Travel Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country in Central South America. It is surrounded by Brazil to the northeast, Peru to the northwest, Chile to the southeast, Argentina and Paraguay to the south. It shares control of Lake Titicaca (Lago Titicaca), the world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru.

Sometimes referred to as the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia is one of the most remote countries in the western hemisphere. It is also the most indigenous, with 60% of its population being of pure Native American ancestry.

Bolivia tourism board invitation

Bolivia is truly a fascinating place to visit. With its spectacular scenery, varied climatic zones, plethora of flora and fauna, diversity of peoples, and interesting history, this country that stretches from the Andes to the Amazon, provides many opportunities for the business, student, or vacation traveler. Some of the more compelling reasons to visit Bolivia include:

1. Uniqueness: Como Bolivia no hay dos is the Bolivian way of saying in Spanish that there is no other place in the world quite like Bolivia.

2. Geography and Climate: Although located near the equator, because of acute variations in altitude, every climate from alpine to subtropical exists in Bolivia. Snowcapped peaks pierce the clouds and reach more than 20,000 feet while Bolivia's portion of the steamy Amazon basin is barely above sea level.

3. Indigenous Nation: Bolivia's indigenous people have not only survived but constitute the vast majority of the population.

4. Diversity: Among Bolivia's indigenous people there are the major groups such as the Quechua (descendents of the Incas), Aymara, and Guaraní as well as many smaller bands such as the Uru-Chipaya, Chiquitanos, and Mojos.

5. History: Bolivia's pre-Columbian history predates the establishment of the Tiahuanaco civilization, founded around in the first century BC on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Later of course came the Incas and then the Spanish.

6. Authentic and Unspoiled: Visitors are still able to see virtually untouched forests, high plains, rivers, lakes, marshlands, mountain valleys, and towering peaks in a country larger than Texas and California combined. In addition, the majority of Bolivia's indigenous peoples, and even immigrants, continue to speak their native languages and practice their heritage cultures even though many are able communicate also in Spanish and participate in mainstream Bolivian society.

7. Culture: Everywhere you go in Bolivia the native music, arts, and handicrafts are in view. Andean music is especially unique and interesting.

8. Affordable: Travel in Bolivia for the most part is a real bargain. Although airline fairs to Bolivia can be a bit steep, once you arrive, you will be treated to world-class services at inexpensive rates.

9. Adventure: The highest ski lift, golf course, and swimming pool in the world are all found in and around La Paz. Trekking in Bolivia is exceptional. Chose between ancient Inca trails or newly scouted Andean paths. More adventurous mountain climbers can test their abilities on some of the Andes' most challenging peaks such as Sajama, Illampu or Illimani. There are safaris and hunting trips in the Amazon basin by boat or four-wheel drive vehicles. Participate in eco-tourism with a visit to one of Bolivia's national parks such as Madidi, Noel Kempf, or Amboró.

10. Third World But Safe: Bolivia is, of course, a paradox. It is the most indigenous and poorest nation in South America. Many of the very attractions that draw visitors to Bolivia in the first place (e.g., the virgin forest habitats and traditional indigenous culture) exist not only because of the country's isolation but also in part because Bolivia has failed to develop economically and politically.

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