Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is one of only two landlocked countries in South America. While it has no coastline, Bolivia boasts a rich variety of natural features, including the Andes Mountains and tropical rainforests. It also has many essential locations for tracing the history of the Inca Empire.
In recent years, the number of tourists has been on the rise. Here, we introduce six carefully selected must-visit tourist destinations in Bolivia!
1. Uyuni Salt Flats (Uyuni)
When it comes to tourist destinations in Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flats are undoubtedly at the top of the list. The famous mirror-like scenery that you may have seen at least once is best experienced during the rainy season, from November to April. A breathtaking view, as if you were in heaven, spreads out before you! On the other hand, the pure white salt flats during the dry season are also a sight to behold. The Island of the Fish (Isla del Pescado), which is difficult to visit during the rainy season, features thousands of giant cacti.
Beyond just choosing between rainy or dry seasons, the scenery also changes depending on the time of day—from midday to sunset, starry night skies, and sunrise.
Tours specifically for travelers are available from the town of Uyuni. You can choose a plan that suits your budget and schedule. The salt flats are about an hour's drive from the town. Since the elevation is around 4,000 meters, make sure you are fully prepared to prevent altitude sickness.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-20.209531,-67.59201&z=9&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&q=%E3%82%A6%E3%83%A6%E3%83%8B%E5%A1%A9%E5%8E%9F%20%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%83%93%E3%82%A2
Name: Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni)
Address: Uyuni, Bolivia
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.salardeuyuni.com/
2. Lake Titicaca (Lake Titicaca)
Lake Titicaca is a popular tourist spot in Bolivia alongside the Uyuni Salt Flats. Straddling the border with neighboring Peru, this lake sits at an astonishing altitude of 3,890 meters and is the highest navigable lake in the world for commercial ships.
While the Peruvian side is famous for the Uros Islands—floating islands made by piling up reeds called totora—the Bolivian side typically features tours to the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), which is revered as the birthplace of the Inca Empire.
To reach the Island of the Sun, take a ferry from the town of Copacabana in western Bolivia—about 90 minutes. Once on the island, you can explore traditional homes or enjoy trekking while viewing terraced fields known as "terrazas." If you have time, staying overnight in one of the charming hotels on the island and enjoying the star-filled night sky over the lake is highly recommended.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-15.915821,-69.301679&z=8&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&q=%E3%83%81%E3%83%81%E3%82%AB%E3%82%AB%E6%B9%96
Name: Lake Titicaca (Titicaca)
Address: Copacabana, Bolivia
Official/Related Site URL: https://laketiticaca.com/
3. Yungas Road
Known by its ominous nickname, "The Death Road," Yungas Road stretches about 80 km and runs along steep cliffs for most of its length. The road is so narrow that vehicles barely have room to pass, and it used to be the site of frequent accidents. However, since the construction of a new road in 2006, local residents rarely use this one anymore.
Yungas Road has gained popularity as a tourist destination because of its spectacular views. Why not try riding down it on a mountain bike? While the width is manageable for bikes, the route is still dangerous and physically demanding, so it’s not for everyone. But those who complete it are sure to make unforgettable memories.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-16.245847,-67.785086&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&q=N%20Yungas%20Rd%20%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%83%93%E3%82%A2
Name: Yungas Road (Carretera de Los Yungas)
Address: Yungas RD, Bolivia
4. Tiwanaku Ruins
Doesn't the phrase "mysterious ancient ruins" just excite your imagination? The Tiwanaku ruins trace their origin back to around 200 BCE and are said to have supported a population of up to 50,000 people at an elevation of 3,970 meters. Though much of the site has been destroyed and it remains largely undeveloped as a tourist attraction, you can still feel the remnants of the once-thriving city.
A key feature of the ruins is the highly advanced stonework. Marvel at the craftsmanship of the monolithic "Gate of the Sun," the Akapana pyramid, and the perfectly aligned stone walls of Kalasasaya, the central area of the ruins. These techniques are so precise that no gaps exist between the stones. Connections have also been drawn between Tiwanaku and the Wari culture, a predecessor to the Inca civilization. This unique Bolivian destination offers you a chance to stand at the forefront of archaeological mystery.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-16.555854,-68.673598&z=16&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&q=Tiwanaku%20%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%83%93%E3%82%A2
Name: Tiwanaku Ruins / Tiwanaku
(Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture)
Address: Tihuanacu, Bolivia
5. Valley of the Moon (La Paz)
The name "Valley of the Moon" comes from a remark made by Commander Armstrong, who landed on the moon with Apollo 11. Upon seeing this area, he said, “It looks just like the lunar surface.” This romantic destination is conveniently located about an hour from the Bolivian capital, La Paz, and is easily accessible through city sightseeing tours.
Within the site, visitors can follow set walking courses, including a 15-minute course and a 45-minute course, allowing you to adjust based on your schedule and physical condition—very tourist-friendly. The paths are rugged and uneven, so don’t forget to wear shoes instead of sandals.
Among the spiky, needle-like rock formations, you might spot a viscacha—an animal of the chinchilla family that closely resembles a rabbit.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-16.567364,-68.093908&z=17&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=16559318767688908197
Name: Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna)
Address: CWM4+3C4, La Paz, Bolivia
Official/Related Site URL: https://visitsouthamerica.co/es/el-valle-de-la-luna-bolivia/
6. Laguna Verde (Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve)
Located near the Chilean border in southwestern Bolivia, Laguna Verde is not the most accessible destination, yet it attracts many visitors. The name translates directly to "Green Lake," and as expected, the lakeshore shines with an emerald hue. This mysterious color is caused by sediments containing copper, and it is said that the brilliance intensifies when the wind blows.
Standing majestically behind the lake is the conical Mount Licancabur, an awe-inspiring sight. If you’re lucky enough to witness the arrival of flamingos, you’ll be greeted with a dynamic, vividly colorful landscape!
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-22.795029,-67.8347&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&q=%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B0%E3%83%8A%E3%83%BB%E3%83%99%E3%83%AB%E3%83%87%20%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%83%93%E3%82%A2
Name: Laguna Verde
Address: Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna, Bolivia
◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in the Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia)
If you are going to Bolivia, the journey can take more than a day. However, the country is filled with tourist destinations worth the effort to reach.
With indigenous peoples like the Aymara and Quechua making up the majority of the population, Bolivia retains a strong cultural identity compared to other South American countries. Be sure to experience for yourself the beautiful and mysterious natural wonders that Bolivia proudly offers.