Bolivia is the country of contrasts par excellence. It extends from the highest peaks of the Andes to the Amazonian forest , passing through theAltiplano, the central valleys and the plains of the Oriente. The diversity of the landscapes is breathtaking, but it is also its population of diverse origins that dazzles travelers by offering them a rare and authentic vision of the Amerindian culture. But by following the indications of a tourist guide on Bolivia, you will see that you will find your happiness, whatever your desires of travel. Culture lovers, you will discover the richness of the Bolivian folklore, the most alive of South America! Lovers of wide open spaces, you will be able to admire incredible landscapes with varied fauna where you can meet alpacas and pink flamingos among others! For those who love strong sensations, you can climb to a peak of more than 6,000 m of altitude or marvel at the salt desert of Uyuni! Passionate about pre-Columbian civilizations, you will love to visit the archaeological site of Tiwanaku! In short, Bolivia is a country that will never stop surprising you and that remains very different from its neighbors: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Brazil or Paraguay...

When to go Bolivia ?

When to go to Bolivia? A trip to Bolivia is possible all year round. But you have to keep in mind that it rains on most of the country from November to March. But from April to October, the temperatures are warmer and the sky clears up, even if it is often cooler on the Altiplano; this is the best period to go to Bolivia. There are two very high tourist seasons in January/February (school vacations in South America, especially in Chile, Argentina and Brazil) and July/August/September (vacations in Europe and the United States). If you go to Bolivia in February, don't miss the Oruro carnival, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Practical information for travel Bolivia

La Bolivie est vaste et offre une multitude de paysages différents : des sommets enneigés de la Cordillère des Andes aux jungles luxuriantes de la forêt amazonienne, en passant par les plaines arides de l’Oriente. Elle possède également des parcs nationaux stupéfiants, et plusieurs sites classés au patrimoine de l’UNESCO, comme les villes de Sucre et Potosí, les ruines de Tiwanaku, ou encore les Missions Jésuites de Chiquitos. Il faudra du temps pour parcourir le pays et découvrir toutes ses merveilles. Commencer par Santa Cruz permet une acclimatation graduelle à l’altitude et évite ainsi les désagréments fréquemment vécus par une arrivée à La Paz à plus de 4 000 m : mal aigu des montagnes et jours « perdus » à se reposer afin de s’acclimater. Si vous arrivez d’un pays voisin, vous pouvez inverser ces circuits. Prévoyez un ou deux jours supplémentaires pour les impondérables (transports retardés, trains annulés, mouvements sociaux…). 

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How to go Bolivia

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How to go alone

No particular dangers in Bolivia except for the amateurs of artificial paradises... Indeed, if the use of coca leaves is legal and widespread, the consumption of narcotics is strictly forbidden. For a simple consumption, you risk 18 months to 3 years of prison. And tourists are not spared and they even serve as an example in some cases!

How to go on a tour

The proposed tours in Bolivia are about ten days long but they generally focus on a particular region because it is difficult to discover the whole country in such a short time. For example, we propose a tour of the Atacama Desert/Southern Bolivia or a tour of the Andean highlands. Many tour operators propose a combined Peru/Bolivia tour around the Andes and you can also do a combined Peru/Bolivia/Chile tour around the Altiplano.

How to get around

To travel in Bolivia, it is better to prefer air travel. Domestic flights are cheap, convenient and reliable. Even cheaper and quite safe, buses are however much less comfortable than planes. Backpackers will prefer buses to save money.

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Discover Bolivia

Bolivia immediately brings to mind the snowy peaks of the Andes, the whiteness and immensity of the Salar of Uyuni and the cholitas, the Aymara women wearing the bombín, the traditional bowler hat. However, this Andean country conceals many other horizons, from the dense Amazonian jungles to the unique geological formations of Torotoro, and the great spaces of the mythical Lake Titicaca. Its attractions are not limited to its wonderful landscapes, Bolivia also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The mysterious ruins of the Tiwanaku civilization, the ancient Inca paths, or the colonial architectural heritage of cities such as Sucre or Potosí, bewitch the visitor. However, Bolivia would not be what it is without what constitutes the soul of the country: its inhabitants! An extraordinary kaleidoscope of ethnic groups with colourful clothes and colourful festivals.

