Known for both its beautiful mountains and rich indigenous culture, the lovely landlocked Bolivia can be found right in the center of South America. Besides being home to shimmering salt flats and soaring snowcapped peaks, it has lots of interesting historic sights and charming colonial cities for you to check out while its dazzling biodiversity is on show wherever you go.
The fifth largest country on the continent, Bolivia is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. While the enormous Andes dominate the southwestern third of its landmass, the rest of its territory consists of high plateaus, plains, and valleys with tracts of pristine rainforest also scattered about. In the west of Bolivia, you can find Lake Titicaca, South America’s largest lake, and Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat; both of which count among its main tourist attractions.
While the nation is noted for its array of diverse landscapes, it is also known for its huge indigenous population and is named for Simon Bolivar; the Liberator of America. This rich history, culture, and heritage is on show in large and lively cities such as La Paz and Sucre which respectively act as its executive and constitutional capital.
Besides visiting their interesting museums, centuries-old churches, and local markets, it is also well worth stopping by both Pelosi and Oruro. While the former sports some superb colonial architecture and is famed for the silver mines that dot the rugged mountains about it, the latter is known for the colorful carnival, parades and music that take place just before Ash Wednesday each year.
Many visitors to the elevated Andean country also come to hike and ski amidst its prominent peaks with Chacaltaya and Huayna Polosi attracting lots of outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Asides from exploring Lake Titicaca’s scenic shores, you can also enjoy the striking biodiversity of Madidi and Sajama national parks while incredibly ancient ruins can be found at Tiwanaku and Isla del Sol.