Bolivia is timeless. It is completely landlocked by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru and stretches the majestic Andean peaks and their high plateaus, to the lush rainforests and vast savannas of the Amazon basin. It is the South America one may have encountered back in the days of the conquistadors. Though its larger cities have their share of modern architecture, it blends with the old colonial style of the Spanish, and the smaller native villages typify life on the Altiplano – the high plateau of the Andes Mountains.

It is 1,098,581 sq km in area and has a population of around 8 million. The climate does not vary greatly throughout the year, being cool on the highlands, mild in the valley and warm on the low lands. Its people are descendants of Spanish, native Aymara, Quechua and Guaraní Indians and a variety of dialects are spoken. Bolivians are smiling, hospitable and fiercely proud of their past.

Bolivia has many outstanding attractions. La Paz is an interesting contrast of old and new, with modern skyscrapers, ornate colonial churches, the mysterious moon valley and the bustling witches’ market. It also boasts the world’s highest golf course and nearby the highest ski resort. Lake Titicaca the world’s highest navigable lake with its deep blue tranquil waters, where some local Indians build islands from tortora reeds in order to live on the lake. They also make their homes and boats from the same reeds. The pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanacu are considered “The Cradle Of The American Civilizations” and are comprised of monoliths and temples, as well as an astonishing legacy of metal and ceramic arts. There are also the colonial treasures of Sucre and Potosi. Sucre, the romantic capital of Bolivia, conserves the 17th century atmosphere and a unique legacy of colonial arts. Potosi was the wealthier city in the world during the colonial time. There is a popular saying that its Rich Mountain has produced enough silver to build a solid bridge from Potosi to Madrid. The wooden machinery of the Royal Mint is still perfectly conserved and the city is today a living museum of the colonial period. Down by Puerto Suarez near the Brazilian border, is the ‘Bolivian Pantanal’, with caves, waterfalls and rainforest, home monkeys, iguanas, toucans, humming birds, tropical birds, capybaras and other species of local fauna. Bolivia is also home to the world’s largest salt flat, covering 12,000 sq km at an impressive altitude of over 3,600 meters. It was part of prehistoric Lake Minchín, which dried up and left seasonal puddles and several salt pans, including the Salar de Uyuni. Another amazing natural highlight in the unforgettable panorama that is Bolivia.