Explore Bolivia

Explore Boliviahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/boliviaExplore BoliviaRedemption in La Paz | Bolivia Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/redemption-in-la-pazRedemption in La Paz | Bolivia Travel StoryThu, 22 Mar 2018 21:39:37 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/redemption-in-la-pazThe Resilient Fighting Cholitas | Bolivia Photo Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/the-resilient-fighting-cholitasThe Resilient Fighting Cholitas | Bolivia Photo StoryThu, 19 Oct 2017 22:18:01 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/the-resilient-fighting-cholitasVideo: Searching for the Kallawaya | Bolivia Travelhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/search-for-the-kallawayaVideo: Searching for the Kallawaya | Bolivia TravelMon, 18 Sep 2017 18:46:59 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/search-for-the-kallawayahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/bolivia/otherworldly-boliviaUnlike any other place on earth, this place is impossible to describe. Bolivia can only be understood by experience.2017-09-14T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/bolivia/otherworldly-boliviahttps://www.worldnomads.comSalar de Uyuni is a place for discovery – a place where travelers' hearts let go of convenience and luxury, satisfying their desire to be in true isolation. A trip to this South American delight will be intense, cold, hot, salty, high, and exhausting – but it will smash you right in the face with the most stunning vistas that'll remain in your memories forever.  At 3,656m above sea level, Salar de Uyuni stretches its glistening white salt in beautiful patterns, with an endless horizon during the dry months late April/early May, until October when the rainy season creates a spectacular, endless-mirror-like effect.  With all its landscapes and surprises, this place is impossible to describe. It can only be understood by experience.  Andres Brenner 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/bolivia/wrestling-cholitas-zebra-road-crossings-and-other-weird-things-about-boliviaSee a wrestling match between cholitas in La Paz, let the zebra help you cross the road in Sucre, and find out about ancient pagan rituals in Bolivia.2017-08-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/bolivia/wrestling-cholitas-zebra-road-crossings-and-other-weird-things-about-boliviahttps://www.worldnomads.comI didn’t know what to expect of Bolivia. I’ve read Marching Powder (a book by Rusty young about the La Paz prison), seen plenty of travelers photos of the famous salt flats, and of course planned to traverse the infamous Death Road by bicycle. I entered Bolivia with wide eyes and I left the same way – as it turns out, the real Bolivia was just as fascinating as they say. <h2>1. Traditional healers walk the streets</h2> The best way to dip your toe into the bubbling cauldron of witch-doctor culture is to visit the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches Market) in La Paz. Here, ancient Aymaran beliefs are still practiced by the indigenous people. Shop vendors sell all sorts of things used in rituals to bring health, love, wealth, and longevity, and to manipulate the spirits in the Aymara world. Dried llama fetuses hang from the ceilings, and Bolivian families use these to make an offering (cha’lla) to the Goddess Pachamama. These are then buried under the foundations of a new home for protection. Legend has it that large building projects, such as shopping malls or apartment blocks, require a human sacrifice – though these days, it’s more likely a poor llama becomes the offering.  Today, you’ll find more camera-toting tourists than practicing Yatiris (priests) or <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/stories/fear/search-for-the-kallawaya">Kallawayas</a> (healers) here, but if you look out for women wearing black hats and coca pouches, you’ll find the yatiri culture is still alive and well. <h2>2. They traded a huge chunk of Bolivia to Brazil... for a horse </h2> One of Bolivia’s most infamous Presidents, Mariano Melgarejo, met delegates from Brazil in the 1860s to discuss the Treaty of Ayacucho. As the story goes, he took a shine to a beautiful white horse that belonged to Brazil’s entourage. During that meeting, he drew an outline of its hoof onto a map on the wall, and traded that land for the horse. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/south-america/heres-a-llama-matt-castell.jpg" /> <figcaption>Not quite a horse, but here’s a llama. Photo credit: Matt Castell</figcaption></figure> <h2>3. There are zebras to help you cross the street </h2> At busy intersections in major cities like La Paz and Sucre, there are people in zebra onesies who help with crossing the road. They wave their arms around and make sure you get to the other side safely – and hilariously. The Cebritas are part of a volunteer program that was launched in 2001 to help pedestrians safely cross the street – safe to say, it’s now La Paz’s most successful program for alleviating traffic-related incidents. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/south-america/zebra-crossing-bolivia-matt-castell.jpg" /> <figcaption>Zebra crossing in Bolivia. Photo credit: Matt Castell</figcaption></figure> <h2>4. Time here goes backwards</h2> A clock on the National Congress Building in La Paz runs backwards, reminding citizens to think differently.  