Geography :

Bolivia is divided into several distinct geographical areas: 

• Altiplano which can be translated as the “high plain” is an inhabited region located in the heart of the Andes and at an average altitude of 3300 meters. This region is bounded by two mountain ranges; the Cordillera Oriental and the Cordillera Real. Bolivia has about 50 peaks above 5000 meters of altitude, the most famous of which are the Huayna Potosi at 6088m of altitude, east of Lake Titicaca or the Illimani at 6438m of altitude, which overlooks the city of La Paz. For the more adventurous and lovers of high peaks, we offer a trip to the highest point with the possibility of making three ascents.
• The Amazon, a large part of the Bolivian territory is covered by the mythical Amazonian forest. It is quite possible to discover this region with its typical fauna and flora, as well as coffee and cocoa by visiting the jungle in the Madidi Park, or the part of Rurrenabaque or the reserve of Pampa Yacuma to live unforgettable experiences. There are many lodges and little known routes to explore the Bolivian Amazon.
• Gran Chaco, or more precisely the Bolivian chaco, which encompasses most of the department of Santa Cruz, presents itself as landscapes with wooded plains similar to savannah to the Andean altiplano. The term “chaco” in Quechua means “class territory” and changes with the rhythm of the rainy and dry seasons.

History :

• Inca Empire: Bolivia was formerly part of the Inca Empire of Tiahuanaco and inhabited by many Andean cultures
• Spanish colonization: Upon their arrival, the Spaniards discovered a large quantity of silver, especially in the mines of Potosi, and imposed Catholicism on the Inca and Aymara communities. Because of these different cultures, Bolivia enjoys a great diversity in terms of art, gastronomy, dance and music.

Gastronomy :

Bolivian gastronomy is rich and diverse, inspired by local products and often consists of cereals, potatoes as well as meat and peppers. 

• Ají de papa lisa is a Cochabamba dish made with “ullucos” (local potatoes), meat and onions. 
• Anticuchos are an essential part of Bolivian cuisine, they are skewers of meat or offal served with potatoes and hot sauce. 
• Salteñas are empanadas with vegetables and meat in sauce. They can also be served with onions, hard-boiled eggs or olives. They are said to be the best empanadas in South America for the quality of the dough and the filling!
• Charquekan is a dish made of dried and fried llama meat served with corn and chuño. The “charqui” which is the dried meat is very widespread in South America, especially to preserve itself longer. The Incas stored dried llama meat in “tambos” so that messengers and travelers could always find food when they passed through. The mondongo is also cooked with this meat. 
• Chuño, also found in the Andes and Peru, is a potato that has been dehydrated for preservation and then rehydrated again for consumption. Chuño is often found in soups. This potato accompanies many local dishes and is an important element in the daily cooking of Bolivians. 
• Chicha is a corn-based drink, fermented or not depending on the region. It is often served with omg meals or on special occasions.

In La Paz, during a city tour of the capital, you will discover the Plaza Murillo, the historical center and the witches’ market. The administrative capital is very marked by the Aymar culture and while walking in the city, you can see many graffiti or paintings representing the daily life and the Aymara culture. It is possible to take the cable cars to see the extent of the city. 

Salar de Uyuni is one of the most amazing places in South America. Discover an exceptional nature and a fauna that lives in the rhythm of the seasons, until the South Lipez. The immensity, the colors, the fauna and the flora of the Salar of Uyuni are of a rare diversity. You will enjoy a moment out of time for a few days.

Lake Titicaca, traces a natural border with Peru and it is possible to visit the Bolivian part by leaving the city of Copacabana and to take a boat to the Island of the Sun and the Island of the Moon. These are natural wonders that are still not very touristy and allow you to hike and meet the locals of the Yumani community. 

Potosi is known for its mines and its architecture of colonial style and Spanish heritage. Especially with the Casa de la Moneda de Potosi, currently a museum, which had an important role at the time of the management of the Spanish trade in Bolivia.

Sucre, the constitutional capital of the country and cradle of the revolutionary struggles for the independence of Latin America. Located in the Chuquisaca region, the city is a land rich in colonial culture, music and traditions. In the surroundings, you can also enjoy the nature with a day in the Icla Canyon and the 7 waterfalls.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, located on the border with Brazil and Paraguay, is the capital of the region of the same name and is considered the economic heart of Bolivia. The city is an excellent starting point before embarking on various excursions available in the area such as the “Ruta del Che” or the discovery of the Pantanal.

Cochabamba, known as “the capital of the valleys”, located at 2570 meters above sea level in the middle of the Andes, is a city that enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, and is considered a commercial and modern metropolis where life is good. It is also known as the gastronomic capital of Bolivia and offers a great historical, natural and cultural wealth to its visitors.  You will enjoy discovering the main square of the city, its cathedral, its Palacio Portales, its monument to the heroines of the Coronilla or its Santa Teresa museum.

Toro Toro National Park, this place takes you back to prehistory!  With deep canyons, beautiful valleys, numerous waterfalls and entire plains covered with dinosaur footprints and fossils, Toro Toro is undeniably a must-see in Bolivia.

La ruta del Che traces the end of the life of the revolutionary guerrilla Ernesto Guevara, “Che” who was killed by the Bolivian army in 1967. This forgotten region is an opportunity to immerse oneself in history and to discover beautiful landscapes. 

Bolivia is a land of diversity and the call of nature, do not hesitate to cross the Atlantic to discover the wonders of this country! 

To travel in Bolivia, do not hesitate to consult our travel offers or to ask us for a tailor-made trip, we will be delighted to talk to you in more details about the destination and to offer you a tour that corresponds to your desires and expectations. See you soon in Bolivia!