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As a country still pushed to the edges of the standard South American “gringo” trail, some travellers actively avoid travel in Bolivia, concerned by mixed reports about safety and the quality of transport, accommodation and tours. But for those seeking an adventure, travel in Bolivia should be top of your list.

No, Bolivia isn’t quite the trekking paradise that is Patagonia (although it does have its fair share of excellent if very adventurous hikes) or home to iconic Machu Picchu or other world-famous ruins like Kuelap.

But adventure travel in Bolivia is a reality. It might take a bit more planning and investigating to hunt out the best places to visit in Bolivia, but the extra effort is certainly worth it. You’ll find surreal salt flats, dense, pristine rainforests and chaotic but compelling cities.

I personally receive a lot of questions about what you have to see or do when travelling in Bolivia and what exactly visiting this country entails.

As someone who fell in love with the country when I lived there, I’m always keen to oblige and to prove that Bolivia isn’t half as dangerous as the rumours or travelling gossip might suggest. While it’s certainly not the easiest or most comfortable country for travel, it’s worth the confusion, chaos and extra effort.

Travel in Bolivia

Get ready to be inspired: 25 tourist attractions in Bolivia you just can’t miss

Things you need to know before traveling in Bolivia

Plan your next trip with this comprehensive set of itineraries for exploring the country

What’s it really like to travel alone in Bolivia? I write about my experiences as a solo female traveller

Hitchhiking in Bolivia: learning to appreciate patience and time

Uyuni

Everything you need to know about planning and trip to El Salar de Uyuni (aka the Bolivian salt flats), written by a local expert

Potosi

How to visit Cerro Rico, Bolivia’s deadliest active mine

Rurrenabaque

How to take a tour and experience Madidi National Park, one of the world’s most biodiverse places

La Paz

25 things you shouldn’t miss doing in La Paz

A different side to La Paz: El Dia de Los Peatones & the day La Paz fell silent

Sucre

Twenty unmissable things to see and do in Sucre, Bolivia’s “White City” and capital

Guide to hiking the Maragua Crater, the most spectacular trekking destination in the Chuquisaca region

Tarija

How to hike the Inca Trail near Tarija, an adventurous alternative to the classic Inca Trail in Peru