A trip to Bolivia is like travelling back in time – back to a time where the Incas ruled and indigenous languages were spoken. Although the Incas have long since gone and after them came the Spaniards, the mark they have left on the country is far from extinct. Today visitors coming off flights to Bolivia are in for a trip that will change their lives.
Geographically Bolivia is landlocked right in the middle of South America, sharing borders with Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Chile. But despite being deprived of a beach-front like most of its neighbours, Bolivia’s breathtaking varied landscape and moderate climate more than makes up for it. The peaks of the Andes and lush rainforests seem to surround the country, providing active travellers with plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep them busy.
The capital - La Paz - is unlike most characterless capitals; it sits in valley enveloped by the white peaks of the sacred mountain, Illimani. Travellers taking flights to Bolivia will probably make La Paz their first stop. Although it’s tempting to spend all your time there, the other cities and regions in Bolivia including Potosi and Lake Titicaca are well worth a visit.
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Due to the altitude, the climate in Bolivia is fairly temperate with cold nights and warm days. Temperatures get down to freezing on winter nights. Rain is likely over the summer months (November to March).
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Peak Season:
April through October is peak season for flights to Bolivia. It is the winter, however the weather is dry and generally sunny. It is the best time to visit for trekking.
Off season:
November through March. Trekking is not possible during this time, however, most other travel to the country is still good. Weather varies depending on destination, especially with varied altitude.
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There are a number of carriers for flights within the country and air is by far the most convenient and reliable means of transport. LAB, TAM, Aereoste, Amazonas and Aereo Sur all fly domestic routes. There is a regular service between La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz and all link to smaller cities.
The train service is not good in Bolivia. There are two major lines in the east and west of the country. However, only the ferrobus operates effectively. All other lines are very slow, though inexpensive.
Buses are the cheapest means of travel, though breakdowns, especially in remote places, are not unusual. Roads are often poor.
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- Potosi was once one of the most important and wealthiest towns in all of South America because of its silver mines. But after nearly three hundreds years of mining, the silver was depleted in around 1800 and production switched to the far less popular tin. Though no longer a mining town, in 1987 the city was declared a Unesco World Heritage site. Today, the main appeal for travellers are its “mine experience tours”. Visitors can crawl through the extensive mining tunnels and see what life was like for workers.
- La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and a lively starting point for many trips to the country. Don’t miss the Mercado de Hechiceria, or witches market, in downtown La Paz. Herbal remedies for everything are available here: candles to ward off evil spirits, potions to increase libido, or llama fetuses which bring good luck when buried under your house. Perhaps not the best place for souvenirs, but endlessly fascinating to tourists.
- Bolivia could have been built for adventure travel. From trekking in the Andes, to white-water rafting, or cruising on a boat across Lake Titicaca there is an activity for every sports enthusiast. One of the most dangerous is Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking down the “Death Road”. Companies organise the experience in La Paz and then drive the bikers and equipment up to La Cumbre. A guide leads the group down the road, descending to Coroico, 3,600 metres below. On the way – if you can bear to look around instead of concentrating on the road – you’ll see mountain ranges and the Amazonian Jungle.
- Located in a valley in the Andes, Cochabamba is supposed to have the best climate in the world and is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” or the “Garden City” throughout South America. There is plenty to see and do in the town, which is home to the biggest open air market in South America, La Cancha.
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The two main airports for travellers taking flights to Bolivia are:
La Paz (LPB) (El Alto) is eight and a half miles southwest of La Paz.
Santa Cruz (VVI) (Viru-Viru) is ten miles from the centre of Santa Cruz and is the largest airport in Bolivia.
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All visitors who require a visa must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the length of stay; if no visa is required then only a passport valid on entry to Bolivia is necessary. All visitors should also have return tickets as well as sufficient funds to see them through their stay.
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UK Nationals holding valid passports do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days if the cover states 'United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland', 'Jersey', or 'Guernsey and its Dependencies'. Other types of British passports require a visa.
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