Pictures and images Bolivia

Les volcans Parinacota et Pomerape. Berzina / Shutterstock.com
Jeune baigneur du lac Titicaca. Sylvie LIGON
Vue de la Cordillère des Andes depuis la route de La Paz vers le lac Titicaca. Arnaud BONNEFOY
Santa Ana de Chipaya. Thierry Lauzun - Iconotec

The 12 keywords Bolivia

1. #Altiplano

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In the south of Peru, the Cordillera divides in two to give birth to the Royal Cordillera and the Western Cordillera. Between these two cordilleras emerges an immense space, at more than 3 600 m of altitude, the Altiplano, geological mystery populated with legends. Land of the Aymaras and Quechuas, the Altiplano is the true heart of Bolivia..

2. #Amazonia

It may not be known that almost two thirds of Bolivia is in the Amazon. The Madidi National Park has the richest ecosystem in the world, while the Pampas del Yacuma offer a unique opportunity for wildlife observation: freshwater dolphins, crocodiles, rheas, anacondas, monkeys, turtles, multicolored birds...

3. #Cholita

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Affectionate colloquial term designating a small chola, a woman from the Aymara population who retains the traditional dress features: the bowler hat (el bombín), long braids and a prominent dress with three ruffles (la pollera), often embellished with colorful jewelry. The cholitas are mostly found in the Altiplano.

4. #Coca

From time immemorial, miners and peasants of the Altiplano have taken advantage of the anaesthetic and nutritive properties of the coca leaf, in order to be able to support their work, the harshness of the climate and the altitude. Important element of the traditional Andean cults, it helps, by chewing it or drinking it in infusion, to acclimatize to the altitude.

5. #Condor

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Everyone knows the tune of the famous Andean song by Simon and Garfunkel, El condor pasa! It is not uncommon to see the largest bird in the world (up to 4 m wingspan) when walking through the Andes or along a canyon. An incredible experience and possible in many places in the country.

6. #Incas

This civilization considered Lake Titicaca and the Isle of the Sun as its land of origin in its mythology. The influence of the Inca Empire on the culture of the country is important, and if the country does not offer as many archaeological ruins as Peru, it is at least equal for the Andean atmosphere and is adorned with absolutely grandiose landscapes.

7. #Lama

Symbol of the Andes, it is the only domestic animal that can live in the high altitudes of the Altiplano. Prized for their fur and meat, they are still used today to transport goods. There are four species of camelids: the llama, the guanaco, the alpaca, and the vicuña, the only one to live in the wild.

8. #Mercados

Real heart of the social life of the country, the Bolivian markets compete of colors, animation, originality and beauty. It is above all a place of meeting and exchange. You can find them in each township, each with its own specificities. Most markets have a comedor where you can enjoy local specialties at low prices.

9. #Pacific

Bolivia is the only country in Latin America, along with Paraguay, that does not have access to the sea. Yet Bolivia had one until it lost a four-year war with Chile in 1883. In 2018, the International Court of Justice ruled: Chile does not have to negotiate with its neighbor for access to the Pacific Ocean.

10. #Plurinational

Since the 2009 constitution, ratified by popular referendum, Bolivia has become "El Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia". Spanish (Castellano) and 37 other indigenous languages are now official. These 37 languages represent as many indigenous peoples, who sit in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly.

11. #Salteña

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This delicious turnover, an empanada originating from Salta in Argentina, gave its name to the break that the country allows itself between 10 am and noon. Baked in the oven, it is filled with meat (chicken, beef), potatoes, eggs, and various vegetables, all topped with a spicy sauce more or less spicy. You will find them all over the country.

12. #Sorojche

Acute mountain sickness, or altitude sickness, is called Sorojche here. The usual symptoms are headache, lack of appetite and fatigue. In general, these effects fade quickly as long as you keep calm and make a reasonable effort. Do not hesitate to hydrate yourself with coca tea(mate de coca).

You are from here, if...

If you call your interlocutor mamita or papito. This is how people call each other as a sign of affection, even on a first meeting, which shows the natural closeness of the inhabitants of this country.

If you participate in the rites of offering to the Pachamama. You will have the opportunity to do so at the beginning of a trek or in some villages.

If you taste the local specialties , either in a mercado or in a street stall.

If you haggle over the price of your purchases, but still offer a fair price.

If you go to a peña to enjoy a traditional music and dance show, a place where you dine and, above all, drink and dance!

If you take your time. For the majority of Bolivians, punctuality is not an imperative. When you make an appointment with someone, always specify if it is la hora boliviana (count 30 minutes late), or not. Patience is a must!

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