Who can travel on Explore Bolivia trips?
Back to top Our trips are for anyone with an adventurous
spirit who want to experience a unique country and learn about a different
culture. Complete beginners and extreme experts have traveled with us
ranging from 15 to 75 years old. We help you choose the trip that suits
your interests and abilities and can customize any tour for any date for
any size group. Our itineraries are designed to get people acclimatized
if traveling to the highlands first and to offer quality time every day.
What
types of trips are offered?
Back to top Bolivia has a lot of potential for the
complete vacation - whether casual or adventurous. Depending on your interest,
time and budget you can choose the journey that suits your needs. Traditional
tourism involves travel to cities and regions to learn in depth the traditions
and cultural nuances of Bolivia. On the other hand, if you're more adventurous,
you have many options to travel through Bolivia to experience the un-discovered
areas and the great geographic wonders of this land. Explore Bolivia
specializes in adventure travel that fits both categories - 'soft'
or 'hard'. Depending on your needs and desires there are many options
to choose from. We often combine regions and activities that offer superb
variety. We specialize in designing custom-made itineraries and that is
often our focus.
Soft Adventure Tours:
-
Sea Kayaking on Lake Titicaca
-
Trekking along the shores of Lake Titicaca and on certain Inca Trails
in the Cordillera Real
-
Birdwatching tours in the tropical lowlands of the Beni, Santa Cruz,
Pando, Cochabamba and La Paz
-
Photographic tours on the Altiplano, Andes, Amazon and including
magical Lake Titicaca
-
Whitewater Rafting in the tropical Yungas
-
Four Wheel Drive tours on the Altiplano and Highland Valleys
-
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
-
Tuichi River Expedition in Madidi National Park
-
Exploratory trips to un-run rivers and wild regions in the tropics
How
do I get to Bolivia?
Back to top If flying, the gateway city to Bolivia
from the US is Miami. An overnight flight of approximately 6 1/2 hours
will have you in the cities of Santa Cruz or La Paz early the next morning.
Departures from Bolivia to the US are either very early in the morning
or early evenings from La Paz or Santa Cruz - depending on your airline.
For example: flights offered by LAB (Lloyd Aereo Boliviano) from Miami
to Santa Cruz & La Paz depart late in the evening and from La Paz
to Santa Cruz and onto Miami in the early evening. Flights offered by
AA (American Airlines) depart late in the evening from Miami to La Paz
and depart back to Miami from La Paz, via Santa Cruz, very early in the
morning. Please check with GEO Travel (800-938-7285) for exact flight
dates, times and connections.
What
is included in the price?
Back to top Our prices are for land services as
per the itinerary only and do not include international airfare.
As a general rule, we include all transportation, guides, lodging, camping
equipment (except sleeping bag or pad), all meals (except in the cities)
and some specific equipment needed for an activity. The inclusions are
specified in the Terms and Conditions. We provide a detailed pre-departure
packet including clothing and equipment list, vaccinations, altitude info,
reading lists and other relevant and important information.
When is the best time to go to Bolivia?
Back to top The optimum time for travel is during the
dry season (April to November) but we offer many trips year-round. For
most trips the dry season is best because the weather is stable and the
roads are in good condition. Depending on your activity and region you
are traveling to, weather, road or river conditions may warrant travel
only during certain seasons. Please ask us for specifics.
How big are the groups on Explore Bolivia trips and can I travel alone?
Back to top Our goal is to offer quality trips for
all participants so we keep our groups small - usually ten people or less
- plus guides and support personnel. With smaller groups everyone knows
each other better, our impact on the land is less and it's easier to operate
logistically. Single travelers are welcome to join groups - that's why
we offer set departures. We have offered trips from 1 to 25 people. We
can accommodate tours for larger groups with prior planning and have done
so often.
Who will I be traveling with?
Back to top The people that travel with Explore Bolivia
tend to be adventurous - in mind, body and spirit - and want to go to
a country that has few visitors and is genuinely authentic. Some are into
natural history, others into hard adventure while others want great variety
of all things. We try to make sure that anyone going on a particular trip
is suited for it - mentally and physically. Most of our clients tend to
be professionals, range in their mid-30's to mid 50's - have traveled
and experienced the world - and are well educated and fun to travel with.
