Official Country Name: Republica de Bolivia (Republic of Bolivia)
Geographic Location: Located in the heart of South America. It
is one of two landlocked countries in south America. (The other is Paraguay).
It shares borders with Brazil on the north and east; Paraguay in the south-east;
Argentina in the south; Chile in the south-west and west and Peru in west
and north-west.
Geographic Size: Bolivia encompasses 1,098,000 sq. km. (680,760
sq. mi.). It is 1,500 km from north to south and 1,300 km at its' widest
point (930 and 806 miles respectively). It is roughly the size of Texas
and California together or a little smaller than Alaska.
Political Departments (States): There are nine departments in
Bolivia (similar to states): La Paz, Pando, Beni, Santa Cruz, Tarija,
Chuquisaca, Potosi, Cochabamba and Oruro.
Languages: Spanish (most widely used and primary language), as
well as Aymara and Quechua which is used primarily by the more populous
indigenous cultures on the altiplano and central valleys.
Government: It is a republic with three branches: Legislative,
Executive and Judicial. It is democratic and is one of the most stable
governments in the Americas.
Independence Day: Bolivia became a republic on August 6, 1825.
Capital: The official capital is Sucre (seat of the Judicial branch)
but the de-facto and more well-known capital is La Paz (seat of the Executive
& Legislative branches) It has an international airport, the embassies,
many aid organizations and N.G.O.'s and is the headquarters for some of
the largest businesses in the country.
Economy: Used to be based primarily on mining in the Andes and
Altiplano region. Now, petroleum, gas and primary minerals as well as
forest and agricultural products from the orient are the most important.
Tourism is also on the rise and hopefully will keep growing and rise to
be one of the primary sources of the Bolivian economy.
Population Type and Size: The population is approximately 7 million
people. They are a mixture of races and cultures. Approximately 60% are
of pure Indian bloodlines, 35% or so are mestizo (a mixture of Spanish-American
and American-Indian). They are known as cholos or cholas (male/female)
and refers to people with Indian blood lines that have emigrated to the
cities and still wear some form of their original ethnic dress or costume.
These same people who live in the country are referred to as campesinos
or campesinas. Approximately 1% are of African ancestry, mostly descendants
of the slaves during the Spanish conquest and colonial times that were
used in the mines of Potosi and other regions. The remaining 4% are made
up of mostly European descent from the Spanish and Germans as well as
other groups like Chinese, Korean, Indian and many different religious
groups from all over the world.
Religions: Approximately 97% or so of the population is Roman
Catholic. But there is a significant mixture of Catholic and Pagan rituals,
superstitions and beliefs that are expressed by mostly the indigenous
population (but certainly not limited to them) on a normal and daily basis.
Education: Compulsory school attendance from ages 7 to 16 is the
norm. But, due to a lack of resources and teachers in some rural areas,
children may not reach their teenage years and have graduated from high
school. The literacy rate of Bolivia is approximately 74%.
Ecological and Environmental State: Since Bolivia is an under-developed
country it has left most of its lands as they have been before recorded
history. But within the last twenty years due to a growing population
and other economic factors, there has been a tide of emmigration and development
from the highlands to the tropical lowlands in search of land and a brighter
future. This has created a lot of limited development in once virgin areas
(especially in the tropics) and a lot pressure in other similar areas
that used to be true wilderness. Within the last ten years the evolution
of an environmental consciousness has arisen and the cataloging and protection
of biologically diverse regions has taken place. Scientists and environmental
groups world-wide have recognized that Bolivia has some of the most biologically
diverse regions in the world. Within it's borders are various branches
of the Andes high altitude mountains and glaciers, the vast Altiplano
plateau that include rivers and lakes (L. Titicaca & Poopo), the arid
and frigid deserts in the south-western region, the world's largest salt
flat (Salar de Uyuni), cloud forests in the transition areas of the Andes,
semi-tropical and tropical forests from the highland valleys to the eastern
lowlands of the upper Amazon basin, vast tropical savannahs in the northern
regions and the scrub forests and deserts of the Chaco in south-eastern
Bolivia.
