Country Overview

Bolivia is the highest and most isolated of all the Andean nations located in South America. The country is surrounded by Brazil to the north and to the east, Peru and Chile to the west, and Paraguay and Argentina to the south. Bolivia is an incredibly beautiful country with many different types of climates and terrain. In the western part of the country, running north to south, rise the majestic and mysterious Andes, the second highest mountain range in the world. Along the eastern slopes of the Andes lie dense forests and lush mountain valleys known as the Yungas. Further eastward, one finds the vast, and seemingly endless steaming jungles of the Bolivian Amazon Basin. Finally, to the south, stretches the dry, semi-tropical plains known as the Chaco.

Due to the average elevation in Bolivia, many people refer to the country as the "Tibet of the Americas". The Andes that run through Bolivia are some of the highest and most remote regions found anywhere in South America. The scenery is absolutely stunning. It is common to see snow covered mountain peaks rising 18-20,000 ft. in many parts of Bolivia. Also found in this region are some spectacular high altitude lakes, the most important of which is Lake Titicaca (elevation 12,500 ft). For the last few thousand years, this lake has been an important area for many different indigenous cultures culminating with the Inca. Scattered around the lake shore are important and interesting archaeological sites such as Sillustani and Tihuanaco. Tihuanaco was an particularly important city (or possibly a ceremonial site), and was founded sometime around the 5th century B.C. and flourished until approximately the 12th century A.D. Today there are still many indigenous people living in and around this lake. Day trips to some of the islands to see how these people live are very highly recommended!

While visiting the high Andes seems to be the most popular attraction for travelers, many people consider the lush mountain valley areas known as the Yungas, and the Bolivian Amazon Basin to be the best places to visit. Besides great scenery, one has the opportunity to see various exotic birds, plants, insects, and animals living in the rainforests of this region. If you thought all jungles were the same, you will quickly find out how wrong you are. Elevation and rainfall create vastly different types of rainforest and/or jungle. As a result, the life found in one type of rainforest is vastly different from that found in another type of rainforest. This region is also very interesting due to the people living here. Over the centuries, these people have created a culture entirely different from that found high in the Andes.

The cities and towns that make up Bolivia are another reason why the country is such an interesting destination. La Paz (elevation 12,000 ft) for example, lies in a bowl-like valley overlooked by the towering mountain peak of Illimani. It is particularly impressive (and a little scary) to fly over and into this city. La Paz offers some interesting Spanish colonial churches, and absolutely unique local markets. In our opinion, the witchcraft market is one of the most interesting, so stop by and see what you can dig up! Day trips to places such as Lake Titicaca and hiking nearby mountain trails are very popular excursions. If you are feeling particularly lucky, you may want to consider skiing at Chacaltaya. However, in our opinion, Chacaltaya is not good skiing, but does provide some excellent hiking and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Moving deeper into Bolivia, a must see location is Potosi (elevation 13,350 ft.), said to be the worlds highest city, and a famous silver mining area. During Spanish colonial rule, this city provided much of the silver sent back to the Spanish Crown. Today, it is still full of the remnants of its splendid colonial past. Of particular interest is a visit to one of the mines overlooking the city. The techniques employed in these mines have changed little over the centuries.

If there is one city that is a must see, it would have to be Sucre. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Bolivia. Sucre is set in a small valley surrounded by low lying mountains. Against this backdrop rises an incredible array of small streets lined by exquisitely preserved colonial buildings, impressive churches and monasteries, and fascinating museums. Take at least a few days to stroll through the city to marvel at the sites and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere that Sucre offers.

For those individuals interested in people or wildlife, there are few places in the world that surpass the marvels of Bolivia. The indigenous people of this country have a way of life and customs completely foreign to outsiders. There are literally hundreds of small villages and hamlets where the residents have changed very little since the time Spanish Conquistadors. A visit to some of these communities is like stepping back in time.

Finally, due to the isolated nature of the country, the small number of inhabitants, and a lack of financial resources, many parts of Bolivia are relatively untouched by man. This means that the amount of wildlife that one can see is immense.

So, if you want to travel off the beaten path, plus have an interest in nature, history, and culture, Bolivia is the ideal exotic destination for you to learn Spanish!

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