Bolivia Nutz and Bolts

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Country: Bolivia Where is it?: Bolivia is one of the only two landlocked countries in South America, and is bordered by five countries. It's bordered to the North and East by Brazil's rainforest. Why do people go here?: Tourism: Culture/Language Studies, Jungle Trips, Mountain Climbing, Rafting/Kayaking, Eco Tourism, Lake Titicaca, Missionary Work, Volunteer Work. Mining Industry What are the main entry points?: Air: La Paz, Sucre. Land: North: Cobija and Costa Marques via Brazil, Guayaramerin via Guajara-Mirim (Brazil). South: San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), Villazon vai La Quiaca (Argentina), Aguas Blancas/Bermejo (Argentina), Yacuiba via Pocitos (Argentina). East: Fortin General Euginio A Garay (Paraguay), Puerto Suarez via Quijarro/Corumba (Brazil), San Matias via Caceres (Brazil). West: Avaroa via Ollague (Chile), Coipasa/Sobaya via Arica (Chile), Puerto Acosta via Puno (Peru). Sea: While Bolivia is landlocked it shares the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, with Peru. Here, Sea should be read as Water Crossing. Copacabana via Puno (Peru) Currency used: Boliviano Country Code for Phones: 591 Other Phone Tips: Calling centers are abundant and easy to maneuver. Calling cards are also common and can be purchased at most stores or through street vendors. Religion: Roman Catholic 95% Population: 8,586,443 Ethnic Breakdown: Quechua 30%, Mestizo (mixed white and Indigenous ancestry) 30%, Aymara 25%, White 15% Government: Republic Languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara Major Cities: La Paz (Governmental Capital), Sucre (Judicial Capital), Santa Cruz, Cochabamba Attractions: Lago (Lake) Titicaca and the Indigenous floating reed islands. Salar de Uyuni (Giant Salt Flat) Accomodation: Bolivia Hostels Tourism Office locations and links: Bolivia Tourist Office Off-the-Beaten-Path: Laguna Verde Health Issues: Health facilities may not be as well stocked as your local US hospital, but doctors are available and health standards at hospitals are adequate. If you aren�t 100% confident with your Spanish don't be afraid to ask for an English speaking physician. English speakers are usually available at major hospitals in larger cities. Because of the higher altitudes associated with Bolivia�s geographic location, altitude sickness may become a problem for the non-acclimated When to go: Although it's usually wet, travelers visit Bolivia from June through September, but there is a signficant amount of rain. The winter is dry. Common Phrases: Chao = Goodbye. Ch�vere = Cool. Cuanto cuesta? = How much?. Donde esta�? = Where is�?. Como se llama? = What is your name?. Me llamo� = My name is� Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 6 August Getting Around: As in most South American countries, the bus system is the best bet for the backpacker on a budget. Navigate Lake Titicaca on a tour boat Good to know: At an altitude of over 3600 meters, La Paz, Bolivia's governmental capital, is the highest in the world. In late 2003 Bolivia demanded the removal of their president through violent and non-violent means. After the country re-opened from being shut down by striking workers, numerous deaths were reported, local and tourist alike. Bolivia is well known as one of the poorest nations in South America. Bolivia is home to some of the worlds most spectacular salt flats. It also shares claim with Peru to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Bolivia is a great place to experience an exceedingly interesting culture, stretch your dollar, and see some of the most picturesque locales within the Southern hemisphere.


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