There is a strong push at this time to protect more and more areas for
the preservation of the bio-diversity that exists there. There are presently
18 primary national parks and protected areas and another dozen or so
areas that are being re-evaluated for park or protected area status. The
vast range of geographic regions and climates adds to the immense variety
of eco-systems and flora & fauna that Bolivia has within it's borders.
It truly is a country with an incredible wealth of flora and fauna that
should be visited, often.
National Parks and Protected Areas: Currently there are 10 National
Parks, 8 Protected Areas and 6 areas in re-evaluation for protected area
status. The following are some of the most important in Bolivia.
- Parque Nacional Apolobamba (La Paz)
- Parque Nacional Amboro (Santa Cruz)
- Reserva de la Biosfera y Territorio Indigena Pilon Lajas (Beni)
- Parque Nacional Cotapata (La Paz)
- Territorio Indigena y Parque Nacional Isiboro- Secure (Beni)
- Parque Nacional Sajama (Oruro)
- Parque Nacional Toro Toro (Cochabamba)
- Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna Tariquia (Tarija)
- Parque Nacional Madidi (La Paz)
- Parque Nacional y Area Natural de Manejo Integrado Chaco (Santa Cruz)
- Area Protegida Manuripi Heath (Pando)
- Parque Nacional Carrasco (Cochabamba)
- Parque Nacional Noel Kempf Mercado (Santa Cruz)
- Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Abaroa (Potosi)
- Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna Estacion Biologica del Beni (Beni)
 GEOGRAPHIC
AWARENESS
Geographic Regions: Bolivia is made up primarily of six regions:
The Andes, the Altiplano, the Yungas, the highland valleys, the Gran Chaco,
and the tropical lowlands of the Parana and Amazon basins.
The Andes: Two major braches of the Andes make up Bolivia's mountain
territory. One, starting in the Nudo de Apolobamba (north of L. Titicaca
and on the Bolivia-Peru border) heads generally south and south-east,
east of Lake Titicaca, east of La Paz and continues south on the eastern
edge of the Altiplano and continues into northern Argentina. This section
is primarily made up of the Cordillera de Apolobamba, Cordillera Real
and Cordillera Quimsa Cruz. These are steep and rugged mountains with
permanent snow, glaciers and the origin of many whitewater rivers that
primarily head to the eastern side of the Andes known as the Yungas. The
mountains rise to over 21,300 ft and average between 17 and 19,000'. Without
a doubt the most spectacular ranges in Bolivia. The other branch encompasses
the Cordillera Occidental (Western Range) and has many isolated summits
made primarily of volcanoes and makes up the western border of the country
and heads south and continues into Chile. This is where Sajama (Bolivia's
highest peak at 21,465') lies near the Chilean border and borders the
Altiplano on the west.
The Altiplano: Altiplano means high plain but in reality it's
not very flat and is made up of valleys, small hills and rolling areas
as well as salt flats, volcanoes, rivers and lakes. It runs from north
of Lake Titicaca, between the two branches of the Andes, heads south and
into northern Argentina and Chile. It is roughly 900 km (560 mi.) in length
and about 200 km (125 mi) wide. It is generally cold and windy and mostly
treeless. The vegetation is sparse and mostly made of tough clumps of
grass called ‘ichu', short and tough Thola bushes and ocassional
stands of native trees called Quenua. It has the world's biggest salt
flat (Salar de Uyuni) and various others as well as Red and Green lagoons
in the south. Many volcanoes lie scattered among the plains and mesas
and their volcanic flows have been shaped into a maze of canyonlands by
the erosive powers of rain, wind, snow and hail over eons. Roads are few
and rugged and no reliable gas or services are readily available. This
landscape is quite rugged, has limited but interesting flora and fauna
and beautiful as well.
