Bolivia

General Visiting

BolivaFrom the moment you touch down at El Alto International Airport just outside of La Paz, the Republic of Bolivia becomes an incredible travel experience. For those seeking cultural enrichment, beautiful Andean countryside, colourful and breathtaking natural scenery, Bolivia has it all.

Bolivia is a Republic in central South America; it is bounded on the north and east by Brazil, on the south-east by Paraguay, on the south by Argentina, and on the west by Chile and Peru. The only landlocked countries in South America are Bolivia and Paraguay.

Bolivia, also known as the "Tibet of the Americas", the highest, most isolated and most Indian country in South America, is a place of extraordinary Andean landscapes, colourful present-day cultures and ancient archaeological sites. Bolivia is known for its highest capital city, La Paz (population 1 million), highest navigable lake, highest ski run, hotel and airport.

With a very high percentage of native language speakers, Bolivia is one of the few countries left in South America where this occurs. While you are there 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.

Getting There

To get 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 colourful wildlife. Bolivia borders Brazil and Ecuador along the northern lowlands with a vast Amazonian tropical rain forest.

The best time to travel to Bolivia is 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.

Bolivia has two Capital's Sucre, the legal capital and seat of Judiciary and La Paz the seat of Government.

Sucre is in southern Bolivia, and is legally the national capital, more than 2,591 m (8,500 ft) above sea level. Sucre is south-east of La Paz the national administrative centre, and its mountain setting, whitewashed buildings, and well-preserved architecture make it one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia. You will find many of the buildings around the main plaza still retain Spanish colonial features in their archways, balconies, and porticos. There are more than a dozen colonial churches in Sucre that grace the city's streets.The San Fransicao University in Sucre

La Paz is a city on the La Paz River in Western Bolivia; it is the capital of La Paz department and administrative capital of Bolivia. La Paz is situated in the Andes about 3625 m above sea level, it is the highest city in the world that is linked by roads and railways to cities in Peru and Argentina, and to Arica in Chile which is the nearest port on the Pacific Ocean. La Paz also has an international airport. You will find Bolivia is rich in silver, copper, and lead, La Paz is not heavily industrialized because of limited power resources.

Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz has been the actual centre of government since 1898. With the exception of the national Supreme Court, all government functions are centred in La Paz. It is also the site of the presidential and legislative palaces, museums, theatres, art galleries, and a cathedral (completed in 1933)

Things to see and do

Lake Titicaca

One of the best sights to visit in Bolivia is Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. You will find it lying at 3,810m above sea level and containing more than 30 islands. Shared by Peru and Bolivia, it was the most sacred body of water in the Inca Empire and still shows traces of its rich Indian past.

Salt Flats

Salt Flats is a must. Salt Flat has a hotel that is made almost entirely of salt bricks, a must to see. The beautiful and busy little cities, redolent with Spanish influences, are quite remarkable.

The colonial Town of Postosi

Potosi, also with an abundance of colonial buildings, is dominated by the mountain once known as Cerro Rico (rich mountain), the main source of silver in the days of the Incas and later the Spaniards.

The Tarabuc Indians

Tarabuco

The traditional Indian Town of Tarabuco that is famous for its market and weavings is two hours from Sucre and is well worth visiting. Unique in its rich Indian influences, it is renowned for its colourful traditional Sunday market to which indigenous farmers and villagers travel from great distances, to purchase necessities and to buy and sell their beautiful textiles, hats and hand-woven ponchos - a wonderful place to just wander and watch, and even to try your hand at some bargaining yourself.

Murillo Square

Murillo Square is dedicated to Pedro Domingo Murillo. In the middle there is a monument in memory to the martyr. Surroundings is located the Presidential Palace and the cathedral.

Valley of the Moon

It is located from 20 Km away the city.
The erosion made it incredible shapes similar to a moon valley.

Nuestra Señora de La Paz Cathedral

Nuestra Senora De La Paz cathedralThe cathedral has neoclassic style. It was built in 1831, inside it there are "Corintio" style columns.

Noel Kempf Mercado Zoo

The zoo is a recreational place; it has a great amount of animals. This zoo is the unique one specialized in South American fauna.The Noel Kempf Mercado Zoo

Visa Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Bolivia for the most up to date information.

Children (under 18) who are Australian/Bolivian dual nationals, and are travelling alone to Bolivia, are required upon entry into the country to present their birth certificate and written consent from both parents, translated into Spanish and certified by the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate.