Omari Gates
Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The geography of Bolivia can be divided into three distinct zones: the high plateau (Altiplano), the temperate and semitropical valleys of the eastern mountain slopes (Yungas), and the tropical lowlands (Llanos) of the Amazon River Basin. The country's landscape is dominated by the Andes mountains, which bisect Bolivia from north to south. To the east of the Andes lies the lowland plains of the Amazon Basin, and to the west is the Altiplano, a highland plateau where Lake Titicaca is located.
What You'll Learn
The Andes Mountain Range
The Bolivian Andes are characterised by two great parallel ranges: the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Oriental. The Cordillera Occidental, or Western Volcanic Range, forms a natural border with Chile and separates the Bolivian highlands from the Atacama Desert. This range includes Bolivia's highest peak, the snow-capped Nevado Sajama, which rises to 6,542 metres (21,463 feet) above sea level. The Cordillera Occidental is a chain of dormant volcanoes and solfataras, emitting sulphurous gases from their flanks.
The Cordillera Oriental, or Eastern Mountain Range, includes the Cordillera Real, a spectacular line of snow-capped peaks to the north of La Paz, with some exceeding 6,000 metres (19,685 feet) in height. The Cordillera Real is considered the "backbone" of the Andean lands, forming a northwest to southeast line between all the other Bolivian ranges. This range is incredibly accessible, with many roads, short approaches, and no technical difficulties, making it very popular among climbers and trekkers. The Cordillera Oriental is also home to Lake Titicaca, which Bolivia shares with Peru. At 3,811 metres (12,503 feet) above sea level, it is the highest navigable lake in the world.
The Altiplano, or high plateau, lies between the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Oriental. This relatively flat depression has an average altitude of around 3,700 metres (12,000 feet) and is characterised by lakes and basins that have been important agricultural, economic, and cultural areas. The Altiplano includes the Uyuni Saltpan, the world's largest salt concentration, covering over 9,000 square kilometres.
Exploring Bolivia's Capybaras: An Eco-Tourist's Dream
You may want to see also
The Amazon Basin
The Bolivian Amazon is known for its biodiversity, hosting jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters, exotic birds, caimans, turtles, piranhas, and pink dolphins. The Pampas tours in the Amazon are a popular way to experience the region's wildlife, including alligators, squirrel monkeys, and capybaras. The tours typically include activities such as piranha fishing and caiman spotting.
The town of Rurrenabaque serves as the starting point for trips into the Bolivian Amazon, offering easy access to tour agencies and affordable accommodations. Visitors can choose between the Pampas tours, which are cheaper and offer more wildlife sightings, or the jungle tours, which provide a more classic Amazon experience with activities like canoe trips and jungle treks.
Diabetes in Bolivia: Examining the Country's Diabetes Rate
You may want to see also
Altiplano
The Altiplano, meaning 'high plain' in Spanish, is a high plateau in west-central South America. It is the most extensive high plateau on Earth outside of Tibet, with an average height of about 3,750 metres (12,300 feet). The bulk of the Altiplano lies in Bolivia, but its northern parts lie in Peru, and its southwestern fringes in Chile.
The Altiplano is characterised by a series of intermontane basins, lying at about 12,000 feet (3,650 metres) above sea level. The dominant vegetation is grass and shrubs, and the region is home to wildlife such as alpacas and llamas. The southern half of the Altiplano is deficient in moisture, while the northern half receives adequate rainfall for cultivating crops without irrigation. The Altiplano's climate is cool and humid to semi-arid and even arid, with mean annual temperatures ranging from 3°C to 12°C. The diurnal temperature cycle is very wide, with maximum temperatures reaching 24°C and minimum temperatures dropping to -20°C.
The Altiplano is the most densely populated region of Bolivia and is the site of the seat of government, La Paz, close to Lake Titicaca. The Altiplano is also the site of famous ruins, indicating that it was once the site of one of the great pre-Columbian civilisations. The region has important agricultural lands, pasture, and mineral deposits.
Spain to Bolivia: Modern-Day Dollar Differences
You may want to see also
Lake Titicaca
The lake is also known for its floating islands, constructed by the Uros people from layers of cut totora, a thick, buoyant sedge that grows abundantly in the shallows of the lake. These islands can be moved into deep water or to different parts of the lake, providing safety from hostile neighbours on land. Today, the Uros people supplement their hunting and fishing by welcoming tourists to their islands and selling handicrafts.
Bolivia's National Animal: A Symbol of Pride and Heritage
You may want to see also
The Cordillera Occidental
Beginning in the north at Juqhuri on the border with Peru and ending in the south at the Licancabur volcano, the Cordillera Occidental spans approximately 700 km (435 mi). The range is constructed on a thick crust and contains numerous active volcanoes, as well as the country's highest peak, Nevada Sajama, which stands at 6,542 m (21,463 ft) and is perennially covered in snow. The Cordillera Occidental also hosts the spectacular Salar de Uyuni, or Uyuni Salt Flat, at an elevation of 3,656 m (11,995 ft).
Vaccinations for Bolivia: What Shots Do I Need?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The country is divided into three main geographic zones: the high plateau (Altiplano), the temperate and semitropical valleys of the eastern mountain slopes (Yungas), and the tropical lowlands (Llanos) of the Amazon River Basin.
The Altiplano is a highland plateau that extends from southern Peru through Bolivia to northern Argentina. It is enclosed by the Andes Mountains and is one of the world's highest inhabited regions, with altitudes ranging from 12,000 to 14,000 feet (3,660 to 4,270 meters). Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is located on the Altiplano and is shared by Bolivia and Peru.
Bolivia has several different climates, including Andean, sub-Andean, and plains. The climate varies drastically across these regions, from tropical in the eastern lowlands to polar in the western Andes. The summers are generally warm and humid, while the winters are very cold in the west and windy in the west.
The geography of Bolivia includes the Eastern Andes Mountain Range, which runs roughly north to south through the country. To the east of this range are the lowland plains of the Amazon Basin, and to the west is the Altiplano. Bolivia's highest peak is Nevado Sajama, at 6,542 meters (21,463 feet) above sea level. Other notable features include the Uyuni Salt Flat, the world's largest salt flat, and the Amazon rainforest, the world's largest rainforest.
The population of Bolivia is estimated to be around 11 million people. The country is majority urban, with about two-thirds of the population living in urban areas. The Altiplano region, particularly around Lake Titicaca, is the most densely populated part of the country, with almost half of the country's population living there. The Llanos region covers more than two-thirds of Bolivia but is sparsely populated, except for the city of Santa Cruz, the country's second-largest city.
