planning a trip to
Bolivia
Here is what you need to know
Bolivia is one of the poorest and less developed country in South America yet there is much to experience in it. While the main city may be chaotic and the people looking unfriendly the countryside has a wonder in every corners and enjoyable folks.
Bolivia’s wonders are the blue color of the highest lake on earth in the north and the white color of the biggest salt flats on earth in the south.
We spent one week in this country and wishes we had more time to explore this gorgeous country.
We had a wonderful time in Copacabana and really enjoy the adventure of the 3 days 4×4 tours in the salt flat before entering Chile.
About
Bolivia is a landlocked country in south America. While its capital is Sucre, its executive capital is La Paz.
The country is 1 098 581 km² big and one third of it are the Andes mountains.
It is is the 5th largest country in South America and the 27th in the world.
A total of 11 million people inhabitant this land. And its people are coming directly from the INCAs
The state and war flag is a horizontal tricolor of red, yellow and green with the Bolivian coat of arms in the center. According to one source, the red stands for Bolivia’s brave soldiers, while the green symbolizes fertility and yellow the nation’s mineral deposits.
Salar de Uyuni, amid the Andes in southwest Bolivia, is the world’s largest salt flat. It is the legacy of a prehistoric lake that went dry, leaving behind a desert like, nearly 11,000km². landscape of bright-white salt, rock formations and cacti-studded islands. Its otherworldly expanse can be observed from central Incahuasi Island. It is home to many pink flamingos, Viscacha’s and foxes.
Bolivia is, as its neighbour, a multi-ethnic and multilingual society. The majority of its population descent from the old world immigrants and in the INCA’s. Religion is a part of their daily life with 82% of the population behind Catholic.
The llama, like its cousin the Alpaca, Vicuña and Guanaco is a camelid. Meaning it’s related to camels, although it doesn’t have humps.
Bolivia is one of their home. Llamas have been a part of the local culture for many years and are used for agriculture, foods, and traditional rites.
What to expect?
Language: The official language is Spanish, as well as dozens of indigenous languages such as Aymara or Quechua. While travelling there, speaking Spanish will be a plus but you can manage with English if you stay on the touristic area.
Food: Traditional Bolivian cuisine is corn, potatoes, quinoa, and beans. Those ingredients have been combined with a number of staples brought by the Spanish, such as rice, wheat, and meat, including beef, pork, and chicken.
Transportation: Buses is the most common mean of transportation is Bolivia. There are long-range buses as well as local one. Flying can also be an option between the main cities.
Money: The currency is the Boliviano. Rates changes, but at the moment 1€ represent 7.81 Bolivianos. Most places accept credit card and ATM can be found in the main city. Cash will always be welcome.
Plugs: The plugs in Bolivia are type A and C. The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50hz.
Safety: Bolivia is a safe country for all type of travellers during the days. You may want to be careful about pickpocket in big cities and avoid getting out after dark.
copacabana
uyuni
