GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF BOLIVIA

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America with an area of 1.098.581km2 / 424.163 sq mi. The population of approx. 9,2 million is divided into 70% Indians (essentially Quechua and Aymara), 25% of mixed ancestry and 5% of European origin. The official languages are Spanish, Aymara and Quechua.

The country has been governed by a stable democratic regime since 1981 and the current president is Evo Morales. Bolivia used to have access to the sea and in the hope of regaining that access they continue to have a navy.

Time: The standard time zone is UTC/GMT -4 hours and there is no daylight saving!!

International calling code: +591

Currency: The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB) and is locally called "lucas", and when you hear the word "plata" you are being asked for money and not your plate or silver!! The US Dollar is very widely accepted but the EURO is gaining more and more acceptance.

Security: Bolivia is generally a safe country but like anywhere in the world where there are tourists there are pickpockets!! Also keep in mind that Bolivia is a very poor country and flashing your bundle of money and fine jewellery is bound to tempt the weak souls - here like anywhere else. Stay vigilant and don't leave your bags and valuables unattended.

Shopping: Almost everything is cheaper in Bolivia than in Europe or the US. Good deals are often found in art, fabrics, clothes, leather, musical instruments etc.! Let the salesperson quote you a price and then you can start negotiating.

Gastronomy: The traditional Bolivian food is often very rich and the portions are enormous. If you are in altitude you might not have the same appetite and often one serving is enough to feed at least two. Things to try are the Pique Macho, empanadas, the chuño (dried potatoes), the chicha (corn cider), the chairo (chuño soup), the saice (minced meat with rice in sauce) etc.

Season to travel: The best season to travel in most of Bolivia is between March and November, with clear blue skies and plenty of sun and while the days are generally warm the evenings on the Altiplano can be very cold. December to February is the rainy season please keep in mind for this period our trips to Chile, Peru and Argentina.

Altitude: In order to be in top form on the Altiplano it is necessary to be well acclimated. The altitude may affect you with a headache or loss of appetite or not at all!! Either way if your trip starts from La Paz it is a good idea to calculate a few days to get used to the altitude i.e. starting off with a visit to the Lake Titicaca. Make sure that you drink a lot of water before arriving at the El Alto airport and don't strain yourself in any way when you first leave the pressurised cabin. For more information on the altitude sickness, its causes and how to help prevent click here

Comfort: Even though the roads in Bolivia have steadily been getting better keep in mind that most of our trips take you off the beaten track to the most secluded areas of the country so travelling can get a bit rough at times. The hotels are dependent on your choice of trip category (Backpacker, Traveller, VIP or a la carte) though in some places there is only one choice - which might be very basic!! In some places you will find no hot water, no heating and no lights after the generator gets turned off at 22h00!! It is important that you are able to take this as an experience and remember that you are leaving tomorrow while your hosts are not!! On the Altiplano it can get extremely cold during the winter months and a good sleeping bag is indispensable.

Climate: On your trip through Bolivia you will come across a very varied climate!! From the tropical climate of Beni and parts of Santa Cruz, over the sub tropical Yungas to the harsh climate of the Altiplano where temperatures can go as high as 20°C/68°F (in the shade) during the day and can drop to -20°C/-4°F during the night!! Click on any of the following towns to see current weather conditions:

Electricity and batteries: In most places in Bolivia you still find both 110 and 220 volts and the plugs are American norm.