Bordering Countries Of Bolivia
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America that shares its borders with five other countries. Each of Bolivia’s neighboring countries has its unique culture, landscapes, and attractions, making them perfect destinations for an exciting adventure.
Top Attractions
Peru, Bolivia’s neighbor to the northwest, is home to one of the world’s most iconic attractions – Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan citadel is perched high in the Andes Mountains and can be reached by hiking the Inca Trail or taking a train from the nearby city of Cusco.
To the north of Bolivia lies Brazil, famous for its vibrant cities, lush Amazon rainforest, and stunning beaches. Rio de Janeiro, with its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, is a must-visit destination, as is the Amazonian city of Manaus, gateway to the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
Argentina, Bolivia’s neighbor to the south, is known for its rich culture, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. The capital, Buenos Aires, is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene, while the Andes Mountains offer some of the best skiing and hiking opportunities in the world.
Hidden Gems
Paraguay, Bolivia’s neighbor to the southeast, is often overlooked by tourists, but it has plenty to offer. The capital, Asuncion, is a charming city with a rich history, while the Jesuit Missions of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarangue are stunning examples of colonial architecture and design.
Chile, Bolivia’s neighbor to the southwest, is famous for its wine regions, skiing, and stunning landscapes. However, the northern region of Atacama is often overlooked, despite being home to some of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, including the Valley of the Moon and the El Tatio Geysers.
Food Scene
Each of Bolivia’s neighboring countries has a distinct culinary tradition. In Peru, be sure to try ceviche, a dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice. In Brazil, the national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew of beans and meat. In Argentina, the famous asado, or barbecue, is a must-try, while in Paraguay, sopa paraguaya, a traditional cornbread, is a must-eat.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget is easy in Bolivia’s neighboring countries. In Peru, there are plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses, and the street food is both cheap and delicious. In Brazil, traveling by bus is a great way to save money, while in Argentina, the local wine is both delicious and affordable.
In Paraguay, the local buses, or colectivos, are a great way to get around, while in Chile, staying in hostels and cooking your meals can save you a lot of money.
Outdoor Adventures
Each of Bolivia’s neighboring countries offers a wealth of outdoor adventures. In Peru, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must-do, while in Brazil, surfing and hiking in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park are both popular activities. In Argentina, skiing in the Andes Mountains is a favorite pastime, while in Paraguay, horseback riding through the countryside is a great way to explore the region.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had. In Peru, the Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is a great place to go trekking or birdwatching. In Brazil, the Chapada Diamantina National Park is a hidden gem, with stunning waterfalls and hiking trails. In Argentina, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning landscapes and traditional villages.
In Paraguay, the Chaco region is a vast wilderness that is home to indigenous communities and a wealth of wildlife, including jaguars and pumas. In Chile, the Carretera Austral is a remote and stunningly beautiful road that winds through the Andes Mountains and is perfect for adventurous road-trippers.
Natural Wonders
South America is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, and Bolivia’s neighboring countries are no exception. In Peru, the Amazon rainforest is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, while in Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are a must-visit destination.
In Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a stunning sight, while in Paraguay, the Ybycui National Park is home to a wealth of wildlife and a beautiful waterfall. In Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with stunning mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
Vibrant Nightlife
South America is famous for its lively nightlife, and each of Bolivia’s neighboring countries has its distinct party scene. In Peru, the Barranco neighborhood in Lima is a popular destination for music and dancing, while in Brazil, the Lapa neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro is a buzzing nightlife hub.
In Argentina, Buenos Aires is known for its tango clubs and live music venues, while in Paraguay, the capital, Asuncion, has a thriving nightlife scene. In Chile, Santiago is home to a wealth of bars and clubs, while the beach town of Valparaiso is known for its street art and bohemian vibe.
Local Markets
Exploring local markets is a great way to experience a country’s culture and cuisine. In Peru, the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley is a must-visit destination, while in Brazil, the Mercado Municipal in Sao Paulo is a bustling food market with plenty of local specialties to try.
In Argentina, the Feria de Mataderos in Buenos Aires is a traditional market that sells everything from handmade crafts to regional food. In Paraguay, the Mercado 4 in Asuncion is a sprawling market that sells everything from fresh produce to electronics, while in Chile, the La Vega Central in Santiago is a colorful and vibrant market that is a great place to try traditional Chilean dishes.
Beaches and Mountains
South America has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and mountains, and Bolivia’s neighboring countries are no exception. In Peru, the Mancora Beach is a popular destination for surfing and beach-goers, while in Brazil, the Ilha Grande is a stunning island with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
In Argentina, the Andes Mountains offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the world, while in Paraguay, the Ybycui National Park is home to a beautiful waterfall and plenty of hiking trails. In Chile, the Atacama Desert is one of the world’s driest and most beautiful regions, while the Andes Mountains offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the world.
Cultural Immersion
Experiencing a country’s culture is one of the most rewarding aspects of travel. In Peru, the museums and galleries in Lima are a great place to learn about the country’s rich history and art scene, while in Brazil, attending a samba school or visiting a traditional favela can give you a unique insight into the country’s culture.
In Argentina, attending a tango show or visiting a traditional estancia can be a great way to experience the country’s culture, while in Paraguay, the indigenous communities in the Chaco region offer a unique glimpse into the country’s history and traditions. In Chile, visiting a winery or attending a traditional rodeo can be a great way to experience the country’s culture and traditions.
Art and Music Scene
South America is known for its rich arts and music scene, and each of Bolivia’s neighboring countries has its unique style. In Peru, the ancient city of Cusco is home to a wealth of colonial-era architecture and traditional Peruvian music, while in Brazil, the music and dance styles of samba and bossa nova are an integral part of the country’s cultural identity.
In Argentina, the capital, Buenos Aires, is home to a thriving arts and music scene, while in Paraguay, traditional music and dance styles like polka and guarania are still popular. In Chile, the colorful street art of Valparaiso and the traditional music and dance styles of the cueca are both integral parts of the country’s cultural identity.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore a city’s history and culture. In Peru, walking tours of the historic city of Cusco are a great way to learn about the city’s Incan and colonial history, while in Brazil, walking tours of the historic city of Salvador can give you a unique insight into the country’s Afro-Brazilian culture.
In Argentina, walking tours of Buenos Aires can take you through the city’s historic neighborhoods and introduce you to the country’s rich history and culture, while in Paraguay, walking tours of Asuncion can give you a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. In Chile, walking tours of Santiago can take you through the city’s historic center and introduce you to the country’s culture and traditions.