Bolivia

Except for coastlines and beaches, Bolivia has it all. This extraordinary landlocked country consists of towering peaks and mesmerizing salt flats, wildlife-rich jungles and dry, rugged desertscapes. Amid this are gently crumbling mountaintop villages and thriving colonial cities, such as La Paz, the country's governmental capital, white-washed Sucre, fascinating Potosí and modern Santa Cruz. The cities boast excellent art, history and folkloric museums, cosmopolitan cafes and vibrant markets. The country's population of 8.9 million is made up of more than thirty ethnic groups, creating a rich and varied culture. Bolivians love an ...

Except for coastlines and beaches, Bolivia has it all. This extraordinary landlocked country consists of towering peaks and mesmerizing salt flats, wildlife-rich jungles and dry, rugged desertscapes. Amid this are gently crumbling mountaintop villages and thriving colonial cities, such as La Paz, the country's governmental capital, white-washed Sucre, fascinating Potosí and modern Santa Cruz. The cities boast excellent art, history and folkloric museums, cosmopolitan cafes and vibrant markets. The country's population of 8.9 million is made up of more than thirty ethnic groups, creating a rich and varied culture. Bolivians love an excuse to party: festivals and lively dance parades are regular highlights on the local calendars. These blend traditional indigenous beliefs with Catholicism, the country's main religion. Activities abound for the traveler keen to get off the beaten track: from mountain-biking and trekking, to wine-tasting and boating. An underrated highlight is the cuisine; each of the country's nine regions has its own delectable specialties.

About the Expert

Kate Armstrong is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Bolivia, South America on a Shoestring, Mexico, Greece, and South Africa.