TOURIST ATTRACTIVES
Bolivia has nine departments and each one is different from the other:
LA PAZ CITY
Few cities can boast such an impressive setting as La Paz, the view is staggering as you drop down from the Altiplano towards the highest capital city in the world, lying huddled at the bottom of a huge canyon with the triple-peaked “Illimani” providing a dramatic backdrop. It’s a sight that leaves most visitors breathless literally for La Paz stands at 3100 m. – 4100 m. depending on where you are, and the center, officially “Plaza Murillo”, is at 3600 m. A flight from the lowlands over the Andes to La Paz is an unforgettable experience.
La Paz is the capital from Bolivia. There are several worthwhile museums to visit and the warren of streets running west uphill off the “Prado”.
Is also the jumping off point for some on Bolivia’s best treks, taking you over the cordillera an down to the warm “Yunga” valley.
Several interesting places can be visited from the capital, including the ruins of the great pre-Incan city of “Tiahuanaco”, further north takes you to the shores of Lake “Titicaca”, and from the attractive little town of “Copacabana” you can visit the “Isla Del Sol” (Island of the Sun), site of the Inca creation legend. Three hours away on a spectacular and terrifying road is “Coroico”, a sub-tropical idyll in the “Yungas” and a place of escape the Andean chill.
TITICACA LAKE
No visit to Bolivia would be complete without witnessing the sapphire-blue expanse of mystical Titicaca Lake. This gigantic island sea covers 8000 square kilometres and is the highest navigable lake in the world, at 3856 m. above sea level. It straddles Bolivia and Peru only a few hours from La Paz, with the towering peaks of the “Cordillera Real” as a backdrop, you can wander along its shores, passing through traditional village where spanish is a second language and where the ancient myths and beliefs still hold true.
“Titicaca” like is actually two lakes joined by the straits of “Tiquina”. The larger, northern lake” Lago Mayor” or “Chucuito” contains the “Isla Del Sol” and “Isla de la Luna” at its southern end. The Smalles Lake “Lago Menor” or “Huiñamarca” has several small islands. The waters are a beautiful blue, reflecting the hills and the distant cordillera in the shallows of “Huiñamarca”, mirroring the sky in the rarified air and changing colour when it is cloudy or raining.
“Titicaca” was perceived by its ancient cultures to be an island sea connected to the ocean, mother of all waters. Today, people still believe that the lake is involved in bringing rain and that, closely associated with mountain deities; it distributes the water sent by them. The people who utilize the lake’s resources still make offerings to her, to ensure sufficient “totora” reeds for the boats, for successful fishing, for safe passage across its waters and for a mild climate.
COPACABANA town
158Km. from La Paz is this attractive little town with red-tiled roofs, nestled between two hills on the shores on lake “Titicaca”. It is Capital of the province of “Manco kapac”, is a popular stopping-off point on the way to or from Peru and definitely worth a brief visit.
TIWANACU
The most popular excursion from La Paz is the remarkable site of “Tiwanacu”, 72 Km. west of the city on the road to “Desaguadero” on the Peruvian border.
It is one of the word’s greatest and longest running empires, the greatest of the pre – Inca civilizations. Most visitors are aware of this mysterious site just south of lake”Titicaca” but few people understand the extent of this culture’s influence throughout the south central Andes and the reason for its sudden demise.
The remains of “Tiahuanaco” culture show that the inhabitants reached a high degree of development and organization. Remains of a huge ceremonial and urban centre with palaces, temples and pyramids, elaborate textiles and beautiful pottery suggest a sophisticated culture.
Sustained by forms of intensive arable farming, the “Tiahuanaco” region became one of the most densely populated areas of the “Altiplano”.
THE YUNGAS VALLEY
Only a few hours from La Paz you can feel the warm, sub-tropical valleys known as the “Yungas”. These lush, forested slopes sit between the high “Cordillera” and the vast green carpet of jungle that stretches cast.
The name “Yungas” is used for all the semi-tropical mountain valley. Most of this sector drains into the Madeira river system and thence to the Amazon.
The “Yungas” comprise a belt of very humid forests at altitudes ranging up to 3600 m. the headwaters of many of Bolivia’s mayor rivers rise here and flow as clear, rapid streams through deep canyons. The vegetation ranges from that typical of lowland forest through to cloud forest and, at the tree, line elfin forest with ferns and bamboo. The great diversity of habitats has led to a great diversity of fauna, likely to be the richest in the country. The spectacled bear and exotic birds such as the Andean cock of the rock and the horned currasow are denizens of this habitat.
TREKKING
Bolivia is endowed with numerous excellent treks, some of them on existing Inca roads. Most of the popular treks begin around La Paz department and cross the “Cordillera Real”, finishing in the sub-tropical “Yungas”.
The best known treks are: the Choro Trail,Takesi trail, Yunga Cruz, Illampu circuit, etc.
