 Bolivia
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- Overview
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- Country Profile
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South America : Bolivia
Overview Edit
|
| 1 |
| Capital |
| La Paz |
| Official Name |
| Republic of Bolivia |
| Government |
| Republic |
| Total Land Area |
| 1,084,390 sq km |
| Population |
| 9,119,152 (July 2007 est.) |
| GDP per capita |
| $3,100 (July 2006 est.) |
| Official Language |
| Spanish |
| Religions |
| Roman Catholic, 95% |
| Ethnic Groups |
| Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed) 30%, Aymara 25%, white 15% |
| Country Calling Code |
| +591 |
| Emergency Number(s) |
| Poliice - 101; Fire −100; Ambulance - 107 |
| Electricity |
| 230 Volts; 50 Hertz |
| Time Zone |
| GMT/UTC-4 |
| Currency |
| Bolivianos |
| Exchange Rate |
| Click Here |
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 55% of its population being of pure Native American ancestry.
Bolivia has a vast array of attractions from the ancient historical sights to the tropical rainforest, from the surreal salt flats near Uyuni to the wildlife-packed pampas, and from the dramatic mountain scenery to the grand colonial towns of Potosi and Sucre. Whatever you are looking for, you’re likely to find it in Bolivia…. apart from beaches, of course!
Destinations Edit
Cities
- La Paz - the capital
- Cochabamba
- Oruro
- Potosi- the world’s highest city, and even once the world’s biggest and richest
- Rurrenabaque - the most popular gateway to the jungle
- Santa Cruz
- Sucre - judicial capital; beautiful white city in a very nice climate
- Tarija
- Uyuni
Country Profile Edit
History
Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon Bolivar, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.
The People
Languages
Etiquettes and Taboos
Do not use the word “indigena” or “indio” in Bolivia to describe indigenous people. It is considered offensive. The term they use is “campesino” which translates to farmer. “Cholo” is a campesino who moved to the city, and though originally derogatory, has become more of a symbol of indigenous power. Nevertheless, some locals still use the word cholo as a derogative term.
Geography
Bolivia is a landlocked country in Central South America. It is surrounded by Brazil to the northeast, Peru to the northwest, Chile to the southwest, 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.
Climate
Bolivia’s climate varies with altitude from humid and tropical to cold and semiarid. In most parts of the country winters are dry and summers are somewhat wet. Despite its tropical latitude, the altitude of cities like La Paz keeps things cool, and warm clothing is advised year-round.
Temperature
| Destination | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Rainfall
| Destination | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Wildlife
Culture
Food
Drink
Juice bars appear at most markets. Shakes (either with water or milk) are 2–3Bs. Locals can be seen to drink “(insert name here)” an egg, beer and sugar concoction or “Vitima” which includes coca leaves.
Alcohol
Bolivia’s traditional alcoholic drink is chicha, a whitish, sour brew made from fermented corn and drunk from a hemispherical bowl fashioned from a hollowed gourd (round-bottomed so you can’t put it down). It’s customary to spill a bit of chicha on the ground before and after drinking it as an offering to Pachamama, the Inca earth god.
Singani is a grape liquor that’s mixed with Sprite or ginger ale with lime garnish to make a cocktail called chuflay.
There are a number of local beers, the largest being Paceña and its high-end brand Huari. El Inca is a very sweet low-alcohol beer.
Arts
Sport
Photos
Gallery
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| Caption | Laguna Colorada | |
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| Caption | Sorata | |
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| Caption | Urban Poverty in Sucre | |
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| Caption | Tihuanaco | |
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| Caption | Salar de Uyuni | |
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| Caption | On the road between Potosi and Sucre | |
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| Caption | Turtles in Rurrenabaque | |
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Visas etc. Edit
Visas
| Nationality | Visa Requirements | Accurate as of (dd/mm/yy) |
| EU | Not Needed (30 or 90 days granted on Entry) | 05/12/06 |
| USA | Not Needed (30 or 90 days granted on Entry) | 05/12/06 |
| Australia | Not Needed (30 or 90 days granted on Entry) | 05/12/06 |
| Israel | Not Needed (30 or 90 days granted on Entry) | 05/12/06 |
For more info click here.
Other Restrictions
Getting There & Away Edit
Plane
The national carrier Lloyd Aereo Boliviano has regular flights to La Paz and Santa Cruz from major South American cities. There are also has direct flights to Santa Cruz from Miami, Washington D.C., and Madrid. AeroSur also has connections from Buenos Aires and São Paulo.
Boat
It is common for tourists to arrive in Bolivia by boat, by navigating from the port city of Puno, Peru, over Lake Titicaca.
Overland
Train
Train is a possibility… The FCA timetable can be found at http://www.fca.com.bo/fca1/itinerarios_tarifas_1.htm
Car
- It is common for tourists to travel through a land border at the north-east of Chile/ South-West of Bolivia.
