6 memorable experiences in Bolivia, the land of extremes

Bolivia is a beautiful spectacle of contrasts: in nature and politics, from the giant metropole of La Paz to the small villages hidden in the mountains.

Bolivia offers extreme landscapes where it's easy to feel lost, whether you are in the Andes or the Amazonian jungle. When you feel overwhelmed by nature's hostility, you can find comfort in the warm hospitality of locals who will welcome you with open arms and allow you to immerse yourself in their vibrant culture and ancient customs.

Get ready to discover something new: check out these 6 unforgettable experiences you don’t want to miss when visiting Bolivia!

1. TAKE A STROLL THROUGH THE WITCHES' MARKET OF LA PAZ

For the intrepid travellers looking for a unique experience, Bolivia's Witches' Market in La Paz, offers something found nowhere else. Every day, hundreds of locals and tourists congregate in this magical place.

As the oldest market in the city and one of the largest in Bolivia, it serves a variety of different purposes. From buying traditional medicines to witnessing ancient traditions and rituals, you can find all sorts of wonders here. Even if you're not planning to purchase anything from the market itself, it's definitely worth visiting just for the incredible atmosphere and cultural experience! The first thing you'll notice, is the smell of plants and incense as well as all sorts of unique displays like unborn llamas or dried frogs. It may seem strange but these items are used in Bolivian ceremonies and offerings, not in any witch’s soup!

2. UNCOVER THE COLONIAL GEM OF SUCRE

Have you ever wanted to time-travel back to the colonial era? Do you have a taste for Spanish architecture and culture with a side of the delicious local cuisine? If the answer is yes, then Sucre – the colonial city of Bolivia – is just the spot for you!

Imagine a city that is nestled in the breathtaking Andes Mountains, and bathed in the warm sun of South America. Sucre is an awe-inspiring site that has managed to preserve its Spanish colonial charm for centuries. From its churches, plazas, monasteries, and mansions to its cobbled streets and vibrant markets, Sucre is steeped in history and culture.

But it's not all about taking in the sights! There are plenty of equally amazing activities up for grabs today in Sucre. From strolling through local markets and sampling street food to taking a salsa lesson or visiting a nearby pueblo bar, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting around every corner.

3. Conquer the world’s most dangerous road by bike!

Do you want to challenge yourself to an epic road trip? You can bike the world's most dangerous road, Bolivia's infamous Death Road. It's a unique experience that will test your limits and take you along a thrilling ride of breathtaking views and treacherous terrain.

Death Road isn't for the faint of heart. Located in the Bolivian Andes, it plunges 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) down into the Amazon jungle. The road is narrow and has no guardrails or barriers of any kind—so it can be quite dangerous if you're not prepared. But don't let that stop you! With the right precautions and safety tips, biking Death Road can be an amazing experience as you conquer your fear and challenge yourself to new heights.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable and can greatly affect your ride on the Death Road. It's a good idea to check the forecast before you go and make certain that you’re prepared for any weather situation.

There are local guides available from La Paz who can give you an insider's perspective on the region and provide invaluable safety tips before adventuring on this road.

4. RELAX IN SOUTH AMERICA’S MOST ISOLATED HOT SPRINGS

Have you ever heard of the Polques Hot Springs? Nestled deep in the Bolivian Andes mountains, it's the most isolated hot spring in South America—and it's nothing short of spectacular.

With a landscape like no other, the unique scenery of Polques is home to pink flamingos that are sure to take your breath away. The pool's surroundings stand out even more in contrast to the vast desert stretching beyond them, a seemingly otherworldly scene. The oasis has been carefully preserved in its natural state, allowing visitors to take in this breathtaking and untouched landscape.

The crystal clear waters are heated by underground volcanoes, reaching temperatures up to 106°F—you won't find any hotter springs than these! Soak it all in and let your worries melt away at Polques Hot Springs.

5. WITNESS THE BEAUTY OF THE RAREST SPECIES OF FLAMINGOS

When exploring the Laguna Colorada in Southern Bolivia, you might come across different species of flamingos: James's, Andean and Chilean -Flamingos. All three awe-inspiring birds are living alongside each other in their little slice of paradise.

It's truly an unforgettable experience to observe up close their impressive grace and striking colours at this wondrous lagoon. These birds tend to congregate in large groups to feed and enjoy the warmth of the shallow waters – you can sometimes spot families of several dozen of them at once. They have a unique behaviour where they filter the lagoon's waters with their long beaks, picking out the tastiest morsels which enable them to thrive in this unique habitat.

To reach Laguna Colorada, you can take a jeep tour starting in the bustling city of Uyuni. You'll travel through mountains and salt flats that are almost out-of-this-world; all before reaching this hidden gem. As you discover what makes Laguna Colorada so special - from its diverse wildlife to its awe-inspiring landscapes - you'll be glad you made the trip!

6. SLEEP IN THE LARGEST SALT FLATS ON THE PLANET

Imagine snuggling up in a warm bed and looking out your window to see millions of stars. The night sky is always a beautiful sight, but it's especially captivating in Uyuni, in Southern Bolivia. You can experience this by spending a night in a salt house in the desert.

To sleep in Uyuni's salt house feels like an otherworldly experience. You won't just get the chance to look at the night sky, you'll also get to sleep in a unique place that has been built using salt blocks formed from the world's largest salt flats.

The salty desert setting makes stargazing even better. There's no light pollution, so you get perfect visibility. And if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of shooting stars and constellations, as well as connect with other travellers for an unforgettable evening bonding around a bonfire.

To make the experience even more authentic, you'll be completely off the grid—no Wi-Fi or electricity, just an infinite sky with no light pollution from nearby cities or towns. You'll also get a better sense of local culture, food and customs as you explore Uyuni during your stay in Bolivia.