By Ayngelina Brogan
South America Travel Expert, about.com
Bolivia is a small country amongst the gigantic Brazil, Peru, Argentina and
Chile and for that reason it often gets overlooked as a side-trip if
there is time. But there is no better time to visit Bolivia than now,
there are a variety of historical, cultural and physical activities that
will please almost every traveler.
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But what makes Bolivia most
attractive to most travelers it is a very inexpensive country to travel
through and can make for a very affordable adventure through land that
appears out of this world.
The path of a revolutionary
Ernesto ‘Che”Guevara is undoubtedly one of the most important revolutionary figures in Latin American history. Today his face continues to be prominent on t-shirts for both locals and tourists as it symbolizes the liberation of the working class.
Ernesto ‘Che”Guevara is undoubtedly one of the most important revolutionary figures in Latin American history. Today his face continues to be prominent on t-shirts for both locals and tourists as it symbolizes the liberation of the working class.
While Che is from Argentina, he was captured by
forces in the Bolivian Andes mountains while attempting to liberate
Bolivia. He was taken to a small village and shortly thereafter shot.
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Today many consider this a pilgrimage route and
unique travel destination and there have been efforts to help the region
develop the area in hopes to help the local economy.
Some of the most colourful markets in the world
Bolivia has a very large indigenous population, which means many of its traditions have stayed in tact, one of those being the market as a central gathering place. While it’s true that some of the markets have become a place solely for tourists there are several markets that locals continue to congregate weekly and it’s a great place to see colorful traditional clothing.
Bolivia has a very large indigenous population, which means many of its traditions have stayed in tact, one of those being the market as a central gathering place. While it’s true that some of the markets have become a place solely for tourists there are several markets that locals continue to congregate weekly and it’s a great place to see colorful traditional clothing.
The town with the most markets is Cochabamba
and many visit to see La Cancha which is so large and energetic many
people find it overwhelming.
La Paz
also has a number of interesting markets with great souvenir options.
One of the more unique markets is Mercado de Hechiceria, or Witches
Market with a variety of offerings such as dried llama fetuses for good
luck and other options.
The most dangerous road in the world
On every adrenalin seeker’s list is to mountain bike 64km from La Cumbre to Coroico. This path was named Death Road when it was the most dangerous in the world and more than 200 people died each year.
On every adrenalin seeker’s list is to mountain bike 64km from La Cumbre to Coroico. This path was named Death Road when it was the most dangerous in the world and more than 200 people died each year.
While
it has since been improved resulting in many less deaths, it is still
important to listen to all of the instructions as it can be scary for
less experienced drivers to race downhill through the windy mountain
road. It begins in a very windy and cold region and eventually ends in
the Yungas jungle.
The largest salt flats in the world
Salar de Uyuni is the most photographed site in Bolivia and is what draws many people to the country.
Salar de Uyuni is the most photographed site in Bolivia and is what draws many people to the country.
An area that seems to be from space, the salt flats are at an altitude of nearly 12,000ft and nearly 5000 sq miles in area.
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Photos from these salt flats have Dali-like
appearances as there is no horizon perspective in the bright salt
landscape. There is no bad time to visit, during the rainy season from
November to March a small layer of water creates a gorgeous reflection.
The beautiful white city
One of the prettiest cities in South America is Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia. This ‘white city’, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its Spanish colonial architecture. The Andalusian influence is apparent as the narrow streets that house the immaculately preserved buildings are mapped as a grid.
One of the prettiest cities in South America is Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia. This ‘white city’, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its Spanish colonial architecture. The Andalusian influence is apparent as the narrow streets that house the immaculately preserved buildings are mapped as a grid.
Many also consider this the most developed city and considered ‘liveable’ for expats and long-term travelers who want to learn Spanish as it has reliable infrastructure.
