ย
Bolivia is renowned for its iconic Salar de Uyuni salt flats, boasting the largest salt flats in the world. Included in the standard day tour is also a stop at the Train Cemetery and the Cactus Island. Here are some tour links to check out:ย
Be sure to take stunning photos, where you can play with a lot of depth perception camera angles!ย
However, Bolivia is more than its salt flats. During the months that I spent there, Bolivia's rising culinary scene, unique topography, and warmth of the people really got to me. If you're committed to Bolivia, I highly recommend exploring Sucre, Santa Cruz, and Potosi, but for now let's touch on the capital, La Paz.ย
La Paz: To New Heights
Sights & Attractions
The Witches' Market
@travelwithjovi
If you're looking for something a little different... Nestled in the winding cobblestone streets of La Paz, the Mercado de las Brujas, or the Witches' Market, offers a glimpse into the mystical heart of Bolivian culture. This intriguing bazaar is where Aymara healers, known as yatiris, sell an array of traditional spiritual items and folk remedies. Shoppers and curious onlookers can find everything from dried herbs, potions, and medicinal plants to talismans and amulets. The most striking, perhaps, are the dried llama fetuses, which are buried under the foundations of many Bolivian homes as an offering to the goddess Pachamama, ensuring good fortune and protection. The Witches' Market is not just a market but a vibrant representation of ancient Andean practices surviving in the modern world ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ
Details
Coca Museum
@travelwithjovi
Learn about the multi-faceted coca leaves and their significance in South America economy. Not only an antidote to altitude sickness, the coca leaf is also a controversial plant in history, drug trade, and medicine.
Details
Valle de la Luna
@travelwithjovi
Come for the surreal views and a quick day trip - closest you're gonna get to the moon unless you're homies w/ Elon.
Details
Details
Must-Do: As you weave through the bustling streets of La Paz, you'll soon realize that the city's heart beats not only in its lively markets and colorful festivals but also in its remarkable sky-high transit systemโthe Mi Telefรฉrico cable cars! Just hop on and get off when it suits you, I loved getting lost on the different colored lines and marveling at the towns overlaid and blended together, watching the locals do their daily commute, and landing on a surprise weekend market just outside the station.ย
Picture this: a network of sleek cable cars gliding gracefully above the urban sprawl, connecting the dizzying heights of the world's highest capital to the sprawling city of El Alto above.ย
Fine Dining Restaurants ($30-60/pp):ย
Gustu
@travelwithjovi
Gustu was conceived by Claus Meyer, co-founder of the renowned Noma in Copenhagen. Gustu has carved out a niche for itself by championing the concept of "Bolivian haute cuisine." The menu at Gustu is a testament to the country's biodiversity, featuring locally sourced produce and celebrating traditional Bolivian flavors with a contemporary twist. Gustu has been instrumental in putting Bolivian cuisine on the global gastronomic map, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world.
Details
Proyecto Nativa La Paz
@travelwithjovi
This one was a *top favorite* of mine! It's a #iykyk spot and the dishes are so creative, and they offer an alcohol pairing as well.
Details
Bolivian Popular Food
@travelwithjovi
Come for the 3-course lunch and arrive early to put your name down! LOVED this spot.
Details
Details
La Paz Eats:ย
Details
Details
Details
Details
Details
Details
Cafes:ย
Details
Details
Details
Lucky Cup
@travelwithjovi
Lovely ambience, expansive menu, and great second floor balcony
Details
Craving something else?ย
Details
Details
Details
Details
Details
Details
Details
Details
Let me know your favorite parts of La Paz and drink some coca tea to combat the altitude ๐ต!ย
* * *