9. Bolivia’s Oruro Carnival is a UNESCO World Heritage event
Bolivia’s Oruro Carnival is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to its interesting mix of religious and cultural traditions. The Carnival was initially an Indigenous celebration of Andean gods that was later incorporated into Roman Catholic celebrations of the Virgin Mary.
- Dates (2026): Feb 9–18 | 2027: Feb 24–Mar 5
- Location: Oruro City, which can be reached by bus or train from larger cities such as La Paz or Cochabamba.
Travel Tips: Book your accommodations in advance and arrive a few days earlier to get used to the high altitude. If you want to get the best view of the Diablada (Dance of the Devils), then head to Avenida 6 de Agosto.
10. Bolivia has one of the world’s most dangerous roads
The Yungas Road in Bolivia, also known as the “Death Road,” is a narrow, winding path that connects La Paz to the Amazon basin. It was once the only road linking the two locations but there are now safer options. During its peak, 200 to 300 people per year died on the road.
While the road is popular with thrill-seekers, Rustic Pathways does not travel down that road.
11. Bolivia enshrined being a plurinational state into its 17th constitution
Bolivia declared itself a plurinational state with the creation of its 17th constitution in 2009. A plurinational state is one that recognizes the existence and rights of multiple nations and cultures within a single country.
The constitution strengthened the rights of Bolivia’s indigenous peoples, helping to preserve their traditions and languages.
12. Bolivia’s San Pedro prison is not a typical system
The San Pedro Prison in La Paz has a weird system where families live together inside the prison. Housing is rented or purchased, with monthly costs reaching up to 1,100 Bolivianos ($159).
Businesses can also be managed inside the prison. Restaurants and barber services are among the most common, though many engage in illegal activities such as producing drugs.
Democratic elections for inmate committees also take place to determine who will manage which sections and who will handle budgets.
Because parents (inmates) want to keep the family together, children live with them in the prisons. Approximately 200 children live in the prison and attend nearby schools.
The prison’s unusual internal economy and family living arrangements have made it one of Bolivia’s most widely discussed social curiosities.
13. The ancient ruins of Tiwanaku are located in Bolivia
The ancient ruins of Tiwanaku are one of the most important archaeological sites in Bolivia, located near Lake Titicaca. The ruins are of particular importance as this ancient civilization predates the Inca Empire and shows the engineering and architectural feats of Bolivia’s early Indigenous people.
Some of the stone structures and statues date back to 1500 BCE.
14. Bolivia has the largest indigenous population in Latin America
Bolivia has the highest percentage of Indigenous population in Latin America, with up to 62% of the country’s population identifying as Indigenous.
These are the top 5 Latin American countries with the highest percentage of indigenous populations:
![Fun facts about Bolivia. These are the top 5 Latin American countries with the highest percentage of indigenous populations: Bolivia: 40-62% Guatemala: 40-50% Peru: 25-30% Ecuador: 25% Colombia: 10-15%.]()
15. Cerro Rico was once the richest place in the world
Cerro Rico in Potosí was once the world’s largest silver deposit and the richest place in the world. Also known as Rich Mountain, Spanish colonizers mined silver through forced labor from 1545, killing millions of indigenous people.
The mountain’s silver funded much of the Spanish Empire, with an estimated 45,000 tons extracted during colonial rule. At its peak in the late 16th century, Potosí was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world, with a population exceeding that of Paris.
Now empty of silver, the mountain continues to be mined for tin and zinc. UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage site but also placed it on their “in danger” list. The mining that has taken place in the caves has weakened its foundations and is now prone to collapsing.
16. Bolivia is the world’s largest exporter of Brazil nuts and this is protecting the rainforest
Bolivia is the world’s largest exporter of Brazil nuts, known round those parts as “almendra” or “castaña”. The Brazil nut industry employs over 15,000 people directly and generates over $200 million in annual exports.
Brazil nuts grow wild in the Amazon rainforest, especially in the northern Pando Department. They cannot be effectively grown in plantations so require the Amazon rainforest to thrive.
This preserves large chunks of forest, as local communities have an economic incentive to maintain the natural ecosystem and grow Brazil nuts.
How to Turn These Bolivia Facts Into a Travel Plan
If you are researching Bolivia because you are interested in Andean history, mountain culture, or Indigenous heritage, use this page as a starting point rather than an endpoint.
Look at which Bolivia facts caught your attention most. If you are drawn to Inca history, high-altitude landscapes, and living cultural traditions, compare Bolivia with nearby destinations in the Andes and wider South America.
Families who are still deciding can review the full list of 2026 student travel programs to compare destinations side by side.
References:
BBC
South American Jets
UNESCO
Visit Latin America
