Despite what you may have thought, what is Bolivia known for?
It is no secret that Colombia is known for its coffee, but what about Bolivia? A landlocked country that many people forget about.
This wonderful country is one of the hidden gems in South America and there are many things that define it.
Today, we will explore a few of the things Bolivia is known for as well as look at some of the top tourist destinations in Bolivia.
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What Is Bolivia Known For?
This is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world, so I want to shed light on the things that make it worth your while.
These Bolivian things will spark your curiosity, so be ready to take notes and see this list of safe places in South America if you’re traveling soon.
12 Famous Things in Bolivia
So, below we’ll look into some of the things Bolivia is known for to understand what this country has offered to the rest of the world.
La Paz
La Paz is located 11,975 feet or 3,650 meters above sea level, making it the highest national capital in the world.
Once the initial dizziness passes, you’ll have a lot of fun exploring the city and the incredible views it has to offer.
Particularly from El Alto, which is the longest cable-car system in existence. One of the must sees in Bolivia!
Cholitas
“Cholitas” are indigenous women who are passionate about their culture and dress in a combination of traditional and colonial clothing to honor it.
The rise of Cholitas in Bolivia is somewhat of a phenomenon and they are easy to spot due to the colorful fabrics and beautiful clothing style.
Cholitas have been victims of discrimination for many years, but they have become one of the most popular things Bolivia is known for.
Politics and Protests
No country is without its issues and one of the things Bolivia is known for is political unrest and protests.
The people are not afraid to stand up to politicians who abuse power and neglect the needs of those who elected them.
It’s not uncommon to find marches and blockades taking place, especially in La Paz, which is the capital.
Cheap Backpacking
Backpackers who are looking for an amazing adventure on a tight budget will be more than satisfied in Bolivia.
The diversity in this country is not just ethnic, so if you go backpacking in Bolivia you’ll find there’s plenty to see, do, and discover.
The culture is interesting, the scenery is incredible, and there are many must sees in Bolivia that won’t cost you a dime.
Madidi National Park
Travelers who are looking for an exotic adventure will do well to visit Madidi National Park, one of the must sees in Bolivia.
Get your hiking boots ready because this is a protected region that has some of the richest biodiversity, so there’s a lot to see.
The dry season is the best time to visit and I recommend you plan your visit well because this park is not on the beaten path.
Death Road
Death road is a single-lane cliffside bike route that connects La Paz with the slopes that go to the Amazon. It used to be a highway until a safer route was opened.
Now, Death Road is only for mountain biking (see this tour if you’re interested in descending over 3,500m) but it’s not for the faint of heart.
If you seek thrills and you’re an experienced biker, this will be one of your top tourist destinations in Bolivia.
Lake Titicaca
Located in the heart of Altiplano, this breathtaking lake is the largest one in all of South America.
It’s home to floating islands, ancient civilizations, ancient ruins resting at the bottom of the lake, and incredible views and sunsets.
It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Bolivia and you shouldn’t miss it. You will have the time of your life exploring everything it has to offer!
Sucre
Though La Paz is known as the capital and is where the Congress and Executive Power are seated, Sucre is actually the official capital of the country.
This is where the Supreme Court lies, so Bolivia has two capitals and they are both worth visiting.
Sucre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-sees in Bolivia is the Cal Orck’o, the largest fossil bed on earth.
Being Landlocked
Being a landlocked country is one of the things Bolivia is known for.
That means that the country has no immediate access to the oceans because they don’t have a coastline.
They didn’t use to be a landlocked country, but that changed during the War of the Pacific with Chile, where they ended up ceding the country’s entire coastline.
Coca Leaves
Long before they were used to make cocaine, coca leaves were a traditional medicine and a strong symbol of the people because coca farmers chewed on them to help them get through the day’s labor.
They’ve been growing since before colonization and though they’ve been demonized by the West, President Evo Morales is working on rehabilitating the image of the plant and increasing its legal market.
The City of Potosí
Potosí is located in an elevation known as “Cerro Rico”, which translates to “rich hill”.
It was given that name because it is an active silver mine where 80% of the world’s supply is extracted.
It was where the Inca got their wealth and it also allowed the town to become one of the richest during colonization.
You can visit and take a tour of safe mine tunnels and learn about the city’s history. Check out Koala tours for info on the mine tours in Potosí.
Freddy Mamani
Freddy Mamani is an architect responsible for all the buildings located in the city of El Alto, where successful entrepreneurs have settled in.
Mamani’s buildings are known for their multi-functionality, bright colors, and extravagant designs. He has created a unique style, Neo-Andean Baroque, so his buildings are one of the must-sees in Bolivia.
What Is Bolivia Known For?
These are only a few of the most popular things Bolivia is known for, but there are many more to discover.
Though the country is mostly overlooked by travelers who want to explore South America, you should definitely consider it.
You will find many more tourist destinations, things to try, and stuff to learn when you visit this amazing country.
With a rich culture and history, accessible prices, and a wide array of activities, Bolivia is the perfect destination for a backpacking trip.
Learn more about safety in Bolivia if you are thinking of backpacking or exploring this magnificent South American country anytime soon.
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