Poverty in Bolivia remains a significant challenge, with the country experiencing some of the highest poverty rates in South America. Yet their potential is substantial. Bolivia is rich in natural resources, including vast deposits of minerals like silver, tin, and lithium, as well as substantial natural gas reserves. Poverty is always a complex multi-faceted issue, but corruption and political instability play a major role in blocking pathways for future development and poverty alleviation.
Bolivia also has great potential to attract tourism, but drunk tour guides, which we experienced a few, driving down dangerous roads turn off many would be visitors. During our 72-day journey across Bolivia, we explored the stunning landscapes and learned about the unique culture that defines this diverse nation.
A Demon in the Mine: Bolivia Tourism
Tinku is the art of ritual mayhem and is a yearly celebration in Bolivia. The only form of Tinku I had ever heard of before entering Bolivia was from the movie The Purge. Read more
Visa for Bolivia
Obtaining a visa with a USA passport is not without its difficulties, as some have reported. However, if you obtain it in Peru before entry, you can avoid all the hassle. Once in Bolivia, remember to check out the markets for both the cultural experience and the great deals.
Bolivia Visa Made Easy for US Passport Holders
Despite the horror stories you may have heard, getting a Bolivian tourist visa as a US citizen or an American passport holder is a straightforward process. Read more to find out how we avoided the hassle at the border.
Contraband, Shopping, and The Serpent of the Andes
El Alto Market is an open market with vendors sprawling across several blocks. It’s one of the largest markets in the world, certainly the largest in Bolivia. Read more
Places to Visit in Bolivia
Bolivia, renowned for its vast salt flats, ancient dinosaur footprints, and more, offers an array of destinations that will turn into memories for a lifetime. During our exploration, we delved into some of the country’s most iconic sites. Here are highlights from our journey:
What a Tour Through the Uyuni Salt Flats is Really Like
The wind was howling through the drafty room. The single 15-watt light bulb dangling from the ceiling by its wire Read more
Why the Largest Collection of Dinosaur Footprints May Soon Be Gone
Just outside of Sucre, Bolivia lies the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world. Over 10,000 dinosaur tracks have Read more
Dinosaurs and a Walk in the Past: Torotoro
We stood at the top of a cliff in the middle of Torotoro National Park mesmerized by the waterfall tumbling Read more
City in the Sky and its Dark Secret
La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is the highest capital city in the world. It rests at an altitude of Read more
Flying Down Death Road, The World’s Most Dangerous Road
Thousands have died here on this narrow dirt road: people in buses, trucks, cars and even bicycles. “You must be Read more
Our travels through Bolivia revealed a country of contrasts and natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, historical insights, or natural beauty, Bolivia provides something for every intrepid travelers. Don’t forget your warm clothes. Bolivia has a lot of high-elevation places that are cold.