THE SOUTHERN ALTIPLANO
ORURO CITY
This remote corner of Bolivia stretches from the mining center of Oruro south to the borders of Chile and Argentina. There would appear to be little to attract the tourist to this barren plateau sitting on the roof of the word, it’s a bleak, windswept terrain of parched scrub, with the occasional tiny adobe settlement blending into the uniform brown landscape. But tourists do come to this starkly beautiful corner of Bolivia and are rewarded with some of the greatest visual delights that this country has to offer. In the far south is a Salvador Dali landscape of bizarre rock formations, white-capped volcanoes, shimmering kaleidoscope lakes filled with pink flamingos, steaming geysers and inconceivably vast expanses of blinding white salt flats.
THE ORURO CARNIVAL
The normally cold, austere city of Oruro undergoes a complete transformation during its carnival, over the week or so of celebrations the town folk go wild. This is rare opportunity to get involved in some serious partying with the indigenous people and not stand out like a sore thumb. You would be well advised not to miss it. For cultures this is also a fascinating insight into “Aymara” folk legends and a chance to enjoy some of the finest Bolivian music and dance. The most impressive part of the “Oruro” carnival is the “Entrada”, or entry procession.
SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK
It is in the west of Oruro, established in 1945 and covering 60,000 hectares, the park contains the word’s highest forest, consisting mainly of the rare “keñua” tree (Polylepis Tarapana) wich survives up to 5,200 m. the scenery is wonderful and includes views of three volcanoes: ”Sajama”, Bolivia’s highest peak at 6530 m. “Parinacota” and “Pomerape”.
The “Sajama” area is a major centre of “Alpaca” wool production. This area has become more accessible since the completion of the new asphalted La Paz – Arica high way.
The park is especially recommended for experienced climbers.
SUCRE CITY
Founded in 1538 by the Spaniard Pedro de Anzures as the city of “La Plata”, it became capital of the Audiencia of Charcas in 1559. Its name was later changed to “Chuquisaca”. The present name “Sucre” was adopted in 1825 in honour of the first president of the new republic as if three names weren’t enough, the city has also been known as “Charcas”, and one of its unofficial titles is “the city of four names”, because another of its nicknames is “la ciudad Blanca” (the white city), owing to the fact that, by tradition, all the building is its centre are whitewashed every year.
In 1992 UNESCO declared the city a “Patrimonio Historico y Cultural de la Humanidad” and it’s easy to see why. It’s an absolute must for enthusiasts of colonial religious architecture, whit many beautiful churches, all painted white except San Felipe Neri which is faced in brick-Sucre is not just a colonial museum, though, but a thriving university city. It is known as the student capital of Bolivia, which is evident from the thousands of young students filling every street, square, bar and cafe.
DINOSAUR TRACKS
The world largest paleontological site is located a few minutes away from “Sucre”. This massive limestone wall of “Cal Orck’o” reveals the secrets of different species of some fabulous animals that disappeared 65 million years ago. There are around 5055 dinosaur tracks of at least 8 species on the wall of “Cal Orck’o”, and we can also see 581 meters of continuous walking of a middle size carnivorous.
v
The Cretaceous Park which is considered the best thematic complex in South America’s placed near the “Cal Orck’o” limestone wall. It offers the chance to find out about the extinction of the dinosaurs, the immigration of the animals and the limit between the Mesozoic and the Tertiary age.
The Cretaceous Park exhibits replicas of the flora and fauna of the last dinosaur’s ages that took place in South America.
TARABUCO VILLAGE
One of the most interesting trips from “Sucre” is to the village of “Tarabuco” (3295m.), 64 Km. southeast on a good road. It is famous for its very colourful market. The local people still wear their traditional dress of conquistador-style helmets, multi-coloured “ponchos”, “chuspas” (bags for carrying coca leaves), and the elaborate “azsu”, an overskirt worn by women.
POTOSI CITY
This city is the finest example of Bolivia’s colonial heritage. it is a more interesting place to visit because it is not only the highest city in the world, but also one of the most beautiful.
The “Cerro Rico” (Rich Mountain) made “Potosi” the biggest city in the Americas and this wealth is reflected in the city’s architecture which led it to be declared Patrimony of Man Kind by UNESCO in 1987. The Spanish still have a saying “Vale un Potosi” (worth a Potosi) for something incredibly lucrative.
SALAR DE UYUNI (SALT FLAT)
Southwest from “Potosi” is “Uyuni”, the beggining point for a trip to the “Salar de Uyuni” a vast, and blinding – white salt lake which really should not be missed.
This is the highest and largest salt lake in the world at an altitude of 3650 m. and covering 9,000-12,000 square Km. and twice as big as the Great Salt lake in The United States.
Driving across it is one of the weirdest and most fantastic experiences anywhere on the continent.
The “Salar de Uyuni” is covered in pentagonal and hexagonal shapes which appear to have been carved by someone. The views north are dominated by the snowcapped “Volcan Tunupa”, 5400 m. the “Isla Pescado”, so called because it allegedly looks like a fish. The 10 hectare island was originally known as “Incahuasi”, and is the most impressive of the 60 odd islands in “The Salar”. From among the giant cacti (some more than 10 m. high) there are stunning views across the huge white expanse of salt to mountains shimmering on the horizon.
