Sunset Cruises in Bolivia

If you want to see Bolivia from a totally different angle, a sunset cruise is where it’s at. Most folks head out on Lake Titicaca, near Copacabana, when the light starts softening and the Andes throw long shadows across the water. It’s not just about the view,though those fiery skies are unforgettable,it’s how the lake feels calm and cold, the air crisp but the moment warm. And if you’re lucky on a clear day, you’ll spot bright stars twinkling just as the sun dips below the horizon.

I’ve done a few cruises from the towns around the lake, and my favorite boats are the smaller, locally-run ones where the captain knows all the quiet spots away from the crowds. Don’t be surprised if you get offered fresh coca tea or even some charango music onboard. Pro tip: head out during the dry season between May and September if you want clear skies. In the rainy season, clouds can smother the view.

Outside the lake, a handful of small operators sometimes run sunset trips along the Paraná River in the lowlands near Santa Cruz. It’s a totally different vibe,a bit wild and remote,if you want to combine river and wildlife watching with your sunset. Just ask around locally; these trips can be informal but well worth it if you enjoy the offbeat side of Bolivia.