Map of Bolivia – Departments, Cities & Location Guide
Explore Bolivia with this interactive map of its nine departments, major cities, Andean mountains, high-altitude lakes and Amazon lowlands. Use it to locate La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the Salar de Uyuni and neighbouring South American countries.
Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America. Its landscapes range from the Altiplano and Andes in the west to valleys, forests and tropical plains in the east and north.
Bolivia borders Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay. Sucre is its constitutional capital, while La Paz is the seat of government. Bolivia has nine departments, including La Paz, Santa Cruz and PotosÃ.
Interactive map | Departments | Landmarks | FAQs
Zoom and drag to explore cities, departments, lakes, mountain ranges and international borders.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Place names and boundaries may change.
Where Is Bolivia Located?
Bolivia is in central South America, with Peru and Chile to the west, Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the south-east and Argentina to the south. Unlike its coastal neighbours, Bolivia has no ocean coastline.
The country has three broad landscape zones: the high Andes and Altiplano, the temperate inter-Andean valleys, and the lower Amazon and eastern plains. These differences matter when interpreting distances, terrain and transport routes on the map.
Bolivia's Nine Departments
| Department | Administrative centre and map reference |
|---|---|
| La Paz | La Paz; Andean highlands and Lake Titicaca. |
| Chuquisaca | Sucre; historic capital and valleys. |
| Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz de la Sierra; eastern plains. |
| Cochabamba | Cochabamba; central valleys. |
| Potosà | PotosÃ; southern highlands and Salar de Uyuni. |
| Oruro | Oruro; western Altiplano. |
| Tarija | Tarija; southern valleys and Chaco areas. |
| Beni | Trinidad; northern lowland rivers and plains. |
| Pando | Cobija; northern Amazon forests. |
Department boundaries are administrative, while the landscape regions above overlap them. Zoom in to identify towns and individual routes.
Major Cities and Landmarks on the Map
- La Paz and El Alto: A high-altitude urban area with major government offices and transport connections.
- Sucre: The constitutional capital, known for its historic centre.
- Santa Cruz de la Sierra: A major eastern urban and commercial centre.
- Salar de Uyuni: An extensive salt flat in south-western Bolivia, within Potosà Department.
- Lake Titicaca: A high-altitude lake shared with Peru.
- Tiwanaku: An archaeological site near Lake Titicaca.
- Madidi National Park: A protected area in the north-west, spanning varied elevations and habitats.
Understanding Boliviaâs Landscapes
The western Altiplano is a broad elevated plateau with cold nights and striking views of the Andes. Further east, the valleys around Cochabamba and Sucre have different terrain and climate. In the north, the Amazon basin includes extensive rivers and forest, while the Gran Chaco influences parts of the south-east. Map labels may show both Spanish and Indigenous place names, and spellings can differ across references.
Roads, Airports and Getting Around
Main roads connect La Paz, Oruro, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Mountains, altitude, weather and long distances can affect journeys. Important air gateways include El Alto International Airport, Viru Viru International Airport near Santa Cruz and Jorge Wilstermann International Airport at Cochabamba.
Bolivia also has railway networks, but they do not form a single comprehensive passenger system. Check current operating services and local conditions before planning travel.
Travelling between cities may involve steep mountain roads or extensive lowland routes. A short straight-line distance does not necessarily indicate a short journey, particularly when crossing the Andes or travelling to remote protected areas.
What This Bolivia Map Can Help You Explore
- Locate the country's nine departments and major cities.
- Compare the Andes, valleys, Altiplano and eastern lowlands.
- Find Lake Titicaca, Salar de Uyuni and national parks.
- See where Bolivia meets its five neighbouring countries.
- Understand broad road corridors and distances between regions.
Related Maps and Location Guides
Bolivia Map FAQs
Where is Bolivia on the world map?
Bolivia is in central South America, between Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay.
What is the capital of Bolivia?
Sucre is the constitutional capital; La Paz is the seat of government.
How many departments does Bolivia have?
Bolivia has nine departments, including Santa Cruz, La Paz and PotosÃ.
Does Bolivia have a coastline?
No. Bolivia is landlocked, although it has major lakes and rivers.
Where is the Salar de Uyuni?
The salt flat lies in south-western Bolivia in Potosà Department.
Is Lake Titicaca entirely in Bolivia?
No. Lake Titicaca is shared by Bolivia and Peru.
Can this map provide driving directions?
It is intended for geographic exploration. Use current navigation and official travel information for journeys.
Disclaimer
For general geographic information only. Maps, boundaries, roads and landmarks may be inaccurate or outdated. Do not rely on this page for navigation, emergencies or official decisions. Check current travel conditions. External sites are independent; links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.