Bolivia Travel Guide

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Bolivia Destinations

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1. Cochabamba: the second largest city in Bolivia
1. Cristo de la Concordia: Statue of Christ in Cochabamba
2. Laguna Verde: salt lake in the Andes
3. Salar de Uyuni: World's biggest salt flat

Salt piles at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
by Luca Galuzzi, www.galuzzi.it



Bolivia is a landlock nation in the heart of South America. It was named after Simón Bolívar, the leader of the independence movement in South America. Bolivia shares a border with Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest and Peru to the west. The highest peak in Bolivia is Nevado Sajama, at 6,542m (21,463 ft). Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, sits on the border between Bolivia and Peru, at an elevation of 3,805m. On the southwest of Bolivia is Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. The majority of the population of Bolivia are South Americans speaking Quechua and Aymara. After breaking away from Spain in 1825, Bolivia has gone through close to 200 coups and counter coups. Although a nation rich in natural resources - it has the second largest natural gas field in South America after Venezuela - Bolivia is still the poorest country in the continent.

This is the statue of Cristo de la Concordia, in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Although not as famous as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, it is slightly taller.
by Jimmy Gilles @ Anakin, used under GNU Free Documentation License

When to visit Bolivia

You will encounter every climatic zone in Bolivia, from the hot tropics to arctic cold to semi-arid regions. Summers are wet, and roads muddy and travel difficult. Best ideal time to explore Bolivia is in winter, from May to October, as you are more assured of dry weather and clear skies. The peak period for travelling to Bolivia is from late June to early September. That's when you can view most of Bolivia's major festivals. However, it is also summer vacation time in Europe and North America, so this period may see higher prices than the rest of the year.

Travel Warning
Street demonstrations are fairly common in Bolivia, and have a tendency of becoming violent. By all means, stay away from them. The resulting effect of such demonstrations is road blockades that will disrupt your itinerary. This is fairly frequent for the road between La Paz and Cochabamba, and the blockade that last for days. Check local news updates and avoid volatile areas.

What to wear

Lightweight clothing is good enough for the day time. You will need warmer clothes, if you are in the Altiplano and the Puna regions, including La Paz, Oruro and Potosi.

Getting into Bolivia

Entering Bolivia by air is going to be a challenge since the national airline of Bolivia, Lloyd Aereo Boliviano, suspended services in March 2007 due to financial difficulties. Presently you can enter Bolivia taking American Airlines from Miami. The La Paz International Airport (LPB) is located 14km southwest of La Paz, and coach services to the city is available whenever there are scheduled flights. There's a departure tax of US$25 payable when on your departure flight.

Bolivia Entry Requirements

Nationals of the US, Australia, Canada and Britain do not require a visa to visit Bolivia, as long as they are not going there for business purposes.



Inside the Church of San Francisco, La Paz, Bolivia.
by Jimmy Gilles @ Anakin, used under GNU Free Documentation License

Where to stay in Bolivia

Click on the name of the towns listed below to view hostels and budget accommodation available for booking there.

Click here for Budget Hostel Listing with Price and Room Availability

Cochabamba

Copacabana

La Paz

Potosi

Samaipata

Santa Cruz

Sucre

Tupiza

Uyuni

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User Feedback on Accommodation
We compile the accommodation listing above with the good faith that it will be useful to you. If you have used any of the accommodation listed above, please write to us with your feedback, whether you enjoyed your stay there or not, and we will share it with others. Your feedback will benefit others when they choose their accommodation. We will not de-list any of the accommodation just because of a negative feedback from anybody, but will let you decide for yourself based on the feedback you read. User feedback is listed in http://www.earthdocumentary.com/hostel_feedback.htm

Getting around in Bolivia

Transportation strikes are fairly common in Bolivia, and can disrupt your plans, so keep yourself updated to the local news. In Bolivia, be prepared for general delays and unreliabilities of schedules. Cross country bus rides are fairly cheap, but often they only travel at night.

Things to see and do in Bolivia

The following are what we regard as the top things for you to see and do in Bolivia:

Explore La Paz, the world's highest capital city

Visit Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake

Visit Moon Valley and admire its rock formations

Visit Laguna Colorado with its red waters and flocks of flamingoes.

Visit Cochabamba, Bolivia's garden city.

Visit Tiahuanaco to see its ruins. Tiahuanaco is believed to be the site of a pre-Inca civilisation.

Visit the Salar de Uyuni, a massive salt lake that looks like a mirror to the sky.



Llamas in the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
by Anouchka Unel, used under Free Art License

Money matters in Bolivia

The currency used in Bolivia is called the Boliviano (BOB, symbol Bs). Bs1=100 centavos. Banknotes come in denominations of Bs5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 while coins in denominations of 10, 20, 50 centavos and 1, 2 and 5 Bolivianos. The Boliviano is pegged to the US Dollar. Bring US Dollars when travelling to Bolivia, as it is difficult to exchange other currencies - even that of the neighbouring countries. Banking hours are from 8:00am to 12:00noon and from 2:30pm-6:00pm Mondays to Fridays. Some banks are also open on Saturday, from 9:00am to 1:00pm.