Known as the “Tibet of the Americas,” Bolivia is famous for its biodiversity and range of breathtaking landscapes.

This exciting, new itinerary with Backcountry Journeys begins with an exploration into Amboró National Park. Stretching along the eastern flank of the Andes mountains, where their rugged terrain takes a dramatic northwestward twist, lies Amboró National Park. This remarkable park forms part of a vast bioregion encompassing diverse habitat and is home to over 900 bird species. Representing more than 60% of Bolivia's avian diversity, Amboró is a birdwatcher's paradise. While the elusive giant anteater, majestic jaguar, stealthy ocelot, and other charismatic species like the caiman and spectacled bear roam its expanse, the park's true treasures lie in its reptilian and amphibian populations. With an impressive 177 mammal species and a haven boasting at least 173 amphibian and 135 reptile species, every visit holds the promise of an unforgettable encounter with nature's wonders.

Landscape photographers will be thrilled to learn that this park’s altitude ranges from 980 ft to a towering 10,951 ft. This difference in elevation creates a tapestry of vegetation with the majority of the park lying between 3,300 ft and 6,600 ft. Among its 3,000 identified plant species, you’ll be able to spot intriguing specimens like the Big-Leaf Mahogany, Mountain Pine, and Colossal Tree Fern. With such varied ecosystems, it's no wonder Amboró National Park boasts an astonishing array of wildlife.

No trip to Bolivia would be complete without an immersion into the culture of La Paz, the highest capital city in the world! The Andes Mountains provides a breathtaking backdrop to this metropolis, and you’ll be sure to find unique experiences at every turn. From the bustling colonial streets and cable cars of the city to the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes, La Paz offers endless opportunities to capture the perfect shot. Explore the vibrant chaos of the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market), where colorful stalls brim with exotic potions, herbs, and traditional handicrafts. The lively atmosphere and eclectic mix of sights, sounds, and smells will ignite your senses and inspire your lens.

Our journey will continue to the famed Uyuni Salt Flats where we’ll explore its beauty both at day and at night - its unique geographic location provides one of the clearest night skies on the planet! The Uyuni Salt Flats, stand as one of the world's most surreal and mesmerizing natural wonders. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometers, this vast expanse of blindingly white salt crust stretches to the horizon, creating an otherworldly landscape that seems to defy reality. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water transforms the flats into a giant mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky above and creating an illusion of infinite space. If the salt flats are not flooded, we’ll even discover an island dotted with giant Trichocereus cacti. This fascinating, rocky formation of basalt and regolith also contains the remains of corals and seashells: proof that this was once a sea full of life.

The nearby Tunupa Volcano stands majestically at an altitude of 17,819 ft above sea level and is where the next part of our excursion will take us. This stratovolcano holds significant cultural and geological importance in the region and dominates the horizon. At its summit, a distinct crater serves as a reminder of its volcanic past, although it has been dormant for thousands of years. The area surrounding Tunupa Volcano is steeped in mythology and legend, with indigenous communities attributing spiritual significance to the mountain. According to local folklore, Tunupa was once a goddess who turned into stone, forever watching over the land and its people.

We then continue to Palca Canyon and the impressive Valle de Animas, or Valley of the Souls. These impressive geological formations were named by locals who thought the jagged rocks resembled petrified souls. Palca canyon was formed by winds and rain over thousands of years and provides some of the most dramatic scenery in Bolivia. We’ll be able to hike and explore the canyon, and our guide will help with photo opportunities while we admire the 15,000-foot Illimani Mountain in the backdrop.

Continuing west from La Paz, we’ll leave the city behind to explore geysers, hot springs, and the volcanic landscapes of Sajama National Park. During this final leg of our trip, we also spend time near Chile’s Lauca National Park. We’ll uncover the authentic pastoral side of Bolivia, and witness pristine lagoons teeming with Andean wildlife like pink flamingos, llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.

From the soaring Andes mountains to the sprawling Amazon rainforest, Bolivia is a land of contrasts and is truly a paradise for both wildlife and landscape photographers. The diverse ecosystem and natural phenomena on this trip will provide opportunities for some of the most stunning and surreal photographs imaginable, and you’ll discover this firsthand when you book with Backcountry Journeys!