Bolivia, in the heart of South America, is a Republic that serves as an important link between its neighboring countries, Brazil to the North and East, Argentina and Paraguay to the South, and Peru and Chile to the West. It has an area of 1,098,581 kilometers, making it the fifth largest in area, and is divided into 9 regions, or departments. Currently Bolivia has a population of approximately 8,000,000 inhabitants with a population density of no more than 8 inhabitants per kilometer, and approximately 4,000,000 are concentrated in three cities – La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. The main geographical characteristic is its three well-defined regions – The Andes Mountains, with a western and eastern chain, the Valleys, and the Plains.

The most important cities are La Paz, the seat of the government, Sucre, the capital of the republic, and Santa Cruz, the economic motor of the country. Cochabamba, Oruro, Potosí, Tarija, Trinidad and Pando complete the list of main cities in Bolivia.

All its cities, towns and villages have a rich and legendary history with friendly, valient races such as the Quechua, Aymará, Tupi-Guarani, (Guarayos, Zamucos, Chiquitanos, Moxeños, and others).

Today, Bolivia is economically and politically stable and has been for 15 years making it the safest country in Latin America for tourists. Its privileged location offers them the second natural richness in the world, as well as offering incredible, always-changing scenery of a unique variety.

Bolivia is rich and spectacular with a strong mixed cultural inheritance and friendly people.

GEOGRAPHY

Geographically, Bolivia has three different regions:

The Andes, with its western and eastern mountain chains. The Altiplano (High Plateau) is an immense plain, the highest in the world, found between both mountain chains, 785 kilometers long and 150 kilometers wide. Lake Titicaca is located in the northern area. It is the highest navigable lake in the world. In the intermediate zone one finds the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) at 3,660 meters above sea level with a surface that covers approximately 9000 square kilometers and is 143 kilometers in length. To the South in the Altiplano one finds volcanoes and lakes with typical local flora and fauna.

The Departments located in this region are La Paz, Oruro and Potosí. The average height above sea level is 4,100 meters and the temperature 8º Celsius. The highest mountain peaks are the Ancochuma, which is 6,550 meters high, the Illimani, 6,402 meters high, and the Illampu, 6,485 meters high.

The Valleys, an intermediate zone between the Andes Mountains and the Eastern Plains have special micro-climates that allow for innumerable riches. The Departments located in this region are Sucre, Cochabamba, Tarija, and part of Santa Cruz. In the zone between the mountain chains and the valleys are the "yungas" regions, very humid high jungles with their characteristic "Clouded Forests". The average height is 2,325 meters above sea level and the temperature 18º Celsius.

The Plains, with their lush vegetation, also have a great quantity of rivers and lagoons. Nothing compares to its biological diversity and permanent tropical characteristics year round, with slight variations between May and September. To the South of the plains one finds the "Chaco" region which is dry and semi-desert. The average height is 375 meters above sea level and the temperature 27º Celsius.

Each region has a particular culture, where music, weaving, pottery, dances and Christian – pagan festivals can be observed throughout the entire country.

CLIMATE

Each zone has its own climate, which varies according to altitude and geographical location. In general terms:

The Altiplano, 3600 to 4200 meters above sea level, has an average yearly temperature of 8ºC, and is cold and dry.

The Valleys, 1500 to 2900 meters above sea level, have an average yearly temperature of 18ºC, and is temperate and semi-dry.

The Northern, Eastern and Southern Plains, 180 to 650 meters above sea level, have an average yearly temperature of 27ºC, and are hot and humid.

THE SEASONS

Autumn – Winter in Bolivia begins in May and ends in August. Spring – Summer begins in September and ends in April. Only in the valleys and the Altiplano can a marked difference be noted. In the rest of the country, especially in the plains, there is a slight reduction in temperature and this, only when cold winds, known as " surazos " blow in from Antarctica, between the months of June and September.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Spanish. In the valleys Quechua is spoken and in the Altiplano, Aymará. In the Plains there are also various languages among which Guarayo, Chiquitano, Zamuco, Moxeño, and Guaraní, are the most important.

Our guides also speak English, German and French.

RELIGION

Christianity is predominant, However, some old regional religious customs have also been maintained and some are practised as part of a religious mixture.

ECONOMY

Mining is still important for Bolivian development along with hydrocarbons, precious woods, and agriculture, which are all cornerstones of the Bolivian economy.

The manufacturing industry represents only 10% of the Gross National Product. The countries Bolivia trades with most are Argentina, Brazil and the United States. With a an open policy with countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Bolivia belongs to the Andean Pact (along with Columbia, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela) and is an associate member of the Mercosur (Brazil – Argentina – Paraguay – Chile - Uruguay).

TRANSPORTATION

Bolivia has 45,000 kilometers of highways of which only 10% are paved. In many zones, it is only possible to drive along these during the dry season. There are also approximately 3,700 kilometers of railroad, with railroads between La Paz and Antofagasta (Chile), Santa Cruz and Corumbá (Brazil), and Santa Cruz and Yacuiba (on the border of Argentina).

CRAFTS

According to the region and the culture, the crafts are different and specialized, although these can be divided into three main regions, the Altiplano, the Valleys and the Plains. Crafts include cotton, llama, alpaca, and vicuña weaving; gold, silver and pewter jewelry; woodworking in oak, mahogany, cedar, guayacán, verdolago and other woods; red, yellow and white clay pottery; various types of decorations and much more that will cause surprise and amazement.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is 220 volts in the entire country with the exception of the City of La Paz where it is 110 volts.

CURRENCY

The boliviano is the monetary unit and is symbolized by the letters "Bs"

The U.S. dollar, travelers checks, and credit cards (VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS, MASTERCARD) are accepted in almost all establishments.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES:

TURISMO BALAS, the organizing operator, is only responsible for the programs contracted under the conditions described therein. It is not responsible for losses or expenses, accidents or delays, changes in schedules without prior notice, or changes in hotels and companies linked to tourism services. Neither is it responsible for boycotts, strikes or climactic changes. The transportation companies cannot be considered responsible for acts of omission or irregularities that may cause the traveler inconveniences during the time the traveler remains outside of the respective means of transportation.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:

Personal documentation. Prices do not include rates or legal taxes.
Airport rate or tax.
Unscheduled drinks and services are considered extras.
The reservation will be made with a US$50.00 deposit at the time the reservation is made.
The total payment will be made a minimum of 3 days prior to travelling.
For information and reservations contact TURISMO BALAS LTD.