The Yungas: This is the eastern side of the Andes and is primarily
the steep jungle-covered mountains that head east and eventually meet
with the tropical eastern lowlands. They are rugged and largely undeveloped
due to their geographic and geologic characteristics. The upper reaches
are made of cloud forests and the rivers that cascade of the high glaciated
summits cut their way through this region and empty into the upper Amazon
Basin. They are rich in flora and fauna and some of Bolivia's most spectacular
parks are located here. They are criss-crossed with Inca trails and were
the only access into the lowlands for thousands of years. The development
of a few roads in the 1930s and 40s and shortly a modern highway and the
insuing infrastructure will help develop this region quite fast. This
region provides the bulk of fruits and vegetables for the highlands and
is the region where the ancient coca plant is cultivated. The climate
is hot and there is a lot of rain, especially in the summer time. For
tourists, this is one of the major regions for trekking, rafting and nature
tours and for gaining overland access to the lowlands.
The Highland Valleys: This region lies east and southeast of the
Altiplano and has the most hospitable climate in the whole country. It
is made up of the rolling hills, valleys and basins that are part of the
Central Cordillera. The soils are fertile and the climate is Mediterranean-like,
except that it rains in the summer (just like the rest of Bolivia) as
opposed to the winter time. The second most populous region of Bolivia
has the cities of Cochabamba, Sucre, Tarija and Potosi. Only Potosi has
the disadvantage of being high in the mountains and doesn't enjoy the
nice climate of the others. This region is where a large majority of the
colonial Spanish cities were founded and the huge mansions and estates
are being renovated to accomodate more tourists for them to enjoy some
of the past glory and charm of days gone by. Major roads connect all of
these cities and a few modern highways have brought these areas into the
21st century only recently. In-country flights give easy acess to these
areas from cities across the country.
The Gran Chaco: This region is located in the south-eastern corner
of the department of Santa Cruz. It borders with Argentina and Paraguay.
It is characterized by being a harsh and almost impenetrable flat land
of thick brush, cactus and grassy expanses with some forested areas. It's
generally hot and vey dry and a coat of dust (or during the rainy season
- mud) covers everything. Being so harsh and isolated it provides one
of the most diverse regions for wildlife (like peccary and jaguar) and
flora and birds where they are not afraid of man. A lot of petroleum production
also comes from this area. There are very few roads and harsh driving
conditons without any services of any kind. Very few and isolated settlements
are in this region. Villamontes is the only large town, situated on the
railway and said to be Bolivia's hottest spot, regularly in high 40s (C)
/105-113 (F). A harsh but beautiful land.
The Tropical Lowlands: This region is made up of two major basins
the Upper Amazon in the north and east and the Parana in the south-east.
In the north lies the vast savannahs, thick jungles and broad rivers of
the Beni, Pando and La Paz departments. In the East lies the grasslands
and jungles of Santa Cruz and in Cochabamba lie the jungles and rivers
of the Chapare region. Where Cochabamba and Santa Cruz meet is the elbow
of the Andes and it offers a whole range of ecosystems from high mountains
and cloud forests to semi-tropical valleys and thick jungles and rivers.
Amboro and Carrasco National Parks are located here. All of this region
offers hot and humid climate with rain possible anytime of the year. Truly
a bountyful land of flora and fauna and indigenous forest people who are
dwellers of the fragile Amazon basin. Noel Kempf Mercado National Park
is located in the northeastern tip of Santa Cruz and the Chaco is also
another National Park. Unfortunately, this region is also where the majority
of the trees for the timber industry are being cut down and the forests
being destroyed.
WHAT TO BRING
Obviously this depends on your planned activity and where in Bolivia
you will be travelling. One thing is for sure though: Travel light and
be flexible with your possesions. If you're going to the highlands then
your needs will differ than if you're going to be in the tropics. If you're
of the adventurous kind a backpack or pack with a hidden harness system
is best. If you'll be travelling in the cities and from hotel to hotel
then a regular hard case or duffel bag with a large and beefy zipper will
be fine. A small day pack or shoulder bag is quite nice and very handy.
