Bolivia Beckons: Culture, Nature, And Adventure

Bolivia is a country of extremes, from freezing cold mountain peaks to sweltering hot Amazonian lowlands. It is incredibly diverse, with large swathes of inhospitable deserts, leafy grasslands, and thick Amazonian jungle. It is also the most indigenous country on the continent, with 62% of the population of indigenous descent. Bolivia is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent, from pristine rainforests and high-altitude salt flats to cities rich with cultural diversity. It is steeped in history, playing a crucial role in Latin America's colonial history. The country is also a budget traveller's paradise, offering the best value for money on the continent.

Bolivia has the world's largest salt flats

Bolivia is a country of extremes, from freezing cold snowy mountain peaks to sweltering hot Amazonian lowlands. It is incredibly diverse, with expansive swathes of inhospitable deserts, leafy grasslands, and thick Amazonian jungle. Bolivia is also home to the world's largest salt flats, Salar de Uyuni, which spans an area of 10,582 square kilometres (4,086 square miles) in the Daniel Campos Province in Potosí in southwest Bolivia.

Salar de Uyuni is a stunning natural wonder, formed over tens of thousands of years by the transformation and evaporation of several prehistoric lakes. The salt flat is covered by a few meters of salt crust, which has an extraordinarily flat surface with average elevation variations of within one meter over the entire area. This flatness, along with the large area and clear skies, makes Salar de Uyuni ideal for calibrating the altimeters of Earth observation satellites.

During the rainy season, from December to April, the salt flat turns into a shallow lake, becoming the world's largest natural mirror. A thin layer of calm water transforms the flat into a breathtaking reflection of the sky, stretching 129 kilometres (80 miles) across. This mirror effect is a popular attraction for tourists, who flock to Salar de Uyuni to witness this unique phenomenon.

The dry season, from May to November, presents a different but equally striking landscape. The salt crust becomes parched and cracked, resembling an alien planet. The harsh, white terrain is a photographer's dream, with an endless horizon that allows for creative perspective and depth of field. The ground hardens during this season, making it possible to drive across the salt flat and explore areas that are inaccessible during the rainy season.

Salar de Uyuni is not just a natural wonder but also a site of economic significance. The salt flat is a lucrative extraction site for salt and lithium, the element powering laptops, smartphones, and electric cars. Bolivia holds about 22% of the world's known lithium resources, and the Bolivian government has plans for mineral extraction that will bring significant changes to the region.

In addition to its natural beauty and economic importance, Salar de Uyuni also holds cultural and historical value. The area is home to several species of flamingos and unusual flora, such as giant cacti. The surrounding mountains are the subject of Aymara legend, which tells of giant people and a grieving goddess whose tears mixed with milk to form the salt flat.

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is a truly remarkable destination, offering breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and economic insights. It is a must-visit location for anyone seeking to explore the natural wonders and cultural diversity that Bolivia has to offer.

It's home to the world's highest capital city

Bolivia is home to the world's highest capital city, La Paz, which sits at a breathtaking 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level. The city is nestled in a bowl-like depression in the Amazon Basin, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Altiplano. This unique topography lends itself to incredible views, with the snow-capped peaks of Illimani visible from many parts of the city.

La Paz is the seat of the Bolivian government and an important political, administrative, economic, and cultural centre. The city boasts several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church and the Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as vibrant markets, including the famous Witches' Market. La Paz is also renowned for its nightlife and is considered a cultural hub in South America.

The city's high altitude results in an unusual subtropical highland climate, with rainy summers and dry winters. The varying elevations within the city also correspond to social differences, with more affluent residents living in the lower, central areas and lower-income residents occupying the surrounding hills.

La Paz is a must-visit destination when exploring Bolivia, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture, and stunning natural scenery. Its status as the world's highest capital city is a testament to its uniqueness and makes for a memorable travel experience.

It's steeped in indigenous culture

Bolivia is steeped in indigenous culture. The country is home to 36 recognised indigenous peoples, with 38 recognised peoples according to the 2012 National Census. Bolivia is a plurinational state, recognising 36 different ethnic groups, each with their own language and customs.

The country's indigenous peoples constitute 41% of the population aged 15 or over, according to the 2012 census. However, this is a decrease from the 2001 census, where 62% of Bolivians aged 15 or over identified as indigenous. An additional 30-68% of the population is mestizo, with mixed European and indigenous ancestry. The largest indigenous groups are the Aymara and Quechua, who are the biggest communities in the western Andes. In the lowlands, the Chiquitano, Guaraní, and Moxeño peoples are in the majority.

