Discovering Bolivia: A Land Of Adventure And Culture

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, neighbouring Brazil, that is full of gorgeous scenery, unique landmarks, and intriguing culture. It is home to the largest salt flat in the world, Salar de Uyuni, which is one of the country's most famous attractions. Bolivia also has the world's largest high-altitude lake, Lake Titicaca, which is surrounded by traditional villages and ancient ruins. The country's de facto capital, La Paz, is famous for its cable car system, Mi Teleferico, which offers incredible views of the city. Bolivia is also known for its delicious food, with Cochabamba being referred to as the Gastronomical Capital of Bolivia. Adventure seekers can enjoy biking down the world's most dangerous road, North Yungas Road, which connects La Paz to Yungas. Nature lovers can explore Parque Nacional Madidi, which is home to diverse plant and animal life, or hike through the Grand Canyon of Bolivia, Vergel Canyon, located in Toro Toro National Park. History buffs can visit the pre-Incan Tiwanaku ruins, which include impressive stone gateways, statues, and walls adorned with faces. Bolivia truly has something to offer every type of traveller, from city lovers to backpackers, historians to adrenaline junkies.

Marvel at the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is considered one of the most extreme and remarkable vistas in all of South America, if not the world. Stretching more than 4,050 square miles of the Altiplano, it is the world's largest salt flat, left behind by prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago. Here, a thick crust of salt extends to the horizon, covered by quilted, polygonal patterns of salt rising from the ground.

At certain times of the year, nearby lakes overflow, and a thin layer of water transforms the flats into a stunning reflection of the sky. This beautiful and otherworldly terrain serves as a lucrative extraction site for salt and lithium—the element responsible for powering laptops, smartphones, and electric cars.

The Salar de Uyuni is located in the Daniel Campos Province in Potosí in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes. It is at an elevation of 3,656 m (11,995 ft) above sea level. The area has a relatively stable average temperature, peaking at 21 °C (70 °F) in November to January and a low of 13 °C (55 °F) in June.

The Salar de Uyuni is a popular tourist destination, with many hotels built in the area. The first salt hotel, Palacio de Sal, was built in the middle of the salt flat in 1993–1995 but had to be dismantled in 2002 due to sanitation issues. A new hotel with the same name was built in 2007 at the eastern edge of Salar de Uyuni, 25 km away from the town of Uyuni.

The best way to get to Salar de Uyuni is by taking a bus or plane from La Paz. Flights from La Paz to Uyuni can be booked through Amaszonas and BoA (one hour, about $130 round-trip). Overnight buses from La Paz are also available with Trans Omar and Todo Turismo (10-12 hours, $30 to $40 each way).

The rainy season (December to April) is when visitors come to witness the breathtaking mirror effect on the salt flats. Be wary of excessive rain in December and January, as it can cause tour cancellations. During the dry season (May to November), temperatures are colder, and the ground has hardened, allowing visitors to drive across the stark white landscape to places inaccessible during the rainy season.

The Salar de Uyuni is a prime breeding ground for several species of flamingos and serves as a major transport route across the Bolivian Altiplano. It is also a popular filming location for movies, including *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* (2017) and *The Fall* (2006).

Explore the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku

Bolivia is a country with a plethora of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural and historical sites. One of the most intriguing places to visit is the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, a Pre-Columbian archaeological site recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here is an in-depth guide to exploring this fascinating destination.

History of Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku, also known as Tiahuanaco or Tiahuanacu, was a Pre-Incan civilisation that flourished between 300 AD and 1000 AD. It began as a small agricultural settlement near Lake Titicaca and gradually expanded its influence, eventually forming a state. By 600-800 AD, Tiwanaku had become a thriving city and a centre of power and ceremony in the southern Andes, with a population of 30,000 to 70,000 residents. The Tiwanaku empire extended across western Bolivia, southern Peru, and northern Chile, and its influence was felt across the southern Andes region.

