Did you know that Bolivia is a country that has a lot to offer the traveler? Yes! Yes! As you are reading it! Located in the central-western region of South America, this country offers a wide variety of landscapes, a rich history, an important culture and ancient traditions that are worth knowing.
The Laguna Colorada, the Dalí Desert or the Sol de Mañana area are some of the main tourist destinations in the country, although not the only ones. So that you know Bolivia a little better, today we are going to talk to you about its most important cities . To do this, we are going to base ourselves on the number of inhabitants. Would you like to join us?
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The most populated city in Bolivia is Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which is the capital of the Department of Santa Cruz. Located in the east of the country, this city has emerged as Bolivia’s gateway to the world in recent years, hosting some international events. On the other hand, we want to comment that its population growth is among the fastest in South America.
The tall
The second most populous city in Bolivia is El Alto, which is located in the Department of La Paz. In fact, it is part of its metropolitan area. Considered the second highest city in the world, it has become a place of settlement for immigrants from other parts of the country, especially people from rural areas and Peru.
Peace
The third most populated city in Bolivia is Nuestra Señora de La Paz, better known as La Paz. Headquarters of the State Government, it is located in the west of the country, in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River, and surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano , among which the Illimani, the most important emblem of the city, stands out. It is important to bear in mind that it is considered one of the highest cities in the world.
Cochabamba
We must also talk about Cochabamba, capital of the homonymous department, and the third most economically important city in the country. Located in the center of Bolivia, in a valley of fertile and productive land, it is surrounded by fields of crops and valuable pre-Inca and Inca remains. In addition, you should know that it retains its viceregal personality.
Oruro
Oruro is the fifth most populous city in Bolivia and, like many other municipalities in the country, it is considered among the highest cities in the world. It is important to note that the Oruro Carnival has been declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Sucre
How could it be otherwise, we are also going to talk about Sucre, the historical and constitutional capital of the country, although not the most populated. In fact, in terms of population, it ranks sixth. We could say that Sucre summarizes the history of continental Bolivia.
Tarija
We continue our tour of the most important cities of Bolivia in Tarija, which was originally founded with the name of Villa de San Bernardo de la Frontera de Tarixa. Located in the valley of the Nuevo Guadalquivir river, the city preserves Hispanic characteristics, like many other cities of the time. In fact, it has interesting buildings of colonial architecture.
Potosi
Finally, we must talk about Potosí, also known as Villa Imperial de Potosí. It is a city in southern Bolivia, which is located at the foot of the legendary Cerro Rico mountain, where an important silver mine was located. It is important that you bear in mind that the city has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in order to protect its Cerro Rico, where uncontrolled mining activity takes place.