From the Andes to the Amazon
Most of Bolivia is situated on the Andean plateau. This ensures that Bolivia’s unique Andean culture is still very much alive. What many people do not realise, however, is that the Andes also extend into a lower-lying tropical region here, with the Amazon basin to the north.
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Lake Titicaca
On the border with Peru lies the highest navigable lake in the world. This place is absolutely stunning, especially when the sun sets and the day’s last rays of sunlight shine across the lake.
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Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca
Isla del Sol is an island in the lake and is also known as the sacred Inca island. The Incas believed that the sun and the founders of the Inca Empire, Manko Kapac and Mama Ocllo, were born here. That is why the Pilcocaina sun temple is also situated on Isla del Sol. It is wonderfully peaceful and tranquil here!
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Visit Cochabamba
Cochabamba is situated in the centre of the country and dates back to the 16th century. The city owed its economic prosperity to silver mining. Today, Cochabamba is regarded as one of the most liberal cities in the country. Key attractions include La Cancha, South America’s largest open-air market, the San Francisco Monastery and the Palacio Portales.
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Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is Bolivia’s largest city and is both modern and traditional. You’ll find taxis here, but also horse-drawn carts. The city has many colonial buildings and boasts a lovely tropical atmosphere. Locals often gather in the city’s main square to enjoy Camba music.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is renowned for its beautiful natural surroundings. But that’s not all – Lake Titicaca is also of great significance to Andean culture! Legend has it that the first Inca ruler travelled from Isla del Sol to the Sacred Valley in Peru to found a city from which he would rule his future empire. The Lake Titicaca region is also the centre of the once-mighty Tiwanaku culture.
Copacabana
This ‘sacred’ village is situated on the Bolivian shore of Lake Titicaca. The Virgin of Copacabana (La Virgen de la Candelaria) is the patron saint of the whole of Bolivia, and many miracles are attributed to her. This town is far less well known than the beach of the same name in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It turns out that this famous beach is named after this village. Legend has it that a grateful Brazilian fisherman, who was saved from a storm by the Virgin of Copacabana, subsequently named the beach after this village. Copacabana is also home to a number of pre-Inca sacred sites, such as the colonial churches of Pomata and Juli and the temple.
Copacabana is an excellent base from which to explore the ancient temples of Isla del Sol and Lake Titicaca. Isla del Sol is also known as the sacred Inca island. The Incas believed that the sun and the founders of the Inca Empire, Manko Kapac and Mama Ocllo, were born here. That is why the sun temple, Pilcocaina, is also located here.
Fancy a trip of Bolivia?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Bolivia and are you curious about the options? Then do take a look at our Bolivia and Peru trip, which we have put together to inspire you. You can book this trip directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.