DESTINATIONS IN BOLIVIA

Here you can find descriptions of the various regions of Bolivia.

HIGHLANDS

The Bolivian highlands consist of the provinces of La Paz, Oruro and Potosi. The Bolivian Andes are located in this region, with the 200km long Cordillera Real and over 600 summits. Between volcanoes and summits is the Altiplano, which reaches from La Paz to Potosi, from 3500 ms up to more than 4000 ms above sea level.

The average altitude of the highland is 3850 ms above sea level. The highland occupies about 305.761 km², or 28% of the country.

Potosí - Salar de Uyuni - Oruro - Tupiza

In Potosi the colonial atmosphere of the 16th century is still alive. Here, at more than 4.000 ms above sea level, the time seems to have stopped. The colonial architecture is present on every street, and the former affluence of the town is still visible in the 36 partly decayed churches around the city. The former wealth belonging to the city is owed to the legendary silver mountain, Cerro Rico Potosi In 1545, extensive silver deposits were discovered in the mountain and the Spaniards immediately began mining the precious metal. More than 46.000 metric tons of silver were diminished through mining and there are said to be approximately 5.000 entrances into the mountain. A visit to the mines is sure to be one of the most special and unforgettable experiences Bolivia has to offer. The tours last about 3-4 hours and cost approximately 10 US $.   All the necessary equipment for the mine tour is offered by the Mining Cooperation. The mine workers are glad if you bring small presents of cigarettes or leaves of coca.

Potosi has many attractions to offer apart from the mines, as well The Casa Real de la Moneda, a grand 2 block building, built between 1759 and 1773, is the most important building of the city today. Numerous inner courtyards, arcades and wooden bay windows astonish the numerous visitors to pass each year. Today the building accommodates one of the most significant archives of Bolivia and serves as a museum which houses imposing wooden machines, paintings, colonial furniture, and a lot more.

While most Spanish towns of the 16th century have changed their faces, time seems to have stopped in Potosi and, thus, the UNESCO appointed Potosi a world cultural heritage of the humanity. A special charm of the city is the numerous churches which lie all close together and can therefore be visited comfortably on foot. Nevertheless, because of the altitude you should not plan too many activities during the first few days; resting occasionally in one of the cafes or observing the activity on the Plaza 10 de Noviembre or at the market will help maintain health and endurance.


Potosi can be reached comfortably by airplane or by bus from Oruro , La Paz or Cochabamba . Because of the altitude in Potosi a cold and dry climate prevails; therefore; you should pack suitable clothes.

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The old mining town of Oruro is located on the Bolivian Altiplano at 3700 ms. It's the capital of the similarly named province Oruro. The town used to be one of the most important economical centres when it was still extracting silver from the mines as well as tin and copper. Nowadays, however, most of the mines are closed.

Oruro is also the capital of the Bolivian carnival, which is celebrated with artistic, colourful masks representing, ghosts and devils.  The Diablada, a traditional dance of the devil, is the most representative display of Bolivia’s carnival as it interlaced with various elements of the pre-columbian religion of the indigenous people that live here. In 2001 this event was added to the “List of Masterpieces“ by the UNESCO.

Oruro also serves as departing point for the railway connection to Uyuni, Tupiza and all the way to Argentina to the South and Chile to the west.

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The town of Tupiza is part of the Bolivian highlands even though the climate is mild all year around and the altitude only 2950 ms above sea level. The town belongs to the province of Potosí. It is still off the beaten path, but tourism has been increasing in the last few years. The town is primarily attractive due to its beautiful surrounding landscapes – red canyons, colourful mineral concentrated hills and numerous cacti.

The town serves as the starting point for the Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid route. The two famous US outlaws were killed by the Bolivian army in the nearby mining village of San Vicente in 1908. In Tupiza tour agencies offer two day tours along the Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid trail.

A favourite activity in Tupiza is a full or half day horseback ride around the stunning Wild West landscapes. The same circuit is offered on bicycles and in a 4WD. From Tupiza, tours also leave to the salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni and the National Park Eduardo Avaroa with its impressive Red and Green Lagoon.

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