Are
set departure times the only time I can go?
Back to top No, the Set Departures take advantage of
the best travel times and are designed to help people plan their vacations
around dates that are more convenient for them. We've taken into account
airline schedules, holidays, weekends and prime vacation time. We can
offer most tours year-round and often operate standard tours for custom
dates. Custom dates are available for specialized groups, private
organizations, zoos, film production companies and women's groups.
Do you offer custom trips?
Back to top More than half of our trips are customized
in one way or another. We don't believe in or run canned tours.
Many of our custom trips are similar to the regular trips but have specific
dates and may be closed to other participants if it's a private group.
Customization of our trips is what we do and we are quite flexible and
can accommodate just about any request.
What
types of guides will be leading the trips?
Back to top The guides are a combination of foreign
nationals and local Bolivians that are experienced, bilingual, experts
in the activity and regions they travel. The guides know just about every
corner of the country and they are there to make sure that the guests
have a unique and exciting adventure travel experience. A guide is often
the most important person on a trip and we believe that the magic trip
happens when the right guide is there. We strive to pick the best guide
for the situation and are very careful of who works for us.
Can you arrange expeditions to remote locations?
Back to top One of our passions and the reason we started
Explore Bolivia was to do expeditions. We LOVE expeditions and we are
always looking for new river descents, first ascents in the mountains,
a new mountain bike ride, a remote wildlife spectacle to visit or find
more hidden Inca Trails to explore. Most us have years of experience doing
expeditions and love a challenge. Many of the trips we offer were first
done by us and incorporated into our tour offerings later. You can count
on us to arrange logistics, drop-off and pick-up, food, porters or animals
and whatever else you might need. We have worked often with film production
companies and are quite knowledgeable in that area as well.
Do I need to be in good shape?
Back to top Being in "good shape" is a relative term.
We always prefer that people arrive in Bolivia in the best physical shape
possible for their activity. But, some trips don't require a lot of physical
effort but more of a mental attitude that is agile at dealing with surprises
that may come along. The best is to be physically fit with a positive
mental attitude. Of course, some trips require top physical and mental
conditioning.
How long has Explore Bolivia been in business?
Back to top Explore Bolivia has been in business since
1994 and is currently located in Boulder, Colorado, USA.
How long are Explore Bolivia trips?
Back to top Our trips range from two days to over a
month - depending on the trip, the group and the specific itinerary. Most
trips average 9-11 days and are designed to take advantage of the weekends
on either end of a 5-day week as much as possible.
How do I reserve a spot on a trip?
Back to top To reserve a trip with Explore Bolivia
you need to fill out a Trip Application Form and return it with a reservation
deposit as soon as possible. We will need full payment 45 days prior to
departure date of the trip. You have the option of paying in installments
in order to facilitate your trip planning. We do not accept credit cards.
The deposit may be paid for by check, money order, bank check or wire
transfer.
Are refunds available if I decide not to go?
Back to top Once a reservation has been made there
is a non-refundable administrative cost of U.S. $ 200.00 (please refer
to cancellation schedule). No one will be allowed to participate on a
trip unless all necessary documentation and paperwork is received, which
includes a medical and liability release form. The responsibility for
obtaining proper documentation for international travel (i.e. visas, vaccinations
and other expenses) rests with the trip applicant(s).
CANCELLATIONS:
Back to top We hope this will not happen because you
will miss out on a great trip! But, if it does, Please note: We MUST
receive a written cancellation notice.
Due to the fact that a large portion of the trip costs are already committed
far in advance of the dates of departure, we will provide refunds according
to the following schedule:
-
There is a non-refundable administrative cost of $200 per
person for all cancellations.
-
For notice received more than 90 days BEFORE departure date: balance
of payment received.
-
90 - 61 days before departure date: 50 % refund.
-
60 - 45 days before departure date: 25 % refund.
