La Paz, a city of breathtaking beauty and captivating contrasts, beckons to travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable South American experience. Nestled in the highlands of Bolivia, La Paz is not just a city; it’s an extraordinary journey through history, culture, and nature. With its position as the world’s highest capital city, La Paz stands as a testament to human resilience and a living homage to the grandeur of the Andes.
La Paz is known for being the highest capital city globally, situated at an astonishing altitude of over 3,600 meters above sea level. This unique elevation gives the city an unparalleled, crisp, mountainous air, making it both a serene and invigorating destination.
As you arrive in La Paz, you are immediately greeted by the awe-inspiring panorama of rugged mountains and deep valleys that cradle the city. The imposing Illimani mountain, one of the highest peaks in Bolivia, forms a dramatic backdrop to the urban sprawl. This city defies the norms and welcomes you to explore its extraordinary charm.
La Paz is a metropolis that thrives on diversity and stands as a testament to the convergence of ancient traditions and modern urban living. It’s a city where indigenous cultures meet contemporary life, and colorful markets share the streets with towering skyscrapers.
One of the most enthralling aspects of La Paz is the “Mercado de las Brujas” or the Witch’s Market. This bustling market is a unique amalgamation of ancient Andean traditions and modern curiosities. Here, you can find a kaleidoscope of goods, from aromatic herbs used in traditional medicine to intricate amulets and colorful textiles. It’s a place where the mystical and the everyday collide.
La Paz is an eclectic blend of cultures, and its numerous museums and galleries provide fascinating insights into its complex history. The “Museo Nacional de Arte” is a treasure trove of Bolivian art, featuring works that span from pre-Columbian times to contemporary pieces. It’s a journey through time and creativity that showcases the nation’s artistic heritage.
The city’s historical and architectural gems are equally impressive. The “Plaza Murillo” is the city’s political heart, flanked by the imposing Government Palace and the Congress Building. The “Catedral Basilica de Nuestra Señora de La Paz,” a remarkable cathedral that graces the plaza, is an architectural marvel and a testament to Bolivia’s deep-rooted Catholic traditions.
A short journey from the city center takes you to the “Valle de la Luna” or the Valley of the Moon, a surreal landscape of eroded clay and sandstone formations that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The name aptly captures the lunar-like appearance of this site.
At this altitude, the air is thin, and the sun’s rays are intense, making it an ideal location for a leisurely hike or a meditative stroll. The Valle de la Luna is an enchanting place to witness the powerful forces of nature at work.
Beyond the city, La Paz offers access to some of the most remarkable natural wonders in Bolivia. The “Parque Nacional Cotapata” is a haven for nature enthusiasts, featuring lush cloud forests, pristine rivers, and diverse wildlife. It’s a paradise for hiking and birdwatching.
La Paz also serves as a starting point for exploring the awe-inspiring “Salar de Uyuni,” the world’s largest salt flat. The vast, mirror-like expanse of the salt flats creates a mesmerizing optical illusion, reflecting the sky in a stunning spectacle.
For adventure seekers, La Paz is an ideal gateway to the Bolivian highlands, offering opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and exploring remote regions. The city’s unique geography makes it a launching pad for extraordinary experiences.
Exploring La Paz’s culinary scene is a delectable journey into Bolivian flavors. Don’t miss the chance to savor traditional delights like “salteñas” (savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables), “anticuchos” (grilled skewers), and “llajwa” (a spicy condiment). Local markets and street vendors provide an array of mouthwatering dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage.
La Paz is an eclectic blend of cultures, and its numerous museums and galleries provide fascinating insights into its complex history. The “Museo Nacional de Arte” is a treasure trove of Bolivian art, featuring works that span from pre-Columbian times to contemporary pieces. It’s a journey through time and creativity that showcases the nation’s artistic heritage.
The city’s historical and architectural gems are equally impressive. The “Plaza Murillo” is the city’s political heart, flanked by the imposing Government Palace and the Congress Building. The “Catedral Basilica de Nuestra Señora de La Paz,” a remarkable cathedral that graces the plaza, is an architectural marvel and a testament to Bolivia’s deep-rooted Catholic traditions.
