Exploring Chile And Bolivia: Which Country Is Worth Visiting?

Chile and Bolivia are two of the most popular destinations in South America, each offering a unique experience to travellers. Chile is a long and narrow strip of land that is almost entirely mountainous with some coastal plains. It is one of the most expensive countries in South America and has a stable, democratic government. The country boasts a diverse landscape, from the picturesque scenery of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia to the lakes of the Lake District region and the Atacama desert.

Bolivia, on the other hand, is one of the least expensive destinations in South America. It offers breathtaking natural sights, such as the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the red mountains, and the dense Amazon jungle. Bolivia is steeped in history and indigenous culture, with 36 indigenous cultures and unique festivals such as the Oruro Carnaval. The country also offers a wide range of climates, from freezing cold mountain peaks to the sweltering heat of the Amazon lowlands.

Both countries offer abundant sights and activities for visitors, but the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and budget. Chile may be more suitable for those seeking comfort and ease of travel, while Bolivia provides a more adventurous and authentic South American experience.

Cost of travel

Chile and Bolivia are two distinct South American countries with varying costs of travel. Chile is significantly more expensive than Bolivia, with a higher cost of living and accommodation. On the other hand, Bolivia is one of the most affordable destinations in South America, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Chile

Chile has a well-developed economy and stable political environment, contributing to its higher costs. A week in Chile may cost around $753, with accommodation prices averaging $61 per night. Chile's Patagonian region, particularly the Torres del Paine National Park, is a popular tourist destination, but travelling there can be expensive due to limited transportation options. Chile's high season is from December to March, during which prices for hotels and hostels can surge.

Bolivia

Bolivia, in contrast, offers excellent value for money. A week in this landlocked country costs approximately $368. Accommodation is significantly cheaper, with an average of $16 per night. Bolivia is not as geared towards tourism as Chile, but it offers breathtaking natural sights, including the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, the Andes Mountains, and the Uyuni Salt Flats. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October, with June to September being the peak tourist season.

Comparison

When it comes to food, Bolivia is generally more affordable, with an average meal costing around $17 in Chile compared to $12 in Bolivia. Transportation costs also vary, with Bolivia offering comfortable and affordable options like air-conditioned coaches. Internal flights in Bolivia can be relatively inexpensive, with flights from La Paz to Sucre costing about $80. In contrast, domestic flights in Chile can be quite expensive.

In conclusion, Bolivia is the clear winner when it comes to cost-effective travel in South America. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and affordable prices, Bolivia offers a unique and budget-friendly adventure for travellers.

Visa requirements

Chile

U.S. citizens entering Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival. A Tourist Card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended for another 90 days upon payment of a fee. The Tourist Card must be surrendered upon departure. U.S. citizens intending to work, live, or study in Chile must apply in advance for a Chilean visa.

Bolivia

Americans need a tourist visa to enter Bolivia. The country is one of the least expensive destinations in South America and offers a unique mix of cultures, attractions, and adventures.

Activities and sights

Chile and Bolivia both offer a plethora of activities and sights for visitors. Here is a detailed overview of what each country has to offer in terms of attractions:

Chile:

Chile is a long and narrow strip of land with a diverse landscape, boasting picturesque scenery and wildlife. Some of the top destinations in Chile include:

• Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia: This national park offers raw and breathtaking scenery, perfect for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
• The Lake District: This region is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, with its beautiful lakes and waterways.
• Atacama: Known for its desert, salt flats, and stargazing opportunities.
• Chilean Patagonia: This region is great for skiing and snow activities during the Chilean winter (June to September). It also offers chic beach resorts and vibrant cities like Santiago and Valparaiso.
• Chilean Wine Country: Chile is known for its world-class wines, and visitors can explore the vineyards and wineries in regions like the Maipo Valley and Casablanca Valley.

Bolivia:

Bolivia, on the other hand, offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience with its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and adventurous activities. Here are some highlights:

• Salar de Uyuni: The world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, offers a surreal and breathtaking experience with its vast white expanse.
• La Paz: The world's highest capital city, La Paz, sits in a canyon and offers a unique mix of modern and traditional culture.
• Amazon Rainforest: Bolivia is home to a portion of the Amazon rainforest, offering the opportunity to explore diverse wildlife, indigenous communities, and natural wonders.
• Lake Titicaca: This sacred lake, shared between Bolivia and Peru, is the largest high-altitude lake in the world and is known for its unique floating islands.
• Sucre: Known as one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia, Sucre is filled with colonial architecture and cultural expressions.
• Death Road: For thrill-seekers, biking down the infamous Death Road near La Paz offers an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Both countries offer unique and memorable experiences, with Chile being more expensive and tourist-oriented, while Bolivia provides a more adventurous and budget-friendly option.

