Things to Do in Bolivia

Treks

While Bolivia may not be as well-known for trekking as Peru, it is a great destination for hikers of all levels. The best options and most service providers are logically found in the Andean part of the country, with its valleys, plateaus, and mountain ranges (and to a lesser extent in the Amazon). The best time for high-altitude treks is from April to the end of September. Some of the most popular areas include:

• Chacaltaya: At an altitude of 5,486 meters, this was once the world’s highest ski resort until it closed a few years ago. It is now a destination for hikers, close to La Paz, in the Royal Cordillera.

• Royal Cordillera: Near La Paz and Lake Titicaca, this glacial mountain range is a prime region for trekking and mountaineering. It features several peaks over 6,000 meters, including Huayna Potosí.

• Carrasco National Park: A mountainous park in the Cochabamba region, made up of canyons, rivers, and valleys perfect for hiking.

• Madidi National Park: A vast park in northern Bolivia, stretching from Andean glaciers to the edge of the Amazon rainforest. It boasts rich and diverse wildlife and flora, ideal for trekking.

• Sajama National Park: A high-altitude desert area with volcanoes and geysers, bordering Chile.

• Yungas: Stunning valleys between the Amazon and the mountain ranges, with dense vegetation, numerous waterfalls, and great opportunities for trekking and rafting.

Mountaineering

The Andean massif offers excellent opportunities for trekking, as well as climbing and ascents of all levels. The "easier and less technical" aspects compared to other regions (though not necessarily within everyone’s reach), the variety of sites, straightforward administrative access, reasonable costs, and many qualified local providers mean that hundreds of visitors tackle the country’s highest peaks each year, particularly in the Royal Cordillera (Huayna Potosí and others) or further south on the Licancabur volcano.

Outdoor and Adventure Sports

Mountain Biking

Like other Andean countries, Bolivia is a paradise for motivated and experienced mountain bikers, offering what is one of the world’s most spectacular descents: the "Death Road", or Yungas Road. Between La Paz and Coroico, this impressive route drops over 3,000 meters in around sixty kilometers. Since becoming a tourist attraction in the late 1990s, around twenty cyclists have died on it, and the road is estimated to claim 200 to 300 lives each year.

Rafting and Whitewater Sports

Given the terrain and number of rivers, Bolivia offers plenty of rafting and similar activities, particularly in the Yungas region near La Paz, which is popular and suitable for all levels. The best time for these activities is during the dry season, from May to November, as many rivers can become dangerous during the rainy season.

Cultural Life and Activities

While not as rich as Peru in this regard, Bolivia still offers fascinating insights into its pre-Columbian and Spanish past. Beyond its historical heritage, it is above all the life and traditions of its diverse local populations, from the Andes to the Amazon, that remain largely "intact" and well worth discovering.

Nightlife and Going Out

Bolivia may not be the first place that comes to mind for nightlife, but cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba have some great bars and other venues. For many Bolivians, however, celebrations take place in the streets during events like the Carnival of Oruro, one of the most famous and largest in the world, or during local festivals.