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..