A short journey from the city center takes you to the “Valle de la Luna” or the Valley of the Moon, a surreal landscape of eroded clay and sandstone formations that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The name aptly captures the lunar-like appearance of this site.
At this altitude, the air is thin, and the sun’s rays are intense, making it an ideal location for a leisurely hike or a meditative stroll. The Valle de la Luna is an enchanting place to witness the powerful forces of nature at work.
Beyond the city, La Paz offers access to some of the most remarkable natural wonders in Bolivia. The “Parque Nacional Cotapata” is a haven for nature enthusiasts, featuring lush cloud forests, pristine rivers, and diverse wildlife. It’s a paradise for hiking and birdwatching.
La Paz also serves as a starting point for exploring the awe-inspiring “Salar de Uyuni,” the world’s largest salt flat. The vast, mirror-like expanse of the salt flats creates a mesmerizing optical illusion, reflecting the sky in a stunning spectacle.
For adventure seekers, La Paz is an ideal gateway to the Bolivian highlands, offering opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and exploring remote regions. The city’s unique geography makes it a launching pad for extraordinary experiences.
Exploring La Paz’s culinary scene is a delectable journey into Bolivian flavors. Don’t miss the chance to savor traditional delights like “salteñas” (savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables), “anticuchos” (grilled skewers), and “llajwa” (a spicy condiment). Local markets and street vendors provide an array of mouthwatering dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage.
You can combine your trip to peace with the Uyuni Salt Flat with the citadel of Machu Picchu.
La Paz
South America is brimming with stunning destinations, but few can compare in terms of uniqueness and natural beauty to Uyuni Salt Flats. Located in the southwest of Bolivia, this vast salt flat is the world’s largest, and a true gift of nature. In this entry on our South America destinations website, we will thoroughly explore Uyuni Salt Flats, highlighting its unique features, history, how to get there, and what to expect once you arrive at this magical corner of the world.
Uyuni Salt Flats is a unique natural wonder that spans an astonishing territory of approximately 10,000 square kilometers. But what makes this place so special is its ability to transform into a natural mirror during the rainy season. This phenomenon turns the salt flat into a vast expanse of water that perfectly reflects the sky and clouds, creating a stunning visual spectacle. It’s like walking on the sky itself.
In addition to its astonishing reflective surface, Uyuni Salt Flats also hosts several islands, with Isla Incahuasi being the most famous, known for its giant cacti that grow in the middle of the salt flat. It is also a habitat for various bird species, including the beautiful pink flamingos that add a touch of color and life to this white, dazzling landscape.
The geological history of Uyuni Salt Flats is fascinating. Millions of years ago, this area used to be a massive prehistoric lake, Lake Minchin. Over time, this lake gradually evaporated and divided into several smaller bodies of water, including Lake Poopó, which still exists near the salt flat. As these lakes dried up, they left behind the immense salt deposit that now makes up the current salt flat.
Uyuni Salt Flats is also the result of past volcanic activity. Beneath this vast expanse of salt lies a layer of lithium, a valuable mineral used in batteries and modern technology. Bolivia possesses one of the world’s largest lithium reserves, and the extraction of this resource is a significant part of Bolivia’s economy.
Uyuni Salt Flats is a remote destination, but getting there is part of the adventure. Travelers typically arrive in Uyuni, a small town that serves as the gateway to the salt flat. You can reach Uyuni by plane from La Paz or by train from Oruro. From Uyuni, numerous tours and tour operators offer trips through the salt flat and the surrounding regions. Make sure to book in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the high season.
Once you reach Uyuni Salt Flats, you’ll be ready to explore this world of salt and natural wonders. Here are some must-experience activities:
Uyuni Salt Flats is one of the most spectacular and unique destinations in South America. Its immense salt landscape, unique features, and geological history make it a place you must experience at least once in your lifetime. Whether you’re walking on its natural mirror, exploring Isla Incahuasi, or marveling at the wildlife that calls it home, Uyuni Salt Flats offers a truly unforgettable experience. Add this destination to your South America travel list, and prepare to be amazed by the mesmerizing beauty of this otherworldly landscape.
You can combine your trip to the Uyuni Salt Flats with the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Uyuni Salt Flats
The Galápagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are a world-renowned archipelago that is part of Ecuador and situated approximately 1,000 kilometers off the South American coast. They are famous for their rich biodiversity and for being the place where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution.
