Bolivia
Every person wants to enjoy their vacation to the fullest and Bolivia would be the aptest place for this purpose as there are many tourist places in Bolivia. Located amidst the mountains and forests of South America, Bolivia is one of prettiest countries in the world. The elements of nature in Bolivia are so beautiful that one gets a feeling as they are in heaven. Bolivia is home to the largest forest in the world, the Amazon Forest. Amazon rainforest is the richest forest in the world with respect to kinds of species in a forest. One can find different species of insects, plants, mammals, and birds in here. Bolivia is renowned for its highlands.
Bolivia has several highlands and lowlands which are a spectacle to watch. One can go for trekking on hills in Bolivia. Activity such as trekking is multi-purpose as they provide people the much-required thrill they look for when they travel to hills. It also gives them immense joy when they finish their trek. The panoramic view of the picturesque scenic beauty one gets to see from the top is breathtaking. Salt flats are the solid surface made when salt and minerals dissolve in water. Salt flats are very rare to find and the Uyuni Salt Flats are the pride of Bolivia.
Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat is probably the best and the largest salt flat in the world. Bolivia has a very rich culture. It is a diverse country where people follow different religions and speak different languages. Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the country. Bolivia should be on every traveler’s list because one gets to witness nature closest here. The wide variety of flora and fauna makes the tourist places in Bolivia even more interesting.
Bolivia FAQ's
Travel advice
You need a passport of at least six months of validity before you start your travel to this country. European, Australian, and Canadian nationals do not require a visa if they are visiting Bolivia as a tourist. U.S nationals do require a visa.
You can take cruise trips and air travel to most of the cities in Bolivia.
Handshake is customary when greeting locals in Bolivia.
Bolivians have the habit of standing close when conversing.
Always make direct eye contact when talking, as it is considered untrustworthy if you do not make eye contact while talking.
Never eat anything with fingers. Even finger foods and fruits are eaten with fork and knife.
You must eat everything on your plate as it is considered polite.
After you finish dining at anybody’s home stay for 30 minutes at least, before you leave.
Do not wear shorts when touring in Bolivian cities.
Do not discuss political issues or share your opinions on them.
Bolivians are warm and friendly and appreciate the same attitude of the tourists.
When travelling at higher altitudes, chew cocoa leaves to reduce altitude sickness.
Take Spanish lessons at any learning centre in Bolivia.
Do not wear expensive clothes, accessories, or jewellery when travelling to Bolivia. Carry as less as possible.
Always keep your travel documents and travel insurance with you.
Do not use ATMs at night if you want to prevent armed robbery.
Do not entertain strangers who drop cash at your feet and ask you to check your wallet for dropped cashed. This is a scam to accuse you of theft or rob your wallet.
Only show documents to officers in uniforms. Many thieves scam tourists posing as police offers asking to check their cash for counterfeit notes and rob them of their valuables.
Drinking Law
The legal drinking age in Bolivia is 18 years of age. You are required to show Ids at bars and clubs if you want to drink.
Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?
Landscapes, colonial cities, and rainforests
Visit La Paz to get a closer glimpse of its indigenous culture and vibrant markets. Visit Lake Titicaca for trekking, camping, and mountain biking. Visit Tiwanaku for sightseeing monuments made in sandstone, and get a view of the pre-Columbian and Inca history. The Salar de Uyuni and the Reserva de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa has the largest salt lake where you can spot flamingos. You can visit this lake for its exotic beauty. Visit the silver mines at Potosí and take a breathtaking view of their colonial architecture. This place has a tragic history. Sucre, the capital city of Bolivia has spring-like pleasant climate throughout the year. Visit this city for its historical sites and architecture. The Jesuit missions of Chiquitos has many churches and a fascinating history. Get a glimpse of biodiversity at the Rurrenabaque and the Amazon.
Wildlife and nature
Pink silver dolphins can be spotted in one of the most popular national parks in Bolivia, in Parque Nacional Madidi. Take a look at the biodiversity of the flora and fauna present at this park. You can take a look at exotic species of birds and animals at Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado. The Parque Nacional Amboró has 300 species of birds, the most exotic place for bird watching. You can take walking trails and treks at Yungas, Cordillera Real and Cordillera Apolobamba.
Sightseeing, music, civilization
Peña showcases live traditional Andean music. The musical instruments like, zampoña and charango are used. Get an insight into the mysterious civilizations that existed in the history when you visit Tiwanaku. The Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, Lake Titicaca has many sacred islands that are important to people who follow the Andean tradition. This is considered to be the birthplace of sun and moon. You can visit monasteries, churches, colonial buildings, and museums in Sucre. Get the bizarre view of folk medicines at the Witches market in Mercado de Hechicería, La Paz.
Trekking, water sports, and camping
Trekking and camping is free in most of the Bolivia. You can choose your own trekking and camping site and take care of your safety. If the area involves locals, take their permission before you camp at that site. The Sorata town in La Paz offers many places for trekking. You can take a three day trip and trek at various sites and explore these places. You can visit Coroico for rafting, canoeing, waterfalls, and hiking. You can visit the Isla del So for its Inca history. You can take walking and trekking trails at this place. You can visit Irupana for paragliding.
What you will like there?
Sightseeing, history, and culture
Bolivia is one of the most misunderstood countries of South America. You will love the exotic indigenous culture, traditions, and customs of this place. You will also enjoy shopping and music that is distinct compared to other places in America. Inca civilization is fascinating and a crowd puller. Global tourists visit Bolivia to get a taste of Inca civilization.
