Bolivia And Peru: Are They Neighbors?

Bolivia and Peru share a border in west-central South America. Both countries were once part of the Inca Empire and later the Spanish Empire. After gaining independence from Spain, they joined to create the short-lived Peru–Bolivian Confederation, which existed from 1836 to 1839. Bolivia's dictator, Andrés Santa Cruz, conquered Peru and divided it into a northern and southern part, with these states joined to Bolivia. Santa Cruz assumed the role of protector of the confederation. However, the powerful new state was opposed by neighbouring South American countries. In 1839, the Confederation was defeated and both nations became independent. Bolivia and Peru continue to share close relations and are members of several multilateral organizations.

Bolivia and Peru were once part of the Inca Empire

The Incas conquered much of what is now western Bolivia under their ninth emperor, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, whose reign lasted from 1438 to 1471. Western Bolivia became one of the four Incan territories within its empire known as Qullasuyu, with an estimated one million inhabitants. The highest official of Qullasuyu ruled on behalf of the "Inca" (the emperor) and supervised a group of provincial governors, who, in turn, controlled the members of the Aymara nobility. Under a draft system called the Mit'a, the Incas forced the peoples under their domination to work in mines, on construction projects, or to serve in the armies.

The Incas never fully controlled the nomadic tribes of the Bolivian lowlands, nor did they completely assimilate the Aymara kingdoms into their society. These internal divisions, along with the arrival of European conquerors, ultimately led to the fall of the Inca Empire.

After gaining independence from Spain, Bolivia and Peru joined to create the short-lived Peru–Bolivian Confederation, which existed from 1836 to 1839. Bolivia's dictator, Andrés Santa Cruz, conquered Peru after helping to quell an army rebellion against Peruvian president Luís José de Orbegoso in 1835. Santa Cruz then divided Peru into a northern and a southern part and joined these states to Bolivia. However, the powerful new state was opposed by its South American neighbours, and in 1836, fighting broke out between the confederation and Chile. The Peru–Bolivian Confederation was ultimately defeated by the United Restoration Army in the 1839 Battle of Yungay, which put an end to the confederation and resulted in Bolivian and Peruvian independence.

Bolivia and Peru share a border

After gaining independence from Spain, the two countries joined to create the short-lived Peru–Bolivian Confederation, which existed from 1836 to 1839. Bolivia's dictator, Andrés Santa Cruz, helped to quell an army rebellion against Peruvian president Luís José de Orbegoso in 1835. Santa Cruz then divided Peru into a northern and southern part, with Orbegoso as president in the north and Gen. Ramón Herrera in the south. These states were then joined to Bolivia, with Gen. José Miguel de Velasco as president. Santa Cruz became the "protector" of the confederation, a lifetime and hereditary office.

There are two main border crossings between Peru and Bolivia: Desaguadero and Yunguyo. Yunguyo is a better option if your final destination is Copacabana, a small village on the shore of Lake Titicaca. However, if you are heading straight to La Paz, the bus company may use the Desaguadero border crossing.

When crossing the border from Peru to Bolivia, it is important to have all the necessary documents ready. A valid passport, with at least six months until expiration, and a valid immigration card (TAM) are required. Some countries also need to apply for a visa to enter Bolivia, which can be done at the Bolivian embassy or, in some cases, at the border. It is also important to note that there may be additional requirements for US citizens, including a visa fee and supporting documents for your identity and itinerary.

Crossing the border can be a smooth and painless process, but it is essential to do your research, get your paperwork in order, and be prepared for possible delays and hassle. Knowing where to cross and which documents to carry is key to a successful border crossing between Bolivia and Peru.

Bolivia and Peru were both part of the short-lived Peru–Bolivian Confederation

The formation of the Confederation was the result of political instability and a coup d'état in Peru in 1835, which led to a civil war between newly self-declared president Felipe Santiago Salaverry and constitutional president Luis José de Orbegoso. Orbegoso allowed Bolivian president Andrés de Santa Cruz to send troops through the Peruvian border, and after defeating Salaverry in 1836, assemblies were established to create the Confederation.

Santa Cruz assumed the office of "protector" of the Confederation, a lifetime and hereditary position. He had already proven himself an able administrator in Bolivia, and his rule was welcomed by influential Peruvians. The Confederation was recognized by Great Britain, France, and the United States, but opposed by its South American neighbours, including Chile and Argentina, who saw it as a potential military and economic threat.

Fighting broke out between the Confederation and Chile in 1836 due to economic problems and rivalry between their ports. In 1837, Santa Cruz's forces defeated an Argentine army sent to topple him. However, the Chileans, joined by Peruvian opponents of Santa Cruz, persisted in their fight and eventually defeated the forces of the Confederation at the Battle of Yungay on January 20, 1839, leading to the immediate dissolution of the Confederation.

The Confederation was a short-lived attempt to unite Peru and Bolivia, which ended in military defeat and a period of internal conflict and disorder for both countries.

Bolivia and Peru are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States

Bolivia and Peru are neighbouring countries in South America. Both nations were once part of the Inca Empire and then the Spanish Empire. They share a history of colonial rule by the Viceroyalty of Peru, seated in Lima. Bolivia and Peru also share a more recent history as members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

CELAC is a regional bloc of Latin American and Caribbean states, consisting of 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was proposed in 2010 and created in 2011, with the signing of the Declaration of Caracas. The organisation was formed to deepen Latin American integration and to reduce the influence of the United States on the politics and economics of Latin America. It is seen as an alternative to the Organization of American States (OAS), a regional body founded by the United States and other Latin American nations in 1948.

Bolivia and Peru have a shared history of bilateral relations. In the 19th century, both nations joined to create the Peru–Bolivian Confederation, a short-lived state that existed from 1836 to 1839. The country was a loose confederation made up of three states: North Peru and South Peru, which arose from the division of the Peruvian Republic due to civil wars, and the Bolivian State. Bolivia and Peru also fought together against Chile in the War of the Pacific in 1879.

Bolivia and Peru continue to maintain close relations and work together in South American multilateral organisations. They are both members of the Group of 77, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States, and the United Nations.

Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, sits at a higher altitude than Peru's capital, Lima

Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, is located at an altitude of around 3,650 metres (11,975 feet) above sea level. This makes it the highest capital city in the world. In contrast, Peru's capital, Lima, is situated at a much lower altitude of just 161 metres (528 feet) above sea level.

La Paz is the seat of government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the country's administrative, political, and economic centre. The city is nestled in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River, surrounded by the towering mountains of the Altiplano. The triple-peaked Illimani mountain, with its snow-capped peaks, overlooks La Paz and can be seen from various parts of the city. The city has a unique subtropical highland climate due to its high altitude, with rainy summers and dry winters.

On the other hand, Lima is located on the Pacific coast, in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers. It is the cultural, financial, and commercial centre of Peru and the second-most populous city in the Americas, with a population of over 10 million. Lima has a mild climate despite its tropical location, thanks to the cooling effect of the nearby ocean.

In summary, Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, sits at a significantly higher altitude than Peru's capital, Lima. La Paz's elevation places it among the world's highest capital cities, while Lima's coastal location gives it a more temperate climate. Both cities are important cultural, political, and economic centres for their respective countries.

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