These unique islands offer an unforgettable travel experience due to their natural beauty, exceptional wildlife, and a variety of activities. Some of their key attractions include:
The Galápagos Islands are a natural paradise that offers an unparalleled travel experience for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this South American treasure!
Galapagos Islands
Machu Picchu comes from a Quechua word that means old mountain, however, according to several scholars, its name could have originally been Llactapata. It was built not long before the 15th century, 80 km northwest of Cusco city and it is a citadel where a small Inca population lived.
According to documents dated from 16th century, the citadel was a resting place for the Inca Pachacútec between 1438 and 1470. However, according to studies, the ruins were allegedly used before his rule so it can be said that it was a religious sanctuary because of its strong ceremonial nature.
Machu Picchu was declared as Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1981 and it entered the World Heritage list in 1983. It was also chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
If you come to Peru, you have to travel to Cusco, and if you visit Cusco, you must to visit Machu Picchu.
On a trip to Machu Picchu there are many ways to visit the citadel. The most common is to go from Cusco and return the same day; however, there are many accommodation options to overnight at Aguas Calientes town.
Other way is overnight in the Sacred Valley and take the train from Ollantaytambo station, or at your return stay and overnight at the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, in Cusco city, comprises several rivers that descend through gullies forming different valleys. On the Sacred Valley tour we can find several archaeological monuments and indigenous towns like Pisac, Yucay, Urubamba, Chincheros, among others.
This valley was very appreciated by the Incas because of its climate and geographic characteristics. It was one of the main agricultural production spots, especially producing corn. With the arrival of the Spaniards, the towns’ culture began to change creating a mixture that we can still see nowadays in their architecture, traditions and art. Chincheros stands out for its weavers, Pisac for its ruins and its craft market, Ollantaytambo for its fortress and living culture, Maras for its impressive technique to extract salt and Moray for their use of advanced engineering to grow different products.
When you travel to Cusco, it is a must to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we are sure that the manifestation of its colors expressed in their art, architecture, culture, history and gastronomy will make you want to return and visit more places.
In addition, the Sacred Valley is located in the midpoint between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The best option to travel to the Inca citadel is from Ollantaytambo station.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
If you travel to Arequipa, , you can visit the Colca Valley, three hours by car from the capital. It is one of the region’s main tourist destinations because we can find one of the deepest canyons of the world there, along with beautiful landscapes, fauna and a living culture we can still admire.
In the route to the valley, we cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a place that is home to several mammal and bird species. Then, we go through the Pampa Cañahuas zone, where the vicuna, a South American camelid, very appreciated for its fine wool, is protected. The highest point of the road is the Patapampa viewpoint at 4,900 m.a.s.l., a stop point that is a must to see the zone’s volcanos.
Chivay is the main town and the most developed one. Here, we can find most of the average and low-cost hotels. Throughout the canyon we can find several lovely small towns such as Yanque, Maca, Lari, Coporaque, among others, where we can find more sophisticated and more expensive hotels.
The main stop of the Colca Valley tour is the Condor’s Cross, where it is possible to watch the flight of the majestic Andean condor and the depth of the canyon.
Colca Valley
Huaraz is located in the “Callejón de Huaylas” Andean valley. It has an area of more than 180 km flanked by the White and Black mountain ranges, and it is crossed by the rushing Santa River. Huaraz has several microclimates and altitudes from 1,000 meters above sea level to 6,747 meters above sea level. It starts at the Conococha Lagoon (4,100 meters above sea level). Huaraz is the starting point to know all the “Callejón de Huaylas’ “attractions. The best season to take a Huaraz tour is during the Andean summer (from May to October). The rainy season is from November to April.
The “Callejón de Huaylas” is a complete circuit with several and integrative attractions, therefore, it is recommended to visit it all along with the traditional tourist spots such as the Main Square Cathedral and churches. The “Callejón” is composed of Recuay, Aija, Marcará, Carhuáz, Mancos, Yungay and Caraz, where the visitors will have direct contact with the natural beauties, culture and folklore. During the Huaraz tour, you will see the wonderful sculpture and architecture in the Willcahuín and Honcopampa “chulpas” or graves, as well as the Janku tomb, and places like Huallac, Kekamarca, Marcún and Keyash.
