Wayfaring Travel Guide. Online travel map for destinations and sites around the world » Bolivia

Escape to La Paz and tantalize your senses

Asya — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:45:54 +0000

Founded in 1548, La Paz is the legislative capital of Bolivia and the second largest city after Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Located at an elevation of 3,650 m above sea level, the city offers a vibrant mix of ethnic, colonial and international heritages. Hundreds of different museums can be found across the city, the most notable ones on Jaen Street, which street design has been preserved from the Spanish days and is home of 10 different museums.

La Paz as it grows climbs the hills resulting in varying elevations from 3000 to 4100 m making it the world’s highest capital city. The city spreads over various elevations, making it a dazzling and breathtaking adventure, and the headquarters for exploring brilliant Bolivia. The city’s buildings cling to the sides of the canyon and spill spectacularly downwards. On a clear day, the imposing showy, snowy Mt Illimani (a forbidding peak soaring impossibly on 6402m) looms in the background.

The city hosts several cathedrals belonging to the colonial times, such as the San Francisco Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, this last one located on Murillo Square, which is also home of the political and administrative power of the country. La Paz’s ruins and the ancient foundations of the church of St. Augustine are testament to the history that still stands here in Bolivia, whose timeless forts and temples have an eerily calming effect upon the visitor. The center of La Paz is bordered by the cathedral whose towers were completed only in time for a papal visit in 1997, and by the Government Palace, or the Palacio Quemado for the number of times it has burned. Across the plaza is the Congress building that before 1904 housed a convent, a jail, and a university.

Hotel Palacio de Sal

Asya — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:35:11 +0000

Located far out in an otherworldly terrain of the salt flats, some 220 miles south of La Paz, Palacio de Sal Hotel & Spa is completely made of…..salt. Walls, floors and most of the furniture too – chairs, tables and beds are all made of salt. Built in 1995 out of 14×14-inch salt blocks, the property features twenty four beds, a pool table, a dining room, a central courtyard, and even flush toilets. This hotel is a completely different way to view the amazing landscape of the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

As always when you travel, the guidelines for enjoying your stay here are to watch your hydration and don’t be tempted to scrape the floor to flavor your dinner. Unique place in the world, there is also a 9-hole salt golf course designed by Christian Pensu and spa facilities. Prises: $50 a night.

Chalalan Eco Lodge

misha — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:08:24 +0000

Deep in the remote Madidi National Park, in the Bolivian Amazon, a dream has become reality, in 1992, the community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas needed to create an economic alternative to cash crops and stop migration of their children to big cities in search of work. With the help of government grant, seventy local families began construction of Chalalan Eco-lodge, accessible only via a five-and-half-hour canoe trip along the Beni and Tuichi rivers. The lodge is hidden from the prying eyes of the twenty-first century in a lost world chichillas, monkey’s, tapirs, alligators, and more than 350 species of bird. Photo by: TimothyShoup

The lodge sits on the shoreline of Chalalan Lagoon, a pristine body of water that doubles as Chalalan‘s private swimming pool. The twenty-eight traditionally styled cabanas share four standalone bathrooms, and running water is supplied via a solar-powered system. There are more than 15 miles (25 km) of hiking trails along which local guides point out the forest’s fauna and its rich tapestry of medicinal and endemic plant life. Night hikes with headlamps are available to observe the surreal nocturnal habits of the Madidi‘s frogs, birds, black caimans, and other night dwellers. Photo by: Cavegirl Delly

Known as one of the world’s biodiversity hot spots, the pristine rain forest has more than 45,000 species of plants and, despite the difficulty in getting there, still provides indelible to more than 1,000 intrepid tourists a year, who come to learn about the fragility of the forest. Photo by: TimothyShoup

Location: Near Rurrenabaque, Bolivia. Photo by:

Pygmy marmosets

Asya — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:29:11 +0000

The Pygmy marmosets are the smallest living monkeys in the world. They inhabit the rainforests in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil. This species live in the upper canopy of the forest and survive on an omnivorous diet of fruit, leaves, insects, small reptiles. Image from: Frösö Zoo via DRB

Adults are about 13 cm long with a 20 cm tail and weigh is in the range 85-140 grams. They are small, squirrel-like, and monogamous. Its tawny coat is sprinkled with gray and its tail is ringed. Long hairs on its head and cheeks form a mane which hides its ears. Its eyes are almond-shaped.

