Bolivia’s Best Superfoods
october 2025
Back in La Paz, Let’s Talk Food
We’re back in La Paz, and today we’re talking about something I get super excited about, food! And not just any food, but superfoods from Bolivia. You know, those special ingredients that are packed with nutrients and meant to make you feel a little stronger, a little healthier. I’m sure wherever you are in the world you’ve tried some exotic superfood to boost your health, maybe goji berries, golden milk, or maca powder in a smoothie. But here in Bolivia, these aren’t trends, they’re part of everyday life and have been for centuries. Walking through the markets here, I love seeing all the colorful grains, roots, and fruits, they almost tell the story of the Andes and the Amazon in one place. So come along with me, because today we’re diving into Bolivia’s best superfoods and where you can try them for yourself.
A Little Bonus Before We Dive In
But just a little thing before we continue, we have something new going on with Travel del Mundo: Tea with a Cholita. This is a beautiful little Monday moment where you can take part in a traditional experience right here in La Paz. We sit down together for tea with traditional food, listen to stories, learn about herbs, cholita culture, food, and customs. There’s even a chance to try on traditional clothes! Best of all, you get the opportunity to ask those questions that always come up when we meet people from other cultures. More info here!
Bolivia’s Superfood Secrets
Back to Bolivia and its superfood. Bolivia is full of surprises, and its food is no exception. Some of the world’s favorite superfoods, like quinoa, have been grown here for thousands of years. Walk through a Bolivian market and you’ll see colorful grains, roots, and fruits that look like they came straight out of a storybook. These are part of everyday life for the people who live in the Andes and the Amazon. From energizing roots to vitamin packed fruits, each one has its own history and way of being prepared. Trying them is a delicious way to connect with the country’s culture and traditions. So grab a bag, head to the market, and get ready to taste Bolivia’s superfood secrets.
Ancient Grains that Fuel the Andes
Bolivia’s highlands are home to some of the most powerful grains in the world. As said, these aren’t just trendy health foods, they’ve been part of Andean life for centuries, giving energy to farmers, travelers, and anyone living at altitude.
Quinoa – The star of the altiplano! Harvested in May and June, when the fields turn red, gold, and purple, a breathtaking sight if you happen to pass through during that season. It’s packed with protein and appears in everything from soups to salads to quinoa burgers.
Kañiwa – Quinoa’s smaller cousin with a nutty flavor and no bitter layer, which means you don’t have to rinse it before cooking. Locals often toast it for breakfast or make it into a warm porridge on cold mornings.
Amaranth (Tarwi) – Creamy, slightly nutty, and full of protein, this grain is used in soups, stews, and even desserts. It’s a favorite in traditional Andean cooking.
Colorful Roots & Power Plants
The Andes are full of brightly colored roots and plants that have been part of local diets for centuries. They’re tasty, full of nutrients, and give you a real glimpse into how people eat in the highlands.
Maca – Known as the “Andean energy root,” maca is often sold as a powder in markets and added to smoothies or hot drinks. Locals swear by it for extra strength, perfect if you’re spending days exploring at altitude.
Oca, Isaño & Papalisa – These colorful tubers come in reds, yellows, and purples and are often boiled or cooked with cheese. They add a sweet or tangy twist to meals and look beautiful on a plate.
Coca Leaves – Not a superfood in the trendy sense, but a true Andean essential. Locals chew coca leaves or drink coca tea to help with altitude, and they’re packed with minerals.
Superfruits from the Amazon & Yungas
Bolivia’s lower valleys and Amazon region are full of fruits that taste like sunshine and rain at the same time. They’re fresh, colorful, and packed with vitamins, perfect for keeping your energy up while traveling.
Açaí – Known worldwide, but here it’s fresher and often turned into thick, icy bowls or juices. It’s full of antioxidants and feels like a tropical treat.
Camu Camu – A tiny sour fruit with an incredible amount of vitamin C, one of the highest of any fruit in the world. Locals use it in juices or smoothies to boost the immune system.
Copuazú & Achachairú – These exotic fruits are sweet, tangy, and so refreshing. Copuazú is from the cacao family, with a creamy flavor, while achachairú is a little citrusy and almost addictive once you start eating it.
How to Taste Bolivia’s Superfoods
One of my favorite things to do in La Paz is wander through the morning markets and try something new. The vendors are usually happy to tell you what it is, where it comes from, and often even hand you a small taste. If you want to go a little deeper, joining a guided market tour is a great way to learn the names in Spanish or Aymara, discover how locals cook with these ingredients, and ask all your curious questions along the way.
We’re also bringing these superfoods into the menus at Café del Mundo and Tambo, so you can try as many as possible while you’re here, from quinoa bowls to maca smoothies and more. Around the city, many local cafés and restaurants get creative with Andean grains and Amazon fruits too: think quinoa burgers, amaranth desserts, or a bright camu camu juice.
And if you fall in love with something, it’s easy to take a little piece of Bolivia home with you. At Rodríguez Market, you can buy superfoods like quinoa, amaranth, or maca by the handful, or head to supermarkets, small health shops, or souvenir stores around Sagárnaga Street for nicely packaged bags, perfect for souvenirs (just skip the coca leaves). Tasting these ingredients, whether on a market stroll or in a cozy café, is one of the simplest ways to connect with Bolivia’s land and traditions.
Taste the Story
Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, you’ll get a free eBook about traveling in Bolivia, plus weekly news, tips, and discounts. This week we even have a special superfood deal you won’t want to miss! I hope you feel superfood-inspired, and wherever you are in the world, take a look at what superfoods your own country has to offer. They’re not just good for your body, they teach you so much about the country, its history, and its traditions.
📥 Download our little checklist and discover superfoods from around the world, tick off the ones you’ve tried and get inspired for your next trip!
Hope to see you soon in La Paz and at Café del Mundo, or write to us anytime with your travel questions. We love helping you plan your Bolivian adventure.