The Ruins and Museums

The Tiwanaku archaeological site is located about 70 kilometres west of La Paz, near Lake Titicaca. The site covers approximately 4 square kilometres and includes decorated ceramics, monumental structures, and megalithic blocks. While the site has suffered from looting and amateur excavations, there are still significant ruins and artefacts to explore. The site consists of the ceremonial centre of the ancient city, including the Akapana pyramid, the Templete Semisubterraneo (Semi-Subterranean Temple), and Kalasasaya, a partially reconstructed walled platform with a sunken courtyard.

There are also two museums on-site that house a variety of artefacts and provide insight into the Tiwanaku culture. The Museo Ceramico displays a large collection of pottery, including artistically decorated ceremonial pieces and plain everyday items. The Museo Litico is home to a fabulous collection of monoliths, both original and replica, with the Monolito Bennett Pachamama being a highlight at 7.3 metres tall and covered in intricate carvings.

Tips for Visiting

To make the most of your visit to Tiwanaku, it is recommended to go with a private guide or join a tour. The labels in the museums are in Spanish, and there may not be English pamphlets available. Full and half-day tours can be booked through agencies in La Paz, which typically include transportation and a bilingual guide. The site is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Accommodation and Other Attractions

There are accommodation options available in both La Paz and Copacabana (Lake Titicaca) for those wishing to stay near the site. La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital, offers a range of attractions, including the Mi Teleférico cable car network, the Mercado 16 de Julio market, and the Cholita Wrestlers, a unique cultural experience. Copacabana, a lakeside town, provides a more relaxed atmosphere and is a great base for exploring Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

Wander the markets of La Paz, including the Witch Market

La Paz is a bustling city with plenty to offer visitors. One of its most intriguing attractions is the Mercado de las Brujas, or Witches' Market. This market is a fascinating place to explore, with an array of exotic products and spiritual practices that have been part of Bolivian culture since pre-Columbian times.

The Witches' Market is located on Calle Jiminez and Linares, between Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz, in the heart of La Paz. It's easy to find, as dozens of vendors line the streets selling a variety of strange and fascinating items. The market is open all year round, but it's particularly vibrant and lively during the full moon and important ceremonies.

At the Witches' Market, you'll discover an extensive range of products, from potions and herbs to charms and spells. Visitors can find almost anything they need to practice their craft or simply satisfy their curiosity. Among the many items on offer are dried llama fetuses, which are said to bring prosperity and good luck. These are buried in the foundations of new buildings as an offering to Pachamama, the goddess of fertility and mother earth. You'll also find dried frogs, soapstone figurines, aphrodisiacs, owl feathers, dried turtles and snakes, herbs, and folk remedies.

The market is not just a place for shopping, but also a spiritual hub. Local shamans oversee spiritual ceremonies such as cleansings and fortune-telling sessions involving tarot card readings or fire-gazing techniques. Visitors can participate in these rituals or simply observe the unique customs and practices.

In addition to the Witches' Market, La Paz has several other markets worth exploring. Calle Sagarnaga, starting right by the San Francisco Basilica, is the best place for souvenir shopping. You can find a variety of alpaca products, colourful aguayo (woven fabric), and high-quality speciality items at shops like Mistura. For foodies, La Paz's city centre offers a culinary renaissance, with energetic chefs creating wild spins on traditional Bolivian dishes. Be sure to try the peanut soup, silpancho, and pique macho.

For a panoramic view of the city, take a ride on Mi Teleférico, the world's longest urban cable car network. Stretching across 20 miles and two cities, this mass transit system offers a unique perspective on La Paz and El Alto.

Take in the views from the world's highest cable car system, Mi Teleferico

Bolivia is a country brimming with attractions, from its natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage. One of the most unique and breathtaking experiences it has to offer is a ride on Mi Teleferico, the world's highest cable car system. Here's everything you need to know about this incredible attraction:

The Mi Teleferico Experience

Mi Teleferico is a cable car network that operates at a staggering altitude of 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) above sea level. It connects the cities of La Paz and El Alto, providing fast, reliable, and affordable transportation between the two. With a one-way ticket costing only 3 Bolivianos, it's an excellent alternative to the congested roads that used to be the only means of travel between these neighbouring cities.

