Lonely Planet Bolivia Travel Guide

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Rough around the edges, superlative in its natural beauty, rugged, vexing, complex and slightly nerve-racking, Bolivia is one of South Americas most diverse and perplexing nations.

Laguna Colorada (), Los Lpez
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Every second of every day is an adventure in Bolivia. Just finding your way from summit to city can be a challenge in itself. Then there are the peaks, the rivers, the treks, the jungles, the gut-bursting mountain-bike descents, and the vast, impenetrable and remote expanses that tug you ever further into the wild. Its a place that calls for a boldness and braveness of spirit, the kind of drive that took early explorers to the next rise on the horizon and the next turn on the river. For climbers, the steep mountain peaks offer a lifetimes worth of adventure. Plunging from the Andes down to the edge of the Amazon, multiday journeys follow ancient Inca paving, making this one of the worlds top trekking destinations, while trips along rivers deep in the heart of the Amazon take you past the riotous barks of monkeys and a thriving mass of biodiversity that will leave you awestruck.

The cultural, historical and spiritual depths and richness of Latin Americas most indigenous nation are astounding. Officially declared a Plurinational State, Bolivia is a place to visit, learn from and experience a diverse mix of peoples. There are at-risk cultures and languages that could disappear within our lifetime, and traditions and beliefs that reach back to the days of the Inca kings and Tiwanaku cosmologist priests. There are pastoralists and independent miners in the highlands whose marked pride in Quechua, Aymar and Uru roots is displayed in their ongoing patchwork of cultural traditions. In the forested depths and low-lying plains, youll find a laid-back attitude in remote Guaran communities which are slowly changing and adapting with the arrival of Quechua-speaking and mestizo settlers. In the cities, culture can change quickly or purposefully slowly as you move through a remarkably stratified society that includes both rich and poor, educated and underprivileged. At every corner a new snapshot, a new understanding will disrupt every stereotype, paradigm and truism you ever had.

Bolivia is a wild place and nature lovers, aesthetes and poets alike will find landscapes, views, and nature-born experiences not seen in many other places on the planet. The sheer amount of geographic, topographic, climatic and biological diversity will astound you. Then there are the playful bands of monkeys, the elegant and reclusive herds of vicua and more than 1000 unique bird species to entertain, inspire and elevate you to a new proximity to the natural world.

Aymar people on Isla del Sol (), Lake Titicaca
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Who knew feeling this cold could feel so good? While a three- to four-day jeep tour through the worlds largest salt flat () will leave your bones chattering, it could quite possibly be the defining experience of your Bolivian adventure. The vastness, austerity and crystalline perfection of the salt flat will inspire you. An early morning exploration of rock gardens, geyser fields and piping hot springs along with the camaraderie of three days on the road with your fellow Salterians will create a lasting memory.

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Trekking in the Cordillera Real

Walk in the path of the Inca along the many trekking routes that weave their way from the Andes into the Amazon Basin, through the remarkable skyward-bound wilderness of the Cordillera Real (). These four- to 14-day treks are no small undertaking, but it will be worth every step, every drop of sweat and every blister. Along the way, youll have the chance to dine with indigenous families, cool off beside cascading waterfalls and connect with Pachamama (Mother Earth) deep within her potent green realm.

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Tiwanaku

Bolivias hallmark archaeological site () sets your imagination on fire. Despite lacking the power and prestige of other ruins in Latin America those who have visited Machu Picchu or Tikal will be hard-pressed not to strike comparisons this pre-Inca site has a lot to offer. A massive celebration is held on the winter solstice, with smaller ones taking place for the other solstice and equinoxes. The on-site museum provides a thought-provoking glimpse into life in this religious and astronomical center. An easy day trip from La Paz, Tiwanaku is a good place to start your Andean odyssey.

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Parque Nacional & rea de Uso Mltiple Ambor

Sandwiched between the old and new roads to Cochabamba is one of Bolivias most biodiverse, and fortunately most accessible, protected areas the breathtaking Parque Nacional Ambor (). Here the lush, leafy Amazon kisses the thorny, dusty Chaco, and the sweaty lowlands greet the refreshing highlands. Stunning scenery, wonderful wildlife and the assistance of professional tour agencies make this a wilderness just begging to be explored.

Red howler monkeys
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Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca

Plopped onto sprawling Lake Titicaca like the cherry on top of an ice-cream sundae, Isla del Sol () is considered to be the birthplace of Andean civilization. You can easily spend four days here, tracking down forgotten Inca roads to small arch- aeological sites, removed coves and intact indigenous communities. At the end of the day, take in the sunset with a cerveza (beer) from your ridge-top lodge. The lake itself has a magnetism, power and energy unique in this world no wonder many claim the ancient civilization of Atlantis was found here.