List of Bolivia’s Largest Towns and Cities

The Largest Towns and Cities in Bolivia, based on population are

  1. Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Santa Cruz) – 1,453,549
  2. El Alto (La Paz) – 848,840
  3. La Paz (La Paz) – 764,617
  4. Cochabamba (Cochabamba) – 630,587
  5. Oruro (Oruro) – 264,683
  6. Sucre (Chuquisaca) – 259,388
  7. Tarija (Tarija) – 205,346
  8. Potosí (Potosí) – 189,652
  9. Sacaba (Cochabamba) – 169,494
  10. Quillacollo (Cochabamba) – 137,029
  11. Montero (Santa Cruz) – 109,518
  12. Trinidad (Beni) – 106,422
  13. Warnes (Santa Cruz) – 96,406
  14. Yacuíba (Tarija) – 91,998
  15. La Guardia (Santa Cruz) – 89,080
  16. Riberalta (Beni) – 89,003
  17. Viacha (La Paz) – 80,388
  18. Villa Tunari (Cochabamba) – 72,623
  19. Cobija (Pando) – 55,692
  20. Tiquipaya (Cochabamba) – 53,062

Key Notes

  • About 67% of Bolivians live in urban areas.
  • Urbanization is growing at roughly 2.5% per year.
  • Most large cities are located in the western and central highlands, although Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the country’s largest and fastest-growing city.

Bolivia’s Urban Population and Major Cities

Bolivia has a steadily growing urban population, with approximately 67% of its people living in cities and towns. While this is one of the lower urbanization rates in South America, it continues to increase at an estimated 2.5% per year, driven by internal migration and economic opportunities in major urban centers.

The country’s largest cities are unevenly distributed across its territory. Most major urban centers are located in the western and central highlands, reflecting historical patterns linked to mining, colonial administration, and political power. However, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, located in the eastern lowlands, stands out as Bolivia’s largest and fastest-growing city, serving as the nation’s economic engine.

Bolivia’s urban landscape is dominated by a few metropolitan hubs:

  • Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the most populous city and a major center for commerce, agriculture, and industry.
  • El Alto and La Paz form a unique high-altitude metropolitan area that functions as the political and administrative heart of the country.
  • Cochabamba acts as a central connector between the highlands and lowlands, with a strong focus on trade and agriculture.

Departmental capitals such as Sucre, Oruro, Potosí, Tarija, Trinidad, and Cobija serve as regional administrative and cultural centers, while medium-sized cities like Sacaba, Quillacollo, Montero, and Warnes reflect expanding suburban growth around larger metropolitan areas.

Overall, Bolivia’s cities highlight a contrast between traditional highland centers and rapidly expanding lowland cities, illustrating the country’s ongoing economic and demographic transformation.

Bolivia’s Largest Cities and Towns

Bolivia’s largest cities and towns grouped by department

Chuquisaca

  • Sucre – 259,388

Cochabamba

  • Cochabamba – 630,587
  • Sacaba – 169,494
  • Quillacollo – 137,029
  • Villa Tunari – 72,623
  • Tiquipaya – 53,062

La Paz

  • El Alto – 848,840
  • La Paz – 764,617
  • Viacha – 80,388

Oruro

  • Oruro – 264,683

Potosí

  • Potosí – 189,652

Tarija

  • Tarija – 205,346
  • Yacuíba – 91,998

Santa Cruz

  • Santa Cruz de la Sierra – 1,453,549
  • Montero – 109,518
  • Warnes – 96,406
  • La Guardia – 89,080

Beni

  • Trinidad – 106,422
  • Riberalta – 89,003

Pando

  • Cobija – 55,692

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