LAGUNA COLORADA AND LAGUNA VERDE (RED LAKE AND GREEN LAKE)
A trip to this remote corner of Bolivia would not be complete without continuing to “Laguna Colorada” and “Laguna Verde”, 350 Km. southwest of “Uyuni”.
This region is one of Bolivia’s most spectacular and most isolated marvels.
COCHABAMBA CITY
This is a part of the country which is economically of vital importance to Bolivia. It is a valley the agricultural heart of the country; it is overlooked by most tourists, who see the city and its environs merely as a convenient stopping – off point between the “Altiplano” and the “Tropical” lowlands of eastern Bolivia.
This is where you’ll find the country’s best “chicha”, the fermented corn beer brewed by the Incas.
Cochabamba’s wonderful Mediterranean climate, home to the small (14000 hectares) but pleasant “Parque Nacional Tunari”. One of the country¨s oldest parks, established in 1962, it is now visited mainly for the magnificent views of the area from its highest peak. One of the most beautiful highways in Bolivia is the road that goes to Tropical Chapare, on the 37 km. Toad you reachs a height of 3670mts. Above sea level.
Is also home to “Parque Isidoro Secure” whit 1,200,000 hectares reserve established in 1965 in the northwest of department.
THE EASTERN LOW LANDS
SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA CITY
The vast and rapidly developing plains to the east of the eastern “Cordillera” are Bolivia¨s richest area in natural resources. Bordered by Brazil to the east and Paraguay to the south, this region comprises most of the enormous “Santa Cruz” city.
It is Bolivia¨s second largest city, with a population of 730,000 is an incongruous mix of the old and the new, it can get very hot and sticky, particularly around midday. Around Santa Cruz you can visit the zoo and also the misterious inca ruins of “ El Fuerte “ in Samaipata.
It is the perfect base from which to visite some of Bolivia¨s best kept secrets: the beautiful Jesuit Mission Towns to the northeast, take 4 days trip to many of little towns around the area as Chiquitania, where the Jesuits left many really beautiful temples made in mixture of baroque art with the indian art.
Easily the best known is “Amboro National Park” in the far west of “Santa Cruz” city, even at 430,000 hectares, it is only Bolivia¨s fifth largest protected area, but it is best known thanks to its relative ease of access and rudimentary tourism infrastructure. It also contains three distinct ecosystems and an amazing array of wildlife, particularly birds.
Another National Park is is the “Noel Kempff Mercado”, located along the border with Brazil at the far northeast of Santa Cruz city and covering 1,600,000 hectares, created in 1979.
THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
TARIJA CITY
Deep in the south of Bolivia, snuggling up against the Argentine and Paraguay borders lies the department of “Tarija”, apart of the country seldom visited by Bolivians and still less by tourists. Those that do come here are usually drawn by Tarija’s greatest claim to fame its wine.
There is little to attract the tourist apart from a great climate, great foot, great wine, great festivals and great hospitality.
“Tarijeños” have been growing grapes and making wine since Franciscan missionaries brought cuttings to the region over 350 years ago. They found conditions perfect for vineyards. The grapes were harvested and then pressed by foot, fermented, bottled and then enjoyed by the friars over dinner.
THE AMAZON BASIN
BENI CITY
It has 53 % of the country’s birds and 50% of its mammals, but destruction of forest and habitat is proceeding at an alarming rate. The “Beni” Biosphere Reserve was set up protects the fragile environment but is one of only two preservation areas in the whole region.
Trinidad is the capital of the departament of Beni. It is a small town, with a great zoo wich has a collection of 300 variaties dried fish. The city of Trinidad is a place where you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure, sailing across the rivers of Mamore e Ibare, where you can also enjoy fishing, bathing and kayaking you can also do any of a number of walks trouth the jungle.
RURRENABAQUE TOWN
Is the jumping off point for the many Amazon Jungle and Pampas tours now available in this once-remote area of northwest Bolivia, approximately 200 Km. northeast of La Paz department, Situated on the banks of the “Rio Beni”, with “San Buenaventura” on the opposite bank, “Rurrenabaque” is an important trading center and transportation link for Beni department.
“Rurrenabaque” is an astonishingly beautiful place whatever your interests. Whether it is lush Amazon jungle, the savannah like pampas or the sub-tropical lowlands, this is the logical beggining point. In spike of the usually humid climate, the town has a charming quality. It offers greatest opportunity to spot exotic and rare animals life.
All manner of Amazonian wildlife including Tapirs, Peccaries and caimans are easily seen. The reserve forestal “Chimane” has 1,150,000 hectares restricted use forest. Many species of wild game survive here, several of which are unique to the area.
Responsible visitors are allowed access, though prior permission from both the government and the “Chimane” people is required.
PANDO CITY
At the extreme northwest of Bolivia sits the hot, steamy and languid town of “Pando”. It has done little to exploit its natural draw as an ecotourism spot or its proximity to the Amazonian rivers, and the borders with Brazil and Peru, it should be remembered that the city is the wettest place in all Bolivia.