Travel in the Highlands:
A system of layering is best where you can add or substract a layer of
clothing as needed. This system is divided into the underwear (next to
your skin), the insulating layer (worn on top of your underwear layer)
and the foul-weather layer (protects you from the elements). The underwear
you buy should be light, warm and comfortable and synthetic. Stay away
from cotton because it does not dry quickly (due to perspiration) and
holds onto water (your perspiration) unlike the synthetics which dry quickly
and maintain their insulating value. The middle or insulating layer can
be any piece of clothing that helps you maintain your heat next to your
body, like a thick shirt, sweat shirt, sweater or synthetic pile jacket
(as well as pants). A shell or jacket (and pants) that is windproof and
waterproof (yet breathable) is a good outer shell that will protect you
from the cold winds, rain, hail or snow you might experience in the highlands.
A removable or stow-away hood is great. Some light synthetic gloves, a
wool/synthetic hat and wool socks round it off. As you become colder or
warmer you add or subtract a layer as needed.
Travel in the Lowlands:
In the tropics your biggest problem will be the heat and humidity and
depending on the season and location, the insects as well. Take two sets
of clothing; one for the trail and one for the camp, that way you can
maintain yourself clean and comfortable when your trail clothing is drying.
Also take a lightweight pair of shoes that you will keep dry for camp.
Lightweight materials of synthetic or cotton blend for pants and shirts
(with long sleeves) at allow for the flow of air are best. They breathe
well and vent your body from the heat. A pair of shorts and cotton t-shirts
are quite good as well. Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes are comfortable
and rugged and sandals are also necessary if you're in the water often.
A good hat with a wide brim all the way around are better than baseball
caps because they will protect your ears and neck from the intense tropical
sun.
A good pair of sunglasses and a bandana are also needed. Don't forget
an insulating layer, like a synthetic jacket, for the evening as the nights
can sometimes be cold because of the extreme temperature change from day
to night. A wind-breaker that is waterproof will keep the rain at bay
and the heat in as well. Synthetics are almost always better than cotton
because they dry quickly, don't rot, and are in most instances more rugged.
The Essentials:
Personal medication and prescriptions, basic first-aid kit, travel alarm
clock, small headlamp with extra bulbs and batteries, multi-purpose knife/plyer
tool, spare set of contacts or prescription glasses, high quality sunglasses,
30 feet or parachute cord (many uses), sewing kit, personal hygiene kit,
precision tweezers, small synthetic towel, water bottle that won't leak
(Nalgene), water purification tablets or purifier, contraceptives, tampons,
lightweight sandals or surf shoes, Spanish-English dictionary (pocket-size),
waterproof sunscreen (minimum SPF 25), strong insect repellent (for the
tropics), patience and a good sense of humor.
TOURISM
Bolivia has a lot of potential for the complete tourism vacation. Depending
on your interest, time and budget you can choose the traditional tourism
that involves travel to cities and learning about the colorful history
of Bolivia or you can head outdoors to experience the grandeur of what
Bolivia has to offer. The incredible geography, stunning vistas and the
hidden secrets that are hidden from the regular traveler are experiences
that are not soon forgotten. Bolivia packs in a lot of variety in a small
pachage.
We at Explore Bolivia have been travelling all over Bolivia since we were
young. We are familiar with every corner of this country and what we want
to do is show you our special places.
Bolivias' primary regions for adventure travel are: The Andes and Altiplano,
The Yungas and Chapare, The Tropical Lowlands of the upper Amazon basin,
The Gran Chaco and the Central Valleys. Explore Bolivia operates exclusive
tours to all these areas. We offer soft adventure and hard adventure tours
that combine Adventure, Culture and Geography. Travel to these regions
with Explore Bolivia and experience what few people have had the fortune
of seeing.
Soft Adventure Tours:
Sea Kayaking Lake Titicaca
Trekking along the shores of Lake Titicaca
Birdwatching tours in the Tropical Lowlands of the Beni, Santa Cruz, Pando,
Cochabamba and La Paz.
Photographic tours on the Altiplano and Andes, including magical lake
Titicaca.
Whitewater Rafting in the Yungas
Four Wheel Drive tours on the Altiplano
Fishing for Peacock Bass in the Beni, Pando and Santa Cruz
Hard Adventure Tours:
Mountain Biking in the Andes and Altiplano
Trekking on Inca Trails along the Cordilleras Apolobamba, Real and Quimsa
Cruz.
Mountaineering in the Bolivian Andes
Whitewater kayaking in the Yungas
Expeditions to the Tuichi River
Exploratory trips to un-run rivers and wild regions in the tropics
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Postal Service: There is a national postal system that serves
the whole country. All capitals, major cities and towns have post offices
which serve national and international destinations. There are offices
of the major courier companies (UPS, Fedex, DHL, etc.) in all capital
cities.
Phone System: The national phone company, Entel, has national
and international offices across the country. One can call internationally
from all major cities, many small towns and some villages. Faxes can also
be sent. Prices vary depending on where you are. Cellular phones are quite
popular and work across teh country. All major cities have the service
from either Entel or private phone companies. National and International
service is available across the country as well as internet access.
Telex: They can be sent and received from the Entel offices as
well but direct phone or fax service is more convenient and prevalent.
TRAVELER'S BASIC
INFORMATION
Embassies: Are located in La Paz and some may have consulates
in the major capitals of the different departments. Check with the Bolivian
Embassy of your country for specific information.
Visas: Requirements for all countries change with frequency so
you must contact the Bolivian Embassy in your country to get the latest
details. Currently American citizens do not need a visa to enter Bolivia
if they are tourists. Your passport should have validity for at least
6 months beyond your entrance date to Bolivia. A minimum 30-day stay is
allowed when you arrive in Bolivia and the Immigration dept. will stamp
your passport and give you a green stub of the Immigration document you
are supposed to fill out upon entry. This 30-day period can be extended
to 90 days at the Immigration department in La Paz or other major cities.
Some countries require you have visas to enter their country as well,
so make sure you have them before trying to enter from Bolivia. You can
obtain visas in the Embassies or consulates within Bolivia for other countries.
Documents: In order to enter or leave Bolivia you must have your
documents in order. Legally, anyone entering Bolivia should have proof
of onward passage and/or sufficient funds for their estimated length of
stay in Bolivia, but this is rarely enforced. It is recommended that you
make photocopies of all your important documents and travel with those
copies as well as your originals.
Money: The currency in Bolivia is called a Boliviano. It is divided
into 100 cents (centavos). The Boliviano comes in paper notes of 5, 10,
20, 50, 100, and 200 Bolivianos. The coins are in centavos of 10, 20,
50, 1 Boliviano and 2 Bolivianos. To change money one can go to Casas
de Cambio (money exchange houses), or to the money changers on the street.
Banks may do so, even if you don't have a bank account. Traveler's checks
can be changed at the Casas de Cambio, hotels or travel agencies (with
proof of identity) and possibly some retail businessess if you purchase
something. Credit cards are widely accepted today and most hotels, restaurants,
travel agencies, rent-a-car agencies, airlines, and other businesses will
accept them but they all will add a small percentage for the credit card
fee they are charged by credit card companies. If you don't want to pay
that small fee you will likely not get to use your card, so check beforehand.
Money machines (ATM's) are quite abundant and credit cards, money/check
cards can be used if they are within the systems shared by most international
banks.
** THE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE IS (always changes):
7 .77 Bolivianos to the US dollar (as of 4/2004). (To buy it's: 7.80 and
to sell it's 7.60 per US dollar.)
Business Hours: In general business hours are from 9:00 AM to 12:00
Noon, break for two hour lunch and resume from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Many
businesses open earlier and stay open later. Banks in general open from
9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM and some have branches
that open on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Time: Bolivia is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. For example:
If it's 12:00 noon in La Paz, it's 11:00 am in Miami, Washington, D.C.
and New York. It will be 10:00 am in Chicago, 9:00 am in Denver, and 8:00
am in San Francisco.
