Must See

Cochabamba

Known as the garden city, this large market town was founded in 1574 and boasts a long tradition of local culture and folklore. Situated 2,558m (8,390ft) above sea level, it has a clutch of historical and archaeological attractions, including the Convento de Santa Teresa and the Museo Arqueologico.

La Paz

Built in a steep crater high in the Andes, Bolivia's capital is a bustling and colourful city. Located 3,632 m (11,910 ft) above sea level, it is the world's highest capital city and is overlooked by Mount Illimani. La Paz has many museums and some interesting Spanish and mestizo architecture, notably the Iglesia de San Fransisco. Nearby, the beguiling Witches' Market has stalls selling potions, silver jewellery, sweets and dried llama foetuses.

Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde

These stunning lakes are set high up in the Andes, amid peaks that resemble chocolate sundaes. Laguna Colorada's fiery red waters illuminate wandering flamingos that cover the terrain, framed by copper mountains.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, the world's highest commercially navigable lake is an immense body of clear sapphire-blue water, revered by local Indians who live on its shore. The Islas del Sol and Islas de la Luna are the legendary sites of the Inca's creation myths. The towns of Copacabana and Sorata nearby are popular with hikers.

Rurrenabaque

One of the loveliest lowland villages, on the Rio Beni 300 km from La Paz. The local rainforest offers great jungle trips to see Amazonian wildlife, including river dolphins and birds.

Salar De Uyuni

This enormous expanse of eerie but beautiful terrain covers almost 18,000 sq km (7,000 sq miles). Salar De Uyuni is the word's largest salt desert, the remnants of a dried prehistoric lake. It is best explored from the village of Uyuni in the south-east corner.