Sights and climate of Bolivia

bolivia is one might say the center of the South American continent. The main part of the population consists of real local Americans, including the Quechua people, who are considered the “direct descendants” of the Incas.They say that the main character traits of these peoples are particularly evident in Bolivia: a peaceful and friendly attitude towards life, mutual assistance and love for ancient traditions, combined with pride and distrust of “foreigners”.

The country borders Brazil to the north and northeast; in the south and southeast – with Argentina and Paraguay, and with Peru and Chile – in the southwest and west: there is no access to the sea. The current leadership is trying to solve this problem by concluding a long-term land lease agreement with Peru for the construction of a seaport.

During the era of Spanish colonial rule, these territories were called Upper Peru for three hundred years. In 1825, after a long war of independence, Bolivia was found – a state named after General Simon Bolivar, considered a national hero in a number of South American states. Bolivar, who was born in Venezuela, liberated not only his homeland, but also other nations from Spanish rule: he is remembered with gratitude in Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and other countries.

The capital of Bolivia is named after Bolivar’s closest associate Antonio José de Sucre, but the actual center of the country seems to be the settlement of La Paz: the main part of government institutions is concentrated within it. La Paz is located higher above sea level, and tourists who come to see the sights have to acclimatize with the help of the local adaptogen plants.

Distinctive features of Bolivia’s atmospheric climate

the climate of Bolivia cannot be called smooth, and it’s not just due to the vagaries of the weather. At the same latitude, in territories with the same relief, the climate can be tropical or subequatorial, but despite all of the above, in the mountains the seasons seem to be “blurred”, and the temperature remains approximately the same, 5-11 ° C above zero. The rainy season occurs in the South American summer – September-February, and it can be quite hot – up to 34°C.

In winter, the temperature is more comfortable for Europeans – within 21°C; The best time for a trip is May-October, but the most tourists flock to Bolivia in early August, when the country celebrates Independence Day on a grand scale, joyfully and cheerfully. Folklore festivals with songs and dances are held everywhere, all sorts of games, carnival processions and parades are organized, and always bullfighting: although Spanish rule ended long ago, the traditions are very tenacious.

Some sights of Bolivia

Some Bolivian attractions have the status of “the only ones” – for example, Titicaca, the world’s greatest alpine lake. Tourists go there with joy: the lake, which creates a real border with Peru, is recognized as the main attraction in Bolivia, and one of the main ones in all of South America. The places around the lake are breathtakingly beautiful, its epic is rich in events, and the culture of the local inhabitants is mysterious and amazing. Inca myths say that their civilization began here: the son of the Sun God, Manco Capac, who became the first king of the Incas, found himself surrounded by sparkling waters. In the surrounding area, dozens of monuments and ruins of any era are preserved, representing a certain historical value: such as the Island of the Sun – Isla del Sol, which is considered the birthplace of Manco Capac, or the island of Isla de la Luna – there are the ruins of the Temple of the Virgins, built by the Incas on an even more ancient temple.

On the reservoir there are many floating zones – islands made of reeds, on which the round Uros tribe lives – within 2000 people. Working for the tourism industry is the main source of income for this tribe: they sell unique souvenirs on the islands, and you can get up close and personal with the way of life of the Uros, who even manage to raise livestock. Stunning boats, huts, and very large figures of animals and birds are made from reeds; Many Uros never leave the waters of the lake, spending the rest of their days here.

Bolivia is a high-altitude country: another unique attraction is connected with this – the Road of Doom, the main road from La Paz to the not very large town of Coroico. The name is still relevant: they say that about 200 people die there every year – on average, but people continue to travel along it. In addition, from time to time – although local travel agencies try to ensure safety – tourists also die due to collisions with cars or personal carelessness. The length of the road is within 70 km, altitude above sea level is within 1200-3600 m; in the world she is recognized as the most insidious. A sheer rock wall – sort of, an abyss – and so on; during the rainy season, the roadway gets wet, and driving literally becomes a dangerous “attraction” to death, but, although in 2007 there was another roadway, there are thirsty people all the time. There are fewer cars, but now this is a route for extreme sports enthusiasts: in La Paz, many travel agencies offer to overcome the Road of Doom on a mountain bike.

there are other places for extreme recreation. Madidi National Park was founded within 20 years ago, but excursions in its territories – which are more than 18 square meters. km – they figured it out quite recently: before that, the entrance to tourists was closed. Madidi is one of the largest protected parks in the world: the flora and fauna here are vibrantly diverse and the views are extremely beautiful, but the place is considered extremely dangerous. Only some areas of the park, the so-called eco-lodges, are visited by tourists, but with strict adherence to the rules – without this you cannot enter the park. You need to wear a special protective suit, have a flashlight and the smallest “survival kit”. The plants and representatives of the animal world of Madidi are unique and interesting, often extremely beautiful, but a huge part of them pose a danger to human health and life. If you are bitten by an ant or mosquito, you can become seriously ill; touching a flower or tree – getting a burn or injecting poison into the skin; and once you take something into your mouth – a berry or a fruit – the trip can very soon end tragically. You should not be tested or afraid: if you have the intention, you can visit the park, subject to all rules and instructions without exception. The areas where excursions are allowed are strictly guarded, and people walk in them calmly, from time to time without any suspicion of serious dangers.

It is worth talking about the historical and cultural values ​​of Bolivia separately, but La Paz can be mentioned. The settlement is located in an amazing place – a lowland, evoking memories of a ball enclosed in a canyon; he seems to be climbing the slopes of local mountains; recognized as an important cultural center. It contains a large number of ancient buildings – the cathedrals are particularly impressive – and has many fascinating museums, including the only coca museum in the world. You should definitely visit Salle Haen Street: it has preserved its style very well – once on it, you feel the atmosphere of the colonial era – they don’t even drive cars there.

It is also highly recommended to pay attention to Bolivian cuisine. This is also a cultural attraction: most of the methods and recipes for making dishes have remained unchanged, perhaps not since the times of the Incas – you definitely won’t try this kind of food from anyone else.