Electricity: Bolivia uses the world standard of 220 volts at 50
cycles. But in certain areas like La Paz and a few other areas in Bolivia,
110 volts at 50 cycles (like the US and Canada) is also used. Be sure
to ask before you plug in. If in doubt assume its 220 and use a converter,
but be sure that it is for the intented purpose and for the correct electrical
appliance.
Holidays: Public Holidays are:
- New Year's (January 1)
- Carnaval (February or March)
- Semana Santa (Easter Week - March or April)
- Dia del Trabajo (Labor Day - May 1)
- Corpus Christi (May)
- Independence Day (August 6)
- Dia de Colon (Columbus Day - October 12)
- Dia de los Muertos (All Saint's Day - November 2)
- Navidad (Christmas - December 25)
All departments have their proper holiday as well
- Oruro (February 10)
- Tarija (April 15)
- Chuquisaca (May 25)
- La Paz (July 16)
- Cochabamba (September 14)
- Santa Cruz (September 24)
- Pando (September 24)
- Beni (November 18)
- Potosi (November 10)
Tourism Offices: The National Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR)
has offices and kiosks in most major cities and towns including airports,
bus and railway stations that have some information for tourists regarding
destinations and general information. But, the better bet is to contact
independent travel agencies and tour operators (either in-country or outside
of Bolivia) for specific information. Guide books for the country (by
independent publishers) are also a great source of information - usually
done by travellers for travelers. The Embassies and consulates in foreign
countries also have tourist information about Bolivia.
Guide Books: Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your
point of view) there are many guide books that have been written about
Boliva by non-Bolivians. This has caused the problem of reporting and
publishing of information that is not often accurate. The other problem
is that most people who write guide books have their own "personal
points of view" that may or may have much to do with Bolivian reality.
Another problem is that many guide books push the "accepted norm"
that Bolivia is "cheap" and that is just not the case. Some
things may be cheap (compared to what?) and others are not. This causes
problems for the locals because many travelers use the guide books as
"travel bibles" and often demand ridiculously low prices for
certain products or services. This is not only unfair for the locals but
often creates problems with the tour operators that have to "compete
by lowering prices" as opposed to competing with better services.
For international travelers it is likely that their money goes a long
way but for Bolivians that is not reality. We feel most guide books are
helpful, have generally good info, but we do not condone the "marketing"
of Bolivia as a cheap destination. Please use the guidebooks as a tool
for information - not to take advantage of the locals.
Maps: Good maps of Bolivia are hard to find but the Instituto Geografico
Militar is the place to go for topographical maps of most of Bolivia (they
restrict sale of sensitive or border areas). They are located in La Paz
and other major cities. There is a series of shaded relief maps that highlight
the major tourist areas, as well as regular road, political, transportation
and cultural maps in most book shops (librerias). In the US try: Maplink
in Santa Barbara, CA. and the National Technical Information Service (Springfield,
VA). In Canada (Vancouver) try Travel Map Productions and in Great Brittain
(London) try Stanfords.
Car Rental: There are plenty of car rental agencies in all major
cities across the country. The prices tend to be steep because of the
high cost of vehicles, service, spare parts, gas and the unpredictable
and rugged roads of the country. 4WD drive vehicles like Toyota (Land
Cruisers, Hi-lux), Nissan (Patrol), Mitsubishi (Montero, Galloper), Land
Rover (Range Rover, Discovery, Santana) and Suzuki (Vitara) are the vehicles
of choice for any trip outside the cities. You need a passport, international
drivers licence or valid driver's licence, and a major credit card.
Accommodations: The range of accomodations throughout the country
can be anything from a hammock under a thatched roof to rooms in private
homes and residenciales, and from hostals to 1 to 5 star hotels in the
major cities. In general, the more remote it is, the less chances of finding
quality and comfortable accomodations. Most cities and towns offer hotels,
hostals and residenciales of all levels.
