Bolivia The landlocked nation that will leave you breathless
High up in the Andes, Bolivia is one of South America’s best-kept secrets despite being home to the world’s highest navigable lake, the highest altitude city, and the largest salt flat. So why does Bolivia remain a mystery to so many? Perhaps because it can be a challenging country to visit. But not with Cosa. We make this spellbinding destination, with its ancient cultures and unforgettable landscape, a breeze to explore. And wherever you venture, Bolivia will leave you breathless – and not only because of the altitude.
Where it is
South America
When to go
May to October
Why go there
Wildlife watching
Great scenery
Culture
What to see
Lake Titicaca
La Paz
Salar de Uyuni
A lake like no other
Lying at 3800m above sea level, shimmering Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. It’s also steeped in legend: in Incan mythology, the first Inca king was born here.
Hit the heights in La Paz
Bolivia’s largest city will literally take your breath away: La Paz sits at an altitude of 3600m. Expect cobblestone streets, colourful plazas, penas (folk music venues) and chaotic markets.
Cross the solid white sea
The epic salt flats in Salar de Uyuni in the southwest corner of Bolivia have to be seen to be believed: an endless sheet of white seemingly stretching to infinity.
All aboard the high train
See Bolivia in style from the Belmond Andean Explorer. Departing from Cusco in Peru, this unforgettably stylish train journey takes you to sapphire blue Lake Titicaca.
Travel in Bolivia
Travellers to Bolivia, the highest country in South America, are at risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms typically dissipate within a few days of acclimatisation but you can help minimise them by avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and drinking plenty of water as well as tea de coca (coca leaf tea), an age-old remedy that locals swear by. Bolivia’s topography (think lofty mountains and lush valleys) means that travelling around the country isn’t always easy, but Cosa can help smooth the way.
Bolivia facts
Bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina, Bolivia is one of two landlocked countries in South America. It is also one of the continent’s most diverse nations with two capitals (La Paz and Sucre), 37 official languages and nearly 12 million people. Bolivia’s landscapes are similarly diverse: lakes, salt flats and rainforests are all here, as is wildlife. The national animals are the llama and the Andean condor, but you’ll also find the guanaco, the giant otter and the Andean flamingo.
Time zone
UTC -4
Flight time
18 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Boliviano
Dialling code
+591
