Bolivia

Bolivia is a country that has been through it all. This country is a republic nation with a current president named Evo Morales. Bolivia history traces the country back to the Inca empire. The countries natives are of Indian decent, and were taken over by Spanish influence. During the sixteenth century, the Spanish came in a swooped the nation. Much like the Europeans did to America, the Indians land was taken from underneath them. Unlike in American history where the Native American population was killed off, the Indian population was forced into slavery. This enslavement caused the Indian population to fall into the shadows of their Spanish colonizers. Bolivia history mirrors American history in the African Americans were disadvantaged by the Europeans or white people when they were forced to give up land and work under people for no pay at all. In Bolivia, the Indians were forced to work under the Spanish for no pay, hence keeping them from ever gaining wealth. The status of the natives dropped, and so didn’t the education as well. Many times when a race or population is kept from growth, while the world around them is flourishing, when they are finally let free, they are then dependent on the system that they just left. Never can the natives of Bolivia gain back their time or try to catch up to the Spanish who started advancing way before they could. Currently, this reality has caused an inequality in the country that is very obvious and unfair. The Spanish are the elite and the Indian natives are the poor class, creating an income gap that hurts the country as a whole because the Indians make up two thirds of the country.

Much of the early wealth to come out of the sixteenth century was credited to the mineral industry. Much like American coal mines, the mineral industry only survived for so long before it dried up and was replaced by more efficient means. Bolivia history indicates that the country gained independence in eighteen twenty five, and was named after Simon Bolivar. Much of the territory in Bolivia was lost to other countries like Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile. A revolutionary war between Bolivia and Cuba irrupted and added to Bolivia history. The cocoa crop, was a major resource in Bolivia that was taken and washed out by the United States and other countries. This country is one of the poorest in all of South America. The government could use the natural gas reserves, and the oil that the country has, instead they use these much needed worldly resources to their disadvantage. Bolivia history shows a reacquiring problem with the gas reserves in the country. Instead of making a decision to more readily use these reserves for wealth in the country, the presidents extorted the resource. This left farmers and miners broke and in rebellion toward Bolivia for the constant economic downturns. Bolivia history has not changed much since the time of the Inca. The country has yet to profit off of the oil and gas reserves and civil rights within the country are in turmoil. The class structure remains the same with the wealth Spanish ruling and oppressing the Indian natives.

Bolivia Travel

Bolivia Travel is one of the most rewarding experiences. This country is one that has many natural resources including cocoa, oil, and gas. But besides that this country is one of the few in the world that is still occupied by natives more than settlers, or colonizers. This country has every aspect of the weather and climate that you can think of. Travel to Bolivia, and experience hot, cold, and warm weather, as well as windy, rainy, and dry climate. This country is a sight to see, the only drawback is that there are no beaches in Bolivia. Some main attractions in Bolivia travel is the Amazon jungle. This is a once in a lifetime chance to see a jungle that’s green as can be, and filled with wildlife that’s authentic. The grasslands in Bolivia are amazingly green and healthy, unlike anything seen in the states. The country is known for its rugged feel and native heritage. Travel to Bolivia must include a visit to colonial cities such as Sucre and Potosi. Here, ancient civilizations can be explored and the history of Bolivia will be uncovered. This is a main reason why many people travel to Bolivia.

Bolivia travel offers adventures along the rugged landscapes of the country. Hikes, trials, and paths can be explored and the country landscape can be taken in from high places. Many people hike the Incan trail when in the country. Those that travel to Bolivia must be careful of any riots or political outbreaks. In the country, many demonstrations break out everyday and at any moment. Some of these demonstrations are not safe for tourists to witness or be a part of. If and when this happens, retreat to a place that is safe and away from political turmoil. Other cautions for Bolivia travel include using careful driving methods as the roads are not built like here in America. The infrastructure is more raw and mangled than in the United States. Additionally, the rainfall in Bolivia may cause landslides, so caution must be used at all times when it is raining. Trying to use local advisory stations or television, would be in a travelers best interest. Many times they will warm of rainfall that can be harmful, and list many precautions to prevent fatality. A very important precaution to take is regarding mosquito’s. Mosquito bites in Bolivia travel are not the same as the ones acquired in the states, be sure to use proper repellent, because most mosquitoes carry different diseases out in this country. Other diseases that exist in Bolivia are yellow fever, and Dengue fever. The government requires that all travelers obtain a yellow fever certificate before entering certain parts of the country. Just like traveling to Africa, this country has a medical checklist that travelers can use before booking any flights. If one desires to travel to Bolivia, enjoy the country for what it is, and appreciate the earthly attributes it has to offer. Additionally, be sure to take into account all the differences between Bolivia and the United States, followed by precautions at every level.

