1) Madidi National Park

With its enormous natural diversity of indigenous flora and fauna, Madidi is a haven for wildlife fans and fast becoming one of Bolivia’s biggest tourist attractions. Access is via the backpacker hub of Rurrenabaque, a chilled-out jungle town, from where boats make the three-hour trip up the River Beni to the heart of the National Park. There are various ecolodges to overnight in along the route, the best of which is Chalalan, one Bolivia’s most successful ecotourism projects.

2) Samaipata

Packed on weekends and public holidays, Samaipata is the favourite weekending resort of well-to-do residents of Bolivia’s economic powerhouse city, Santa Cruz, located two hours away. There’s a strong European influence with lots of German and Swiss-run places to stay and eat, hence excellent Kaffee und Kuchen, and lots of infrastructure for a sunny weekend retreat. Nature fans use Samaipata as a base to explore the southern side of the Amboro National Park, while the archaeological ruins at El Fuerte are within easy striking distance.

3) The Jesuit Missions

To step back in time with a glimpse of colonial-era frontier towns straight out of the film The Mission, Bolivia’s Jesuit Missions are a must. The nine settlements, strung out along a rough trail in the country’s southwest towards the Brazilian border, were designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 1990 and now host world-class music and theatre festivals. The Missions remain remarkably well preserved since the Jesuits first arrived toward the end of the seventeenth century and colonised the indigenous Indians with religion and music.

4) Lake Titicaca

Sacred Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and straddles the Bolivian-Peruvian borders at an altitude of 3,820m. The lake is regarded as the birthplace of the Inca civilisation and remains home to a handful of serene, mystic islands best visited by boat tours from the region’s transport hub, Copacabana. The latter is now a bustling town and plays host to the festival of the Virgin of Copacabana, coinciding with Bolivia’s national day celebrations in August.

5) La Paz

Bolivia’s bustling, administrative capital, home to the world’s highest airport, blends big-city living with a generous dose of indigenous culture. Indeed, everywhere you look you’ll find people in traditional dress of bowler hats and layered skirts. Take the city’s pulse at street level by exploring the market area around Plaza San Francisco, or visit the compelling Coca Museum for a fresh perspective on the legendary leaf. There are also several day treks around La Paz, notably to the Valle de la Luna, to escape the bustle.

6) Coroico

If you survive the white-knuckle bus journey or high-octane mountain bike ride, this sleepy oasis is the ultimate tropical hideaway. The capital of the North Yungas, Coroico is located 119km from La Paz, making it a favourite weekend destination for Paceños, the residents of La Paz. It’s a gloriously sleepy place with some of the best mountain scenery in Bolivia and, if you want something more active, there are some great trekking options close by, most notably the pre-Incan Choro Trail.