What if you go to discover Bolivia? In this South American country, you will find both beautiful natural landscapes and thrills along the winding roads. In the capital La Paz, you can also enjoy the charming local markets. The author for the "Lonely Planet" and columnist of Europe 1, Jean-Bernard Carillet, gives you his advice for a perfect discovery of the country. 

Less popular with tourists than other South American destinations such as Brazil, Argentina or Peru, Bolivia has no shortage of assets to appeal to travelers looking for superb landscapes, outdoors, but also in search of discovery of the local culture. Columnist of the show Et si on departait? on Europe 1, the author at Lonely Planet Jean-Bernard Carillet shared his tips on Saturday for an unforgettable stay. 

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A 4x4 expedition to the Uyuni Salt Flats

While it is obviously necessary to go to the shores of the famous Lake Titicaca, shared between Peru and Bolivia, it is also possible to discover the Salar d'Uyuni, in the south of the country. Seeing this immense expanse of salt, the largest in the world, perfectly flat and white, one would imagine oneself on the ice floe, all over an area equivalent to that of about two French departments. We change people there, we experience a feeling of losing our bearings, between heaven and earth, walking on the crust of salt that creaks under our feet. We have the impression of being in a crystal landscape.

© Aizar RALDES / AFP

To visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, you can go through a local agency in Uyuni. The excursion can be done for the day, but you can also plan a 4x4 expedition, over three days, which allows you to soak up the atmosphere, the colors, and also camping. A multi-day excursion also allows you to include other natural sites, such as the lagoons of Sud Lipez, colored spots due to trace elements, algae and sulfur. 

Down the "Route de la Mort" by mountain bike

In Bolivia, you can also practice many sports activities. Travelers in search of adrenaline can thus descend the "Road of Death" by mountain bike. This ledge road connects the highlands to the Amazon. If we imagine Bolivia as a large building, on this road, we go from the "rooftop" to the ground floor in 35 kilometers, and 4,000 meters of vertical drop, from the altitude of Mont Blanc to 800 meters in two hours. The "Death Road" has long been one of the most dangerous roads in the world, with buses pouring down the ravine. Today a new road has been built on the other side, but this one has been kept, especially for ATVs. 

© AIZAR RALDES / AFP

Stock up on souvenirs in the markets of La Paz

The administrative capital of Bolivia, La Paz, is full of markets. One of the most beautiful is the Mercado de las Brujas ("Witches' Market"), famous for its traditional remedies, such as llama fetuses, supposed to bring good luck, or amulets of all kinds to find fortune, love. , health, etc.

© AIZAR RALDES / AFP

There are also kitsch trinkets, but also quality crafts from different regions. If you like wood carvings, colorful fabrics, or silver items, you will find what you are looking for. With its many medicinal and aromatic plants, the Witches' Market is also a true paradise for naturopaths. 

Fly over the capital by cable car

Also in La Paz, you can take advantage of the immense cable car network, the largest in the world, with around thirty kilometers of lines. It will allow you to move through the air above the frenetic traffic of La Paz and the canyons.