Bolivia Hotels

Bolivia is a very authentic country. First surprise, it doesn't have a coast. The country is between Brazil (north and east); Paraguay and Argentina (south); Chile and Peru (west). You would expect high tropical climates with sunshine and equatorial downpours at the most unexpected of times, but that's a bit different too. Because the land is fairly higher in altitude, it is much cooler; so cold that you might need proper warm clothing. Winters are drier and summers can sometimes get a bit wet.

Bolivia used to be under Inca territory before the Spanish arrived in 16th century. In those colonial times, this region was called "the upper Peru". You can witness the architecture and heritage of the colonial times in Sucre and Potosí along with ruins of earlier eras. Bolivia has a unique way in everything, most of the populace claim to be "indigenous", carrying on traditions of their ancestors. All of the land has an "untouched" feeling, proper, unspoiled Latin American culture and heritage still carries on. This land hasn't been open to much globalization or pop culture, might be due to being one of the poorest South American country. That doesn't mean there are no international standard hotels or restaurants, but the mountain passes, long slow jeep rides won't attract you if you are that sort of traveler. This place is more about blankets made of llama wool. The country has its own charm.

There are plentiful archaeological sites worth exploring, Tiwanaku, Samaipata, Incallajta, Iskanawaya along with other hard-to-reach sites that still haven't been explored. Tiwanaku ruins is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As for the nature, Bolivia houses high mountains, salt flats and steamy Amazon jungles. And get ready for another surprise; the ski resort of Chacaltaya is the world's highest!

Similar to the culture, cuisine is untouched Latin American too. The global quick dish "meat and potatoes is of Inca origin and spread from this lands. Beef is the most common meat, along with chicken and llama! Pork isn't common at all. Deep frying is a popular method too. Probably most surprising of all should be Coca Chewing. It creates a little numbness in your mouth. It also suppresses hunger too, but beware!! You are only supposed to chew it, not swallow it cos if you do so, your stomach will regret it.

All in all, Bolivia is a lot different than you'd expect. Surprising and authentic in everything. If "untouched" and "unexplored" attracts you, you might enjoy Bolivia a lot..