Bolivia Travel Facts

The Basics

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: 10 million

Ethnic Breakdown: 31% Quechua, 30% Mestizo, 25% Aymara, 14% White

Government: Republic

Languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara

Travel Information

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

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Although it’s usually wet, travelers visit Bolivia from June through September, but there is a significant amount of rain. The winter is dry.

Common Phrases: Chao = Goodbye, 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 world’s 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.

Cheapest airport to fly into: The main airport serving Bolivia is the El Alto International Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Bolivia travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.