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

iv — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:50:05 +0000

The Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is located 600 Km northeast from Santa Cruz city, Bolivia. The National Park is one of the largest (1,523,000 ha) and most intact parks in the Amazon Basin. It is ranges in altitude from 200 meters (m) to 750m at the top of the Huanchaca Plateau. The park was founded on June 28, 1979.

The park has Cerrado savannah, wetlands and evergreen rainforests. It is estimated that the park has approximately 4.000 species of vascular plants.

Large expanses of pantanal wetlands are situated along the Rio Paragua in the western sector of Noel Kempff Park.

The Paragua river with its dark waters and El Encanto waterfall where you can observe the rare black spider monkeys climbing the rocks.

Adjacent to the park is the Laguna Bahia Biological Reserve with its rich bird species. There are more than 600 species of birds within the park.

Noel Kempff has 139 mammal species, 74 reptile species, 62 amphibian species and 254 fish species. Some of the highlights are the giant river otters, the jaguar, and pink river dolphins.

In 2000 Noel Kempff Mercado National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site based upon its high diversity of plant and animal species.

Isla del Sol

misha — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:51:35 +0000

The biggest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world, lies at 3,810 m, its 196 km length spanning the Andean border between Peru and Bolivia. Lake Titicaca is the cradle of Inca civilization and Ilsa del Sol is the Incas’ holiest site. Today most things about lake Lake Titicaca are at odds with the modern, technological and politician world. The Aymara people who farm Isla del Sol grow barley, quinoa wheat, potatoes and maize on harsh, rocky terrain. Photo by: Jessie Reeder

The island is part of Bolivia, but power and ownership simply don’t matter when you are actually there. It’s the resident Aymara who guard the spiritual continuum of the place. Their fishing, fields and alpaca herds allow no development of tourist amenities or roads, and the way of life is indifferent to visitors who pace and race. Photo by: Shane Bourke

When to go: October to March, when the days are warmer. Nights are always cold. Population: 5,000. How to get there: By ferry boat, via several of Titicaca’s islands, to/from Puno (Peru) from/to Guiaqui (Bolivia). Backpackers can reach the small Bolivian lakeside village of Copacabana bu bus or car, then take an open boat for the 1-hour ride to Isla del Sol. Photo by: Phillie Casablanca

Photo by: Marc Shandro

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Asya — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:53:06 +0000

It is a shallow salt lake in the southwest region of Bolivia, located at 4300 m above sea level and covers over 60 sq. km. The fiery red shades are caused by planktons that thrive in the water rich of sodium, magnesium, borax and gypsum.

Laguna Colorada also known as the â€œNest of the Andesâ€. This place is home to some 40,000 flamingos of three different species. But the rare James flamingos have the highest concentration. They make this area their nesting spot and they are absolutely protected. There are also over 50 other species of birds that make their home here too.

One of the world’s most dangerous biking

Asya — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:27:54 +0000

This is Yungas Road which is also known as Bolivia‘s Death Road. The world’s most dangerous road is carved into the sides of the mountains and consists of 70 km of rock. Itâ€™s heading from La Paz, the worldâ€™s highest capitol (3,660 m), to Coroico (1200m). There are vertical drops of more than 1,500 feet just off the road and it has no guardrails.

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There are many tour companies that offer this bike ride. The price of a bike ranges from $55-$75, depending on the bike you rent and other equipment that you decide to rent. Average of 150 peple annually lose their lives here …

Bolivia

misha — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:10:39 +0000

Bolivia has begun to use some of its extremes over the last years. The country become a booming hub of adventure and eco-tourism. Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America.

This is a ''train cemetery'' outside the town of Uyuni, which is a favorite spot of departure for tours of the salt flats.

The vastness and whiteness of Salar de Uyuni can be ssen from space at 4, 000 square miles.

This is the Fish Island, which is cactus-covered hill bulged from the salt flats like an island rising out of the sea.

A hot spring near the Salar de Uyuni.

