By Ayngelina Brogan
South America Travel Expert, about.com
One of only two landlocked countries in South America, Bolivia
is a nation that is nestled among the high altitude areas of the Andes,
with its own distinct and interesting culture. There are many people
who tend not to visit Bolivia as they take a journey through South
America, but while it may not have the beaches found around the north
and east of the continent, or the vast Inca sites found in Peru, there
are still plenty of things to enjoy here. Here are a selection of the
attractions that can be enjoyed during a visit to Bolivia.
Explore Lake Titicaca
Lying on the border between Peru and Bolivia, this large lake is the largest in South America and is located just over 3,800 meters above sea level, and is often considered to be the highest lake navigated by commercial ships in the world. Near the Bolivian side of the island is the interesting Isla del Sol, which has a series of small Inca ruins, which are believed to have been built over the ruins left on the island by the indigenous Tiwanaku people.
Lying on the border between Peru and Bolivia, this large lake is the largest in South America and is located just over 3,800 meters above sea level, and is often considered to be the highest lake navigated by commercial ships in the world. Near the Bolivian side of the island is the interesting Isla del Sol, which has a series of small Inca ruins, which are believed to have been built over the ruins left on the island by the indigenous Tiwanaku people.
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While coming into Bolivia from Peru across Lake
Titicaca is an amazing introduction to the country, it is also worth
setting some time aside to enjoy the attractions and the local
traditions practiced by people around the lake.
Go Shopping In La Paz's Witches Market
One of the most interesting aspects of Bolivian culture for many visitors is that many of the indigenous people are quite superstitious, and the Witches' Market in La Paz is where many of the shamans and witch doctors purchase their supplies. Although this has become quite a tourist attraction over recent years, it still has many of the traditional items visible and on offer. These can range from dried frogs and medicinal plants through to dried llama fetuses, which are usually buried beneath the foundations of a new building in Bolivia as an offering to their goddess.
One of the most interesting aspects of Bolivian culture for many visitors is that many of the indigenous people are quite superstitious, and the Witches' Market in La Paz is where many of the shamans and witch doctors purchase their supplies. Although this has become quite a tourist attraction over recent years, it still has many of the traditional items visible and on offer. These can range from dried frogs and medicinal plants through to dried llama fetuses, which are usually buried beneath the foundations of a new building in Bolivia as an offering to their goddess.
Celebrate The Tarija Wine And Art Festival
While Bolivian wines may not have achieved the kind of international recognition and success that has been enjoyed by Chilean and Argentine wines, Bolivia does have some great wineries, many of which are located around the southern city of Tarija. The festival is held in March every year, and involves a week of events and wine tasting that is scheduled to coincide with the traditional grape harvest festival. This festival is a wonderful introduction to Bolivian wines and the different varieties of red and white wine on offer, while there are also plenty of chances to try the local distilled brandy known as Singani.
While Bolivian wines may not have achieved the kind of international recognition and success that has been enjoyed by Chilean and Argentine wines, Bolivia does have some great wineries, many of which are located around the southern city of Tarija. The festival is held in March every year, and involves a week of events and wine tasting that is scheduled to coincide with the traditional grape harvest festival. This festival is a wonderful introduction to Bolivian wines and the different varieties of red and white wine on offer, while there are also plenty of chances to try the local distilled brandy known as Singani.
Drive On The Salar De Uyuni Salt Flats[post_ads_2]
This amazing location is one that is well worth visiting as it offers an experience that can almost not be replicated anywhere else in the world. The amazing white flats are a stunning place to drive, and during the summer months it can be almost featureless for miles in every direction, while after the rainy season a thin layer of water can turn the salt flats into a huge reflective mirror that can make for some amazing scenes. However, with Bolivia's economic problems, the mineral wealth that is to be found in the salt flats may see it exploited in the future, so exploring the natural wonders here is an experience to be seized during a visit to Bolivia.
This amazing location is one that is well worth visiting as it offers an experience that can almost not be replicated anywhere else in the world. The amazing white flats are a stunning place to drive, and during the summer months it can be almost featureless for miles in every direction, while after the rainy season a thin layer of water can turn the salt flats into a huge reflective mirror that can make for some amazing scenes. However, with Bolivia's economic problems, the mineral wealth that is to be found in the salt flats may see it exploited in the future, so exploring the natural wonders here is an experience to be seized during a visit to Bolivia.
Visit The City Of Sucre
While La Paz may be the most famous city in Bolivia, Sucre is its constitutional capital, and this gem of colonial architecture is one that was built with the wealth generated by the silver reserves in the area. A series of religious buildings and broad open plazas make for an enjoyable city to explore, and there are several museums in the city, while those with a taste for adventure can also enjoy tandem paragliding flights over the city.
While La Paz may be the most famous city in Bolivia, Sucre is its constitutional capital, and this gem of colonial architecture is one that was built with the wealth generated by the silver reserves in the area. A series of religious buildings and broad open plazas make for an enjoyable city to explore, and there are several museums in the city, while those with a taste for adventure can also enjoy tandem paragliding flights over the city.
