Travel Guides: All Countries / South America / Bolivia
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| | | Bolivia: Land of beauty |  | Why go on holiday to Bolivia?
This is a country you should visit for its cultural rather than material wealth. Just like Tibet in Asia, this is the highest and the most isolated country in South America. It's a land of incredible Andean landscapes and colourful indigenous cultures and despite a turbulent history, it's now a more peaceful, inviting place for the adventurous, independent traveller.
How much will it cost?
The likelihood is that you won't be able to find direct flights to Bolivia. As a rough guide, a flight via the USA will cost in excess of £800 per person return. It's extremely cheap once you get there though with a room in a mid-range hotel costing from around £5 per night. If you're prepared to rough it a little, you can stay in budget accommodation for as little as £1 per room per night.
When should I go?
Throughout the year, maximum temperatures in La Paz only reach highs of around 20C. Head into the lowlands however and it's a different story with highs of 30C. Basically, you'll need the full range of clothing if you're really planning to explore a lot of the country. Avoid going from November to March when the weather, especially in the lowlands, is downright miserable.
Who's it for?
Bolivia's certainly more for the adventurous travellers out there who want to get well off the beaten track. Despite the costs of the flights, Bolivia is also probably the cheapest country to travel around in South America. It's a great destination for those wishing to experience some real Andean culture and also some of the most mind-blowing sights on the planet.
What are the must-sees?
One of the ultimate experiences in the world, a trip across the salars, or salt flats of Uyuni, in the south of Bolivia, is unmissable. Covering an area of around 12,000 sq km and all at an altitude of over 3,500m, it's hard to make out the horizon on this giant reflective saltpan. Drive out to the Isla de Pescadores, which is covered with giant cacti and home to the vizcachas, a colony of rabbit-like rodents.
Lake Titicaca is one of the world's highest navigable lakes and separates Bolivia and Peru. Visit the intriguing, but touristy floating islands, and the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) and the Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon) both credited by the Incas as the birthplace of the, you guessed it, sun and moon.
The Bolivian capital La Paz almost entirely fills a deep canyon spanning around 5km. The highest capital city in the world, you may need a few days to acclimatise, which is no bad thing given the array of sights on offer. Take you time (you'll need to at this altitude) and stroll around the Plaza Iglesia de San Francisco with its beautiful church of the same name. Then onto the Plaza San Francisco and up Calle Sagarnaga which is lined with handicraft shops and good for souvenirs. There are many interesting museums and La Paz is also a great place to organise tours around the rest of the country.
It used to be a frightening road that took you from La Paz down to the village of Coroico, a popular traveller hangout. It descended over 3000m in less than 80km with a sheer drop on one side. Luckily, there's a new road now and Coroico is a great base from which to plan a few treks into the surrounding countryside.
Be sure to head into the rainforest in the Bolivian part of the Amazon basin. While the Brazilian Amazon is better known, the Bolivian side is more undeveloped and the rivers are actually narrower, meaning it's easier to spot the incredible wildlife.
What will I spend?
A decent meal costs can cost you from as little as from about £1 per person. A bottle of the finest Bolivian wine will set you back about £3 and if you're missing a bit of luxury, a room for the night in the most expensive hotel will only cost you around £100.
Any special events?
For three days in February, the mining town of Oruro goes into carnival mode. The undoubted highlight is the Diablada, or devil dance Devil, a procession involving countless he and she-devils. In many mining towns around Bolivia, they make offerings to the devil as a result of their work underground.
The Easter week celebrations all over Bolivia, involve processions and colourful floats. Semana Santa, as it's known locally also features the traditional building of elaborate mosaics for the religious processions to walk all over. The mosaic carpets are usually made from sawdust.
Around Lake Titicaca, the Virgen de la Candelaria festival is celebrated in early February. There are parades, colourful costumes, music and a lot of drinking and partying. Bizarrely, new vehicles are also brought in from all over Bolivia to be blessed with beer.
On the first day of May, all the banks, offices and shops close as the Bolivian people celebrate the Dia Internacional Del Trabajo, or Labour Day. Again there are parades and processions, but also demonstrations and general shows of solidarity with the common worker.
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| | Fact File : Bolivia |
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| | | Bolivia | | Did you know?
At well over 3,500m above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world.
Language
Spanish.
Visas
None required from UK if staying less than three months.
Getting there
Most flights to Bolivia are via the USA. Some flights also go from London via Madrid.
Flying time from London
Eight to 10 hours to the US then onward flights averaging two to three hours. Some flights will require an overnight stay in the US, others a short stopover.
Getting around
Local buses are cheap, frequent but often crowded, though it all adds to the atmosphere. There are plenty of long-distance buses but be prepared for a bumpy ride. You can hire a car but be aware that road quality varies and in the rainy season some may be washed out. Definitely avoid driving at night.
Currency
Boliviano
Costs
Living costs in Bolivia are low and budget travellers can get by on as little as £10-£15 a day for accommodation and meals.
Weather
Bolivia has a wide range of altitude-affected climatic conditions. The rainy period lasts from November to March. At the end of the rainy season, snow is even possible in La Paz and Oruro. The Amazon Basin is always hot and wet and the Yungas region is a bit cooler but again fairly wet year-round.
Time difference
Four hours behind GMT
International dialling code from UK
00 591
Voltage
110v and 220v
Opening hours
It varies but some restaurants open at 8am to serve breakfast while most businesse open at round 9am or 9.30am. At noon, places shut down for a two-hour siesta, especially in smaller towns. Banks keep shorter hours, typically 9am to 3pm. Government offices usually close at 4pm.
Health – before you go
Check with your GP for the appropriate anti-malarial medicine as this can vary from region to region. Recommended jabs include polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Take out adequate travel insurance to cover all medical expenses.
Health – when you are there
Protect yourself from insect bites with insect repellent and by covering arms and legs. Car accidents are common - walk and drive defensively. Wash your hands frequently and peel fruit before eating. The old rule of "cook it, peel it or forget it" is a good one. Avoid tap water and drink the bottled variety or boil water if you are trekking.
Warnings
Unpredictable bouts of social unrest, common in Bolivia, can occasionally affect main tourist areas, national and international travel.
Emergency
Medical emergency 118. Police 110. The British Embassy is at Av Aniceto Arce 2732
Customs
Though you may want to get your camera out every time you see someone in traditional costume, it's best to ask before you snap away.
Tipping
Average 10% if service is not included. For taxis, add 5-10%.
Tourist Office
Unfortunately, there's no Bolivian Tourist Office in the UK but you could contact the Bolivian Embassy at 106 Eaton Square, London, SW1 9AD.
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