Basic Boliva

Oruro

(pop. 180,000) It is known as the "Folklore Capital of Bolivia. It is famous for its Carnival, which includes dances such as "La Diablada" (the Devil's Dance), "Morenada", Incas", "Chunchus", " Sayas", and "Caporales". Year-round, the city has a number of sites including the Virgin of Socavon Sanctuary, the Museum of Archeology (which has an interesting collection of Carnival Masks), and the Calle La Paz Artisans, who craft carnival masks and embroidery. Two of the country's natural wonders are accessible from Oruro: The Laguna Colorada (the fiery Red Lagoon home to a unique breed of flamingo), and the Uyuni Salt lakes. 125 mi (200 km) southeast of La Paz.

Potosi

A 16th Century silver mining city (pop 120,000, 15,380 ft/ 4,690 m) which was declared a "Patrimony of Humanity" by the United Nations. In 1650, it had 160,000 inhabitants and was larger than London. Visit the Casa de la Moneda (Mint) featuring unique beam construction; some beams were hand-carried from 100 mi/160 km-away, the Monastery of San Francisco, and the churches of San Martin and San Bernardo (to see the art and artifacts). Be sure to leave time to walk the narrow, winding streets, and look at the beautiful colonial buildings. A bus trip may be made to the San Idelfonso Lake (an artificial lake built for silver mining). 50 mi (80 km) southwest of Sucre.

Rurrenabaque

Located in the tropical lowlands on the Beni River, serves as a base for jungle wildlife tours. Monkeys, virgin rain forest, and several hundred species of tropical birds are the main attractions. You can go to Rurrenabaque by plane. Tours last from one to four days, and several are led by local guides who know the indigenous plants and animals. 147 mi/236 km northeast of La Paz. Read Peter Hutchinson's article about travelling to Rurrenabaque.

Santa Cruz

(pop 670,000) Rich in agriculture and oil. See the Cathedral and its museum (Jesuit relics), the Zoo (tropical animals and rain-forest trees), and the Casa de la Cultura Museum (native crafts and arts). Then relax in Arenal Park. Day trips can also be made to the Inca Ruins at Samaipata. 200 mi (322 km) east of Cochabamba. From Santa Cruz, you can fly to The Noel Kempf National Park, one of the best sites in the world to watch rare birds. This park, borders Brazil and was named for scientist Noel Kempf, a famous Bolivian environmentalist. The jungle habitat can only be reached by a charter flight from Santa Cruz, and has more than 500 bird species. The Friends of Nature Foundation run a campsite at the park. 447 mi (720 km) northeast of La Paz.

Sorata

The "Pearl of the Andes" and is often described as having the most beautiful setting in Bolivia. The surrounding valley has such an abundance of trees and flowers, that locals claim was the Garden of Eden. Sorata serves as a base for hikers throughout the area: from a 30-minute stroll down to the Rio San Cristobal to an eight-day adventure. The Mapiri Inca Trail, between Sorata and Mapiri, is one of the longest Inca footpaths in the Americas. Other Inca trails in the region include the Takesi Trail, and the Gold Diggers Trail, from Sorata to the Lowlands. The latter is still very much in use by the locals (the Incas used the trail to transport gold ore).

These paths provide visitors not only with an athletic adventure in a beautiful landscape (ranging from icy passes to steamy jungles), but also an unforgettable and historical experience. The walks link peaceful towns. The very adventurous may want to climb rather than trek. It is possible to reach altitudes of 19,750 ft/ 6,000 m from Sorata. English-speaking guides, Indian porters, and/or mules are available for hire locally. 45 mi (72 km) northwest of La Paz.