Regionen · Kapitel 2
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
The Bolivian high plateau at 3,500-4,000 m — spectacular landscapes, indigenous culture, and the world-famous salt flats.
La Paz
La Paz (officially "Nuestra Señora de La Paz") is the seat of government of Bolivia and one of the most spectacular capitals in the world. The city is located in a 400 m deep gorge at altitudes between 3,200 and 4,100 m.
- Mi Teleférico — the largest urban cable car network in the world with 10 lines; connects city districts and the high-altitude neighboring town of El Alto. Breathtaking views
- El Alto — the twin city above La Paz (approx. 4,150 m), originally a settlement for the poor, today the largest indigenous city in South America. The Mercado 16 de Julio is one of the largest markets in South America (Thursdays & Sundays)
- Plaza Murillo — political center with the government palace (Palacio Quemado), cathedral, and parliament
- Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market) — sells medicinal herbs, ritual items, and the controversial dried llama fetuses (for "Ch'alla" rituals)
- Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) — bizarre erosion landscape on the southern edge of the city
- Colonial district San Francisco with the church of the same name
Tipp
Take altitude seriously: On the day of arrival, only light activities, plenty of water, and sufficient sleep. Coca tea is legal and culturally established.
Lake Titicaca & Copacabana
The Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 m. The border runs through the lake: western part Peru, eastern part Bolivia.
- Copacabana — Bolivian pilgrimage town on the lakeshore with the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana (patron saint of Bolivia). Vehicles are traditionally blessed here
- Isla del Sol (Sun Island) — according to Inca myth, the birthplace of the sun god; accessible by boat from Copacabana, good hikes, and ruins
- Isla de la Luna (Moon Island) — smaller neighboring island with former Inca sun monastery
- Reachable from La Paz in about 3-4 hours by bus (including ferry across the Tiquina Strait)
Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world at over 10,000 km² — and one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on earth. The flat is at an altitude of 3,656 m.
How to visit
The standard option is a 3-day jeep tour from Uyuni (or from Tupiza in the south). Day 1: Salar with train cemetery and cactus island Incahuasi. Day 2: Colored lagoons, flamingos, geysers. Day 3: Return or continue to Chile (San Pedro de Atacama).
Season matters
- Dry season (May-October): the endless white salt desert with hexagonal salt patterns; cold nights, often below -10 °C
- Rainy season (January-March): the Salar becomes a mirror; famous reflection photos are taken here. Roads partially flooded
Further in the region
- Laguna Colorada — red lagoon with pink flamingos
- Laguna Verde — turquoise-green lagoon at the foot of the Licancabur volcano
- Sol de Mañana Geysers
- Ojos del Salar — water holes in the salt flat
Achtung
Do NOT choose the cheapest provider for the jeep tour. Safety standards vary greatly. Questions: Is the driver sober? Oxygen bottles on board? Experience with altitude?
Cordillera Real & Yungas
The Cordillera Real east of La Paz is a mountain range of the Andes with several six-thousanders (including Illimani 6,438 m, Huayna Potosí 6,088 m). A world-class destination for experienced high-altitude climbers.
Death Road (Camino de las Yungas)
From La Paz (3,500 m) down to Coroico (1,200 m) in the Yungas — 3,500 m altitude difference, 64 km. The legendary "Camino de la Muerte" is now mainly a mountain biking descent and a tourist highlight (the main road has been relocated, the old route belongs to cyclists). Safety tip: Ride with a licensed provider with good equipment.
The Yungas region is the transition from the Andes to the Amazon lowlands — a subtropical, misty mountain forest area. The town of Coroico is a popular place to relax after high mountains and altitude.
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