Bolivia

Types of trips: Geographical, Nature, Adventure, Cultural, Adventure

Best known for: Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats, Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku, Silver Mines

Why Go?: The sheer number of varying fantastic natural landscapes Bolivia has to offer is reason enough to come here, and the modern/ancient culture will make you want to stay. With both Incan ruins and bustling cities alike, this is a destination well worth the trip!

Fact File

Population: 11,000,000

Capital: Sucre

Language(s): Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani

Ties to the UK?: Decent political relationship, increasingly popular travel destination

Landscape: High diversity of terrain - includes dry valleys, mountains, rainforests and tropical savannahs with many lakes and rivers

Climate/Seasons: The climate varies greatly between different areas, but in general the summer period of November - April is the wettest time of year and much drier but cooler curing the winter running from May - October.

When to Go: Winter (May - October) is the best time to visit for sunnier weather, but the temperatures are reasonably cool. 

Reasons to Visit: Cultural experiences, geographical studies

How to Get There: Air travel is the best way to get to Bolivia from the UK - there are several international airports in the country that you can fly to. 

Places to Go: La Paz, Potosi, Calle Jaen Museums, Casa Nacional de la Moneda

Famous People: Jamie Escalante, Evo Morales, Jessica Jordan, Ben Mikaelsen

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats, Lake Titicaca, 

History: Formerly part of the Inca Empire until the Spanish took control in the 16th Century, with many years of fighting for independence prior to gaining it in 1825. 

Architecture: El Fuerte, Chincana Ruins, Iglesia de San Francisco

Culture: Latin America, Aymaran and Quechuan influences, with strong Spanish art influences

Sport: Football

Events: Carnaval de Oruro

Watch Out For: Some areas and cities are at high altitudes which can affect some people quite seriously - make sure to be aware of how to handle this. Some roads in Bolivia can be blocked off at short notice, so make sure you have somebody with local knowledge you can contact in such instances.

Medical Issues: Some vaccines and boosters are advised for those travelling to Bolivia - see here for a general overview but always talk to a doctor.