Highlights

La Paz

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and is aptly known as the city that touches the sky. The city’s buildings cling to the sides of the canyon and spill spectacularly downwards.

Valley of the Moon

The Valley of the Moon, or Valle de la Luna, is a large collection of sandstone monoliths shaped over many thousands of years by the dry winds of southern Bolivia.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is one of the world’s highest navigable lakes; known for its beautiful scenery and fascinating cultural heritage. Considered the birthplace of the sun and the Incan dynasty, Isla del Sol is one of the most sacred islands in South America.

Salt flats of Uyuni

Covering 12,000 square kilometres in south-west Bolivia, the salt flats of Uyuni are the largest and highest in the world. Vast expanses of white salt crust contrast with bright blue skies, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Madidi National Park

Situated in the upper Amazon river basin, Madidi National Park provides amazing wildlife encounters and the chance to interact with the local indigenous community who have lived within the park for over 300 years.

Atacama Desert, Chile

The spectacular Atacama Desert in Chile, with its innumerable geological wonders, hot springs, salty basins and snow-capped volcanoes is one of South America’s hottest destinations and a great extension to your Bolivian journey.

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Electricity

Electrical Socket type: European and Japanese Voltage: La Paz runs on both 220v and 110v. The rest of the country is 220v. Before using any electrical device, ensure the voltage is compatible. Modem Plug: USA. Source: Korjo Travel Products. To purchase electrical adapters, or for further information, please view the Korjo adapter guide at www.korjo.com.au.

Getting Around

Bolivia’s topography, size and lack of basic infrastructure means that getting around is often a challenge. The majority of Bolivia’s road network is unpaved, and most main roads are in a poor condition. However, travelling through the country’s varied and stunning landscapes is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of a visit to Bolivia, and the pleasure of many places lies as much in the getting there as in the destination itself.Most Bolivians travel by bus, as these go pretty much everywhere and are extremely good value. When there are no buses, they often travel on camiones (lorries), which are slower, much less comfortable and only slightly cheaper, but often go to places no other transport reaches. The much-reduced train network covers only a small fraction of the country, but offers a generally more comfortable and sedate (though not necessarily faster or more reliable) service. In parts of the Amazon lowlands river boats are still the main means of getting around.Though few Bolivians can afford it, air travel is a great way of saving a day or two of arduous cross-country travel, and most of the major cities are served by regular internal flights. The approximate journey times and frequencies of all services are given in each chapter, but these should be treated with caution to say the least: the idea of a fixed timetable would strike most Bolivians as rather ridiculous. Buying or hiring a car is a possibility, but given the state of the roads in many areas and the long distances between towns, it’s an adventurous way to travel and doesn’t guarantee you’ll reach your destination any faster.

Language

Spanish 70%, Quechua 19%, Aymara 11%.

Health

As Yellow Fever occurs in Bolivia, vaccination is a must when visiting the Amazon lowlands as Rurrenabaque (Rain Forest), Trinidad, Santa Cruz, and other destinations that are part of the savannas. Travellers returning to Australia (or entering many countries) within six days of visiting Bolivia will be required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Please consult a medical practitioner or contact The Travel Doctor for your specific risk and requirements when travelling to Bolivia. Australians travelling to Bolivia should also ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover the length of their stay. For further information please visit the Smartraveller website

Communications

Country Code for Bolivia: +591 To Dial Australia Call: Default - 00 Entel - 0010 Axes Communications - 0011 Boliviatel - 0013 followed by 61; Visa Global Assistance: 800 10 0188; Tourist Police (English Speaking): (02) 222 5016; Emergency Services: 110 The emergency services may not have English speaking staff. To avoid delay it may be best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to call the emergency services.

Shopping

One of the most popular markets in Bolivia is Witches’ Market in La Paz. It is one of the most loved spots for tourists in Bolivia. Another market in La Paz that is worth visiting is Feria Del Alto. It offers a wide range of ponchos, alpaca sweaters, leather clothes, textiles and handicraft items. It is usually held on Thursdays and Sundays. Thanks to a great variety of souvenirs, herbs and unique items of clothing, Bolivian markets became one of the top attractions in the country that every tourist should visit.

Tipping

Service charges are included with the bill. A tip of around 5% or so is sometimes given, and is considered polite.

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool.

FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TRIP


Official travel advice is available by visiting the SmartTraveller Website

Customs

Social interaction is governed by norms emphasizing respect and formality and marking age, gender, status, and class differences. Shoppers are expected to be polite and convey deference to shopkeepers by using the adverb "please." The use of formal Spanish pronouns (usted but not tu) is especially important in addressing elders and older relatives, as are honorific titles for men and women (don for men and doña for women). Peasants address members of the urban, Spanish-speaking elite as "gentlemen." Cultural mores dictate that one stand very close to the person with whom one is interacting. Gazing and looking directly in the eye are acceptable. Physical greetings vary greatly. In rural areas, simple, short, firm handshakes are common; a hug (but short of a full bear hug), followed by a short pat on the back, is expected between kin and close friends. In rural settings, public touching, caressing, and kissing among couples are frowned on. Generosity and reciprocity are required in all social interactions, many of which involve the sharing of food and alcoholic beverages.

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