 Sandwiched between Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Chile while straddling the Andes Mountains, stands Bolivia, the “Tibet of the Americas”. Bolivia earns this title by being the highest and most isolated of all the Andean nations. About twice the size of Spain, Bolivia holds over 42,000 square miles and is home to over 9 million people. The capital city of La Paz embraces over 800,000 Bolivians and rests at an elevation of 11,800 feet.
This unique country possesses nearly every possible climate and terrain from the snow capped peaks of over 21,000 ft., semi-tropical lowlands and steaming jungles of the Bolivian Amazon Basin. The famous Lake Titicaca, which shares a Peruvian border, is the highest navigable inland sea in the world. Furthermore, the boasting crystal blue waters, reed boats and islands known for pre-Columbian ruins make Bolivia a must-see destination!
Though Bolivia stands as the poorest land in South America, the cultural landscape of this country is one of a kind. The religious and native practices of both Indigenous people and ¨hybrid¨ Christians, an influence from the Spanish conquistador Simon Bolivar, categorize Bolivia as truly prosperous in culture. As Bolivar claimed independence for Bolivia from Spain in 1825, the absence of clergy in rural areas led to the development of a hybrid Christian/Indigenous way of life. Today, overlapping cultures exist where 95% Bolivians profess faith to Roman Catholicism, however over 50% of the population maintains traditional indigenous values and beliefs as well. Visitors are exposed to these wonderful people and their lifestyle full of intriguing doctrines, rites and superstitions.
In addition to rich culture, the breathtaking terrain and wildlife of Bolivia will surely stand as the clincher to discover this country. One has the opportunity to see various exotic birds, plants, insects and animals due to Bolivia's relatively sparse population, lack of development and diverse geography. In fact, Bolivia is one of the best places to see South American wildlife, including the jaguar, llama, anteater, chinchilla, condor, and the rare spectacled bear!
Climatic consideration should be taken when planning your visit to the ¨Tibet of the America’s.¨ Remembering the high altitude of Bolivia, the weather here deserves respect. Though unpredictable, the weather more or less follows certain trends. Summer months of November to April entail heavy rains with washed-out roads making a buzzing river community of boats and vibrant colors. The winter months of May to October typically offer a more gentle travel experience with dry temperate weather during the day, breathtaking alpine glow and freezing nighttime temperatures. The most popular months, due to festivals and mostly temperate weather, range between June and September. During these months, you’ll find lots of activity and smiling faces. Remember the impact altitude has on irregular weather so investing in a hardy raincoat, sunscreen, and an insulated jacket are highly recommended!
Vast amounts of Bolivia continue to remain undiscovered and unknown. The country’s phenomenal landscapes, colonial architecture, indigenous cultures and the legacy of its ancient mysterious civilizations combined with a quiet political climate offer an extraordinary travel experience!
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Bolivia