This “Clock of the South” is a mirror image of a traditional clock. Its numbers are flipped, and the hands move counter-clockwise. It symbolizes the Indigenous groups of the Aymarans and the Quechuans, as their unique views look at the past as in front of oneself, while the future is behind. President Evo Morales, the first president of Aymara heritage as well as the man who commissioned the clock back in 2014, famously said that the clock also symbolizes self-expression and pride: “Who says that the clock has to turn one way? Why do we always have to obey? Why can’t we be creative?” <h2 style="text-align: left;">5. Bolivia is a multicultural country</h2> With 37 official languages, Bolivia leads the way in South America for recognizing its original inhabitants. Spanish and Quechua are spoken in the Andes region, Aymara is spoken in the Altiplano around Lake Titicaca, Qhiquitano is spoken in the central region of Santa Cruz, and Guarani in the southeast near the border with Paraguay. <a href="https://journals.worldnomads.com/language-guides/story/1159/Spain/Learn-Spanish-with-the-WorldNomads-Spanish-Language-Guide" target="_blank">Be sure to learn a bit of Spanish before you go to make your travels easier</a>. <h2>6. Cholita wrestling is a thing</h2> Cholitas are indigenous women who wear bowler hats with braided hair. “Cholita” was once a derogatory term for indigenous or mixed-heritage girls, but it’s now come to have positive connotations as a name for the empowered, fashion-conscious, and proud women of Bolivia. In the Latin-American sport Lucha Libre, the <a href="/stories/discovery/the-resilient-fighting-cholitas">Fighting Cholitas</a> are a group of female wrestlers who perform three nights a week, not only against women, but against men too. If you’ve got nothing to do on a Sunday night in La Paz, head up to El Alto and part with US $1 to watch these tough ladies battle it out in the ring – WWF style.iStock/vlad_karavaev 0541606546 iStock Unidentified Aymara women pass by public pier on Lake Titicaca, Copacabana, Bolivia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/bolivia/adventure-tourismMost travelers going to Bolivia will no doubt go on an adventure tour. But what do you need to look for in a Salar de Uyuni tour operator, or a ride along death road?2015-07-11T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/bolivia/adventure-tourismhttps://www.worldnomads.comBolivia is home to some of the most diverse landscapes on earth. From soaring mountain ranges to vast salt flats, flourishing grasslands and vivid jungles – the only thing this landlocked country lacks is beaches. Given the landscape, it's no wonder that Bolivia happens to be one of the number one adventure destinations on a trip around South America. But, if you choose a dodgy tour operator and skimp on the cash to enjoy the salt flats or death road, you could be in a lot more trouble than you bargained for. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your adventures. <ul> <li><a href="#adventure"> Choosing the Right Tour Operator </a></li> <li><a href="#prison"> Should You Tour San Pedro Prison? </a></li> <li><a href="#choose"> Choose Wisely & Enjoy </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="adventure">Picking the Right Time to Visit & Tour Operators in Bolivia</h2> The mountainous region of Bolivia is popular among climbers and trekkers, but it's tough terrain and most suited to the experienced. Each year there are countless injuries and occasional deaths, so take it seriously. The weather is challenging too – sweltering in the day and freezing at night (depending on the time of year), so make sure you have all the right gear and do your research around the time you'll be there.  There are primarily two seasons in Bolivia – the dry season runs from May–October, the wet season is from November–April. The coldest months are between June–September, and wettest months are from December–March. For the best climate, visit the salt flats between July and October, or for a chance to see the wet flats visit between March and April. If you decide to give mountain biking a go (especially for those of you eyeing off Death Road), be sure that the bicycle you use is well maintained, lots aren't! It's a good idea to test the breaks, and make sure those tyres are pumped up. Don't even think about riding off without a helmet. Speaking of maintenance and standards, try to pick a reputable tour company with well-trained guides, appropriate safety equipment, a first-aid kit, and do your research on reviews online – those who've experienced it will always know best! <h2 id="prison">Should You Tour San Pedro Prison?</h2> Another "adventure" that's growing in popularity is touring the San Pedro prison located in La Paz. This is no history tour. It's a working prison which houses some of the country's most dangerous criminals – it's overcrowded and the conditions are poor. Tourists pay a fee to experience the "underworld' of the inmates. It's important to note that these tours are illegal, and can be extremely dangerous. The prisoners have established their own society, which operates under their own rules. The only guards are stationed outside the prison, so entrance and travel within the facility are not protected and extremely risky. As exciting and intriguing as it may seem, you're advised not to participate. <h2 id="choose">Choose Wisely & Enjoy</h2> For beautifully diverse and fascinating landscapes, interesting cultural discovery and friendly, welcoming people, Bolivia has it all. Choose your tour group wisely, and you'll enjoy your time on the salt flats, wandering through the streets of the witch markets, and crossing borders between Peru and Chile.iStock/fbxx 0494093118 iStock Couple traveling on the Bolivian Andes, toned image

