South American Vacations

Bolivia is known as the Republic of Bolivia and is located in central South America, bordered by Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.  The population in this country is estimated at 9,119,152.  The country was named after revolutionary fighter Simon Bolivar and won its independence from Spain in 1825.  In subsequent years, there were many coups fought, until the country declared democratic civilian rule in the 1980s.

The climate in Bolivia can change between humid and tropical heat to cold and almost arid temperatures.  In some areas the land is wet all year round, in summer and winter seasons.  Some areas are elevated and thus cooler than usual.  It is advised that tourists bring warm clothing just to be safe.  Bolivia is considered a remote country and is often called a landlocked nation.  Not only is the country known for being highly multi-ethnic; it also has a 60% population of residents with Native American ancestry, making it the most indigenous country in the western world.

Because of its large diverse population there are three official languages: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara.  Although not everyone speaks Spanish it is thought to be the most common language.  In fact, Bolivia is a country you can travel to in order to learn Spanish.  Bolivian Spanish is very crisp and deliberate thus easier to speak and understand.  You also have to beware of offending indigenous people with phrases that may be common in other parts but are still considered derogatory in Bolivia. 

When it comes to cuisine, Bolivia is known as a meat and potatoes type country.  Potatoes have been a Bolivian specialty for centuries, dating all the way back to the Inca civilization.  The usual choice of meat will be beef, chicken or llama.  Fried food is common as is the spicy sauce llajhua.  Popular drinks in the area include Licuado, which is water or milk blended with your choice of fruit and   sugar, as well as Vitaminico, which includes more ingredients including beer.  Popular alcoholic drinks include chichi, which is a sour brew made from fermented corn and poured into a hemispherical bowl that “rolls” if you put it down.  It is a custom here to drop a bit of the drink on the ground before and after you finish your bowl, as this is a respectful offering to the Pachamama, an Inca earth Goddess.

Major Cities in Bolivia

La Paz: The capital of Bolivia and a great place to experience the distinctive culture of the country.

Sucre: Pristine city, with many modern amenities and businesses as well as ancient attractions like dinosaur footprints.

Santa Cruz: Considered to be the most prosperous city in the country financially and is also high on tours and good Bolivian cuisine.

Cochabamba: Great weather, outstanding food and surrounded by mountains.

Potosí: The most opulent city in the country and also throughout the world.  Known for its rich silver mines.  Not only can you see museums and other attractions, you can actually go inside the mines for a closer look.

Oruro: Famous for its mining activities and wondrous hills, but best known for its large carnival.

Things To Do In Bolivia

Samaipata: Site of some ancient ruins dating back to Inca and pre-Inca times.

Riberalta: A town that has a distinctive, frontier-like ambiance. 

Uyuni: Come here to start trips to the Salar de Uyuni, which holds the largest slat flats in the world. 

Copacabana: More of a touristy attraction, as this is a smaller resort town near Lake Titicaca.

Coroico & Rurrenabaque: Two areas known for jungle and pampa tours.

Chacaltaya: The highest ski resort in the world, nearby La Paz. 

Bolivia Trivia

Don’t be surprised to learn of one of Bolivia’s favorite pastimes for children and adults alike: table football!