more than a snack, tuck into a choripan – this is a chorizo sandwich packed with lettuce and tomato and finished off with a topping of pickled veggies and mustard (or mayo, if you prefer). If you’re in La Paz, the food stalls at the Mercado Lanza market will blow your mind. This is also where you’ll find the country’s best choripan at Doña Elvira’s stall on Level 3.

Downtown La Paz is home to the Las Torres Mall, one of the top-rated in the city. International and local brands are showcased here across 50 stores, there’s a food court and restaurants, and it’s open for evening shopping until 10pm. Also in La Paz, Shopping Norte offers six levels of retail bliss focusing on clothing, footwear, beauty and perfume. It can get very busy, so try to get there early.

Another go-to for shopping in Bolivia is the upmarket Ventura Mall in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Here you’ll find high quality items, brand-name stores, a bustling food court and a movie theatre. Las Brisas is another popular shopping centre in the city, known for its charming indie shops and entertainment options, particularly for families.

Looking for unique gifts? In Oruro you’ll find a gem – the Artesanias de mi Tierra Handicraft Shop. It’s packed with beautiful handmade items made by the locals, from alpaca wool sweaters and hats to ceramics, pewter items, candles and jewellery.

You’ll have the most fun spending your money in traditional markets in the major cities! They’re overflowing with crafts, souvenirs, and a few bizarre finds, especially at the Witches’ Market in La Paz. This is an extraordinary experience bringing you face-to-face with local culture and tradition. Treat yourself to something weird and wonderful – how about a potion for confidence? Or maybe you’d like to have your fortune told by a witch doctor? If you prefer to shop for items that are a little more conventional, head to the La Paz markets of Mercado Negro or Mercado Lanza. They’re tourist favourites for clothing, shoes, handmade crafts and much more.