Bolivia Hotels

Bolivia hotels are surprisingly mixed in terms of ratings. Many of the hotels in Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Chochabamba are five and four star hotels. The great thing about these hotels is that all tough they are five and four stars, they are relatively cheap to book. Some of the worst hotels in Bolivia can be found in Cobija, Oruro, and Tarija. For a country as poor and as rugged as Bolivia, the hotel accommodations are impeccable.

Bolivia hotels in Santa Cruz are by far some of the best hotels in the entire country of Bolivia. The hotel list includes the Buganvillas hotel and condominiums, the Comino Real hotel, Yotau Suites, and the Grand hotel Santa Cruz. These Hotels come equipped with full amenities, including spas, restaurants, concierge service, and full room amenities. Bolivia hotels in Cobija are the total opposite. Most of these hotels are one start hotels that should be used for short stays or cheap travel. If a person is looking to stay in comfort I would avoid staying in Cobija. They include, Residential Cobija, Residential Cocodrilo, and Residential Frontera. These hotels do not come equipped with many amenities, but will provide a place to law your head and rest.

Hotels in Bolivia range from the worst and the best of hotels in the country. However, La Paz has some of the most beautiful hotels in Bolivia. The Hotel Europa is a five star hotel that overlooks the snow capped lllumani mountain, that can be seen from the top floors of this gorgeous hotel. This is located into the heart of La Paz and is the best hotel to use for business because it comes equipped with hi-tech communications, and a spa to relieve much endured stress of a business day. Rates at this hotel are higher than most of the other hotels in the area, but the accommodations are much sweeter. Other Bolivia hotels have nothing on the Camino Real hotel and suites in Santa Cruz. This hotel is equipped with thirty apartment like hotel rooms. These rooms are designed with full kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms ranging from one to three bedrooms. This hotel room is best for families that plan to stay on vacation for a week or more. This is one of the few hotels in Bolivia where the traveler can do all the cooking and save money associated with eating out every night. It is also great for families that might be to large to indulge in eating out throughout the entire vacation. These Bolivia hotels have two private bathrooms, and two showers. They accommodate five to seven people at a time, and are located not only in Santa Cruz but in La Paz as well. These two locations are premiere vacations spots in Bolivia. Hotels in Bolivia are state of the art, and are mostly located in the heart of all major cities. May people travel to these places in search of a great time a and wonderful amenities. If the vacation is geared toward exploration, and hotel amenities are not a concern, then Bolivia hotels in Cobija and Oruro, and Tarija are more appropriate. If the goal is to stay in a nice hotel where there is a view, and rapid night life, than Santa Cruz, and La Paz are the places to be.

Bolivia Laws

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in all of South America. In many ways the people rely on coca, a plant used to stabilize health for the Bolivian people, and mining, and industry that has brought great fortune to the country. Natural resources is the only means of international profit for the country legally. Laws however determine how both industries are managed, and as of late both have becoming decreasingly profitable. Laws have eradicated the production of coca, because many of these situations lead to the growing and selling of cocaine to places like the United States and Peru.

Currently drug trafficking is a major problem is Bolivia and the law states that all growing, and or trafficking is prohibited within the region. However, this becomes a problem when the countries own president has owned a coca farm in the past, and made profit from it. The drug trafficking laws in Bolivia are not the same as those in the United States, and cocaine in particular is smuggle through the country on a regular basis. This is so because cocaine, whether produced in Bolivia or Peru must travel through Bolivia to reach areas like the United States. The coca plant which is used for entirely different purposes is being cut off, and a great deal of income for the Bolivian people is being taken away because of laws prohibiting it. The problems for Bolivia come from the International realm more than the national. Law concerning the National Drug Control Policy prohibit drug trafficking and demand the eradication of it.

