Bolivia
Impressions from several trips to:
La Paz – Lake Titicaca – Cochabamba – Santa Cruz
Bolivia is a landlocked South American country with the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the vast Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. Bolivia has a strong indigenous heritage, reflected in its traditions, languages, and governance.
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, being the highest capital city in the world at about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. Nestled in a deep valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains, it offers stunning sometimes frightening landscapes and a unique blend of modern urban life and indigenous culture. It has one of the world's highest and longest cable car networks. Plaza Murillo is the political heart of the city, home to the Presidential Palace and National Congress. Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is a surreal landscape of eroded rock formations just outside the city. The La Paz Golf Club, located in Mallasilla, is one of the highest golf courses in the world, sitting at 3,342 meters (10,965 feet) above sea level. This high altitude makes for an interesting game, as the thin air allows golf balls to travel farther than at lower elevations.
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at an altitude of 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It is considered sacred by the Inca civilization and is rich in history, legends, and indigenous culture. It is a place of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance.
Cochabamba is a city in central Bolivia with a pleasant climate, earning it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.” It sits at an altitude of about 2,558 meters (8,392 feet). The city is a hub of agriculture, culture, and gastronomy. Cristo de la Concordia is one of the tallest Christ statues in the world.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is Bolivia’s largest city located in the eastern lowlands at an altitude of about 400 meters (1,312 feet. It is the country's economic powerhouse, driving business, agriculture, and commerce. Unlike the Andean cities of Bolivia, Santa Cruz has a tropical feel, with palm trees, warm weather, and a mix of traditional and modern culture.
