Bolivia

Area

1,100,000 km² (424,164 sq miles).

Population

9.5 million (UN estimate 2007)

Population density

8.4 per km².

Capital

Constitutional: Sucre. Population: 288,290 (2007).
Administrative: La Paz. Population: 839,900 (2007).

Government

Democratic republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1825.

Geography

Bolivia is a landlocked country bordered by Peru to the northwest, Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina and Paraguay to the south and Chile to the west. There are three main areas: the first is a high plateau known as the Altiplano', a less fertile but populous region lying approximately 4,000m (13,000ft) above sea level.

The second area is a fertile valley situated 1,800m (5,900ft) to 2,700m (8,850ft) above sea level, which is less populous but more productive. The third area comprises the lowland tropics that stretch down to the frontiers with Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, where the tropical climate and heavy rainfall foster lush vegetation and exotic produce.

Language

The official language is Spanish, but the main indigenous languages are Quechua, Aymará and Guaraní. English is often spoken by a small number of officials and businesspeople in commercial centres.

Religion

Primarily Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority and indigenous beliefs.

Time

GMT - 4

Social Conventions

Normal social courtesies in most Bolivian families and respect for traditions should be observed. Remember to refer to rural Bolivians as campesinos rather than Indians, which is considered an insult. Female campesinos still adhere to their traditional dress. A suit and tie for men and dress for women should be worn for smart social occasions. Casual wear is otherwise suitable. Smoking is accepted unless indicated otherwise. Time keeping is poor.

Electricity

110 and 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin (circular) plugs or US-style, two-pin (perpendicular flat) plugs.

Head of State

President Evo Morales since January 2006.

Recent History

Presidential elections took place in December 2005 against a backdrop of political turmoil and social unrest. Evo Morales, a leftist from Bolivia's native community, won a decisive victory and was inaugurated as president in January 2006, vowing to break with the policies left over from colonial era.

Since taking office, Morales has aligned himself politically with Venezuela and Cuba, moving to nationalise industries and bring the country's wealth of natural gas reserves under state control. But political instability has continued to mar reform efforts with the gas-rich Santa Cruz region leading calls for autonomy from the La Paz government. An August 2008 referendum on his government granted Morales a mandate to continue reforms, but left the country divided along economic and ethnic fault lines with little sign of resolution.

Climate

Bolivia has a temperate climate but temperatures can differ dramatically between day and night. The wettest period is November to March, which, in extreme circumstances, may induce landslides in mountainous areas, and cause certain roads to become impassable. The northeast slopes of the Andes are semi-tropical. Visitors sometimes find La Paz uncomfortable because of the thin air due to high altitude. The mountain areas can become very cold at night.

Required Clothing

Lightweight, natural fabrics and waterproofs. Warmer clothing is necessary at night in the Altiplano, especially La Paz, Oruro and Potosi.

Hotels

Bolivia has several deluxe and first-class hotels. Service charges and taxes (amounting to 25-27%) are added to bills. Rates are for room only, except where otherwise indicated. There is an assortment of mid range hotel accommodation available, generally of good value.

Guest Houses

Pensions in major cities provide visitors with comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price.

Camping / Caravanning

Camping is rare but possible in Bolivia. There is no formal organisation or marked zones but adventurous travellers may find adequate lodging for a small fee. Mallasa, Valencia and Palca in the river gorge below the La Paz region of Zona Sur are possible options.

Homestay

These offer a more in-depth experience and a fuller appreciation of cultural identity. Community-based tourism is a growing sector with homestays a popular option as a way to learn the language at grass-roots level, or volunteering with community projects in return for board and lodging a good way to get under the skin of the local community. Local tour companies and NGOs can help advise on options.

Unique

Eco lodges are primarily based around Bolivia's Amazon region. Rurrenabaque is the hub for lodge stays and packages typically include full board, nature trails and wildlife-watching excursions into the rainforest. The original and best known lodge in Bolivia is Chalalan (website: www.chalalan.com), a community-run eco lodge managed by the indigenous community of San José de Uchupiamonas.

GDP

US$12.8 billion (2007).

Main imports

Petroleum products, paper, aircraft, prepared foods and insecticides.

Main exports

Natural gas, soybeans and soya products, crude petroleum and tin.

Main trade partners

USA, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Peru.

Economy

Despite its wealth of natural resources, notably mineral deposits, oil and gas, Bolivia has the second-lowest per capita income in South America. The GNI per capita stands at US$1,010 (World Bank, 2006) and two thirds of the nation's population lives in poverty (compared to a Latin American average of 43 per cent).

Agriculture today accounts for roughly 15% of Bolivia's GDP with soybeans the major cash crop, sold into the Andean Community market, plus sugar and coffee, while beef and hides are valuable export earners. There is also a substantial illegal trade in coca, the plant source for cocaine, which provides a livelihood for many peasants.

Bolivia's trade with neighboring countries is growing, aided by preferential trade-agreements with the Andean Community. The United States remains Bolivia's largest trading-partner, but the influence of Venezuela is increasingly felt. Bolivia's government remains heavily dependent on foreign assistance to finance development projects.

Business Etiquette

A suit or a shirt and tie should be worn. Appointments should be made in advance.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1430-1900; Sat 0900-1200 (some offices).

Currency

1 Boliviano (BOB; symbol Bs) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Bs200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Bs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 centavos. The Boliviano is tied to the US Dollar.

Currency Exchange

Money can be changed in hotels and casas de cambio. The Boliviano is the preferred currency with exchange against the Euro now preferred to the Dollar.

Credit / Debit Cars

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most mid- to top-range hotels and restaurants, but otherwise have limited acceptance. There are ATMs in most larger towns and cities.

Travelers Cheques

US Dollar traveller's cheques remain popular but Euro cheques are increasingly favoured. Pound Sterling traveller's cheques are not widely accepted.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Some banks open Sat 0900-1300

Exchange Rates

Date Jan 2009

£1.00 = $b10.20

$1.00 = $b7.02

€1.00 = $b9.55

Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Bolivia by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

400 cigarettes and 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco

3l of alcoholic beverages

New articles up to US$1,000

Shopping

Bolivia offers a wealth of artisan goods with special purchases including llama and alpaca-wool products, Indian handicrafts, woodcarvings and gold and silver costume jewellery. The streets around the market area, notably Sagarnaga, Linares and Illampu, are full of small vendors offering goods at lower prices but quality can be variable.

There are, however, a few places around La Paz where you can buy good-quality goods and be sure that a percentage of your money is directly going back into the hands of artisans. For example, the craft shop Ayni Bolivia in the Hotel Rosario supports over 300 artisans from poor, rural communities, and stocks over 300 items across a range of designs and styles.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0930-1230 and 1500-1830; Sat 1000-1700.

Food and Drink

Bolivian cuisine is distinctive and good quality. Dishes are dominated by meat and often slightly spicy. International and local-style restaurants are available in all main towns. Bottled water and other drinks are widely available. Things to know: Local bars are increasing in number and are unrestricted with no licensing hours.

National specialties

Salteña (a mixture of diced meat, chicken, chives, raisins, diced potatoes, hot sauce and pepper baked in dough).

Lomo montado (fried tender loin steak with two fried eggs on top, rice and fried banana).

Picante de pollo (southern fried chicken, fried potatoes, rice, tossed salad with hot peppers).

Chuño (naturally freeze-dried potato used in soup called chairo).

Lechón al horno (roast suckling pig served with sweet potato and fried plantains).

National drinks

Bolivian beer, especially the Huari brandfrom the Paceña brewery.

Chicha (made from fermented cereals and corn).

Singani, fermented from grapes, is a popular brandy to mix in cocktails.

Bolivia has a fledgling wine-making industry with its 'wines at altitude' from La Concepción label garnering international plaudits.

Tipping

It is customary to add 10% as a tip to the 13% service charge added to hotel and restaurant bills. Porters also expect tips for each piece of luggage.

Nightlife

La Paz has many nightclubs, which generally get going around midnight. There are also numerous bars, while other major cities boast a growing number of discos and bars. A popular night out is a visit to a peña, a folk music and dancing shows, often accompanied by a late dinner.

In La Paz, Peña Restaurant Huari and Peña Restaurant Marka Tambo both serve traditional Andean food and attract performances by well known local musicians. International visitors may also be interested in events, shows and performances arranged by local cultural centres.

Health

Diphtheria - Sometimes;
Hepatitis A - Yes;
Malaria - Sometimes*;
Rabies - Sometimes;
Tetanus - Yes;
Typhoid - Yes;
Yellow Fever - Yes**.

NOTE: * Risk varies from area to area (as does resistance to preventative drugs); check before travel.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age.

Health Care

Medical insurance is strongly recommended. In case of a medical emergency, La Paz has several reliable, private clinics, such as Clinica Alemana and CEMES.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period:

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day; 21-24 Feb Carnival; 10 Apr Good Friday; 1 May Labour Day; 11 Jun Corpus Christi; 6 Aug Independence Day; 2 Nov All Saints' Day; 25 Dec Christmas Day.

2010

1 Jan New Year's Day; 13-16 Feb Carnival; 2 Apr Good Friday; 1 May Labour Day; 3 Jun Corpus Christi; 6 Aug Independence Day; 2 Nov All Saints' Day; 25 Dec Christmas Day.

Things to Do

Go trekking through ancient Inca trails. Most treks start from La Paz and Sorata, and the most popular trek is the moderate three-day Choros Trail from La Paz to Coroico. The three-day Taquesi Trail is a moderate hike from La Paz, while the Illampus Circuit from Sorata is a rewarding but demanding six-day trek.

Hurtle down 'the world's most dangerous road' on a mountain bike. Starting from the Bolivian Andes outside of La Paz, descend rapidly down twisting mountain roads into the Yungas jungle.

Venture into the Amazon and stay at a jungle eco lodge, such as Chalalan (website: www.chalalan.com). Typical jungle trips include motorised canoe trips, guided rainforest walks with a local guide who knows the indigenous plants and wildlife, and rustic lodge accommodation.

Climb the Cordillera Real, which has several peaks above 5,000m (14,500ft). Climbing excursions (complete with mules, porters and guides) can also be booked in Sorata, an Alpine-style village. Seek out the cafe Pete's Place for the latest news on routes and access.

Follow in the footsteps of the iconic Che Guevara and visit the place where he died by taking the Che Guevara Trail from Santa Cruz through the southeast lowlands of Bolivia to La Higuera.

Join in the street party at the annual Carnival (website: www.orurocarnaval.com), the most faithful expressions of folklore in South America being in Oruro with its historic Entrada and Diablada procession. It is often viewed as one of the world's last 'authentic' cultural celebrations.

Soak up the unique atmosphere and revel in the exotic wildlife on a tour of the Salar de Uyuni, the world's highest salt flats. Agencies in Uyuni will arrange a two-night excursion with basic accommodation and guides.

Admire some of Bolivia's spectacular mountain scenery on a day hike or horse ride around the Zona Sur region of La Paz. Hotel Calacoto (website: www.hotel-calacoto-bolivia.com) can arrange excursions.

Things to See

Explore the streetlife in the world's highest capital city: La Paz is situated 3,632m (11,910ft) above sea level and is overlooked by Mount Illimani.

Take a cruise on Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, which straddles the Bolivia-Peru border. The enormous freshwater lake is home to several small island communities, including the Uros islands made entirely from reeds.

Travel around the Salar de Uyuni and marvel at Laguna Colorado, its fiery-red waters illuminating wandering flamingos that criss-cross the terrain, framed by copper mountains, and Laguna Verde with its conical volcano on the Chilean border.

Discover the garden city, Cochabamba, with its excellent local cuisine, warm climate and imposing statue of Christ.

Explore historic Potosí, once the most important city on the continent. Situated at the foot of Rich Mountain, it was famed for its mineral wealth, especially silver. Today guided tours visit the mines and the former Royal Mint, Casa de la Moneda.

Ponder the mysteries of ancient history at Tiahuanaco, believed to be the capital of the Pre-Inca civilisation. The site is dominated by a series of evocative temples and a compelling museum of ancient artefacts.

Marvel at the colonial facades of Sucre, 'the white city', with its UNESCO-listed architecture and tranquil central square for strolling and chatting with the locals.

Admire the striking churches along the Jesuits Missions Trail (website: www.chiquitania.com, built in the 17th-century and rescued from disrepair in from the 1950s onwards by Latter-Day Jesuits. The sites are now UNESCO-protected and home to a bi-annual sacred music festival.

Travel Advice

The threat from terrorism is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. The political situation in Bolivia is very tense and there is the risk that demonstrations and confrontations might break out at short notice. Travellers should exercise caution and avoid large crowds. The cities of La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Trinidad, Sucre, Tarija and Cobija have seen major and sometimes violent public demonstrations in 2007.

There is continual risk of public protests and strikes throughout Bolivia and major roads can be blocked at very short notice by protestors with local disputes. Social protest is the traditional way of gaining government attention to address local, regional and national issues of concern. Travellers should avoid all protests and public demonstrations. Although most are peaceful, some can become violent. They can affect local travel including the interdepartmental bus routes.

The Bolivian Government has declared a national disaster in the country because of the rains and flooding in many parts of Bolivia. Since January 2007, there has been an outbreak of dengue fever in the regions of Santa Cruz and Beni. The floods have also increased the risk of other diseases, including malaria. There have been a number of cases of Yellow Fever in the Yungas (La Paz department) and in the Chapare (Cochabamba department). You should ensure you have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate before travelling to these areas. Be aware of the dangers of altitude sickness. There is a risk of "express kidnappings". You should exercise caution when arriving in, and travelling around, Bolivia and be aware of the general risks of crime for visitors.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following, provided travelling for touristic purposes: a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Romania and the USA. 2. Nationals of the US are advised that on 1 January 2007 the Bolivian president decreed that all US citizens wishing to enter Boliva, for any purpose, would now require a visa. The Bolivian Foreign Ministry are currently formulating procedures to implement this. US nationals wishing to enter Bolivia are advised to contact the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate for further information.

Note: (a) 3. All nationals travelling on business do need a Specific Purpose visa. (b) Nationals not requiring a tourist visa are usually allowed to stay for a period of 30 to 90 days; check with the embassy (or consular section at embassy). (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and costs

Tourist/Transit: Cost depends on nationality; enquire at the embassy (or consular section at embassy).

Working days required

One to two for nationals requiring tourist visas without special authorisation. Approximately six weeks for all other nationals requiring tourist visas and special authorisation from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Telephone

Country code: 591.

Mobil Mobile Phones

Roaming agreements exist with a limited number of international mobile phone companies; travellers are advised to check with their mobile phone service provider. Local chips are freely available for unlocked phones. Coverage is average.

Internet

Widely available in large cities and resorts; there are Internet cafes in main towns.

Media

Media ownership is highly concentrated. Bolivia's media are dominated by privately-run press and broadcasting outlets. Freedom of the press is upheld and self-censorship is usually exercised when dealing with reports of social unrest and political machinations, but attacks on journalists do still occur. Low literacy levels impede upon newspaper readership; radio tends to have precedence.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes three to four days.

Post office hours

Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat 0900-1800.

Press

The main papers published in La Paz are El Diario (daily) and La Razón (daily).

In Santa Cruz, dailies include El Deber and El Mundo.

In Cochabamba, Los Tiempos is the main daily.

Radio

Radio stations dealing with news and talk include Radio Fides (Catholic-based), Radio Metropolitana and Radio Panamericana.

Radio Cadena Nacional (RCN) is the major national radio station.

Radio Illimani is a popular state-run station.

Getting around by Air

Internal flights are operated by AeroSur (website: www.aerosur.com). Because of the country's topography and tropical regions, air travel is the fastest, but not cheapest, method of transport, although delays, cancellations and unreliability are common. La Paz (El Alto), which is the highest airport in the world, and Santa Cruz (Viru Viru) are the principal domestic air hubs.

Water

Double-decker passenger boats operate between the various small islands on Lake Titicaca with regular departures from Copacabana. Motorised canoes traverse the many rivers of the Amazon basin with the most regular departures from Rurrenabaque.

Road

Most major roads are paved, but B roads can be made of gravel or dirt in country areas. Traffic drives on the right.

Bus

Long bus trips off the main routes can be erratic. Regular long-distance bus departures between major cities are often overnight services.

Car hire

There are international and local companies in La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Regulations

The national speed limit is 90kph (55mph). The use of seat belts is not enforced.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is required. This can be issued by Federación Inter-Americana de Touring y Automóvil on production of a national licence, but it is wiser to obtain the International Permit before departure.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times from La Paz (in hours and minutes) to other major cities/towns in Bolivia:

Getting there by Air

The national airline is AeroSur (website: www.aerosur.com). AirPasses - oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid for unlimited travel to 34 cities in ten countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Participating airlines include American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Iberia (IB) and LAN (LA). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with a maximum of 20; prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure tax

US$24. Payable in US Dollars for all non-residents. There is also a national passenger tax of Bs169 for international departures.

Main airports

La Paz (LPB) (El Alto International) is 14km (8.5 miles) southwest of La Paz.
To/from the airport: Regular minibus services to the city depart after scheduled flight arrivals (journey time - 20 minutes), heading for the terminus at Plaza Isabel La Católica.
Facilities: restaurant and cafe,call centre and Internet access.

Santa Cruz (VVI) (Viru Viru International) is 16km (10 miles) from the centre of Santa Cruz and is the largest airport in Bolivia.
To/from the airport: Regular minibus services to the city depart after scheduled flight arrivals (journey time - 30 minutes), heading for the terminus at the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Facilities: Cafe, sandwich bar, call centre, hotel reservations, Internet access and duty-free facilities. For further information, contact the Bolivian Airports Service (SABSA) (website: www.sabsa.aero).

Getting there by Road

The Pan-American Highway, which links Argentina with Peru and Ecuador, skirts Bolivian territory from the south to the northwest. Driving in the rainy season may be hazardous. Principal highways are generally well-maintained.