-
44 days or less before departure date: no refund of any kind.
Do many tourists visit Bolivia?
Actually, very few people visit Bolivia - mostly because no one hears
about it much. In the year 1999 there were just over 300,000 visitors
to Bolivia (as compared to 1.2 million to Peru). That's the reason why
Bolivia is still authentic in many ways - because our traditions and culture
is still intact and the most remote areas are very rarely visited and
life goes on as it has for centuries. Don't make the mistake of passing
it by as most people who visit it are extremely pleasantly surprised once
they get there!
What language do they speak in Bolivia?
There are over thirty Indigenous groups in Bolivia but the official and
universal language is Spanish. The official indigenous languages are Aymara
(northern highlands, Lake Titicaca and northern Altiplano) and Quechua
(southern highlands, southern Altiplano and temperate valleys). Few people
speak English in the country side, but in the cities there are better
chances of finding someone who may speak english.
Where is Bolivia?
Back to top Bolivia is 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 southeast; Argentina in the south; Chile in the southwest
and west and Peru in west and northwest.
How big is Bolivia?
Back to top 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.
Is Bolivia safe?
Back to top 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 guerrillas are not part of this society
and extreme crimes are not the rule but the exception. Thousands of tourists
per year have been traveling to this unknown destination for decades and
have experienced warm hospitality, charming people and a welcome hand.
Bolivians in general can be said to be very polite and helpful and always
welcome people from all over the world.
What type of government does Bolivia have?
Back to top Bolivia is a democratic Republic with three
branches: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. It has one of the most
stable governments in the Americas and Democracy is the alive and well.
What is the size and type of the population?
Back to top The population is approximately 8 million
people with a mixture of races and cultures. Approximately 60% are of
pure Indian bloodlines, 35% are mestizo (a mixture of Spanish-South American
and South American-Indian). They are known as cholos or cholas (male/female)
and this name refers to people with Indian bloodlines that have emigrated
to the cities and who may still wear some form of their original ethnic
dress or costume. These same people who live in the countryside 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 that live
in the Yungas region. The remaining 4% are made up of mostly European
descent mostly from the Spanish and some Germans as well as other groups
like Chinese, Korean, Indian and many different religious groups from
all over the world.
What is the environment like?
Back to top 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 emigration and development
from the highlands to the tropical lowlands in search of land and a brighter
future. This has created a lot of development in once virgin areas in
the tropics and put pressure in other similar areas that used to be 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 worldwide have recognized
that Bolivia has some of the most biologically diverse regions in the
world. Within it's borders lie the Andes Mountains, the vast Altiplano
plateau, Lake Titicaca, the world's largest salt flat - the Salar de Uyuni,
virgin cloud forests in the Yungas, semi-tropical and tropical forests
from the highland valleys to the eastern lowlands of the Amazon basin
and the scrub forests and deserts of the Chaco in south-eastern Bolivia.
All these regions have flora and fauna that live relatively undisturbed
- and many that are not cataloged yet. There are about 30 national parks
established in Bolivia.
What is the capital of Bolivia?
Back to top 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.
What are the major religions in Bolivia?
Back to top Approximately 97% of the population is
Roman Catholic. However, 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 daily
basis.
What type of education is offered in Bolivia?
Compulsory school attendance from ages 7 to 16 is the norm. However,
due to a lack of resources and teachers in rural areas, children may not
reach their teenage years and graduate from high school. The literacy
rate of Bolivia is approximately 78%.
What are the different geographical regions of Bolivia?
Back to top Bolivia is made up of six geographic regions:
-
The Andes
-
The Altiplano
-
The Yungas and Chapare
-
The Highland Valleys
-
The tropical lowlands of the Upper Amazon Basins
-
The Gran Chaco
The Andes:
Two major branches 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 21,000 ft and average between 17,000' and
19,000'. Without a doubt the most spectacular ranges in Bolivia. The
other branch encompasses the Cordillera Occidental (Western Range) made
primarily of volcanoes and makes up the western border of the country
and heads south and continues into Chile. It has many isolated summits
spread throughout the Altiplano region. This is where Sajama (Bolivia's
highest peak at 21,465') is found and lies next to the Chilean border
in the northern Altiplano. At the foot of Sajama lies the world's highest
forest made of Quenua - a native tree of the Andes region.