Mining law is perhaps even more detrimental to the overall wealth of the country. This is so because Mining is an industry that cannot be conducted in the underground like the drug industry can. See, the difference here is that the mining industry is a legitimate source of income for the country where as drug trafficking becomes an industry that is cheated through smuggling efforts. Nevertheless, laws implemented to regulate the mine industries have done more harm than good, making it hard for these types of businesses to run. Laws on mining include the absolute requirement for all material produced whether gold, or silver be property of the state. This law makes it hard for mining owners to profit off of any of the minerals made and found. Often times this law puts restriction on trade and keeps government in control to make all decision regarding the business. This law leaves many of the workers poor, and forces the owners to abandon the business only for them to be rerouted to the government for them to make a profit. Many of these minors abandon their businesses so that they can escape a fee laced by government for production failure. Both the mining industry and drug industry laws keep the people of Bolivia in captivity economically. There is very little room for anyone to make money in these sectors if they are not government officials. The worst part of all of it is because of international law, other countries such as the United States can get involved and make it harder for the country to trade as a whole.

Bolivia Hospitals

Medical care in the United States is state of the art, its no wonder that when traveling to placed like Bolivia, many are surprised by the hospitals that are in the country. The level of technology can not compare to that of the United States. The country of Bolivia is the size of Texas and California combined, but only houses seven hospitals total. That is less than the number of hospitals in the small state of Rhode Island here in America. Good medical facilities do exist in Bolivia but the level of technology in each hospital vary greatly. The general rule of thumb is to avoid state run hospitals, because they only provide minimum and basic care to their patients. Reasons for this are because of the cost of the medical procedures, and short supply of vaccines they have available. The service to expect in a state run hospital is terrible. The lines will be long and wait times as well due to the universal health care system that Bolivia has in place. For the most part a hospital will not have the proper equipment or supplies to handle serious medical issues. Private clinics on the other hand are places where more serious medical issues are directed. These hospitals usually cost a lot more money to attend, and have all the update technology to deal with advanced medical issues. The costs however are never going to be more than that of the United States. This doesn’t mean that a hospital bill will not be expensive for the average Bolivian, because the cost of living is generally a lot lower than here in America.

Hospital Urbari is a facility that is one of the best in Santa Cruz. The place is clean, advanced, and quick. The doctors are efficient and medical supplies are in stock. The only drawback is that this facility is a little expensive to attend. Other hospitals like Universitario Japones, and Clinicas Prosalud are two facilities that are funded by other countries. Universitario Japones is funded by Japan is equipped with the great technology, and great staff. However, this facility will have a long wait time no matter the time of day. Clinicas Prosalud is funded by Germany, and the facility is equipped with very good technology and a knowledgeable staff. The wait time in this facility is long as well. Perhaps the absolute best out of all the hospitals in Santa Cruz is the Clinica Angel Foianini, which is a clinic based facility that is equipped with the very best doctors and the very best equipment. The waiting time at this facility is not long at all, and emergencies get taken care of very fast as well. The largest hospital in Santa Cruz is the Clinica Ninos Jesus, which is a facility that is very expensive. This facility takes on a wide range of issues from emergencies, neonatal care, and radiology. They are equipped with some of the best technology and medical staff. Bolivia health care is unique in that it is very limited. Some of the facilities are expensive, however never as expensive as developed countries. The common misconception is that the country is third world and facilities must be inadequate, however, some really impressive facilities exist in Bolivia.

Bolivia Weather

Bolivia is a beautiful country with a lot of beautiful landscapes including, mountains, jungles, ancient trials and villages. The Bolivia weather is very distinct and changes every season. The summer months in Bolivia usually fall between November and March. The Bolivia climate in the summer is very hot and wet all at the same time. The heat index can get very high, however is the atmosphere is made humid by the constant rainfall. During these months many times mudslides happen frequently and cause a massive amount of damage. This happens because many of he villages and landscapes are so rugged and haven’t been industrialized yet. Mosquito’s are also out during the Bolivia weather months of summer.

Bolivia climate changes during April through October. These months are the winter time in the country and are typically dry and cold. Not much snow falls during the winter, since the air is so dry. In the Highlands, Bolivia weather can be extremely cold and windy with record temperatures below zero at any given time. Places like the Altiplano get extremely cold during night hours. A particular place where snow is common in the country is in Potosi, La Paz, and Osuro during the winter months only. Sucre, Chocabamba, and Tarija are places where Bolivia weather is comfortable and sunny during the winter months.

The rain forest is usually very hot muggy and wet, due all of the moisture of he green trees. Even in the dryer months of the year during November through March, the Bolivia climate in the rain forest is a lot wetter than that of the regular landscape of the country.