Weights and Measures: Like most of the world, Bolivia uses the
Metric System. But, in the markets they also use the Imperial system of
pounds as well as the metric system. But, in general the metric system
is the standard.
Safety and Security: It is safe to say that Bolivia has been and
is still one of the most peaceful, safe and hospitable countries in the
Americas. We are fortunate that guerrilas are not part of this society
and extreme crimes are not the rule but the exception. Thousands of tourists
per year have been travelling to this unknown destination for a decades
and have experienced warm hospitality, charming people and a welcome hand.
Police: There is the national police which wears a green uniform
and has various departments like the Transit, Radio Patrol and others
divisions. They are often mistaken for the army because of the uniform.
They are helpfull with travellers needs across the country. There is a
division called the Tourism Police that help and protect the many tourists
that visit Bolivia.
Food and Water: Since Bolivia is still a developing country, travelers
still need to develop a common sense approach to travel and diet while
visiting Bolivia, especially in more remote areas. Be aware that your
body and the organisms living in your stomach and intestines are used
to one type of diet and when you travel that diet changes and so stomach
upsets or worse may be a result. Some people travelling to more developed
countries have run into the same problems as people coming here. In the
larger cities and towns food and beverages served in reputable restaurants
will generally be safe to eat and drink.
If you are not sure, “boil it or peel it” is a safe course of
action. In general, it's best to stay with bottled or boiled drinks and
maintain yourself hydrated as much as possible, especially in the highlands
and the tropics. If you are not sure, either treat it chemically or physically
with a quality water filter that kills and removes bacterias and viruses.
But, by all means do not think that it's all going to make you ill. Psycologically
you're not helping your body and system and for sure you will be missing
out on a culinary spectacle that Bolivia is known for. Experiment and
try everything; eat and drink and use common sense. The food and drink
of this country are what make it so special.
Hospitals and Clinics: All major cities and towns of any considerable
size will have hospitals and clinics available to the public. The clinics
tend to be better than hospitals in most cases as they are privately owned
and operated. Thus their services and doctors are not dependent on the
local governments for supplies, training and equipment.
Film and Photography: Bolivia is a photographer's shangri-la. It
offers everything from the high Andes with it's glaciers and rugged summits
to magical Lake Titicaca and the vast undulating Altiplano. From the many
temperate valleys to the deserts it has variety and an incredible array
of geographic spectacles. In the tropics are the jungles, savannahs, rivers
and wildlife that will leave you breathless. And within all these regions
live a great variety of people whose customs, religion and way of life
are open to countless photographic opportunities. Be sensitive to their
privacy and wishes if they don't wan't to be photographed. Please ask
first, and if they do not want you to take a picture or film them, don't.
And by all means do not pay for photos as you are creating
a bad example and negative precedent for the next photographer after you.
Bring plenty of film (more than you think you'll need), extra batteries,
a variety of lenses from wide-angle to telephoto and a rugged camera bag
to protect your equipment. A small sturdy tripod is also good as well
as a dedicated flash unit. The quality of light is wonderful in the highlands
and Amazon and everywhere in between and will make for spectacular photos.
A polarizing filter may help but learn its pros and cons before using
it indiscrimenately. Film (slide and negative) is readily available in
the major cities and fairly priced. Most consumer and prosumer photo equipment
is available but pricey due to high import duties and not much demand.
Batteries that fit most photo cameras are available as well.
CLIMATES
In general the climates in Bolivia are dictated mostly by altitude not
latitude. The basic weather pattern of Bolivia is the wet and the dry
season, which happens at the same time country-wide. There are basically
five separate climatic regions: The Andes and Altiplano, the Yungas and
Chapare, the temperate valleys, the Chaco and the tropical lowlands of
the upper Amazon basin.
Andes and Altiplano: In the highland region, located in the western
third of the country, the weather does not change too dramatically from
season to season. In general it's a cold weather region because of its
geographical location and the weather patterns that affect it. It has
been said that in the Andes one can experience all seasons in one day.