Bolivia's much-advertised most dangerous road is Death Road descends 12,000 feet over 40 miles from a mountain pass near La Paz. Now replaced by a modern road for motor traffic, it survives as a bicycle path -- third-world infrastructure turned into a tourist attraction.

Some British tourists stop for a break on the Most Dangerous Road.

Tourists on the Most Dangerous Road examine where they don't want to go.

The holy lake of Inca

Asya — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:35:05 +0000

Nearby, on the Bolivian side of the lake, arose the population and ceremonial center of Tiahuanaco, capital of one of the most important civilizations of South America. Tiahuanaco ceremonial sites were built along the lake’s shores, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2,000 years ago. More than 25 rivers empty into Titicaca, and the lake has 41 islands, some of which are densely populated. The lake is 196 km long with an average width of 56 km. The lake has waves, testament to its size and not surprising the waters are cold. Lake Titicaca, at 12,530 feet, is the highest navigable lake and the center of a regionwhere thousands of subsistence farmers make a living fishing in its icy waters, growing potatoes in the rocky land at is edge or herding llama and alpaca at altitudes that leave travelers gasping for air. The Uros of today, still live as the original inhabitants did as they continue to use the totora reeds to build their huts and rafts. The Uros are singular people and even though they keep to themselves very quietly, they do allow people to visit with them. They have always been quiet happy to participate with us when we perform our ceremonies or meditations on their island.
It boasts up to 300 different types of traditional dances, many of which are performed in the streets during annual festivals. A good one to catch in early November is Puno week, which celebrates the legendary birth of the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his sister – Mama Ocllo. According to legend the pair rose up out of the Lake Titicaca in search of a place to establish the Inca empire. This scenic place has enormous significance in the ancient culture of the Inca. The creation myth of the Inca is rooted in these deep blue waters.
Lake Titicaca is the center for archaeological and cultural studies as well as a favored tourist destination. If you go plan to visit in the summer months but take warm clothing. The days may be pleasantly sunny but the nights can be very cold. The lake is still sacred to the Aymara people who live there.

Sucre – The second capital of Bolivia

Asya — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 11:29:07 +0000

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia. The city of Sucre is also known as the City of Four Names, being those names La Plata, Charcas, Ciudad Blanca (White City), and Sucre. Founded as Chuquisaca in 1538, the city received its present name in 1840, in honor of the first Bolivian president, Antonio JosÃ© de Sucre. In 1809 Sucre became one of the first cities in South America to revolt against Spanish rule. On December 13, 1991 UNESCO declared the Historic City of Sucre a “World Heritage Site” in recognition of its rich history and its wealth of colonial architecture. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year thanks to its well-conserved downtown with buildings from the 18th and 19th century. Its many well-preserved 16th-century religious buildings illustrate the blending of local architectural traditions with styles imported from Europe. Population is 247,300 in 2006.

Sucre is the gateway to numerous small villages that date from the colonial era. The most well-known of which is Tarabuco – home of the colourful “Pujllay” festival held each March. In these outlying villages, one is as likely to find a descendant of the Spanish conquest as members of an indigenous group that still dress in their unique native clothing they use not only to preserve their cultural identity but also to let others instantly know what town or region they are from.
Sucre shares capital city status with La Paz, the legislative and administrative capital. Sucre is also a university city, with many cultural attractions, museums, shops, restaurants. San Francisco Xavier university was founded in 1625, one of the oldest universities in the Americas, and specializes in law. Relatively small, Sucre is an easily walkable city and the older sections, with the white colonial buildings with their distinctive red-tiled roofs and distinctive balconies offer nooks and crannies to explore.
The sights of the town are: Casa de la livertad – House located on the main plaza, where the declaration of independence of Bolivia was signed on august 6th, 1825. Portraits of presidents, military decorations, and documents are displayed. Palacio de la Glorieta- Formerly an outstanding palace owned by the wealthy entrepreneur Don Francisco de ArgandoÃ±a, it now serves as a military school. Museo de la Recoleta – established by the Franciscan Order in the early 16th century. This placed served as a convent, barracks, prison, and museum. Displays anonymous paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Churches which are located in Sucre: The Cathedral, begun in 1551, this is the most complex pf the colonial religious buildings with Renaissance, Baroque and “Mestizo Baroque” features. Specially remarkable are the mayor altar and the dome crowned by the cross of Carabuco; Chapel of the Virgen de Guadalupe – Built in 1617 is next to the Cathedral and honors the Virgen with a jewel-covered image painted by Fray Diego de OcaÃ±a. San Francisco , begun in 1577, is honored for the “bell of freedom” calling Sucre’s citizens to revolt on May 25th, 1809; Santa Barbara – unique Renaissance church constructed in 1887; LaMerced , San Miguel and Santo Domingo; Santa MÃ³nica; San LÃ¡zaro, begun in 1544 is the oldest church of the Audiencia de ChDuring your Bolivia travel, allow yourself a day for the opportunity to wander into the numerous museums after reflect on their role in the diverse and fascinating past of this old world city.

