Bolivian Myths and Legends

Share Your Bolivia Travel Stories and Photos


Bolivian Myths and Legends | Bolivian Traditions | Bolivia for Kids


Bolivian myths and legends are as colorful and extraordinary as the 36 Cultures of Bolivia. Each Bolivian culture has its own mythology and legends, many of which tell of a people's origins, beliefs or history. One of the most interesting things is to hear these legends told in a native language like Aymara or Guaraní as storytelling is often accompanied by native rituals.

Because there are so many cultures in Bolivia, there are literally hundreds of Bolivian legends. You'll see some below. You can find more Bolivian myths, or share Bolivian myths and legends you know.

Bolivian Myths and Legends

Bolivian Legends: Andean Region

The Andean Creation Myth - How the god Viracocha created the Earth

The Legend of Lake Titicaca - How Inti, the Sun god, created Lake Titicaca

The Legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo - How Inti, the Sun god, created the first humans

The Legend of Desaguadero River - A tale about the river that connects Lake Titicaca to Lake Poopo

The Legend of Illimani and Illampu - A tale of two brother moutains, 2 of the 4 highest in the Andes

The Legend of the Ekeko - The Story of the god of abundance and Paulita, an Aymara servant

The Legend of the Potato - How the father of the gods, Pachacamac, gave us the potato 10,000 years ago

The Legend of Tunupa and Colchani - How the volcano Tunupa became separated from her child, Colchani

The Legend of the Kantuta - The kantuta is one of Bolivia's two national flowers

The Legend of the Virgin of Urkupiña - The Virgin Mary appeared to a little girl and now half a million people go to see her each year

Bolivian Legends: Eastern Bolivia

The Legend of La Viudita - The story of a horrendous black widow

The Legend of El Carretón de la Otra Vida - A scary carriage from the afterlife

The Legend of the Guajojo Bird - Why was this girl turned into a bird?

The Legend of Bolivianite - The tale of Princess Anahi and the ametrine stone

The Legend of the Toborochi Tree - The story of Araverá and her husband, the Hummingbird

The Legend of El Mojon con Cara - A sweet love story that is said to be true

The Legend of Siete Calles - Why a real group of 7 streets in Santa Cruz is actually 6 now

The Legend of Isireri Lagoon - The tale of this lagoon in San Ignacio de Moxos

The Legend of the Bibosi and the Motacú - A love story of why these two trees grow intertwined

Bolivian Legends: Southern Bolivia

The Legend of the Silbaco Bird - Why this half man, half bird has a horrible screech

The Legend of the Mule Woman - Why was this woman turned into a mule?

The Legend of Imaybé and Iniguazu - How the gods saved this Chiriguano couple's child

The Legend of the Headless Priest - Was he really headless and why?

The Legend of the Little Man and the Ghost - A ghost tries to help a friend but it doesn't go well


Bolivian Myths and Legends | Bolivian Traditions | Bolivia for Kids



Click here to get a link to this page for your blog or website.

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.