Sacred Sites in Bolivia
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. Below is an illustrated index of the sacred sites and religious places in Bolivia profiled so far on Sacred Destinations, listed in alphabetical order by name. Please note this list is far from comprehensive - many more great sites remain to be added. You can also view these sites on an interactive map.
 Copacabana Calvary Hill is lined with 14 Stations of the Cross built in the 1950s for pilgrims. The summit provides fine views of Lake Titicaca and makes a nice place to watch the sunset.  Cochabamba Since 1995, a small statue of Christ has wept bloody tears on Good Friday. A number of investigations have been carried out, and the phenomenon remains unexplained. You can even watch a video of the event.  Cochabamba Consecrated in 2000, this is one of several LDS temples dotted throughout South America. Only Mormons with an official temple recommend may enter.  Cochabamba Just a few centimeters higher than Christ the Redeemer in Rio, the Cristo de la Concordia in Cochabamba is believed to be the largest statue of Christ in the world.  Copacabana A Pre-Inca site despite its popular name, this trilithic gate perched on the hillside is surrounded by pierced rocks that permit the sun's rays to shine onto the lintel during the solstices.  La Paz Originally built in the 16th century, this church is notable for its intricately carved facade, one the finest examples of Baroque-Mestizo architecture in the Americas.  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.  A unique archaeological site in the mountains of central Bolivia, El Fuerte de Samaipata is a stone hill carved with a wide variety of animal and geometric figures.  This ancient city was the capital of a powerful pre-Inca civilization that dominated the Andean region between 500 and 900 AD. Its monumental remains include several temples, a pyramid, symbolic gates, monoliths and carvings.  Copacabana This sparkling white basilica is home to a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary made by an Inca craftsman in 1576. The patron saint of Bolivia, the Virgin of Copacabana receives many pilgrims and festivals in her honor.  La Paz One of the most unique sights in La Paz is this outdoor market, which sells figurines, herbal remedies, dried frogs and llama fetuses for Aymara rituals and spells. |
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