I travelled South America at the beginning of last year. Bolivia was my last port of call and most definitely the best port of call. When you first arrive there you literally feel like you are stepping back in time. Most of the population are Indigenous people with long plated hair, and bowler hats and skirts. The scenery in is breath taking, and the high altitude is something not to be tackled lightly, take your time when travelling through this diverse country and try to ascend to high altitudes over a couple of days! Never fly directly to La Paz! The difference in altitude will make you very sick.
1. Salt Flats in and around Urunyi, you can book yourself a cheap jeep tour to take you round, the tour guides will also give you something to help with the altitude sickness: You'll see - Salt flats, a hotel made of salt, beautiful lakes, beautiful scenery Flamingos, other wild life, thunder storms, old indigenous sites that have been abandoned (the guide will tell you storeys as to why) Deep Canyons, Lamas (Dont go near them they will spit in your face) Hot springs Accommodations - You'll be staying in a high altitude village which probably wont have electricity, its a real good experience Annoyances - The jeeps are not always up to MOT standard and you will experience a few flat tires and broken down engines on the way, but never fear, help is always round the corner! Its all part of the adventure. To take: Warm clothing
2. La Paz is breath taking, a city surrounded by mountains, you can go shopping in the witches market which sells anything from woolly hats to lama foetuses! Take a tour of La Paz's open prison, some people even stay the night but I wouldn't recommend it, they might keep you in there! Visit one of the many parks, museums, experience the night-life and stay in one of the cool funky hostels, I recommend Loki or the brewers inn which brews its own bear and has a roof terrace with a bar and Jacuzzi. La Paz is an amazing place! U will get stuck.
3. Work in one of the Animal Sanctuary's "Wara Yassi" You are required to stay a minimum of two weeks so make sure you have enough time. You'll be working with Monkeys, Pumas, birds and tons of other wildlife species. Truly rewarding but very hard work, you will be required to work 6-7 days a week, with one day off every two weeks. How ever may I add the afternoon of the work only requires you to bond and play with the animals so cant be too bad! :)
4. Amazon basin - Stay a few nights in the jungle, fly from La Paz, a truly memorising way to spend some time doing.
The Indigenous people are not as friendly as the rest of the south American's and you can never bargain on goods you are buying from them, they will literally shoe you away without a second look. However they are not dangerous, Bolivia is said to be one of the safest places in South America. Also getting around the country can be a bumpy ride, but thats all part of the fun!
Hope this helps :-)
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