Home to spectacular landscapes and fascinating cultural practices, Bolivia is one of South America’s most rewarding destinations. After soaking up the sights of beautiful La Paz and bustling Santa Cruz, head south to experience some of Bolivia’s other hotspots.

Surrounded by mountain peaks in the southern Altiplano, Oruro is a former mining town and Bolivia’s undisputed folklore capital. In late February or early March, the streets of Oruro play host to an extremely lively carnival. The highlight of the festivities is the unique ‘Devil Dance’, in which a group of dancers wearing fearsome masks re-enact the battle between good (St Michael) and evil (Lucifer himself).

 

Uyuni is a lively little town with wide streets, an extensive market and a collection of abandoned locomotives. The main reason tourists come here is to see the incredible Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Covering over 12,000 km², the shimmering expanse of salt is 10 metres deep in places and is a truly awe-inspiring sight. Also of interest near Uyuni are several brightly coloured mineral lagoons.