Food and culture

Chilean cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's indigenous culture and local ingredients, with traditional Spanish, German, Italian, and French cuisines also playing a role. The country's unique geography and climate have resulted in an abundance of fresh produce, with fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products featuring heavily in Chilean cooking.

Seafood is a cornerstone of Chilean cuisine, with the country's vast coastline providing an array of options, including abalones, razor clams, mussels, spider crabs, oysters, conger eels, salmon, swordfish, hake, tuna, and sole. Grilled meats are also popular, with beef and lamb being common choices. Chilean empanadas, or pastry pockets filled with various savoury fillings, are another beloved part of the country's culinary landscape.

Chilean food also showcases a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables, such as lucuma and cherimoya, as well as indigenous ingredients like quinoa, merkén (hot chilli spice), cochayuyo (seaweed), and maqui (a native berry). The country's markets, such as the Mercado Central, are a foodie's paradise, offering an array of fresh produce and traditional dishes like pastel de choclo (a type of corn pie) and sopaipillas (pumpkin fritters).

When it comes to beverages, Chilean wines are renowned worldwide, with the country's vineyards challenging more established players in the industry. The wine-producing regions extend from the Central Valley north of Santiago to Concepción in the south, with the Maipo Valley being the closest wine region to the capital.

In Bolivia, the food scene is equally fascinating. The country's cuisine has been revolutionised in recent years, with top-notch restaurants in cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Uyuni leading the way. The concept of "zero-kilometer cuisine" is central to this movement, with chefs prioritising locally sourced ingredients and connecting directly with local ranchers and farmers.

Traditional dishes in Bolivia, like its neighbouring countries, are a fusion of Spanish cuisine and indigenous ingredients, with spice playing a significant role. The country boasts an impressive variety of potatoes, with over 4,000 types cultivated, and quinoa, a superfood, is one of the most commonly used ingredients in Bolivian cooking.

La Paz, the capital city, is home to three eateries currently ranked among the top 100 restaurants in Latin America: Gustu, Ancestral, and Phayawi. These restaurants showcase the best of Bolivian cuisine, with dishes like grilled artichoke hearts, trout ceviche, and pork roast with Bolivian tubers.

Bolivia's diverse landscapes, from the Amazon jungle to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, also influence the country's culinary offerings. For example, the Isla del Sol, a legendary birthplace of Inca civilisation, serves traditional pachamanca lunches that include llama, lake fish, potatoes, and corn—a culinary journey back in time to what Inca rulers may have eaten.

History and politics

Chile and Bolivia share a tumultuous history, which has impacted the two countries' political relationship to this day. Once part of the vast Incan Empire, both countries were conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. During the Spanish colonial era, what is now northern Chile was under the administrative jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of Peru, while the southern regions were governed by the Captaincy General of Chile, with the latter becoming the basis for the modern country of Chile following its independence in 1818. Bolivia, meanwhile, gained its independence from Spain in 1825 and initially enjoyed a period of stability and economic growth thanks to its rich mineral resources, particularly silver.

The two countries' histories became intertwined in the 19th century due to territorial disputes. The discovery of valuable nitrate deposits in the Atacama Desert, which spans the border between the two nations, led to a conflict known as the War of the Pacific (1879-1883). Chile emerged victorious, annexing significant territories from Peru and Bolivia, including Bolivia's only coastline, thus leaving Bolivia landlocked. This loss of coastal access has had a profound impact on Bolivia's history and development, and the country has sought to regain its sovereign access to the sea ever since.

Political relations between Chile and Bolivia have been strained for much of the 20th and 21st centuries due to this historical dispute. Despite various attempts at negotiation, the issue has remained largely unresolved, with Bolivia even bringing a case against Chile to the International Court of Justice in 2013, seeking to force Chile to enter into negotiations on the matter. Chile, however, has consistently maintained that all border issues were resolved by a 1904 treaty signed between the two countries.

In recent times, there have been some efforts to improve relations. In 2010, Chile and Bolivia signed an agreement that allowed Bolivia a presence in Chilean ports and provided duty-free access for Bolivian exports. Nonetheless, the agreement fell short of Bolivia's desire for full sovereign access to the sea. The political landscapes in the two countries also differ significantly, with Chile being considered one of South America's most economically and politically stable countries, while Bolivia has experienced periods of political turmoil and social unrest, with frequent protests and strikes.

Both Chile and Bolivia have experienced dictatorships and military rule in their past. Chile is particularly known for the 1973 coup d'état that brought Augusto Pinochet to power, a period marked by human rights abuses and political repression. Bolivia, too, has had its share of dictatorial regimes but has also witnessed the rise of more left-leaning governments in recent decades, with a focus on indigenous rights and anti-imperialist policies. These contrasting political trajectories have undoubtedly influenced the countries' social and economic landscapes, shaping their societies in distinct ways.

Frequently asked questions