Indigenous Bolivians have faced marginalisation and a lack of representation. However, the late 20th century saw a surge of political and social mobilisation in indigenous communities. The 1990s saw a large wave of political mobilisation, with President Sánchez de Lozada passing reforms to acknowledge indigenous rights in Bolivian culture and society. In 1993, the Law of Constitutional Reform recognised indigenous rights, and in 1994, the Law of Popular Participation gave municipal and local governments more political autonomy.

The country's first indigenous president, Evo Morales, was elected in 2005. Morales attempted to establish a plurinational and postcolonial state to expand the collective rights of the indigenous community. The 2009 constitution recognised the presence of the different communities in Bolivia and gave indigenous peoples the right to self-governance and autonomy over their ancestral territories.

Indigenous culture is kept alive through rich and colourful traditions. Hundreds of entradas (parades) take place each year, showcasing colourful costumes, upbeat music, and merrymaking.

It's incredibly biodiverse

Bolivia is incredibly biodiverse. The country is home to a wide range of ecosystems, from the mountain landscapes of the Andes to the dense rainforests of the Amazon, and the unusual dry forests of the Chaco. Bolivia's ecosystems are influenced by its location in the tropics and dramatic variations in topography and climate. The country has more than 1,400 species of birds, including macaws and the Andean condor, and is home to around 40% of the world's biodiversity.

The country has designated more than 17% of its land as protected areas, including 22 national parks. Bolivia's first national park was created in the mid-20th century, and the country now has a national protected-area coverage of 16%. These areas help to conserve biological and cultural diversity and protect natural resources. For example, the Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park in the dry Chaco forest was established in 1995 to protect the region's wildlife, including jaguars, peccaries and several species of armadillos. The park is managed by a Guaraní organisation, which strives to balance conservation goals with the needs of indigenous groups in the region.

Bolivia's biodiversity is also protected by the implementation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the formulation of a national biodiversity strategy. However, it faces threats from economic development, population shifts, increasing agricultural activities, the oil and gas sector, deforestation and climate change.

The country's diverse landscapes and climates range from high plateaus and snow-capped mountains to low-lying wetlands and forests. Bolivia's varied elevations and climates support a wide range of crops and farming practices. The country has a variety of unique plant species, including the Chiquitano orchid, found only in the dry Chiquitano forest of eastern Bolivia, and the giant cactus, which populates many of the small "islands" in the Uyuni Salt Flats.

The country's indigenous communities have also played a crucial role in protecting biodiversity, with more than 1.5 million people living in or near protected areas. Bolivia's indigenous people have adapted to the country's diverse landscapes and natural resources and continue traditions such as weaving textiles and building homes from natural materials.

It's a budget-friendly destination

Bolivia is a budget traveller's paradise, offering the best value for money on the continent. With lower living costs than its neighbours Argentina, Brazil and Chile, you can generally stay longer, eat more and sleep for less.

Accommodation

Dorm beds in hostels can be found for as little as $6.50, while a basic room for two will cost around $140. If you're travelling as a couple or in a group, it's often cheaper to share a private room in a local inn, with prices as low as $20. Airbnb apartments are also available from $160.

Food

Street food is incredibly cheap, with local fast food snacks like salteñas, choripán and tamales costing less than $1. A sandwich will set you back around $1.15, while a mid-range meal for two will cost around $19.

Transport

Local buses are very affordable at $0.45 a ticket, while a bus from Santa Cruz to La Paz is $16. Overnight buses are a great way to save money, as you won't need to pay for a night's accommodation.

Tours and Activities

Bolivia has plenty of free activities, such as wandering the charming streets of Sucre and Copacabana, or walking across Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca. A cable car ride in La Paz costs just $0.70, while a three-day tour of the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats is $175.

Money-Saving Tips

• Save money on your international flight by flying into Santa Cruz instead of La Paz.
• If you're planning a multi-country trip, start elsewhere and travel overland to Bolivia.
• Eat your big meals at lunchtime, when you can find incredible set lunch deals in top restaurants.
• Take a water filter with you, rather than buying bottled water.
• Learn some key Spanish phrases to get better prices.
• Pack appropriately so you don't need to buy any missing items.

Frequently asked questions