Bolivia Travel Guide

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, but also one of the most ecologically diverse, from western highlands up in the Andes Mountains to the Amazonian jungle. It is a country that sets many records, from the highest Capital – La Paz, filled with old cobbled streets and interesting museums, to Lake Tititcaca – the highest navigable lake in the world, within which you can visit the Island of the Sun – an important religious establishment considered the cradle of the Incan Empire. Other extremes include the highest city in the world – Potosi, the highest ski run in the world at Chacaltaya (5580m above sea level), as well as the most dangerous road in the world. Popular among daredevil bikers, the route between La Paz and Coroico winds over 64km in length and drops a jaw-dropping 3600 metres from high alpine territory, to lush subtropical terrain. Along the way, traverse narrow tracks that snake along winding cliffs, beside and behind waterfalls and across precarious overhangs. Fatalities are common! Still going on, visit Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world, stretching as far as the eyes can see. Here is where the reflection of the sky is perfectly mirrored in the water.

Descend down to the jungles of Amazon in the North, or over in Santa Cruz, where you can visit the city it's self. The best time to visit Santa Cruz is during Carnival, in February every year, because the way people celebrate it in santa Cruz has no match anywhere else in the world ... FUN....FUN....FUN!!!!). If staying in Santa Cruz, you'll have the chance to visit South America's largest Water Park (Aqualand) or the "Mariposario" (Butterfly Natural Reserve). If you enjoy adventure, you can take one of the tours to any of the many National Parks in santa Cruz, spending the night in the jungle or in a resort surrounded by it. While in Santa Curz, you could go any (or all) of the Jesuit Missions, america's best preseved and Human historic Heritage by the United Nations. Of course, the best time to visit the Missions is dirung the International American Barroque and Renaicence Music Festival (april of every odd year) to delight yourself with the music played by the worlds greates musissians who wait for years to have the chance to come and play at this magic churches built during the 16th Century. If you are interested in the Inca history you can go to Samaipata, one of the most enigmatic pre-Incan sites in all of South America. In La Paz, you can go to the Valley of the Moon, where you will see one of the most interesting surreal rock formations – a creation from the joint work of air and water erosion. From a foray into the ancient South American past to stunning scenery to learning about the indigenous South American culture of today, there is much to see in this traditional Andean country.