The Altiplano:
Altiplano means high plain but in reality it's not very flat and is
made up of valleys, hills and rolling terrain as well as volcanoes,
salt flats, 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 miles) in length and about 200
km (125 miles) 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 isolated 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 could
be called a high altitude desert because it has limited rainfall. It
is a rugged and diverse region with interesting flora and fauna and
is quite beautiful.
The Yungas and Chapare:
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 glaciated summits of the Andes 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 opened up this region to commercial
interest and commerce and is the only overland link to the Amazon region
at this point. In the near future, a modern highway will help develop
this region quite fast. This area 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 humid and it rains quite often -
especially in the summer. 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. This is the second most populated region of Bolivia where
the cities of Cochabamba, Sucre, Tarija and Potosi are located. Only
Potosi has the disadvantage of being high in the mountains and does
not 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 accommodate 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
access to these areas from cities across the country.
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 southeast. In the north lie the
vast savannas, 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 mountainous cloud forests
to semi-tropical valleys and thick jungles and rivers. Amboro and Carrasco
National Parks are located here. This whole region has a hot and humid
climate with rain possible anytime of the year. It is truly a bountyful
land - full of exotic flora and fauna including many groups of indigenous
forest people who are the native and ancient dwellers of the fragile
Amazon basin. Noel Kempff Mercado and the Chaco National Parks are located
in Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, the tropics are also where the majority
of the trees for the timber industry are being cut down and the forests
being destroyed. It is in peril of being overdeveloped.
The Gran Chaco:
This region is located in the southeastern 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 is generally hot and
very 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
conditions 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). The Chaco is a harsh but beautiful land.
What is the climate like?
Back to top
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
countrywide. 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 is 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
is cold like Winter, in the early morning, it is 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 pleasant during
the day when the sun is out and the nights can be mild.
The Yungas and Chapare:
The Yungas and Chapare regions (on the eastern side of the Andes) lie
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 extended
rains come during the wet season (December through March). During the
dry season it rains much less but it is still hot and humid
The Temperate Valleys:
These valleys are generally concentrated in the central and south-central
part of the country and 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 do not have the extreme temperature changes
that occur daily or seasonally like in other regions. The climate is
mild and Mediterranean-like with warm to hot days and pleasant nighttime
temperatures. This region is where the majority of the fruits and vegetables
come from and which are distributed countrywide.
The Chaco Scrub and Plains:
In general the Chaco is known as the hot 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 is so inhospitable
few people live here and so the abundance of wildlife is varied and
abundant. Hot, dusty and dry would describe the Chaco except in the
rainy season when it is hot and the dust turns to mud.
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 southeast 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, during
the winter there are bitterly cold winds called 'Surazos' that come
up from Patagonia and the Argentine pampas that can drop the temperature
30-40 degrees for days on end.
When is the rainy season?
Back to top The wet season countrywide 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 - the wet season.
What is the altitude in Bolivia?
Back to top The altitude in Bolivia varies greatly
from the lowlands which has altitudes as low as 200 feet above sea level
to the Andes, which has several peaks over 21,000 feet. La Paz averages
an elevation of 11,500 feet so an acclimatization period of a day or two
is usually necessary.
What are the average temperatures?
Back to top This depends where you are in the country.
During the dry season (winter) temperatures are generally colder and can
be downright freezing in the highlands (and well below freezing in the
extreme south) and it can be pleasant in the lowlands. The wet season
(summer) brings hot temperatures and humid conditions to the tropics and
cold and wet conditions to the highlands. In the middle altitudes (the
valleys) temperatures do not change in extremes like the highlands and
lowlands. Winter (dry season) has the most beautiful climate and temperatures
in the middle valley regions.
Where can I find maps of Bolivia?
