1. Sorata:
Sorata is the number one spot for adventure enthusiasts, mountaineers, hikers, and campers. It is a valley encapsulated within mountains and snowcapped glaciers where you can stretch yourself a few days before going on with life. It features mountains as high as 20,000 feet. You can reach Sorata through a road trip from La Paz.
2. Los Yungas Road (The Death Road)
No, it’s not really a death road, but it used to be! Los Yungas used to be the dangerous narrow road with a cliff on one side and a ditch on the other. An estimate of 200 people died in the previous year while travelling on this road. But now the Bolivian Government has built a safer road on this trail, but still tourists, each year go on an exciting bike trail on this road. It’s a must do for all the adrenaline junkies out there. Be careful though when you travel on this road.
3. Potosi
Potosi is rich in history and colonial style architecture. Cerro Rico is the mountain surrounding the small town of Potosi. Cerro Rico used to be famous among the Spanish because of its priceless silver mines which made it the richest city in all America. There's no silver left now but the town reflects the old colonial past and also has museums depicting the ancient times.
4. Oruro
No visit of a country is complete without having a glimpse of its cultural events. The largest celebration of Bolivia is held each year in Oruro in its carnival. It is said to be a vibrant mixture of colors, dances, music, and joy. Some of its key highlights are water fights, around 30,000 dancers, 10,000 musicians, parades etc. Its best to wear your rain coats in this festival or you might be attacked by water bombs.
5. The Ruins of Tiwanaku
You've seen culture but you've yet to see history of Bolivia. The ruins of the city of Tiwanaku are one such sight to imagine the archaic civilization which ruled the grounds. Here you'll find ruins of temples, statues, pyramids and various other monuments. So if you're a fan of history and old civilizations, you would definitely like Tiwanaku.
6. La Paz
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and a trip to a country's capital is a view of the country itself. La Paz is a metropolitan city and offers great skylines. The markets, museums, and architecture are the top things to see in La Paz.
7. Madidi National Park
Known as the most biologically diverse park by the Wildlife Conservation Society, Madidi National Park hosts 200 species of mammals, 300 types of fish, and 12000 types of plants. This means that you will find some of those species of animals in this park which you won’t find anywhere in the world. It is situated on a good 7000 square miles.
Other famous tourist attractions from Bolivia include Sucre, Lake Titicaca, and Salar de Uyuni. Judging on the destinations mentioned above, Bolivia should be your next destination place if you love history, pristine nature, or if you simply want to blend in the Bolivian culture.
Have you been to Bolivia? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits (Flickr Creative Commons): Sorata by Hanumann/ Road by efe jota/ Potosi by Juan_Alvaro/ Oruro by bjaglin/ Tiwanaku by mishmoshimoshi/ La Paz by Phillie Casablanca/ Forest by Hanumann/ lake Titicaca by Alex E. Proimos/ Salar de Uyuni by szeke