Bolivia climate is unique because the country lies very close to the border. Bolivia weather only hosts two seasons each year, summer and winter, no in between weather. In the United States, the climate changes four times a year, creating four different seasons entirely. The extreme weather climate in Bolivia is strongly influenced by the amount of rainfall each region has. The Bolivia weather is exact opposite of countries lying in the northern hemisphere of the world.

More than any month Bolivia climate is windy in August. The winds are so strong that they often fill the southern parts of the country with smoke, and make it very dangerous for people to be out during this time. Because of this rapid wind many people suffer from respiratory problems and can not see when outside. Additionally, driving becomes insanely difficult and burning of the Amazon takes place. Many times wind is accompanied with chills that drop the over all temperature in the country to below zero at night. Bolivia should be traveled to during the cold, dry months of April through October. This is a great time to hike, follow the Inca trail, chart through the rainforest’s, and visit some villages. When traveling through the months of November through March, expect rapid rainfall, and hot muggy. Its best that people from countries lying in the Northern hemispheres travel with the opposite months to their climates. For example, when it is summer in the United States it is winter in Bolivia. When it is winter in the United States it is summer in Bolivia, which makes for the perfect times to travel.

Lake Titicaca

Bolivia is a beautiful country that is full of unique activities for everyone of any background to enjoy. In Bolivia La Paz is the most popular region to travel in, where the experience will be well rounded and exciting. The sites sit in line with the Andes mountain and offers Bolivia Attractions that are mind blowing.

Lake Titicaca is one of the more beautiful and serene of the Bolivia sites, that made up of fresh water. This lake is the largest fresh water lake in South America and the highest in the world. One of the prettiest of all Bolivia attractions, this is surrounded by the Andes mountains and sits at high enough altitude to experience extreme weather conditions. Weather at this lake can range from really hot, to really windy depending on the season. There are several Islands on the lake that contain Inca ruins that can be explored by tourists. This makes for great exploration and discovery. People can stay on the Copacabana, which is one of the Bolivia sites for tourists that would like to explore the Inca ruins. Many of the ancient cultures that live on the lake have kept Inca traditions alive and are not likely to engaged in western tradition.

The Copacabana is one of the Bolivia sites worth seeing. Is a town on the Lake Tiricaca that is very popular in touring Inca ruins. This is one of the Bolivia attractions that also serves as a place where tourists can go hiking on trails. There is beach land in this small town where tourists can enjoy fresh water swimming. The Copacabana is famous for the sixteenth century Cathedral that is used by natives to receive blessing from the Virgin Mary. Many times the Copacabana is used as a starting point or even a central point for tourists that are exploring all islands on the lake. Famous cuisine on the Copacabana are the frog legs that are caught straight out of the lake.

The most exciting of all Bolivia attractions is the Yungas Road also known as the death road. Just like in the movies when a car is being chased around a mountain and the road is really narrow, with no barriers, and usually runs the risk of falling down the side of a mountain. Well, the Yungas road is the road the movies are mimicking. Out of all the Bolivia sites, this is considered the most dangerous road on the planet. This road has more deaths per mile than any other road in the world. It is located on the Andes Mountains and is bumpy, steep and is two miles long. This road takes four hours to drive from one end to the other and even longer to ride a mike on. Many companies offer bike rides for a range of fifty five to seventy five dollars. These places provide bike rides for each individual and equipment.

Bolivia attractions are extremely interesting and can make a person feel exhilarated. Whether a tourist travels the Yungas trail, explores the Inca ruins, or swims in one of the largest fresh water lakes, the experience will be adventurous. Bolivia sites are some of the most famous places in the world and yearly, millions and millions of people travel to the country to engage in many of these different activities.

Bolivia Tours

Bolivia is a beautiful country in South America that houses some of the most beautiful historical places on earth. A Bolivia tour is a great idea and can be done for a very inexpensive fee. Many travel agencies will host Bolivia tours for cheaper than one done alone. Each way has the same effects, the only difference is that travel agents are experts in the field of touring and vacationing and yield better results in terms of finding placed that are safe and the most fun. When embarking on a Bolivia tour many people want to see the Yungas road which is a very dangerous and famous road. The Yungas road is the host of the most deaths per mile of any road in the world. This is located on the Andes mountain and is about two miles long. Many agencies host Bolivian tours on this road and provide bikes for hiking in particular. This Bolivia tour is so dangerous because it is a two lane road that is only wide enough to fit one car at a time. Additionally, this road has sharp blind corners that make it impossible to see who is coming around it. Cars drive like people do in the United States, meaning on the left side of the road. The time that it takes to explore this Bolivia tour is four hours.