During the night, it's cold like Winter, in the early morning, it's like
an early Spring, during the day it's like a hot Summer and in the late
afternoon it's like a crisp Autumn day. The weather can be hot during
the winter days (May to September) but can get bitterly cold at night,
and well below freezing the further south you go. During the wet season
(December to March) it will be cold when it rains but can be very plesant
during the day when the sun is out and the nights can be mild.
The Yungas and Chapare: The Yungas and Chapare regions are the
eastern side of the Andes that are between the high Andes mountains and
the upper Amazon basin. The geography for the most part is steep and rugged
with a lot of jungle and whitewater rivers, which are abundant. This region
is generally hot and humid and the climate does not change much during
the year, except when the rains come during the wet season (December through
March). During the dry season it rains less but it's still hot and humid.
The Temperate Valleys: These valleys are generally concentrated
in the central and south-central part of the country have some of the
most pleasant climates in the country. The geographic variety of the rolling
hills and temperate climate made this region a favorite for the Spaniards
during the colonial era. They characteristically don't have the extremes
temperature changes that occur daily or seasonally in other regions. The
climate is mild and mediterranean-like with warm to hot days and pleasant
night-time temperatures. This region is where the majority of the fruits
and vegetables come from and which are distributed country-wide.
The Chaco Scrub and Plains: In general the Chaco is known as the
desert of Bolivia. It is generally flat with some rolling hills and valleys
and a few rivers that drain the sparse landscape. Most of the plants have
adapted to the very hot temperatures and low humidity that this region
is known for. Short bushes, thorny branches, coarse grasses and cactus
make up the majority of the plant life with a few scattered large trees.
Since it's so inhospitable few people live here and so the abundance of
wildlife is varied and abundand. Hot, dusty and dry would describe the
Chaco except in the rainy season when it's hot and the dust turns to mud.
Seasonal Temperatures: Once again, it depends on where you are
in the country. During the dry season (the winter time) temperatures are
generally colder and can be downright freezing in the highlands (and well
below freezing the further south you go ) and it can be pleasant in the
lowlands. The wet season (the summer time) brings hot temperatures and
humid conditions to the tropics and cold and wet conditions to the highlands.
In the middle altitudes (the valley region) temperatures don't change
in extremes like the highlands and lowlands. Winter has the most beautiful
climate and temperatures in the valley regions.
Best Seasons for Travel: There are primarily two seasons in Bolivia
- the dry and the wet. The dry season is from May to October, the winter
time months. The wet season is from November to April, the summer time
months. It is coldest during the months of June to September and wettest
from December to March. The dry season is best for travel due to the better
road conditions and generally sunny skies and warm temperatures during
the day. Travel to most regions of Bolivia is certainly possible year
round but you must be prepared to deal with the seasonal changes (as in
most countries that experience severe seasonal weather changes) and their
effects on weather patterns and the subsequent roaand atmospheric conditions.
The Tropical Lowlands: These regions, which make up most of the
Bolivian territory are composed of the upper Amazon basin in the north
and northeast regions and the Parana basin in the east and south-east
region. These tropical lowlands have a variety of ecosystems and in general
they are hot and humid year round. During the rainy season (December to
March) the rain is constant and torrential downpours are the norm. It
will rain probably everyday during the wet season and flooding is a normal
part of the process. The rainforest ecosystem depends on the seasonal
flooding to function normally. Hot and humid would describe the lowlands'
climate. But, there are bitterly cold winds that come up (called Surazos)
from Patagonia and the Argentine pampas that can drop the temperatures
30-40 degrees for days on end.
Rainfall: The wet season country-wide is from late November to
late March or early April, depending on where you are geographically.
The quantity of rainfall varies from region to region, but the tropics
get most of the rain by far. It can rain any day of the year in the Yungas
and parts of the tropics as well. The highlands get very little rain in
the winter except when it snows or hails, which are more frequent in the
summer - wet season.
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