La Paz and its surrounding area are without a doubt Bolivia's most popular destinations. Although the capital is a definite must-visit, the country has so much more to offer. See for yourself and explore other regions to discover spectacular landscapes, mind-blowing natural attractions and significant historical sites.
Being Bolivia's largest city, you want to visit Santa Cruz. There are plenty of places to see in this large metro area. Santa Cruz has a collection of beautiful churches, built by the Jesuits almost 5 centuries ago, that are great representations of Bolivians colonial architecture.
The surrounding towns are also a treasure trove of exciting destinations. Just a short 2 hour drive away awaits the interesting Inca ruins of El Fuerte de Samaipata. It is not only an archaeological site but also a perfect place to view some spectacular panoramas and breathtaking vistas. Other thrilling sites to visit in the surrounding towns include the wildlife haven of Amboro National Park, the worlds largest wetland in El Pantanals and the spectacular beauty of Noel Kempff National Park.
The Salar de Uyuni is another special site. What was once a majestic lake is now a great salt desert packed with so much life and diversity. Here, you will find rare species of flora and fauna. If you haven't seen a geyser before, there are plenty in the area to feast your eyes on.
Sucre is also a popular destination in Bolivia. If you are into dinosaurs, then you'll hit jackpot if you visit the city. The Parque Cretacico is a paleontological dig considered to be the largest in the world. Check out the area's gigantic limestone slabs for some 5,000 dinosaur footprints. After an exhilarating day with pre-historic creatures, visit Plaza 25 de Mayo and relax in the charming atmosphere of its beautiful gardens and elegant colonial buildings.
Potosi is another exciting destination. Here you'll find Cerro Rico, a mining town that is still fully operational. If you want to have an insightful glimpse on the hard life in the mines, take a tour and learn how the miners strive to survive the everyday hazards of the site. The town is also home to Tarapaya Lake Hot Springs that is located right smack on a caldera. You can take a refreshing dip but do be cautious of the strong currents because they can prove fatal if you are not careful.
If you love wine and vineyards, then the region of Tarija is a must visit for you. Some of its vineyards are located 6,500 feet above sea level and considered to be among the highest in the world. Visit several of them and enjoy the picturesque landscape. You can even sample to your hearts content the delicious wines this region has to offer.
Adventurers drawn to the majestic Amazon will be glad to know that Bolivia has its share of this great river in Rurrenabaque. Adventure seekers now flock to the area to try out the many adrenalin pumping activities available. With the nearby Madidi National Park and Rio Yacuma, it is a perfect destination for wild nature adventures.
In short, to get the most of your Bolivia holidays, venture out of La Paz and discover a wide array of incredible destinations and remarkable attractions.
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