Wildlife and landscapes
You can get a glimpse of many exotic species of mammals and birds in various national parks and rainforests. You can explore the Amazon basin, live in the hammocks and stay close to wildlife and nature. Most of these trips are free. You can get a view of the world’s largest living rodent, capybara in this part of South America. There are many birds like kingfishers, hoatzin, and eagles that you can spot at the Amazon basin.
Recommended reads for destination
Website
http://www.boliviabella.com/tourism.html
Forum
https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/south-america/bolivia/culture-and-etiquette/
Books
Lost Ancient Technology Of Peru And Bolivia by Brien Foerster
When is the best time to visit Bolivia?
Bolivia is one of those countries where not many people go for a vacation. The reason for this might be climatic extremes of the country. The weather condition in the country varies more the altitude than with seasons, therefore there is no particular time which is ideal to visit the country. The month wise break up for conditions in Bolivia are:
November to March- These are the wet months of Bolivia. Bolivia receives a lot of rainfall during this time. But the temperature is also very low during this time, making it suitable for people who cannot handle the heat. The roads are generally washed off by rain in these months, making it very difficult for tourists to travel.
April to October- These are the most popular time of Bolivia and majority of the people come to Bolivia during these months only. The weather is pretty dry and is quite warm also. The condition of the roads is also very nice during this time as they are not washed off by rain, making it easier to travel.
How to reach Bolivia?
Bolivia is located in the western central South America. Since it is a developing country, it is very well connected to the other nations. One can go to Bolivia through many ways. Some of the ways to reach Bolivia are:
- By Air- Bolivia has a very well developed aerial transportation system. They have several airports in the country. People touring Bolivia generally take the flight to Santa Cruz and land on the Viru Viru International Airport. If they want to visit any other city in the country, they can go there by road.
- By road- The road system of the country is excellent. Many people go to Bolivia by road. In order to enter Bolivia by road, one will have to enter it through its neighboring countries such as Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. The roads from Argentina and Peru are of higher quality than that of Chile and Brazil.
What are the things to do in Bolivia?
Bolivia is a very pretty country with beautiful mountains, highlands, and lowlands. The weather in the country becomes more and more pleasant as one goes on higher altitudes. The country is filled with amazing sites which can’t be compared to anything in the world. Some of the things one can do in Bolivia are:
- Trekking- Bolivia is filled with mountains and hills. One cannot stop itself from trekking on these hills after seeing them. The hills in Bolivia are so beautiful that one cannot stop marveling it.
- Sightseeing- Bolivia is blessed with such highlands and lowlands that one is left speechless. The natural terrains and the lovely beaches of Bolivia are among the best in the world. The Panoramic view of the surrounding which one gets from the top of a hill is breathtaking.
- Forest tours- Bolivia is home for one of the greatest forest in the world, Amazon forests. This makes forest tours an integral part of visiting Bolivia. One gets to explore Amazon and the other forests in Bolivia and observe the fauna and flora there.
What is the local food of Bolivia? Which are the best places to taste this food?
Bolivia is traditional South American country and the Bolivian cuisine is to die for. It is delicious, to say the least. The main things which the Bolivians have are potatoes, corn, quinoa, and beans. They make various dishes using these four items and the outcome of their variations are mouth-watering. Some of the best places to enjoy their local cuisine are:
- Las Cholas
- Luciernagas
- Café Bistrot Copacabana
- Ali Pacha
- Vinapho
- La Cueva
What is the best public transport to commute around Bolivia?
Bolivia is a developing country, therefore, the transport system of the country is not the best in the world. But it is decent enough for people to commute within the country. Bolivia has a very well connected transport system for buses. The bus is one of the main modes of transport in the country. They run very frequently within the country and is the cheapest way to travel in the country. One can also take a cab to travel if they want. The locals and the hotel staffs are amiable and help people to find cabs.
What is the local language in Bolivia and which are the most commonly used greetings?
Bolivia is very diverse country. There are a lots languages spoken in the country because of its diverse nature. More than 40 dialects are spoken in Bolivia. The national language of Bolivia is Spanish, therefore the majority of the people speak Spanish here. Some of the common greetings in Spanish are:
Hi- Hola
Good morning- Buenos dias
Good afternoon- Buenos tardes
Good night- Buenos noches
Which are the best shopping places in Bolivia and what are they famous for?
Shopping is one of the most important aspects of a person’s itinerary. There are many places in Bolivia where one can go shopping. Some of those places are:
- Ventura Mall- This mall is like a shopper’s paradise. One can get shops of almost all the top brands of the world. These brands offer some of their best collection here that too at a low price.
- Witches Market- Every place has a local street market which resonates the culture of the place. Witches Market is the street market of Bolivia where one can see its culture and buy products are really cheap prices.
- Las Brisas Centro Commercial- This mall is not the biggest in the country but still it has several multinational brands. Centro Commercial mainly sells clothing and accessories, one can find several other products also here.
Where can I visit the famous Salt flats in Bolivia?
Bolivia boasts one of the best salt flats in the world. The salt flats are the naturally made solid layers due to the dissolution of salt and minerals in the water. The salt flats in Bolivia are a treat to watch and the place where one can witness it is Salar de Uyuni.
Where can I enjoy jungle adventure activities in Bolivia?
Bolivia is the home to the largest rainforest in the world which has several species of flora and fauna in it. Jungle adventure can be enjoyed in Amboro National park. Although the jungle adventure is very exciting, one is advised to take proper precautions before going.