Best time to travel to Bolivia

Blooming Cacti in Bolivia

Whether in the dry lowland or wet Andean Altiplano, Bolivian cacti thrive everywhere

Best time: September–October

Blooming Cacti
Blooming Cacti
Blooming Cacti
Blooming Cacti
Blooming Cacti

In the east, there are wet lowlands, and the west—the dry and the formidable Andes, but Bolivian cacti seem to do well in any climate zone. These plants are found everywhere starting from the lowland Santa Cruz where cacti are less diverse and less frequent, to the hillsides of Bolivian Andes which are more abundant in cacti varieties. Lake Titikaka is particularly abundant featuring Neowerdermannia, Sulcorebutia, Corryocactus, Orecereus, and other cacti species. The areas of Oruro, Potosi, and Tarija are also splendid. The most widespread varieties of Andean cacti include Lobivia, Sulcorebutia, Rebutia, and others. Though flora and fauna hiking tours run throughout the entire dry season from May to October, if you prefer to see the cacti of Bolivia in their prime you should opt for September and October which is a ​blooming season.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Bolivia to see blooming cacti?

The dry season in Bolivia from September to October is the best time to see cacti in full bloom. Cacti species such as Neowerdermannia, Sulcorebutia, Corryocactus, and Orecercus can be found around Lake Titikaka where the highest concentration of cacti in Bolivia is located. You can also find cacti in areas such as Oruro, Potosi, and Tarija. Show more

What are the most common types of cacti found in Bolivia?

Bolivia has a diverse range of cacti species. Common species include Lobivia, Sulcorebutia, and Rebutia, and their availability depends on the region. The hillsides of Bolivian Andes are more abundant in cacti varieties than the lowland Santa Cruz. Show more

Where can I find the highest concentration of cacti in Bolivia?

Lake Titikaka has the highest concentration of cacti in Bolivia and is home to various endemic cacti species. Other areas where cacti can be observed include Oruro, Potosi, and Tarija. Nonetheless, cacti are found in most parts of Bolivia including the dry lowlands and the wet Andean Altiplano. Show more

Can I join a flora and fauna hiking tour to see the cacti during the wet season?

Flora and fauna hiking tours to see cacti in Bolivia run throughout the dry season from May to October. However, blooming cacti are rare to observe during the wet season. Therefore, to have a better chance to witness cacti in full bloom, it is advisable to participate in hiking tours during the dry season. Show more

What are some other attractions to see while visiting areas of Bolivia with abundant cacti?

In addition to cacti, Bolivia has various attractions to visit. National parks in Bolivia are home to distinct animal species like the Andean condor and Vicuña. Trekking opportunities, culture-rich towns, La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, and Cerro Rico in Potosi are among the other attractions to experience during your visit to cacti-abundant regions of Bolivia. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin