Where to Go

CHACALTAYA MOUNTAIN

We thought the views were spectacular, but we don't recommend actually skiing at this ski resort, which claims to be the world's highest (18,440 ft/5,620 m). Although the scenery is stunning and the costs are among the cheapest we've encountered (day passes cost about US$4, instruction and rental about US$35), you certainly get what you pay for: The snow conditions are often icy, the cable tow system is dangerously outdated, the rental equipment is potentially lethal and the ski run ends in a jumble of jagged boulders. Combine this with a shortage of oxygen at this extreme altitude, and you've got a nightmare on ice. You're much better off experiencing the scenery on foot. We enjoyed the short (half-hour) but very strenuous hike to the peak (because of the altitude, you can only take a few steps at a time before having to stop and catch your breath). There's a "chalet" precariously perched on the edge of a cliff—it takes a bit of courage just to enter for a cup of mate de coca.

Skiers who must ski Chacaltaya at all costs should note that the ski season runs October-June, but the best time to go is April-June. When we visited, the cable tow system was operating only on the weekends. 35 mi/55 km north of La Paz.

COCHABAMBA

Cochabamba (pop. 404,000), the nation's third-largest city, is noted for its handicrafts, pleasant climate, a good archaeological museum and the impressive Inca ruins at nearby Incallajta. The cancha, or market, in Cochabamba is one of the largest in the country and shouldn't be missed (but watch out for pickpockets). If you are there on a Sunday, try to find a chicharron—a cookout where pork is deep fried in huge vats over open fires and served with potatoes and chicha (pronounced CHEE-cha), a traditional alcoholic beverage made from corn.

If you have time, you might want to hike up the hill that is topped by a huge statue of Jesus. The statue, as the locals will be glad to tell you, is taller than the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cochabamba is 150 mi/240 km southeast of La Paz.

COPACABANA

The town of Copacabana is one of our favorites—it is among the friendliest, cleanest and prettiest places in the country. It's generally seen on a trip from La Paz to Puno, Peru (via hydrofoil across Lake Titicaca), or as an overnight stop on a trip from La Paz to Cuzco, Peru. Copacabana has several cathedrals and the 500-year-old silver- and gold-encased Virgin of Candelaria, which is reputed to have healing powers. The cathedral that houses the Virgin is a fantastic combination of styles. An airy Moorish-style courtyard encloses the colonial church, whose doors are decorated with hand-carved wooden panels depicting Biblical scenes with a definite Bolivian accent. At the entrance of Copacabana is La Horca del Inca, ruins not usually seen by tourists (there's a huge celebration there on 5 August).

In the late afternoon, climb the hill known as Cerro Calvario and watch the sun set across the lake. The walk up takes less than an hour, including short rests at all of the 14 stations of the cross that mark the path. Treat yourself to a trucha (the ruby red local trout) for dinner after the descent. From Copacabana you can take day trips to the Island of the Sun and the Island of the Moon. Keep in mind that lots of high altitude sunshine, reflecting waters and cool temperatures can conspire to produce a wicked sunburn—don't forget your sunscreen. 70 mi/115 km west of La Paz.

KEMPFF NATIONAL PARK

This isolated park on the border with Brazil is named for scientist Noel Kempff, who was killed by drug smugglers at a jungle airstrip. The spectacular terrain inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel The Lost World. The lush jungles, savannahs and tall rock faces are home to some 500 bird species and many species of animals (including tapir, monkeys, elusive and endangered jaguars and anteaters). The park can be reached by charter flight from Santa Cruz. 450 mi/720 km northeast of La Paz.

LA PAZ

Stunningly situated in a high mountain valley (12,000 ft/3,660 m above sea level), Bolivia's capital and largest city is home to about 1,000,000 Pacenos, as its residents are called. We cannot emphasize strongly enough the necessity of spending a full day or two there to adjust to the altitude if you are flying in. Actually, you may need some time to recover from the flight itself: The approach to the airport is one of the scariest in the world because of a narrow mountain pass.

The city resembles a large stadium, with the main avenue and wealthy homes located on the "playing field" and the less-well-off citizens residing high up on the surrounding bowl of "bleachers." The area around La Paz is surprisingly arid, with deserts and cacti, but snowcapped Mt. Illimani offers an impressive backdrop to the city's skyscrapers on a clear day.

The city's main boulevard is known as the Prado, though the street itself actually changes names several times (and none of the names is "the Prado"). Luxury hotels, shops, banks and Internet cafes frame the boulevard as it passes through downtown La Paz, giving the city a modern feel. With a wide, tree-filled pedestrian walkway dividing traffic, the Prado is a pleasant place to stroll or rest.

Just a couple blocks from the Prado however, are the enthralling, chaotic markets that better characterize La Paz. Look for the 16th-century San Francisco Church (it's near one of the Prado's busiest intersections). The plaza fronting the church is filled with people all day long: Shoeshine boys, apocalyptic preachers, street vendors, camera-toting tourists and Bolivian businesspeople congregate there, making it a prime spot to people watch. The Sagarnaga market extends for several blocks around the church. Two blocks directly behind the church is the Mercado de las Brujas (the Witches Market), where traditional Quechua and Aymara medicines and potions are sold. Enough tourists have passed through the market that vendors generally request that you purchase something—or at least make a small donation—before photographing them.

Also downtown are an open-air museum, the Ethnography and Folklore Museum (focused on two of Bolivia's more obscure indigenous groups) and the Tiahuanaco Arts Collection.

Other places of interest include the National Art Museum; the Colonial Museum, or Casa Murillo (historic artifacts—the entry ticket includes admission to three other nearby museums); the Plaza El Monticulo in Sopocachi Bajo (panoramic view of the city); the botanical gardens in Miraflores (collection of altiplano plants and early colonial ceramics); and the museum of Maria Nunez del Prado (dedicated to the life and work of Bolivia's foremost sculptor). Note that many of La Paz's museums are closed on Sunday and Monday.

If at all possible, attend a pena (kind of a folk music revue) during your stay in La Paz. Most penas happen on weekends, but some restaurants hold them during the week as well. The shows typically feature several groups playing Andean music on traditional instruments like the zampona and the charango. Some penas also include folk dancing.

Although many places in La Paz are closed on Sundays, professional soccer games in Hernando Siles Stadium draw a lively crowd.

Outside La Paz, next to the suburb of Mallasa, is the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), a maze of towering formations of rock and clay that were created by erosion. Mallasa has a golf course said to be the highest in the world. It offers interesting opportunities for lowering your score: Because of the thin air, drives tend to sail considerably farther than at sea level.

The ruins at Tiahuanaco lie only an hour away. (A day should be enough to see La Paz itself, and the better part of another day will be needed for the ruins.) Another excursion may be made to the thermal baths of Urmiri and Vizcachani (on the road to Oruro). Urmiri has a good hotel and pleasant mountain environment.

The city's big annual fiesta, known as the Gran Poder (Great Power), occurs in mid July. The Prado is typically blocked off for this official holiday, when organized dancing follows a parade route through the city. It's hard to find a sober person during the colorful three-day celebration.

Note: Along with the growth in tourism, petty thievery has greatly increased in the tourist areas of La Paz. While many tourists never experience problems, be aware of the rise in the crime rate and take care of your belongings.

LAKE TITICACA

This sacred lake of the Incas, the highest navigable major lake in the world, is a must-see. Its pristine waters change colors from dawn to dusk, depending on the clouds and angle of the sun. It has several fascinating islands, including the Island of the Moon and Island of the Sun, which are inhabited by Aymara Indians, the descendants of the Aymara people who were conquered by the Incas around 1400 AD. (According to legend, the Incas considered the Aymara a very advanced society and left much of the Aymaras' culture intact.)

By all means, cross the lake, either by boat or hydrofoil. (We prefer the hydrofoil—it's fun, fast and fairly comfortable.) We recommend that the lake be part of an overland trip between La Paz and Puno or Cuzco, Peru, with an overnight stay in Copacabana.

If you take a bus between La Paz and Copacabana, you'll be treated to spectacular scenery for most of the ride. The highway cuts across the altiplano (the plateau that divides the Andes), then winds along the southern shore of the lake before coming to an end at the Straits of Tiquina. Passengers have to get off the bus to cross the straits. All passengers change to small motorboat-ferries, while the bus goes across on a barge—which makes for a great photo opportunity. The road resumes on the other side.

The train ride from Puno to Cuzco is also exciting, passing through the altiplano, cutting through people's backyards and crossing a 14,000-ft/4,300-m pass. (If you're not traveling in a first-class compartment, you'll have to watch out for some of the most talented thieves on the continent—be sure to lock all your bags securely to the overhead baggage rack and not let them out of your sight during this otherwise pleasant trip.) Lake Titicaca is 35 mi/55 km west of La Paz.

LOS YUNGAS

Los Yungas is a beautiful area of deep valleys separating the high Andes from the Amazon basin. This tropical region is where many African slaves found refuge after escaping the mining camps of Potosi (many of their descendants have remained in the area). The trip to Los Yungas from La Paz can be harrowing—the mountain roads get quite narrow—but the scenery is spectacular and constantly varied.

The cloud forest in the higher reaches differs considerably from the lowland jungles: In the clouds, ferns and mosses grow from the trees—a magical scene accented by running rivers and clear, cool cascades of water. There are thermal baths and good fishing, and the region is a great place to people watch (local Indians dress in traditional clothing).

While Los Yungas is sometimes visited as a day trip from La Paz, the trip can be tiring (and, at times, nerve-racking)—we think those who make the journey will want—and deserve—a day of rest in either Coroico or Chullumani (many small towns in the jungle have fine hotels, as the area has long been a weekend getaway for wealthy Bolivians). Both of these towns are beautiful and warm enough for swimming (most hotels have pools). Coroico, in particular, has several nice hotels and restaurants; Chullumani is farther away and attracts fewer tourists (which, for some, is part of its appeal). Horses are available for hire to tour the terraced coca fields, to trot along the running rivers or simply to carry you through the beautiful, hilly country.

If you really want to get to know the region, however, you can walk from La Paz to Coroico along the Inca Trail. It's quite an adventure: The trip takes three to four days and follows a magnificent stone walkway over a high pass (15,750 ft/4,800 m) and then down to the moist heat of the Yungas. Los Yungas is about 60 mi/100 km northeast of La Paz.

ORURO

Oruro (pop. 182,000), which has been a mining town since silver was discovered in 1606, is known as the Folkloric Capital of Bolivia. By some estimates, 90% of its population is pure Indian. It's one of the most colorful places in South America to spend Carnival—the city puts on a lively festival called La Diablada. You'll see a lot of wild devil costumes, which represent the Spanish rulers who ran the mines and forced the indigenous people to work under terrible conditions. (Expect to be pelted with water balloons—one of the festival's customs.)

Year round the city has a number of attractions, including the Virgin del Savon Sanctuary and the Museum of Archaeology, which has an interesting collection of Carnival masks. The artisans who craft Carnival masks and embroidery can be found along the Calle La Paz.

Oruro is a jumping-off point for reaching two of the country's natural wonders: the Uyuni salt pans, or salares (vast dry lakes covered by a thick crust of salt) and the Laguna Colorada (a fiery red lake, which is home to a unique breed of flamingo). From Oruru, you first take a train or bus to the town of Uyuni. Then, with a guide, you set out via four-wheel-drive truck on a four-day tour of the area. You'll need to take along or rent a sleeping bag—nights are quite cold. Oruro is 125 mi/200 km southeast of La Paz.

POTOSI

The 16th-century silver-mining town of Potosi (pop. 113,000) claims to be the world's highest city (15,380 ft/4,690 m): It merits at least a 24-hour stay. You'll find knowledgeable guides who speak English.

Visit the casa de moneda, or mint (take note of the way it was constructed—some of its beams, made of a hardwood called quebracha, were hand-carried from the Gran Chaco region, more than 250 mi/400 km away); a 450-year-old silver mine (El Cerro de Potosi); the Monastery of San Francisco; and the churches of San Martin and San Bernardo (to see the art and artifacts).

Allow time just to walk the narrow, winding streets and look at the beautiful colonial buildings. You can take a bus trip to the San Ildefonso Lake (an artificial lake built for silver mining) or to one of the nearby mines. The state-owned Pailaviri mine is a fairly standard working mine. The cooperative-run mine, however, is a squalid Dickensian nightmare—miners work in dank, muddy corridors filled with noxious gases.

Tours can be arranged from Potosi to the Uyuni salt pans. 50 mi/80 km southwest of Sucre.

RURRENABAQUE

Located in the tropical lowlands on the Beni River, Rurrenabaque serves as a base for jungle wildlife tours. These tours are extremely popular with backpackers, and flights between La Paz and Rurre (as it's known in Bolivia) fill up quickly. Book your flights a few weeks in advance—or you might have to take the bus (a 20-hour trip in either direction).

Most tours, which cost about US$25 per day, visit one of two habitats—the jungle or the pampas. The jungle that surrounds Rurre teems with tropical birds, monkeys and innumerable varieties of plants. Tour guides are adept at finding the jungle's natural medicines as well as its poisonous plants and vines. Relatively few guides speak English, however, so you'll need a translator or a good knowledge of Spanish to understand their explanations. (Some tour companies can provide translators.)

In contrast to jungle trips, pampas excursions emphasize animals more than plants. The pampas are a flat, grassy plain dotted with waterholes that swell and contract with seasonal rains. Rivers crisscross the area, and the abundance of water draws an incredible variety of wildlife into a very small area: Alligators, monkeys, capyberas (a South American animal that resembles a giant guinea pig), pink river dolphins, anacondas and dozens of different kinds of birds can be spotted. You might even catch a glimpse of a jaguar, tapir or anteater. Most pampas trips also include a brief walk through the jungle.

Both trips generally include guides, food, transportation and a mosquito net. Travelers should take along their own sleeping bag, waterproof boots and jacket and strong insect repellent—all indispensable items anywhere in Bolivia's lowlands.

Between excursions into the bush, Rurre is good place to lie in a hammock and catch up on your postcards. The Beni River is not a good place to swim, but there is a municipal pool that's clean. 145 mi/235 km northeast of La Paz.

SANTA CRUZ

This attractive large city (pop. 600,000) is relatively wealthy—you'll see an abundance of expensive cars and luxury merchandise for sale (and plenty of affordable arts and crafts as well). The people of Santa Cruz, known as Cambas, are very proud of their success. By any measure, the Santa Cruz region is the country's most productive (responsible for approximately 80% of Bolivia's GNP), and the city is considered in many ways the country's most progressive. There are many Mennonites in the area who have been credited with teaching the local farmers more productive techniques.

This rich agricultural area has also benefited those engaged in both illegal activities: Santa Cruz was the banking center for the Colombian-Bolivian cocaine trade in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

See the cathedral and its museum (Jesuit relics), the zoo and the Casa de la Cultura Museum (native crafts, art), then relax in Arenal Park or the central plaza. Look for the three-toed sloths hanging from the trees in the plaza. You can get a good photo when they crawl across the grass from one tree to the next (you'll have plenty of time to focus).

Day trips can be made to the impressive pre-Incan ruins at Samaipata and to the region east of Santa Cruz called the Chiqutania, where the cities of Concepcion, San Ramon and San Javier have restored churches that date from the Jesuit missions of the 1600s.

For local people, El Rio Pirai, a recreation area just outside Santa Cruz (it can be reached by taxi for about US$5 each way), is the place to go on weekends. The atmosphere on this shallow river is that of a beach party. Buying food from kiosks, cruising the beach and racing dune buggies are all part of the fun. Santa Cruz is 200 mi/325 km east of Cochabamba.

SORATA

The "Pearl of the Andes" is often described as having the most beautiful setting in Bolivia. The surrounding valley has an abundance of trees and flowers. While there aren't many attractions in town, it does serve as a base for hiking. There are a number of "Inca Trails" in the area, including the Maipiri Trail (one of the longest intact pre-Columbian footpaths in the Americas), which runs between Sorata and Mai-piri. Two other good hikes run from Sorata to the lowlands: the Takesi Trail and the Gold Diggers Trail, which is still very much in use by Bolivians (originally, Incan peasants used the trail to transport gold ore to their noble overlords).

We highly recommend taking one of these hikes if you're in reasonably good physical condition and have about six days to spare: You'll not only have an athletic adventure in a beautiful landscape (ranging from icy passes to steamy jungles), but you'll also have an unforgettable cultural and historical experience. The walks end in peaceful towns where you can take a break before returning to La Paz and the 20th century. The more adventurous may want to climb, rather than trek—it's possible to reach altitudes of 19,750 ft/6,000 m from Sorata. English-speaking guides, Indian porters and mules are available for hire locally. The less-driven traveler will find that Sorata is a nice place just to sit in the plaza under the palm trees or relax on the porch of the hotel. The colonial architecture, in such a beautiful setting, and the peaceful pace of life make Sorata a charming place to hang out. 45 mi/70 km northwest of La Paz.

SUCRE

The country's constitutional capital, Sucre (pop. 106,000) is located in a scenic valley at an elevation of 8,900 ft/2700 m. It is home to the Supreme Court of Bolivia and three universities. (Many of the protests and demonstrations in the country start there—the student population is very vocal.)

Sucre is one of the most relaxing and pleasant cities in Bolivia—the architecture has a European flavor, and the region has a delightful climate. It offers several interesting sights, among them the Cathedral and Chapel of Guadalupe, the Colonial Museum, an anthropological museum and Immaculada Convent (shop there for handicrafts). Also see the ruins of Calle-Calle in the Zudanez barrio (neighborhood).

But the real highlight of a visit is a day trip to nearby Tarabuco for the colorful Sunday carnival. Indians from throughout the area go to town to dance and have a good time. The clothing and singing are both fabulous. The Castle of the Glorieta, the national military academy (3 mi/5 km from the city, in the mountains), has a museum. 260 mi/420 km southeast of La Paz.

TARIJA

This beautiful colonial city (pop. 90,000) in the isolated southern highlands has a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. It has festivals and special events year round, including a lively Carnival and a rodeo (mid April). Its lively central plaza is a good place to people watch and while away an evening, and the Mirador Loma de San Juan, a park on the slopes overlooking the city, is a favorite afternoon hangout. The nearby pueblo of San Lorenzo is a pleasant place to spend a Sunday afternoon, where you can soak up tradition and Singani, a locally produced alcoholic beverage made from grapes.

From Tarija, you can visit the scenic city of Tupiza and the nearby spot, at the foot of a hill called Huaca Huanusca, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are said to have met their fate against the Bolivian Army.

If you're in Tarija in late October, you'll want to visit the village of Entre Rios (a three- or four-hour drive), which holds a traditional festival celebrating the Guarani people of the region. Tarija is 160 mi/255 km southeast of Potosi.

TIAHUANACU

The most important archaeological site in Bolivia, Tiahuanacu thrived between 600 BC and AD 1200. The Gate of the Sun, thought to be a huge observatory that included an underground temple, is the most impressive structure. It was only recently discovered that the mounds on area hilltops were the ruins of entire cities, rather than just temples. Visit on a day trip from La Paz. 50 mi/80 km west of La Paz.

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History

Much of Bolivia's history has centered around its mineral wealth, particularly silver. Vast quantities of the precious metal were discovered in Potosi shortly after the Spanish conquered the region in the early 16th century. Exploiters poured in and forced the indigenous peoples to work in the mines. To help the miners endure long hours and abysmal conditions, the Spanish encouraged the chewing of coca leaves, a practice that eventually became an integral part of Bolivian culture. African slaves were forced to work the mines as well. (Many of the slaves escaped -- their descendants are concentrated in the Yungas and other lowland regions.) Speculators were simply looking to get rich, so little money went to improve conditions for the miners or to develop other industries in the country.

Independence was won in 1825, with the help of South American revolutionary Simon Bolivar. At that time, the country was much larger than it is today: Chile captured the country's coastline; Brazil took a section of rain forest (and a large number of rubber trees); and during the Chaco War of 1931-1935, Paraguay grabbed land in the Gran Chaco region that was, at the time, believed to contain oil. (None has been found in the territories that Paraguay kept following the war, although the Bolivian cities of Camiri, Villa Montes and Yacuiba, which were briefly captured by Paraguayan forces during the war, are centers of activity for the petroleum industry.)

The country's government has changed even more than the borders: Bolivia has experienced more than 190 coups. However, it has remained stable since 1982, when the last military regime was replaced by a democratically elected president.

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Dining

Fish is surprisingly good in this landlocked country, especially the trout from Lake Titicaca. Soup is also common, and most Bolivians begin both lunch and dinner with a hearty bowl. Aji (a red pepper salsa) is often served on the side as a condiment so you can regulate your own level of spiciness. Be aware that what is advertised as a sausage is usually a hot dog.

Traditional dishes include silpancho (a thin slice of meat over rice, potatoes and a fried egg), milanesa (beef or chicken breaded and fried like a schnitzel), lomo montado (pork), chuleta (a chop, usually beef), picante de pollo (spicy chicken), chicharron (deep fried pork), chicharron de pollo (fried chicken), chuno (freeze-dried potato), chairo (potato and vegetable soup), trucha (trout), surubi (a river fish in the lowlands) and sajta de pollo (chicken with hot pepper). Saltenas and empanadas (small meat and vegetable pies) are sold on the street everywhere. Breakfast in Bolivia is usually nothing more than bread and coffee or tea, so saltenas and empanadas are popular midmorning snacks. They're delicious. Lunch is the main meal of the day, and most restaurants offer a reasonably priced, fixed almuerzo (lunch) that includes soup, a main course, desert and coffee or tea. Dinner is usually eaten after 7 pm.

The larger cities have a number of international restaurants serving very good food. In La Paz, McDonald's is one of the few eateries open on Sunday after dark. The local beers are rather disappointing, particularly in the highlands: they tend to be bland and bubbly.

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Shopping

Llama and alpaca sweaters (note the differences between handmade and machinemade items), place mats, handwoven chullos (stocking caps with ear flaps), rugs and ponchos, inexpensive gold and silver jewelry, hammocks (in the lowlands) and native musical instruments are among the best buys. In La Paz, the area above the Plaza de San Francisco has the largest concentration of shops selling sweaters, jewelry, musical instruments and souvenirs. Prices are slightly higher there than in other markets around the city -- probably because of the number of tourists who visit the plaza. In general, however, we found the prices in Bolivia to be better than in Peru, Chile or Argentina. In rural areas, look for art, wood carvings, tin and other handicrafts, textiles and ekikos (statues of the god of good fortune in silver, ceramic or gold). In the lowlands, Santa Cruz is a great source of arts and crafts. When shopping, bargaining is acceptable and expected. But be polite, patient and respectful and never criticize an item in hope of lowering the price.

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Climate

The best time to travel is May-November. Bolivia has a variety of climates, from tropical in the south to cool and sunny in the altiplano and Andes. There's no time that's perfect for the entire country, but avoid December-March because that's when most of the rain falls.

La Paz is always very cool to cold, so be prepared with sweaters and windbreakers. Sucre is generally warmer by a few degrees.

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Health

Medical care is limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the U.S. or Europe can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

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Basics

- Dial Code 1: 591, country code
- Economy: Agriculture, industry.
- Language Description: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara.
- Passport/Visa U.S.: Passports needed by citizens of Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. for stays up to 90 days. Proof of onward passage needed by all. Reconfirm travel document requirements with carrier before departure.
- Population: 7,826,352
- Religion: Predominantly Christian (Roman Catholic).
- Time Zone: 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed
- Tipping Overview: except in expensive hotels and restaurants, don't tip. Bolivians will consider you to be a silly gringo throwing money away. Trekking and jungle guides appreciate being tipped.
- Voltage Requirements: 220 volts, 110 volts. 110 Volts in La Paz; 220 Volts in the rest of the country

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Do's and Don'ts

Do ask before snapping anyone's picture. Brightly-dressed Aymara women often object. However, you may find that a few Bolivianos can change their minds.

Don't be afraid to change money on the street in La Paz—it's perfectly legal. But be careful not to get short-changed.

Do take along sturdy, waterproof boots if you plan to do any trekking. And make sure you break them in beforehand.

Don't expect a five-star hotel in Bolivia to offer the same degree of luxury that a five-star hotel in North America or Europe offers. On the other hand, it won't cost nearly as much.

Do visit the rooftop lounges of some of La Paz's better downtown hotels. Though the drinks may be slightly more expensive, the scenery, particularly at twilight, is extraordinary.

Don't look for sweaters made of Vicuna wool: Vicuna is an endangered species and products made from it are no longer available.

Don't refer to Indians as Indios or campesinos—call them indigenos, which means "indigenous people." Refer to locals as campesinos only if you are in the countryside, or el campo.

Do carry your passport with you at all times. The police may stop you, and not having it with you will result in a fine and a several-hour visit to the police station.

Do shake hands when meeting and taking leave of someone.

Do be sure to hike at least one Inca Trail if you're fit—it's one of the most memorable experiences to be had in the country.

Don't wear shorts in town except in the lowlands.

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Passport & Visa

Tourist Visas are required for those wishing to travel to Bolivia as tourists. A Tourist Visa allows the visitor between 30 to 90 days leave to remain, during which period he/she must not engage in any work paid or unpaid.

A Tourist Visa is not a multiple entry visa, and once issued, the visitor has only 60 days to enter Bolivia counting from date of issue.

Please check your nationality on the list provided and proceed accordingly.

Nationalities which are exempt from tourist visas are only required to have a current valid passport with a minimum validity of 1 year, no application form is required.

Visa required by all except the following:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.

IMPORTANT: we cannot held responsible for the correctness of this information.

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© Copyright: John Nelson