Bolivia

Bolivia Travel Guide
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Flights to South America
Landlocked Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America. It is also the most indigenous country on the continent, with more than 50% of the population maintaining traditional values and beliefs. Bolivia displays diverse geographical environments of outstanding contrasts, from the highly populated altiplano plateau at 3500 metres, to the highland valleys, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon rainforest, all overshadowed by the icy peaks of the Andes.

Due to its relatively sparse population, lack of development and diverse geography, Bolivia is one of the best places on the continent to see South American wildlife, such as the rare spectacled bear, jaguar, vicuña, llama, alpaca, anteater, tapir, capybara, turtle, alligator, rhea and condor.

Bolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the mind-blowing Andean landscapes and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilisations make it the richest and most exciting destination for adventurous and independent travellers. 

 


Bolivia Fast Facts
Country name: Republic of Bolivia
Population: 9.7 million
Capital: La Paz
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
People: 30% Quechua Indian, 25% Mestizo, 30% Aymará Indian, 15% European
Religion: Roman Catholic
Currency: Bolivano
Time Zone: 16 hours behind New Zealand (17 hours with daylight saving)
Electricity: Current is 220V, 50HZ, Plug is a 2 point round-pin adaptor

Bolivia Hot Spots
La Paz
La Paz, the highest capital city in the world at 4km above sea level is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains and is home to more than a million Bolivians. People congregate around the Iglesia de San Francisco with its blend of Mestizo and Spanish styles.

Behind the church is the Witches’ Market where you can buy a bizarre assortment of potions, silver jewellery and sweets. Just outside of La Paz is the Valle de la Luna, an eroded hillside maze of miniature canyons and pinnacles, and the historical centre of Tiahuanaco, Bolivia’s most important archaeological site, where to this day, they are still finding ancient archeological artifacts.
Copacabana & Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is huge, with an indented shoreline, 36 islands and exceptionally clear sapphire-blue water. Lake Titicaca is revered by the Indians who live on its shores. The Island of the Sun and Island of the Moon, two islands in the lake, are the legendary sites of the Inca’s creation myths. Suriqui Island is world-renowned for its totora reed boats and Kalahuta Island for its stone tombs.

The main Bolivian town on the shores of Lake Titicaca is Copacabana, most famous for its 16th century shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana.
Uyuni Salt Flats
This 12,000 sq km saltpan at an altitude of 3650m was once part of a prehistoric salt lake which covered most of southwestern Bolivia. It’s estimated to contain 10 billion tons of fine salt reserves and produces 19,700 tons per year, largely using traditional methods.

The Island of fishermen, which is considered an unusual name when there is no water or fish, is in the middle of the saltpan, has spectacular stands of cactus and is home to a stranded colony of vizcachas (a rodent related to the chinchilla). The village of Uyuni, southeast of the saltpan, is a good base for excursions.
Sucre & Potosi
Sucre is a living expression of both colonial and modern times. The Cathedral, museums, churches and galleries of La Recoleta offer fine examples of history and colonial and modern art.

A three hour drive from Sucre, Potosi is a famous colonial city with turquoise lakes and the peak of Huayna Potosí, it was also a source of silver during colonial times. The rich mountain towers over the city and, according to legend, it has produced enough silver to build a solid silver bridge from Potosi to Madrid. A visit to Sucre and Potosi will take you back to the 17th century.

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