- Keep in mind that only about 5% of all the roads in Bolivia are paved. However, most major routes between cities are paved (aka big cities, Santa Cruz, La Paz, Cochabamba, Sucre) . 4×4 is particularly required when off the flatter altiplano. Be aware that in mountainous regions traffic sometimes switches sides of the road. This is to ensure the driver has a better view of the dangerous drops.
- An international drivers license is required but most times EU or US drivers licenses will be accepted. There are frequent police controls on the road and tolls to be paid for road use.
Getting About Edit
Plane
Flying within in Bolivia is quick and fairly economical. Lloyd and AeroSur connect most major cities.
Bus
Bus transportation in Bolivia is a nice cheap way to get to see the beautiful scenery while traveling to your destination. Unfortunately the buses often travel solely at night. Occasionally, keep in mind that the road from La Paz to Cochabamba is blocked due to protests, often for several days. So, if you are planning to use the bus, you should also be willing to spend a few days sleeping on the bus. Also be wary of the “World’s Most Dangerous Road” that goes from La Paz to Coroico. Bus travel is usually pretty cheap.
Boat
Boat trips can be made between certain towns such as:
- Guaymarin and Trinidad
- Trinidad and Puerto Villarroel
- Coroico and Rurrenbaque (tourist service)
Train
There are many train lines in Bolivia, each with varying degrees of quality and efficiency. However, adequate transportation via train can be found.
The FCA timetable can be found at http://www.fca.com.bo/fca1/itinerarios_tarifas_1.htm Watch your belongings.
Car
Taxi
For longer trips between towns and cities that aren’t served by bus, shared taxis are common.
Hitch-hiking
It is the policy of this website that all references to hitch-hiking must suggest that it is an activity with risks which, however unlikely, are potentially very serious. Hitch-hiking, due to its risks, should therefore not be recommended as such; although hitch-hiking details can be included as a possible alternative form of transport.
Health & Safety Issues Edit
Health
Some parts of Bolivia like La Paz(3650), Potosí(4010), Oruro(3950) and the Lake Titicaca region are high altitude, so adequate precautions against altitude sickness should be taken. In addition, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are much stronger — up to 20 times — than at sea level. A sun hat, sunglasses, and skin protection (sunblock or long sleeves) are advised.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those who plan on spending time in the Bolivian Amazon. It must be taken 10 days prior to the person’s arrival into the country if the visitor plans to visit rural areas.
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended if the visitor plans to visit tropical-rural areas.
- As a preventive measure, taking the following vaccines is recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Tetanus, Diphtheria and Measles Booster-Vaccines.
Safety
There have been numerous reports of women tourists being drugged and raped during jungle excursions from Rurrenabaque. All tourists should be careful when selecting a travel guide and never accept medication from unverifiable sources.
It is a good idea to register with the consulate of your country of residence upon entry into the country.
Money Edit
Costs
| Approximate Daily Costs | Food | Accommodation | Total |
| Budget | 120–320Bs (US$15–40) | ||
| Intermediate | 320–800Bs (US$40–100) | ||
| Luxury | 800–1200Bs (US$100–150) |
Currency
The national currency is the boliviano. Bills come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10; coins are in 5, 2, and 1 bolivianos, and 50, 20, and you will find sometimes 10 centavos (1/100 of a boliviano). Bills larger than Bs20 can be hard to break, but a quick phone call or internet session at a Punto Entel (see Contact, below) will usually get you change.
Currency can be exchanged for US dollars and most South American currencies at casa de cambio agencies or street vendors. Expect to negotiate for a favorable exchange rate, as most vendors will try to make money off a tourist.
U.S. dollars are widely accepted in hotels, tourist shops, and for large purchases.
Travellers’ Cheques are harder to change. Expect a commission of 1–3%. If you prefer to use these, you should bear in mind that American Express are the easiest to change, and it is harder to change cheques which are not in US Dollars. If you are using other travellers’ cheques or a different currency, you should check out Cambio Sudamer in La Paz.
Specific Traveller Information Edit
Tours
Solo Travellers
Female Travellers
There have been numerous reports of women tourists being drugged and raped during jungle excursions from Rurrenabaque. All tourists should be careful when selecting a travel guide and never accept medication from unverifiable sources.
It is a good idea to register with the consulate of your country of residence upon entry into the country.
Families
Gay Travellers
Photographers
Forum
Content Request
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References
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1 Map and Flag: The World Factbook (↑)
2 Much of the initial information on this page is from wikitravel.org´s page for Bolivia. The contibuters to that page include Andrew Haggard, Ryan Holliday, Johannes Gijsbers, Ricardo, Evan Prodromou, Paul N. Richter, Michele Ann Jenkins, Alhen, Daniel Cowan Yann Forget and the Wikitravel user(s) Episteme, InterLangBot, Bletch, Nzpcmad, Huttite, Bijee, Hypatia, Nils, Dhum Dhum and CIAWorldFactbook2002 and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. (↑)