The womb of Mankind – lake Titikaka in Bolivia

nerdeff — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 17:38:35 +0000

The Incas called Cuzco “the navel of the world” and the lake Titikaka “The womb of Mankind” , lakeside dwellers of today regard themselves as the “oldest people in the world”.Lake Titikaka in Bolivia is one really amazing place to see. It covers approximately 9000 square km and like many things in Bolivia it takes another highest championship: it is the world’s highest navigable lake (12,500 feet) 3,820 meters, its depth was recently measured at 457 Mt. Lake Titikaka has long been known to be not only the largest but also the most sacred in the world. Many cultures and civilisations have risen near it.The Tiawanaku culture began its raise around the time of Christ and lasted over a millennium , extending far into Puno and Northern Chile. Tiawanaku ceremonial sites were constructed along the shores of Lake Titikaka, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2,000 years ago. The Incas believed they originated from the lake Titikaka and that their bearded, white leader/deity Viracocha began his acts of creation on this island . Clearly lake Titikaka played a dominant role in Andean beliefs for over two millennia.

The best known of Titikaka island are Taquile and Uros, the floating islands made of bulrushes, on the Peruvian side of the lake and the islands of the Sun and of the Moon on the Bolivian side. Bulrushes (totora) grow in the low waters of the lake , they have always been of multiple use for the natives . The people from the Titikaka region weave this plant very well to make rafts which seem to be made of woven glob fibre; they cut swiftly through the waters of the great lake. Birds nests among the bulrushes , providing eggs for human consumption , the matted plants serve as a foundation to built bulrush houses on. The most important geographical features of Titikaka include the Copacabana peninsula which contains remains of cultures dating back to long before the Spanish influence in South America .

Bolivia as country is a premier adventure travel destination. It is the fifth-largest country in South America and one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. The Altiplano, a high mountain plateau where Andean civilization first developed, lies between two ranges of the Andes mountains that tower over 23,000 feet. Visitors come to this region to experience the amazingly beautiful waters, landscapes, and cultures of Lake Titikaka. Bolivia’s terrain ranges from spectacular Andean peaks to dense Amazonian rain forests, such as the jungles of Madidi National Park, Noel Kempf Mercado National Park on the border with Brazil.

In Bolivia, with the largest indigenous population in the Americas, Andean culture is alive and strong. Visitors experience Bolivia’s great indigenous heritage and enjoy traditional native architecture, clothing, colorful markets, handcrafts, dances, music, and seeing the daily life of Aymara communities. In La Paz, campesina women in bowler hats and flared skirts sell their products in huge open air markets. In some regions, you are more likely to hear the indigenous Aymara language than Spanish. Being in Bolivia is like stepping back in time by many years.

That’s how Lake Titikaka looks from space. Here is Google Earth Placemark for Lake Ttitikaka in Bolivia.

Quick Facts for Lake Titikaka:

Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810m) above sea level; the highest navigable lake in the world, lying between Peru and Bolivia
Area: covers 3,205 square miles (8,301 square kilometers)
Length: 120 miles running northwest to southeast
Widest point: 50 miles
Avg. depth: 328 ft.
Fishes: being an alpine lake only two species are native to the lakeâ€”killfish (Orestias) and catfish (Trichomycterus); trout were introduced in the 1950s.
Other species: Large frog (Telmatobius) up to 1 ft. long
Other facts: -Fed by 25 rivers
-May tide as much 16ft.
-Forty-one islands