The Impact of Mi Teleferico

The introduction of Mi Teleferico has had a significant impact on the lives of locals. It has cut down commute times between La Paz and El Alto from a tedious hour to just 10 minutes! This has not only saved time but also reduced travel costs for the residents. Moreover, the cable car system has helped alleviate the problem of smog and traffic congestion in La Paz, thanks to its use of electricity, partially generated through solar power.

The Cable Car Routes

The Mi Teleferico network consists of multiple lines, each offering unique and spectacular views. The initial phase included the Red, Yellow, and Green Lines, reflecting the colours of the Bolivian flag. There are 11 stations in total, including a double station serving as the endpoint for the Yellow and Green Lines. The stations are designed with both Spanish and Aymara names, honouring the large Aymarar population in the area. Here are some key stations and the attractions nearby:

• Estación Teleferico Sopocachi: Near Parque Mirador Laikakota and the Sopocachi neighbourhood.
• Estación 16 de Julio: El Alto Open Air Market, Polifunctional de la Ceja Stadium (famous for Cholita Wrestling), and El Alto International Airport.
• Estación Teleferico Cementerio: General Cemetery.
• Estación Central: Plaza Murillo, Witches Market, Urban Rush, Mercado Lanza, Calle Sagarnaga, and Iglesia de San Francisco.
• Estación Teleferico Irpavi: Gustu and Zona Sur.

Future Expansion

Mi Teleferico has ambitious plans for the future. As of October 2019, the system has 26 stations and 10 lines, with further expansions in the works. The network is expected to reach a total length of 33.8 kilometres with 11 lines and 30 stations. Additionally, the introduction of WiFi on the cable cars is in the works, enhancing the experience for both locals and tourists.

So, if you're planning a trip to Bolivia, make sure to include a ride on Mi Teleferico in your itinerary. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soak in breathtaking views while efficiently navigating between La Paz and El Alto!

Experience the Amazon rainforest

Bolivia is a budget-friendly option for exploring the Amazon rainforest. It's cheaper than Brazil, and the tours are less crowded. The town of Rurrenabaque is the starting point for trips into the Bolivian Amazon. It's easy to sign up for tours here, and it'll be cheaper than booking in advance in La Paz.

There are two ways to visit the Amazon from Rurrenabaque: the pampas tours and the jungle tours.

Pampas Tours

The pampas tours are the cheapest option and where you'll see the most wildlife, including alligators, squirrel monkeys, and capybaras. The pampas are a wetland savannah on the edge of the Amazon basin, so it's much easier to spot wildlife as there are fewer trees.

All the tour operators offer very similar three-day/two-night trips for around $75 USD plus a park entrance fee of around $20 USD. Tours include transportation, food, and a guide.

Jungle Tours

For a more classic Amazon experience, opt for a jungle tour, where you can stay at an eco-lodge and do activities such as canoe trips, jungle treks, piranha fishing, and making jewellery from nuts and seeds.

Jungle treks are more physically demanding than the pampas tours, so be sure to have good footwear and proper hiking clothing.

Jungle tours can be pricey. A three-day/two-night tour with Madidi Travel to its Serere Lodge costs $207 USD per person, but you get a large, comfortable bungalow, great food, and a professionally run trip.

When to Go

The best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is during the dry season, from May to October, when there is more wildlife and fewer mosquitoes.

Getting There

You can get to Rurrenabaque from La Paz by bus or plane. The bus ride is horrendous and bumpy and takes 30 hours, whereas the flight takes just 35 minutes.

Tips

• There is no reliable ATM in Rurrenabaque, so bring plenty of cash.
• Many tour operators will offer anaconda hunts. Don't go on these. Wild animals should be viewed from a distance.
• Many guides will encourage you to get up close to the animals. For your safety, don't.
• To make sure you get a reliable tour operator, don't pay less than around $90-100 USD for your jungle tour.
• The jungle is extremely humid, and there's no escaping the mosquitoes.
• There are ticks. Thoroughly inspect yourself every night, and check your shoes before putting them on.
• No amount of DEET insect repellent will save you from the mosquitoes in the jungle.

Frequently asked questions