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Due to its relative isolation, Bolivia still retains much of its cultural heritage: traditional Andean folk music, customary dress, pagan rites, and witch doctors. And with its ever-changing landscapes - from the Salt Flats of Uyuni to Lake Titicaca – Bolivia will leave you awestruck.
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Destinations > Bolivia > Need to Know
Bolivia is a beautiful, diverse, multi-ethnic country. It’s home to the earth’s coldest, warmest, windiest, and steamiest spots and boasts the driest, saltiest, and swampiest natural landscapes in the world. The people of Bolivia have remained the most cultural of all in South America due to their relative isolation, with over half the country’s population either Quechua or Aymara. The richness of this culture can be seen throughout the country from the traditional Andean folk music to the colorful markets and street-sellers.
With such diverse geography, Bolivia experiences almost every kind of weather. The most popular and most comfortable time for exploring the whole country is during the winter months of May to October, where travelers will enjoy dry, clear days.
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 over 4,086 square miles in southwest 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.
Country Code for Bolivia: +591 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.
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 stands very close to the person with whom one is interacting. Gazing and looking directly in the eye is 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.
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.
Bolivia’s topography, size, and lack of basic infrastructure mean 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, traveling 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 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, riverboats 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.
Spanish 70%, Quechua 19%, Aymara 11%.
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.
Service charges are usually included with the bill. A tip of around 5% or so is sometimes given, and is considered polite.
The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travelers 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.
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