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/bolivia/february-oruro-carnival-boliviaFind out where, when and how to join in on the Oruro Carnival celebrations, held for 10 days around Ash Wednesday each year in Bolivia.2011-01-29T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/bolivia/february-oruro-carnival-boliviahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#location"> Location </a></li> <li><a href="#dates"> Dates </a></li> <li><a href="#description"> Description </a></li> <li><a href="#participation"> Level of Participation </a></li> <li><a href="#safety"> Travel Safety Tips </a></li> <li><a href="#attractions"> Other Local Attractions </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="location">Location</h2> Oruro, Bolivia. <h2 id="dates">Dates</h2> 10 days around Ash Wednesday. <h2 id="description">Description</h2> Listed by Unesco as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Bolivia’s largest annual celebration is a massive event said to draw in around 400,000 people. Its centrepiece is La Daiblada, the ‘Dance of the Devils’, an extraordinary parade that showcases demonic dancers in extravagant costumes. The 4km-long entrada (entrance procession) takes place on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and features 20,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians – so many people that the parade lasts up to 20 hours. It’s led by a brightly costumed San Miguel character. Behind him, dancing and marching, come the famous devils and a host of bears and condors. The chief devil, Lucifer, wears the most extravagant costume, complete with a velvet cape and an ornate mask. Faithfully at his side are two other devils, including Supay, an Andean god of evil who inhabits the hills and mineshafts. The procession is followed by other dance groups, vehicles adorned with jewels, coins and silverware, and miners who offer the year’s highest-quality mineral to El Tío, the demonic character who is owner of all underground minerals and precious metals. Behind them follow Inca characters and a group of conquistadores, including Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro. When the archangel and the devils arrive at the city’s soccer stadium, they engage in a series of dances that tell the story of the ultimate battle between good and evil. After it becomes apparent that good has triumphed over evil (hurrah!) the dancers retire to the Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón at dawn on the Sunday, and a mass is held in honour of the Virgin, who pronounces that good has prevailed. Though it is today a Christian celebration, La Diablada’s origins are pre-Colombian. When Uru rituals were banned by the Spanish it morphed into something acceptable to Christendom, with Andean gods blurring into Christian images. Events continue through the week and include cha’lla libations in which alcohol is sprinkled over worldly goods (and four nearby rock formations) to invoke a blessing. The carnival ends on the Monday after Ash Wednesday with the Dia del Agua – the Day of Water – a huge water-bomb fight in which you as a visitor are likely to be a major target. <h2 id="participation">Level of Participation</h2> 3 – you won’t be a devil but you might be singled out for the water bombs. <h2 id="safety">Travel Safety Tips</h2> Keep your valuables at home - if you are a foreigner, expect to get wet at this festival. You're a prime target for water bombs, and any expensive cameras and watches will not be spared mercy by the angry devils! Also, altitude acclimatisation can be a big problem for many travellers to Bolivia, so if you are going to get energetic at this festival, you should arrive in Oruro a few days early to allow your body to acclimatise. With 400,000 people in town it’ll pay to book a room well ahead. Carnival is a boon for petty thieves so keep everything under tight surveillance. <h2 id="attractions">Other Local Attractions</h2> Derided by some tourists, the unfashionable mining city has a few decent attractions: the Museo Sacro, Folklórico, Arqueológico y Minero delves into Oruro’s mining roots (as well as displaying some La Diablada costumes). On Av La Paz, between León and Villarroel, you’ll find small workshops offering devil masks, headdresses, costumes and other devilish things. More Info: Oruro tourist information can be found <a href="http://www.boliviatravelweb.com/oruro.php" target="_blank">here</a>. iStock/Andrey_Gontarev 0525610899 iStock Unidentified people participate in Oruro costume carnival

