Bolivia, with its rich geographic and cultural diversity, is home to a wealth of legends and myths that reflect the ancestral heritage and imagination of its inhabitants. These legends, passed down from generation to generation, capture the essence of the country’s history, culture and beliefs. One of Bolivia’s most beloved legendary figures is the Ekeko, a deity of abundance and prosperity.

The Ekeko is depicted as a tiny, cheerful man carrying a bag of provisions and various tiny objects. It is believed that, if offered a suitable tribute during carnival, he will bring good luck and prosperity to the home. Every January, at the Alasitas fair in La Paz, Bolivians buy miniatures of things they want for the year, from houses to cars, and give them to the Ekeko to bless.

In contrast to the Ekeko, the Supay represents the dark and mysterious world. In Andean mythology, the Supay is the lord of the underworld and custodian of the souls of the dead. He is represented as a demonic being with horns and fangs. Legend has it that Supay lurks in remote places, such as the mines of Potosi, where miners seek his favor to avoid disasters and dangers underground.

Lake Titicaca, one of the highest lakes in the world and shared by Bolivia and Peru, is the scene of a legend about a mysterious being known as the merman or mermaid of Titicaca. This half-human, half-fish being is said to be the protector of the lake. According to legend, when locals see him, it is an omen of good fishing and prosperity for the community. The story adds a magical touch to the lake’s already stunning natural beauty.

In the vast plains of the Bolivian puna, there is a legend that tells of a giant called the Tata Sabaya. It is said that this colossus of enormous proportions roams the region in search of adventure and protects the inhabitants of the puna from natural dangers. The story of the Tata Sabaya has been passed down from generation to generation as a way of paying homage to the vast and mysterious beauty of the Bolivian puna.