Back to top Good maps of Bolivia are hard to find but
the Instituto Geografico Militar (La Paz) is the place to go for topographical
maps of most of Bolivia (they restrict sale of sensitive or border areas).
The IGM is located in La Paz and has branches in 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 bookshops (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 Britain (London) try
Stanfords.
What are the visa requirements?
Back to top 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 30 days beyond your departure date from Bolivia. A minimum
30-day stay is allowed and can be extended to 90 days at the airport or
at the Immigration department in La Paz or other major cities. Some countries
require you to have visas to enter their country as well, so make sure
you have the right visa before trying to enter them from Bolivia. You
can obtain visas from the consulates of other countries in La Paz, Bolivia.
What types of medications will I need?
Back to top You do not need any kind of special medications
to enter Bolivia. For recommended and suggested vaccinations please see
the Vaccinations Page on our web site. You may also call the Center for
Disease Control in Atlanta, GA for more information.
What is the currency of Bolivia?
Back to top 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 Boliviano denominations. 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 will do so as well but not
all of them. Traveler's checks can be changed at the Casas de Cambio,
banks, hotels or travel agencies (with proof of identity) and possibly
some retail businesses if you purchase something. Credit cards are more
widely accepted today and most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, rent-a-car
agencies, airlines, and other businesses. ATM machines are also becoming
quite abundant and ATM cards can be used if they are within the systems
shared by most international banks.
What is the exchange rate?
Back to top The current exchange rate (as of 6/2003)
is 7.70 Bolivianos to 1 US dollar.
What are the accommodations like in Bolivia?
Back to top The range of accommodations throughout
the country can be anything from a hammock under a thatched roof to rooms
in private homes and residenciales, and from hostels 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 accommodations. Most cities and towns
offer hotels, hostels and residenciales of all levels. The more you pay
the better the service, security and accommodations and the better the
neighborhood as well.
Is it safe to drink the water and eat the food?
Back to top 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 digestive system are used
to one type of diet and when you travel, your diet changes, so you may
experience an upset stomach or worse. Some people traveling to more developed
countries have run into the same problems as people going to Bolivia.
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 is 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 bacteria and viruses. But, by all
means do not think that it is all going to make you ill. Psychologically
you are 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 one of the things that what make it so special. Don't
miss out on some delicious local fare just because it looks strange!
Where are there hospitals located?
Back to top 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.
What are the public holidays in Bolivia?
Back to top Public Holidays are:
Back to top
- 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)
What time is it in Bolivia?
Back to top Bolivia is four hours behind Greenwich
Mean Time. For example: If it's 12:00 noon in La Paz, it is 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.
What types of flora and fauna are in Bolivia?
Back to top The variety of flora and fauna is so huge
that it would take volumes to showcase. Suffice it to say that there are
over 1500 bird species in Bolivia, a great variety of mammals from mice
to jaguars, reptiles of all sizes and shapes, insects that would take
a lifetime to catalog and flora ranging from cactus to bromeliads and
from palm tress to lichens. Bolivia has great biological diversity in
all regions.
Can I rent a car in Bolivia?
Back to top 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 and the unpredictable
and rugged roads of the country. You will pay for the rental, accumulated
kilometers and gasoline. You need a passport, international driver's license
or valid driver's license, and a major credit card.4WD drive vehicles
like Toyota (Land Cruisers, Hi-lux), Nissan (Patrol, Pathfinder), Mitsubishi
(Montero, Galloper) and Suziki (Vitara) are the vehicles of choice for
any trip outside the cities.
What types of local transportation are available in Bolivia?
Back to top
Highway and Road System:
Inter departmental travel is relatively easy within Bolivia. Highways
and roads connect most major cities and smaller towns and villages.
Due to the fact that Bolivia's roads are mostly dirt or gravel, some
access to certain areas is dependent on the season. During the rainy
season most remote towns and villages are cut off if the rains are too
severe. Only major highways between cities are paved and of course within
most major cities as well. Be prepared for rough and weather dependent
road conditions that will affect departure and arrival of scheduled
services.
