A different way of inhabiting the world: exploring Bolivia with a local expert

Thanks to its various climate zones, Bolivia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and offers beautifully diverse landscapes – from tropical wet rainforests to snow-capped Andean peaks. It’s a hub of cultural and historical fascination, as well: around 60% of the locals here are descendants of the indigenous population, and a deep-dive into this fascinating heritage offers an experience quite unlike anything else. Our local expert Clément shares all there is to love about this country in South America, by running through the best things to do in Bolivia alongside some key tips to help kick-start your tour planning.

What is it that fascinates you most about Bolivia?

What fascinates me most about Bolivia is the unique way time seems to flow differently here – you can watch grandmothers weaving ancestral patterns while their granddaughters navigate modern life, and it all coexists naturally.

The Altiplano at sunrise, zampoña melodies echoing through the thin mountain air, the concept of ayni that turns every encounter into genuine human exchange – here, you’re not just visiting spectacular landscapes, you’re discovering a different way of inhabiting the world.

It’s this living authenticity, this deep connection between people and their land, that makes every moment in Bolivia so special and explains why so many travelers leave transformed by the experience.

What are the key destinations you’d recommend exploring in Bolivia?

If I had to choose some essential places to visit in Bolivia, I’d go with the following:

• Firstly, the Cordillera Real provides some of the world’s most accessible high-altitude trekking, where you’ll walk ancient paths between snow-capped peaks while encountering indigenous communities who’ve maintained their way of life for centuries.
• Second, the Amazon Basin around Rurrenabaque – the contrast from the highlands is incredible, and you’ll discover Bolivia’s incredible biodiversity while staying with indigenous families who know every plant and animal call.
• Third is the Salar de Uyuni, which stands alone as one of Earth’s most surreal landscapes – this vast salt flat becomes a perfect mirror during the rainy season and transforms into an endless white expanse, under star-filled skies that seem close enough to touch.

Each of these experiences reveals a completely different facet of Bolivia, and together they’ll give you a real sense of why this country gets under your skin.

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Bolivia

What advice do you have for anyone planning their first visit?

My biggest piece of advice? Let go of your schedule and embrace “Bolivian time” – things happen when they happen here, and fighting it will only stress you out. When your bus is delayed, when a festival spontaneously blocks the street, when locals invite you to share chicha or stay for another story, just roll with it.

Some of my best experiences happened because plans fell apart – getting stuck in a village during a celebration, missing a connection and discovering an incredible market, or ending up in someone’s home sharing a meal because I asked for directions.

Bolivia rewards those who stay flexible and open to whatever the day brings. Trust the rhythm of this place, and it will show you things no guidebook could ever prepare you for.

When would you say is the best time to visit Bolivia?

The best time to visit Bolivia really depends on what you want to experience, but I’d say the dry season from May to October offers the most reliable conditions across the country. During these months, you’ll have clear skies for trekking in the Cordillera Real, perfect weather for exploring the Altiplano, and easier access to remote areas since the roads aren’t washed out.

However, if you want to see the Salar de Uyuni’s famous mirror effect, you’ll need to come during the rainy season (December to March) when a thin layer of water creates those incredible reflections – just know that some highland treks might be more challenging then.

The shoulder months of April and November can be ideal compromises, offering fewer crowds and decent weather, though you might catch some rain.

What I always tell visitors is that Bolivia’s diversity means there’s never a truly bad time to visit – you just need to match your timing with your priorities, whether that’s crystal-clear mountain views, salt flat reflections, or jungle adventures in the Amazon basin.

What are three things to do in Bolivia, that anyone who visits must experience?

Bolivia’s top highlights are experiences that will completely shift your perspective on what travel can be:

• As mentioned above, I’d highly recommend spending time on the Salar de Uyuni during both day and night – not just for the mirror effect everyone talks about, but for that moment when you’re standing on what feels like the edge of the world, surrounded by absolute silence under a canopy of stars so bright it’s almost overwhelming.
• As well, touring Lake Titicaca offers something deeper than scenic beauty – it’s the spiritual heart of Andean culture, where you can stay with families on floating reed islands and witness traditions that predate the Incas.
• I also want to make another mention of the Cordillera Real, which is excellent for trekking adventures. There’s something about walking those ancient paths surrounded by 6,000m peaks that puts everything in perspective, plus you’ll encounter local communities that have called these mountains home for generations.

What makes these places truly special isn’t just their dramatic beauty, but how they connect you to Bolivia’s living culture and help you understand why this country transforms everyone who experiences it properly.

Read more: An adventure lover’s guide to Bolivia

And for foodies, do you have any recommendations?

You absolutely have to try salteñas – Bolivia’s version of empanadas but with a soupy filling of beef or chicken, potatoes, peas, egg, and olives inside a slightly sweet orange-tinted dough. The challenge is eating them without spilling the delicious broth, and locals traditionally pair them with cold beer mid-morning.

Bolivia is also famous for its anticuchos (grilled beef heart with spicy peanut sauce) and llajua (fiery pepper salsa that goes on everything), but salteñas truly capture Bolivian culture – they’re comfort food that brings people together and taste like nowhere else in the world.

Make it happen

If our local expert’s guide to the best places to visit and things to do in Bolivia has ignited your desire to start planning, then get in touch today: a tailor-made adventure is right at your fingertips!