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Like its northern neighbor Peru, Bolivia was once home to the Incas, who left their characteristically impressive sacred architecture scattered across the rugged landscape. But even before the rise of the Inca, Bolivia hosted a variety of ancient cultures like the Viracocha, who revered the sacred lake of Titicaca and honored the sun and moon with stone temples.
When the Spanish arrived in the area in the 16th century, they brought Roman Catholicism with them. Today, 95% of Bolivia's 9 million people are Catholic and Bolivian cities are full of splendid Spanish-style churches.
Yet the old gods and traditions still live on. In many rural areas, and traditional cities like fascinating La Paz, sacrifices are still made to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and witchcraft is a common means of dealing with life's problems. And, as in many places around the world, ancient pagan symbols and rituals intertwine with new religious symbols and rituals in places like church art and colorful religious festivals.
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Bolivia Map Our interactive satellite map of Bolivia, with cities and sacred sites located. Plus: printable Bolivia maps and links to more maps. |
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Bolivia Sacred Sites List Our index of mysterious sites, ancient temples, notable churches, miraculous statues and other religious places in Bolivia. |
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Bolivia Books and Travel Maps A hand-selected virtual bookstore of travel guides, history books and travel maps related to Bolivia. |
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Bolivia Travel Forums Get travel advice and insider tips on travel in Bolivia from fellow travelers. |
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Cochabamba A large and lively city, Cochabamba's religious sights include a statue of Christ whose weeping defies explanation, and the largest statue of Christ in the world. |
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Copacabana This holy city on the shores of Lake Titicaca in northwestern Bolivia was once sacred to the Incas and is now famed as the home of the miraculous statue of La Virgen de la Candelaria, the patron saint of Bolivia. |
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Lake Titicaca This sacred lake, which is among the highest and deepest lakes in the world, lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia. The Incas believed it was from here that Viracocha rose up to create the first humans. |
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La Paz This fascinating city keeps its native traditions alive, including the practice of witchcraft and a colorful style of dress that includes petticoats and bowler hats. Its church is a fusion of native and Catholic art. |
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Samaipata This intriguing ancient site, dubbed "The Fort" by the Spanish, includes a large stone hill covered in mysterious carvings. It has been designated a World Heritage Site. |
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Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) Another of Bolivia's World Heritage Sites, the temples, megaliths, and intriguing sculptures of Tiwanaku were created by pre-Incan people. The city was later holy to the Incas, who believed it to be the site of creation. |
