Bolivia

Bolivia is often referred to as the Tibet of the Americas, being the most isolated and highest of all Latin American republics. In addition, Bolivia is the most indigenous country on the continent, with more than 50% of the current population holding on dearly to their traditional culture. Sadly, Bolivia is also among the poorest of all South American countries but even so, there is richness in the history and culture. Best of all, this country boasts some of the most breathtaking Andean landscapes imaginable.

All of this coupled with the remnants of ancient civilizations, you would have to agree when you visit that this destination is actually a rich country, full of pride, adventure, and incredible things to do and see. Historians believe that civilization of this country dates back some 21,000 years. Of all eras, probably the Pre-Columbian were the most influential. For example, the Tiahuanaco people who lived on and around Lake Titicaca ruled from 600 to 1200 AD. Then, the Incas came, setting up a vast empire that consisted of Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and the northern part of Chile.

By 1531, the Spanish conquest was going strong, under the leadership of a man called Francisco Pizarro. Very quickly, the conquistadors had used the trust of the Indians, securing territory that would become known as Alto Peru. By 1544, a new discovery was made in silver. This helped boost the Spanish economy for more than 200 years but with the mining conditions being extremely hard, the majority of the enslaved Indian and African slaves died. Although Bolivia had been trying to gain independence for many years, it would not come until 1824 when Lieutenant Antonio Jose de Sucre fought in the Battle of Ayacucho. Just one year later, the country was formally declared its own republic.

After that, the territory of Bolivia quickly expanded. However, Chile wanted more land than it was given, leading to the War of the Pacific that lasted from 1879 to 1884. Chile came out the winner, claiming 527 miles of coastline, along with the Port of Antofagasta. Unfortunately, other countries to include Brazil, Peru, and Argentina followed suite, started chipping away at Bolivia's land and by 1943, a huge border dispute erupted with Paraguay over oil deposits. That led to the Chaco War from 1932 to 1935, which created a tremendous amount of unrest and the change of reform-minded military leaders.

However, probably the most impacting development for Bolivia came in the form of the populist Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionarario, known more often as MNR. Under the leadership of Victor Paz Estenssoro in 1951, the MNR provoked an armed revolt that we know as the April Revolution of 1952. Although Bolivia's military was defeated, in 1964, the MNR had been overthrown and in 1985, Estenssoro was defeated. Today, the country is beginning to strengthen although unemployment remains extremely low. The only serious challenge currently being faced is that Bolivia has a bad reputation for growing cocaine, which has hurt ties with the United States.

However, most areas of Bolivia are safe, as long as you stay within the right zones and pay attention to your guide's advice. When visiting this beautiful country, you will enjoy wonderful music, which is at the heart of the Bolivian people. Interestingly, the sounds you hear are regional so when in the Andes, you would hear an almost haunting type of music, specifically in the Altiplano area whereas other areas such as Tarija have a lighter sound. To go along with the music are incredible dances. The Cueca, Tinku, and Auqui-auqui are all popular culture forms of dance that have changed very little over the past 3,000 years.

Of the people living in Bolivia, most speak Spanish although other languages include Aymara, which is the Altiplano language, or Quechua, the Incan language. The food in Bolivia is simply delicious. Most dishes come with meat, shredded lettuce, rice, and potatoes. However, to spice up any dish, a favorite type of hot sauce made from pepper pods and tomatoes is wonderful, called Llajhua. To wash down the food, most people drink wine, Bolivian beer, or a serious type of maize liquor!

Nestled between several countries to include Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Paraguay, Bolivia is still the fifth largest country in all of South America. The regions are divided in fifths. First, you have the Altiplano, a densely populated area that features an 11,460-foot plateau stretching from the border of Peru north of Lake Titicaca and south to the border of Argentina, and the highlands, where you will enjoy the best climate. Then, you have the Yungas, which is actually a transition zone laying between the cold peaks of the Andes and the hot and humid Amazon rainforest. Next is Chaco, which is an uninhabited plain with hot, humid temperatures running along the Argentina and Paraguay borders. Finally, there are the underdeveloped savannas, scrubland, swampland, and rainforest of the Amazon Basin.

As a whole, the country of Bolivia is sparsely populated. Because of this, it is also one of the best places in all of South America for wildlife. For instance, it is common to see llama, jaguar, vicuna, anteater, tapir, alpaca, bear, turtle, alligator, capybara, condor, and rhea. You will also find a wide range of climates because of the diversity of the land. Typically, Bolivia stays more on the cool side with periods of rain usually from November to March. The colder cities include Potosi and La Paz while the region of Altiplano gets the most rain.

The people of Bolivia are very religions, often celebrating an Indian or Christian god, saint, or important political event. With this, you will find the country celebrating with a number of festivals such as the Fiesta de la Vifgen de Candelaria, which is a festival in honor of the virgin. Lasting a full week, you will enjoy food, drink, dancing, music, and many uninhibited people. Another exciting festival is the Festividad de Nuestro Senor Jesus del Gran Poder, which is held in May and June to honor Jesus Christ.

The country of Bolivia has much to offer visitors. You can enjoy some of the more popular areas such as La Paz, Lake Titicaca, definitely something to see, Sorata, and Cochabamba, or if you prefer, head to some of the more challenging areas to include Salar De Uyini, Laguna Colorada, and San Vicente, the place where the famous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid lost their final battle. The scenery is magnificent and the people inviting.