Bolivia tours also include hiking up Inca trails, and exploring Inca ruins. Some of the best locations to do this are located on Lake Titicaca, which is the largest fresh water lake in South America. Not only does this lake have some of the largest and best frog leg cuisine, it also has the best beaches. On the lake are many different islands where tourists can embark on Bolivia tours of Inca ruins. One of the most famous towns within these islands is the Copacabana, which is the home of the sixteenth century cathedral that is used by native to pray to the Virgin Mary/. Boat rides can be taken from the Copacabana to any of the other islands to embark on a Bolivia tour.
Also located near Lake Titicaca, is the ruins of Tiwanaku which is a very important pre-archaeological site in Bolivia. This Bolivia tour will show the ancient site of the Andean civilization. These people gave a basis to the now Bolivian Culture and the once Inca empire. Tickets to this attraction are ten dollars, and many agencies host bus rides to the site. Much of the Tiwanaku ruins are still in original form from thousands and thousands of years ago. Another great tour to go on is that of the Chacaltaya ski resort. This is the only ski resort in all of Bolivia and it is the worlds highest. The glacier that it sit on is one of the highest in South America. Many people come to this resort to experience something exhilarating.

Bolivia tours are great vacations for history buffs, or people that love to explore. Each journey will place the tourists in a different type of atmosphere. Some of the Bolivian tours are dangerous, boring, interesting, or just plain cool. No matter what a tourist chooses he/she are bound to enjoy themselves.

Bolivia information

Bolivia is a beautiful country that is known for its rugged appeal, two weather seasons, historical sites, and wet and humid rain forests. Bolivia information indicates that it is located in the heart of South America, and very close to the Equator. The roots of Bolivia info derive from the ancient Inca tribes. and the Andean Civilization. Many of the traditions of these groups have remained prevalent today. The country is separated into departments; La Paz, Santa Cruz, Chochabamba, Chuquisaca, Potosi, Oruro, Tarija, Beni, and Pando. These departments are divided in to provinces, where class systems currently exist. The majority of the countries citizens are located in LaPaz.

Bolivia information concerning La Paz is impressive. La Paz is a city in western Bolivia, located on the La Paz River. La Paz is Bolivia’s largest city, as well as the country’s administrative capital. The city sits on the Andes Mountains and is about 11,900 ft above sea level, making it the highest large city in the world. La Paz is linked by railroads and highways to cities in Peru and Argentina and to Africa, Chile, the nearest port on the Pacific Ocean. It also has an international airport. It is also the site of the University of San Andrés, the Catholic Bolivian University, the National Museum, the presidential and legislative palaces, and a cathedral that can hold a capacity of 12,000. Bolivia info states that La Paz was founded by the Spanish in 1548. It flourished because of its location on the trade route between the Bolivian silver mines and the ocean. Bolivia information regarding famous places in La Paz include the Copacabanna which is where the very famous cathedral is located. Many tourists go there to gather Bolivia info on some of the Inca trails and bout rides. La Paz houses some of the best hospitals that Bolivia has to offer, and some of the best technology. Bolivia information shows that although La Paz is the administrative capital Santa Cruz is the industrial capital of Bolivia.

Bolivia is was one of the first countries in South America that struggled to separate themselves from the crown. It took twenty five years for Bolivia info to change from dependent to independent. Bolivia gained independence in eighteen twenty five. The natives of Bolivia have struggled to keep their heritage alive while gaining a living. The country relied solely on mining and the coca crop to gain monetary funds through exporting. However, with the surge of slavery after the Spanish took over, left many individuals struggling to catch up to the culture once the independence came. This Bolivia info is also do in part to the many revolutions that broke out during the twenty five years the people fought to gain their independence. Bolivia information speaks for itself, in that it depicts a country that has managed to stay true to its form. Most of the ancient ruins are still in tact and in original form. The native cuisine is uniquely theirs, and hasn’t changed to go along with western tradition, despite western influence. Most of all Bolivia has managed to stay increasingly authentic and is now a place that makes a lot of money off of tourism.