12 Best Places to Visit in Bolivia for Your First Trip

Bolivia is one of South America’s most diverse travel destinations. In one journey, you can explore high-altitude cities, cross the vast Uyuni Salt Flats, sail across Lake Titicaca, discover ancient archaeological sites and experience the Bolivian Amazon.

If you are planning your first trip and looking for the best places to visit in Bolivia, these destinations offer a great introduction to the country’s landscapes, history and Andean culture.

Some of the most popular Bolivia tourist attractions include:

• Uyuni Salt Flats
• La Paz
• Moon Valley
• Lake Titicaca
• Copacabana
• Isla del Sol
• Tiwanaku
• Sucre
• Potosí
• Laguna Colorada
• Tarija
• Rurrenabaque

You do not need to visit them all in one trip. A well-planned route combining different regions usually creates a much better travel experience.

The Uyuni Salt Flats are Bolivia’s most iconic natural attraction. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water can create the famous mirror effect. In the dry season, travelers can enjoy the endless white landscape and geometric salt patterns.

Trips around Uyuni can also include the Train Cemetery, Colchani, Incahuasi Island, volcanoes and colorful lagoons.

If you have limited time, a one-day visit is a good introduction. If you want to explore the Altiplano more deeply, consider a two or three-day journey.

La Paz, Bolivia is a fascinating city surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

A day in La Paz can include Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church, Jaén Street, the Witches’ Market and Killi Killi viewpoint.

Another highlight is the cable car system, which offers impressive panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andes.

Just outside La Paz, Moon Valley Bolivia offers a completely different landscape.Wind and water erosion have created unusual clay formations, narrow paths and rocky spires.

Because it is close to the city, Moon Valley can easily be combined with a La Paz city tour.

Lake Titicaca is shared between Peru and Bolivia and is one of the most famous destinations in the Andes.

On the Bolivian side, most travelers visit Copacabana and Isla del Sol.

Lake Titicaca is also a natural connection for travelers combining Peru and Bolivia, especially when traveling from Puno to Copacabana and then continuing to La Paz.

Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana Bolivia is the main gateway to Isla del Sol.

Travelers can explore the town, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana and enjoy beautiful views over the lake.

It fits especially well into a route connecting Puno, Copacabana, La Paz and Uyuni.

A great first journey could follow:

La Paz → Copacabana → Isla del Sol → Uyuni Salt Flats → Laguna Colorada → Potosí → Sucre

This route combines Andean culture, historic cities, Lake Titicaca and some of the most impressive landscapes in Bolivia.

Travelers with more time can also add Rurrenabaque and the Bolivian Amazon.

Discover the best of Bolivia

When looking for things to do in Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flats may be the first destination that comes to mind, but the country has much more to discover.

La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Copacabana, Isla del Sol, Sucre, Potosí, Tarija and the Amazon reveal very different sides of Bolivia.

Explore our Bolivia tours and choose from day trips, Uyuni adventures and longer journeys connecting some of the country’s most remarkable destinations.