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Bolivia in Photos
Once described by GeoEx trip designer extraordinaire Kate Doty as “the wild, wild west of South America,” Bolivia is a less developed and more adventurous destination than many of its Latin American neighbors. The country has long captivated the hearts of our staff, so it was with great anticipation and excitement that we launched our first small group trip this April: an adventure carefully crafted to take in the classic can’t-miss sights such as Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca, but also to get off the beaten track to lesser-known locales and illuminating experiences.
The first group to travel on this itinerary has recently returned with some outstanding images depicting the colorful culture and dramatic scenery they encountered on the inaugural journey. We’re thrilled to share this portfolio of photographs from trip leader Merlin Lipshitz. Perhaps they’ll inspire you to consider making your own journey to this little-visited and hugely rewarding destination.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a feast for the senses; our group explored colorful artisan and vegetable markets and savored freshly cooked arepas (cornmeal cakes) prepared by a local chef.
The church at San José de Chiquitos is one of six Jesuit mission settlements that together comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the local Chiquitano people, the church exhibits a curious mix of European Catholic and indigenous architectural styles.
The Spanish colonial town of Sucre invites exploration with its cobbled streets and tile-roofed white buildings. Bolivia declared its independence from Spain in 1825 here at a former church now known as the Casa de la Libertad.
Andean geological jewels are as colorful and enigmatic as the people who inhabit these striking landscapes. A sandstone monolith towers over the village of Chochis in the lowlands, and red earth contrasts with green vegetation in the mountains.
The surreal scenery of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats lends itself to striking photography, offering playful perspectives by day and a sky filled with seemingly endless constellations at night. Sharing a celebratory toast in this setting is an unforgettable experience!
The shores and islands of Lake Titicaca hold the remnants of ancient civilizations. Stone temples and carvings at UNESCO-listed Tiwanaku date to the 4th century and Incan ruins dot the lake’s picturesque islands.
Bolivia’s vivid culture is reflected in the kaleidoscopic colors of daily life. The textures of handwoven fabrics, sounds of music in the streets, scents of fresh flowers at a market stall, and flavors of traditional fare enchant you as you travel.
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To see Bolivia’s colorful markets and many other historic and cultural treasures, join one of GeoEx’s small group departures. To learn more or to reserve your space, call our travel experts at 888-570-7108.
One day soon!
Looks wonderful. I wonder how much the high altitude affected people.
