From Bonnie Hamre,
Your Guide to South America Travel.
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All true. But Bolivia, named for Simón Bolívar, El Libertador, is also dense rain forest and grassy lowlands, salt plains, and pockets of Mediterranean-like climate, producing tropical fruits and vineyards. Until you see them for yourself it might be hard to believe that portions of Bolivia are compared to the Garden of Eden for the climate fertility and scenery. There's also an area called the Gran Chaco which is sparsely populated, dry and all but barren. See this interactive map from Expedia for cities and regions.

Bolivia is one of the few countries left in South America with a very high percentage of native language speakers. You'll hear Quecha and Aymara as often as you'll hear Spanish and from speakers like this who retain a great deal of their traditional culture. Why not learn both Spanish and Quechua in Bolivia so you can appreciate the culture and hisotry of the country?

Getting There

Getting to Bolivia isn't as easy as in other countries as many areas are accessible only by air. But if you persevere you'll be rewarded with spectacular landscapes as well as colorful wildlife. Bolivia borders Brazil and Ecuador along the northern lowlands with a vast Amazonian tropical rain forest.

Check out the fares and discounts listed in Reservations for South America.

When to Go

Try winter! It's cold in the altiplano, but winter, May to October, is the dry season. During the summer months of November to April, travel is difficult due to possible washed out roads, heat, insects and rain.

Check today's weather in La Paz, Sucre, Rurrenabaque and in Santa Cruz.

Shopping Tips

Bolivian textiles, in wool, alpaca and llama wool vary by region and are true works of art. The most famous are the red and black designs from Potolo.

Music and musical instruments. Once you've heard traditional folksongs in the peñas, folk music shows, you'll want more.

Please read the next page for things to do and see.