Air:
All departmental capitals, major cities and some smaller towns are
serviced by national airlines, which provide daily service to most parts
of Bolivia. Smaller private airplanes are also available for hire from
private pilots in most major cities.
Land:
Travel by private vehicle, bus, truck and taxi, are readily available
in most cities and towns. Prices usually reflect the level of service,
but not always. The most expensive being private vehicle and the cheapest
being in the back of an open truck - exposed to the elements. Comfortable
Pullman-type buses are abundant and one can travel in comfort.
Rail:
The rail system in Bolivia is limited and concentrates travel in the
highlands and valleys and in the eastern lowlands. One can travel by
rail to Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
Water:
The many rivers in the Upper Amazon basin provide the only means of
travel to and from many points in the tropics due to a lack of roads
and the impenetrable geography. Double decker motorized riverboats ply
most major rivers and smaller boats can get you to most villages.
Can I make international calls from Bolivia?
Back to top The national telephone company, Entel,
has national and international offices across the country. One can call
internationally from all major cities and some smaller towns and villages.
Faxes can also be sent. Prices vary depending on where you are. Cellular
phones are becoming quite popular and all major cities have the service
from either Entel or other private phone companies. Cellular telephone
service is available across the country and is quite modern and reliable.
Phone cards are readily available and you can call anywhere in the world
and solar-powered telephone booths can be found in the middle of nowhere.
Little by little the Internet is making its way into remote areas and
Internet Cafes are in most major cities.
Is there a postal service available?
Back to top There is a national postal system that
serves the whole country. All capitals, major cities and towns have post
offices that serve national and international destinations. There are
also offices of the major courier companies (UPS, FedEx, and DHL) in all
capitals.
Where are there embassies located in Bolivia?
Back to top 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.
What are normal business hours?
Back to top 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.
What type of electricity does Bolivia use?
Back to top Bolivia uses the standard 220 volts at
50 cycles. However, in certain areas like La Paz and a few other areas
in Bolivia, 110 volts at 50 cycles is also used (like the US and Canada).
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 intended purpose and the for
the correct electrical appliance.
What types of clothing and equipment should I bring?
Back to top 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 possessions.
If you are going to the highlands then your needs will differ than if
you are going to be in the tropics. If you are of the adventurous kind
a backpack or pack with a hidden harness system is best. If you will 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 daypack
or shoulder bag is quite nice and very handy.
Travel in the Highlands:
A system of layering is best where you can add or subtract 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 that 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 are 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. Do not 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 windbreaker
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,
do not 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), a bandana
or two, 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.
What type of camera should I bring?
Back to top It would be a shame to miss out on the
fantastic photographic opportunities that Bolivia offers, so whatever
you do make sure you have a camera or a video camera with you. The best
choice is an SLR with a variety of interchangeable lenses from wide 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 and extra batteries.
You can buy major brands in Bolivia for reasonable prices that cover the
low to middle level of capability. Pro cameras are not readily available.
How much film should I bring?
Back to top Bring plenty of film - more than you think
you will need. The quality of light is wonderful in the highlands and
will make for spectacular photos. A polarizing filter may help but learn
its' pros and cons before using it indiscriminately. Film (slide and negative)
is readily available and so is developing. Fuji, Agfa and Kodak are the
films of choice.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Back to top We highly recommend that you purchase insurance
for the following: trip cancellation, lost/stolen baggage, extended medical
and evacuation costs. An unforeseen illness or unexpected event may require
you to cancel your trip. In order to protect yourself, your baggage and/or
personal property, a short-term traveler's insurance package may be purchased
through your travel or insurance agent who can advise you as to what is
available and their costs. EXPLORE BOLIVIA will not be responsible
for any costs incurred by passengers for such occurrences and circumstances
Are there tourist offices located in Bolivia?
Back to top There are some offices in the major cities
but for the most part have very little useful information. Usually local
operators and travel agencies are much better prepared to help with information
about where to go and what to do. Shop around wisely as not all offer
reliable services or quality guides. Remember, you get what you pay for.
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