Huaraz was named “Natural Paradise of the World” in the Swiss Tourism Awards 2007 that was carried out in Lugano – Switzerland.
Huaraz & Callejón de Huaylas
The Amazon River gives the Peruvian rainforest its name – Peruvian Amazonia. It was discovered by Francisco de Orellana in 1541 and it is the largest and mightiest river in the world. Its watercourse reaches a width of 4,000 meters in some sectors making it look like a sea. On the peruvian amazon tour, you will discover all the rivers that have their origin on the eastern slope of the Andes, which are tributaries of the Amazon River. They form swamps, marshes and channel labyrinths. The Peruvian rainforest has an area of 8o million hectares where many flora and fauna species inhabit. It is said that its former inhabitants called the Amazon “Paranaguasú”, which means “great river”. It is also said that the river’s name is the product of the union of two indigenous words: ama (to break) and zona (canoe): canoe-breaker.
Iquitos, the capital of Loreto department, is on the Amazon riverside and it is surrounded by other rivers like the Ninai and the Itaya rivers. In Iquitos, we can find native communities such as the Cocamas, the Boras, the Ticuna and the Witotos. The city was founded by the Jesuit José Bahamonde in 1747.
Enjoy your peruvian amazon trip and get to know an exotic, hot city with an impressive vegetation and it is the entry point to navigate on the Amazon which means getting in contact with nature.
The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is a protected area of Peru located in the department of Loreto in the Amazon.
Peruvian Amazonia
Trujillo Peru is the capital of La Libertad department and it is called « The City of Eternal Spring » because the sun shines every day.
Trujillo was founded by Diego Almagro in 1534. He gave this place its name after the city where Francisco Pizarro was born.
Trujillo is located in the north coast of Peru, on the bank of the Moche River. Trujillo has a very fertile valley, which has allowed its fast development since its founding. We can appreciate artistically forged iron grates in the old big houses, which bring a special distinction to the architecture of this lovely city.
Travel to Trujillo and get to know the city of Chan Chan was the capital of the great Chimú kingdom, a pre-Inca culture. It is located in the Moche Valley. Chan Chan is the biggest mud city in the world. It has a 20 km2 area and it can only be compared to the archaeological remains of Teotihuacán in Mexico or to the ancient cities of Egypt.
Some examples of the greatness of this culture are La Huaca del Sol (a 20-meter-high terraced pyramid), La Huaca de la Luna (amazing murals that represent the Mochica rituals) and El Complejo del Brujo (a 30-meter-high and 15 century-old adobe pyramid)
The Moche Valley was a profitable place to found the city of Trujillo. It is the land of the sun and mining and it is also the land of the national dance of Peru – the Marinera- that is a source of pride because of its glamour and sensuality. You should not miss this when you travel to Trujillo.
Trujillo
Travel to Chiclayo, known as the “Friendship´s Capital”, is one of the most important cities in Peru. It is located in the department of Lambayeque in the north of Peru. It offers a wide variety of tourist destinations such as archeological remains, museums and relics that are part of the country’s ancient past’s heritage and an important part of the history of Peru.
Chiclayo wasn’t founded by Spanish conquerors, it was officially acknowledged as a province thanks to José Leonardo Ortiz, our national hero and it was authenticated as such by decree in April 18th, 1935.
Their ancient inhabitants built the Chimú culture, a great pre-Inca culture. The Chimú established big urban centers and moved their capital to strategic zones. This is where the remains of the Lord of Sipán were found. The Incas managed to conquer the Chimú territory after almost 4 decades in which Pachacútec, Inca Yupanqui and Huayna Cápac intervened.
When we talk about the Lord of Sipán, we’re talking about one of the most emblematic figures of the Mochica culture. The Lord of Sipán was an ancient Mochica ruler from the 3rd century, whose discovery proved far-reaching for world archeology as his tomb was the first royal burial site found intact in South America, and belonging to a Peruvian civilization prior to the Inca Empire. You should not miss this when you travel to Chiclayo.
Chiclayo & The Lord of Sipán
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