11 Reasons Why A Trip To Bolivia Is The Ultimate Travel Adventure

Many travelers miss Bolivia on their South American journey, instead opting for more developed and “safer” countries throughout the region. Even though it may lack in some creature comforts, this charmingly authentic country offers a true travelling adventure to those yearning to get well off the beaten tourist trail. Here’s how.

Trekking through stunning wilderness

From the high Andes of the west to the sweltering lowlands of the east, the trekker’s paradise of Bolivia encapsulates a variety of climatic zones. Best of all, many of the most spectacular routes remain largely undiscovered, meaning intrepid travelers can enjoy these pristine surroundings in solitude.

Trekking in the cordillera real, Bolivia

Climbing massive mountains

Observing indigenous culture

Many traveler’s come back from Bolivia raving about it authenticity, mostly due to the continued predominance of indigenous culture and customs. In the cities, it’s normal to see cholitas (indigenous women) wearing their traditional skirts and bowler hats, while in the countryside, poncho wearing llama herders are regularly seen roaming the land.

Going on a crazy bus ride

Bolivian bus rides are notoriously uncomfortable and famously unreliable. But this just means that although the traveler likely won’t enjoy it at the time, a bus journey in Bolivia is bound to be an adventure.

Exploring ancient sites

It may not have Machu Picchu, but there are a number of fascinating archaeological sites scattered throughout Bolivia from back when the Inca ruled these vasts lands. Tiwanaku is a must, as are the numerous relics around Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol.

Cycling down the Death Road

It doesn’t get much more adventurous than hurtling down the world’s deadliest road on a mountain bike. This white-knuckle ride begins among snow-capped mountain peaks before descending into the humid jungle below on a terrifyingly narrow road just inches from death-inducing drop offs.

Searching for wildlife in the Amazon

Travelers looking to cross an Amazon wildlife safari off their bucket list without spending a fortune need look no further than the northern town of Rurrenabaque. The nearby three-day pampas tours see adventurous tourists cruising the marshlands on dug out canoes on the hunt for caiman, snakes, monkeys, spiders and playful pink river dolphins.

Amazon rain forest in Bolivia in Madidi National

Traversing across the Salar de Uyuni

Although not exactly undiscovered, a three-day jeep tour through the expansive Bolivian salt flats and its otherworldly nearby attractions is the ultimate high altitude adventure. Expect to come across flamingo filled lagoons, icy volcanoes, surreal deserts, bubbling hot springs, and steamy geysers in these barren yet hauntingly beautiful lands.

Experiencing folkloric music and dance

Given the strong adherence to traditions, it’s no surprise Bolivia has some of the most colorful and exuberant folkloric music and dance in the continent. The best place to enjoy such festivities is during an entrada (parade), where thousands of energetic musicians and dancers bring the city streets to a standstill.

Climbing inside a mine

The non-claustrophobic among us might jump at the chance to descend deep into the depths of the Cerro Rico mine. Once the primary source of income for the Spanish new world empire, an estimated 6 million men have perished beneath the surface. Enter at your own risk.

Going off the beaten track in eastern Bolivia

Not many tourists visit the eastern lowlands, preferring to stick to the well established routes of the west. But that’s all the more reason to explore these undiscovered lands which are chock full of exotic national parks, breathtaking Jesuit churches, and even a bizarre desert in the middle of the tropics.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.