Bolivia epitomizes the authentic South America provably more than any other country in the continent.
One of the poorest and underdeveloped countries in the region, it has all the ingredients that define South America as a whole: rugged mountain terrain (Andes mountains), the supreme beauty of the Altiplano and the much venerated Lake Tititcaca - shared with Peru - where the Andean culture flourished, first through the Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) culture and, much later, the Inca civilization.
It has one of the purest Amazon rainforest environments and the majority of its population represents the true blood of South America: Quechua, Aymara and Guarani.
La Paz
The capital of Bolivia, La Paz, lies on an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,800 ft.) and is the highest capital of the world. Due to its altitude, the climate here is mostly cold and dry. In winters, temperatures fall to about 1°C, while in summers they reach up to 17°C. Rainfall occurs mainly in the afternoons during the summer months.
If you arrive by bus the driver will stop at a point where you can see the city in the valley below. The snow-capped Illimany mountain in the horizon makes for an impressive sight. La Paz is a very pleasant city that displays a kaleidoscope of traditional and modern life. |
Plaza Murillo in the city center is just paradise for "people-watching". A "must do" is the Witches Market(Mercado de las Brujas) where everything from a lost love to a lost job is solved with some magical potions or tarot cards. If you're interested in indigenous handicraft than La Paz is the place to be. Various markets offer handicraft of excellent quality for an unbeatable price.
A visit to the Gold Museum or the Musical Instrument Museum can be done if you want to escape the busy streets.
La Paz is also Bolivia’s largest city and the main international hub for commerce and travel.
Back to the top
|
|
Sucre:
Famed throughout Bolivia for its pretty, well-kept centre, and for its agreeable climate, Sucre – ‘la ciudad blanca’ or white city – is probably the most tranquila city in Bolivia (or perhaps South America). . Due to the high altitude, the climate is pleasant and mild. Average temperatures in the area are around 20°C.
While it offers specific attractions in the form of historic buildings and renowned theatre as well as indigenous culture and prehistoric sites in the surrounding towns and countryside, the highlight of Sucre might be its relaxed atmosphere, which detains many travelers for far longer than expected. This relatively small city has a small mellow community and is rich with history, Bolivian culture and student energy. Sucre has been recognized by the United Nations as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Back to the top
|
|
Potosi:
The city of Potosi is the capital of the Potosi Department in Bolivia. Located at the base of the Cerro de Potosi Mountain, the city lies at an altitude of 4,090 m above sea level and is one of the highest cities in the world.
Due to its altitude, the climate is cold and pleasant round the year with occasional showers of freezing rain. Snowfall is experienced during the winter months.
The culture of the city is heavily influenced by the Amerindian population.
The city of Potosi was founded in 1545 as a mining town to mine the silver that was found in the nearby mountains. The city is of great historical and cultural significance and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Back to the top.
|
|
Uyuni:
Uyuni is an old dusty town that lies on the southwestern parts of Bolivia. The city is located on the edge of the largest salt desert known as Salar de Uyuni. Most of the tourists and visitors are attracted toward this city only for visiting this salt desert. The town was initially a railway junction. One train cemetery can be found in the city with old and rusting locomotives.
The city is the entry point of several natural wonders of that region. Generally the average temperature of the Uyuni region is 20 degree Celsius during the day. The temperature can reach 30 degree Celsius during the day and time fall to -25 degree Celsius during the night. The main source of income for this city is tourism as it is the entrance for the largest salt desert of the world.
Back to the top.
|
|
Copacabana:
Copacabana is a beautiful and small town located in the western borders of Bolivia. It lies at just a distance of two hours from Peru. Locals of this town are very pleasing and are proud about their Indian heritage. The town lies on the shores of the Titicaca Lake which is the highest lakes in the world. There is only one bank in the city known as Banco del Estado. All the tourists and travelers of this city depend on this bank to deal with their financial transactions.This city has an extremely erratic climate. The days are very hot and nights are very cold. The city is famous for its low-priced and best food items..
|
|
At the end of the day the city is found to be crowed with food vendors. It is best to buy food from these vendors as they cost cheaper than the luxurious hotels of the city. As the small food vendors make the city busier in the evening and night, the luxurious hotels can be used for spending the night.There are several bars, some with night clubs for the visitors to hang out.
Lake Titicaca, shared with Peru, is the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake has a unique indigenous culture that lives on floating islands made of reeds native to the region.
Back to the top.
|
| Oruro:
Oruro city is located in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia. The city is the folklore capital of Bolivia and very famous for its carnival. The city was founded in the year 1606 and within a short time the city became a prosperous mining town. The city has an abundant resource of silver and other metals. This made the city one of the richest cities of South America and the second largest country next to Potosi. It is only three hours and fifteen Bolivianos by bus from La Paz, which makes it a nice getaway from the prices and stress of the capital.
Back to the top.
|
|
| Other popular attractions are the Tropical Rainforest of Bolivia, which offers incredible biodiversity and exotic adventures for visitors; the Tiwanaku — Ancient ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage site; the many national parks like the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park; and of course the Yungas Road — El Camino de Muerte, the World's Most Dangerous Road, leading through dramatic high altitude cliffside jungle terrain in the Yungas region from La Paz to Coroic. |
Go back to Learn Spanish in Bolivia
|