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/bolivia/bolivias-potential-and-pitfallsDoes Bolivia have a problem with trash? We take a look at the potentials and pitfalls of Bolivia's responsible travel opportunities.2010-11-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/bolivia/bolivias-potential-and-pitfallshttps://www.worldnomads.comAfter spending three weeks in Bolivia, I was both impressed and disappointed. Impressed by the perspective of a curious and intrepid traveler, seeing how much the country has to offer – amazing landscapes, <a href="/explore/south-america/bolivia/adventure-tourism" target="_blank">adventurous activities</a>, rich culture, and vibrant cities.  But disappointed when it comes to responsible travel, as Bolivia has a long road ahead. <ul> <li><a href="#pitfalls"> Pitfalls </a></li> <li><a href="#potential"> Potential </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="pitfalls">The Pitfalls</h2> Let's start with the negative.  <h3>Let's Talk About Trash</h3> You cannot visit Bolivia without immediately recognizing the country's trash problem. “We (Bolivians) prefer to throw our trash on the ground rather than in a bin – opening the bins gets our hands dirty,” according to my guide. Whether he was being sarcastic or serious, it appears as though the statement is true. Trash is everywhere – in the cities, in the country, along the streets, along trails, in the bathroom, on the bus, etc.  While some cities do have a municipal waste program, most citizens drive to the edge of town and drop their rubbish there. Nobody thinks twice about where they throw it. Sure, many developing nations have waste problems, but Bolivia takes it to another level – and the tourism industry is an active culprit. I watched guides toss traveler waste out the window in some of the country's most attractive landscapes. And the concept of sorting trash (organic vs inorganic, recycling, etc) found so prevalently in Bolivia's neighbors... no chance. <h3>The Issue With Popular Tourist Activities</h3> A few of Bolivia's most sought-after activities stray far from the responsible travel ethos. For instance, in central La Paz, travelers can <a href="/explore/south-america/bolivia/adventure-tourism" target="_blank">bribe guards to allow them access to a high security prison</a> to get a glimpse of “life on the inside.”  These trips also double as purchasing opportunities for the Bolivian drug of choice, cocaine (oddly enough, this whole operation is run by inmates, who use the tourist entrance fee, over US $100 per person, and the drug sales to further bribe guards, allowing inmates to continue to orchestrate organized crime and drug trafficking from the inside).  In a famous mining town in the south, Potosi, the popular excursion is a visit to a working mine. These mines are notoriously dangerous (over 8 million miners have been killed over the last 500 years), and nearly all tour operators give visitors the chance to blow up some dynamite during the visit.  Traveler safety and environmental impacts aside, a visit to the mines is intended to demonstrate the medieval conditions faced by miners, who rarely live more than 15 years beyond their first day at work. While miners do reap well-deserved benefits from tourist visits, the voyeuristic nature of mine and prison tours is unsettling, and certainly not responsible tourism.  <h2 id="potential">The Potential</h2> Okay, so Bolivia has its share of tourism challenges, but what country doesn't? Bolivia is also one of the most stunning, gorgeous, and unique places I have ever been to. The vibrancy of the world's highest capital city, La Paz, is invigorating and contagious.  <h3>Sustainable Tourism Opportunities</h3> Popular and accessible sustainable tourism opportunities in the La Paz region include single or multi-day treks, technical climbing of 6,000+ meter peaks, and mountain biking the “world's most dangerous road”.  Bolivia's jungle region is a frequent stop on many itineraries, and can include a stay with a community tourism project or the award-winning Chalalan Ecolodge.  Of course, no visit to Bolivia would be complete without a 4x4 tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats and the surrounding Southwest Circuit. While this region struggles with it's own share of environmental challenges, many operators have adopted “leave no trace” ethics, and compared to the rest of the country, the region is surprisingly litter-free. Uyuni is like no other place on earth – where else can you get a photo of your wife stomping you like a spider?!?! The tourism potential for Bolivia is tremendous, and so far it is yet to be fully discovered. The country has the natural resources and friendly personality to become a leader in the responsible travel movement. But Bolivians need to get their act together if they hope to rival neighboring South American countries already capitalizing on eco-focused travelers.  Bolivia is still raw in many ways, so if you have an open mind and <a href="explore/south-america/bolivia/travel-and-transport" target="_blank">don't mind bumpy roads</a>, now is the time to check it out. Just remember that your travel choices (activities, operators, accommodations, etc) do make a difference, so be sure to choose responsibly.  And don't throw your trash out of the bus window, even if your guide does! iStock/1001nights 0458625113 iStock Woman portrait at the festival of Laja.