Bolivia may look small on a map of South America, but it has an area twice the size of France! The majority of its people (population - 5,718,000) live at an altitude of 12,000 feet or more.
The South American Republic of Bolivia contains mountains and tropical forests but no coast to speak of. Within Bolivia, the Andes mountains extend from north to south in two parallel ranges, the Cordillera Occidental to the west and the Cordillera Real to the east. In between the cordilleras is the altiplano, or high plain, with an average altitude of about 13,000 feet.
Snow-covered peaks rise more than 21,000 feet and several volcanoes are still active. Across the northwest boundary of Bolivia lies Lake Titicaca, which at 12,500 feet it is the highest navigable lake in the world. The northern and eastern Andean slopes contain fertile cultivated valleys that are known as the Yungas.

More than half of Bolivians are Indians of either Quechua or Aymara decent. The mestizos, (mixed Indian and white heritage), make up about 40%, while the remainder, 10%, are of European descent, mainly Spanish.

Transportation is one of Bolivia's greatest problems. There are rail links with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru and international airlines connect La Paz with cities in North and South America. But there are many parts of Bolivia that lack easy access to the rest of the nation.

La Paz

La Paz is the country's largest city and administrative capital , and has about 1.5 million inhabitants. (Sucre, is the official capital). The city is situated on the altiplano, and appears at first as a huge crater with high rises on the bottom, and tin roofed huts clinging to the sides all the way up the sides. As the altitude increases from the floor, the population decreases, and the neighborhoods change from rich to very poor. The reverse of many places, the poorest neighborhoods are higher up and have the best views of the city.

La Paz stands next to the impressionable Mt. Illimani, a 21,200 foot mountain that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

La Paz was founded by the Spanish explorer Alonso de Mendoza while he was on yet another quest for gold in 1548. It was populated with Indians of either Quechua or Aymara decent at the time. La Paz later became a gold/silver mining camp of 20,000 Europeans, and by the 17th century had grown significantly. In 1825 the city became part of the new independent country of Bolivia.

A few comments about the climate in La Paz. The winter season is June through September, and temps can be around 30F in the city, and lower outside in El Alto. Summer season starts around December and lasts until March. Temps usually are about 70F. Summer season is the rainy season so be prepared. The best climate is in April and May.

In the center of the city you'll find the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, and the National Art Museum, all along the central Plaza Murillo. In addition to these sites those that are highlighted are:

El Prado - Along Avenida 16 de Julio is the city's main drag. Indian women in their famous bowler hats selling everything from food to crafts to walkman speakers line this street, and hotels and restaurants are located here. It's fairly safe to walk during the day or at night.

Camacho Indian Market - The city's main market, lined stalls sell everything from meats to arts and crafts. It's open daily and Saturday is the busiest day for the market.

Indian Witchcraft Market - On Calle Linares is a fascinating market where Indian women sell coco leaves, herbs, charms, and other things important to their culture for magic and healing. Not for the faint at heart, you'll see lots of gross items such as llama lard, dried llama fetuses, bones, and other items that will protect you from the bad forces.

Valle de La Luna (Valley of the Moon) - Located just outside the city is a 15 mile stretch of land which is geologically very interesting due to its lunar-like landscape, and multicolored red/brown spires of rock. Take a cab here or go with a tour guide. There are a few things to walk around and see here. The best time to go here is just before sunset for dramatic light effects.

La Paz hosts a few festivals and fairs throughout the year. One important event is the "Festival de Gran Poder" (Festival of Great Power), held in June. This event starts around mid-morning and lasts until almost midnight. It consists of a parade of masked dancers and musicians down Avenida 16 de Julio. Rather than having a theme of Bolivian and Andean culture, this parade seems to express the theme of Bolivia's progress in the 21^st Century. In any event, it's a major parade with concessions, food, and lots of spectators.

$$$$ Plaza Hotel - the best in town, this hotel has about 200 rooms, a rooftop restaurant/bar with a stunning view, and a swimming pool. It's right on the Plaza Murillo and very convenient. Location 1789 Av. 16 de Julio,

$$$ El Rey Hotel - A newer hotel with 43 rooms, restaurant/bar. Location 1947 Av. 20 de Octubre,

$$ Residential Rosario - Great for the backpack crowd, this place is across from the Indian Witchcraft market. It has 48 rooms and a restaurant. Location 704 Calle Illampu,

$$ La Casa de Los Pacenos - Typical Bolivian food in an old world setting, wood floors, beams, great atmosphere, and good spicy Bolivian food. Calle Sucre @ Calle Pichincha,

$$ Naira - This is probably the restaurant that serves the most typical Bolivian food in La Paz. Family style dining, wooden tables and picante hot food. Next door is the Pena, where you can hear live music. 161 Calle Sagarnaga,

Lastly, if your not feeling too adventurous and want good international cuisine, the Plaza Hotel has a very good rooftop restaurant "Arcon de Oro" specializing in fish from Lake Titicaca, all with the best view of La Paz. Calle 16 de Julio, .

Tiahuanaco, pronounced Tiwanaku, is a site on the southern end of Lake Titicaca, on about 50 acres. It is Bolivias most important archeological zone and believed to be the capital of a civilization 3000 years ago before the Inca. The site is reached by a difficult 45 mile ride outside of La Paz on dirt roads.

A pre-Inca empire, Tiahuanaco peaked between 600-900 AD, and was later conquered by the Inca. People here were known for their invention of the calendar, hieroglyphics, and there systems for processing minerals.

Yungas

Located north of La Paz, Bolivia lies the Yungas valley. This lucious sub-tropical region boasts some of the worlds most beatiful vegetation and fauna. The climate as you would expect is very humid and one should be prepared for the occasional shower. The temperature however varies greatly with the region you are in. Higher up in elevation and closer to the Cordillera Real temperatures will be cooler than that of the areas deep in the valley. Access to this valley is by way of a very narrow winding road which creeps its way down the mountains. The Yungas road is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. You can visit many towns such as Yolosa, Coroico, Coripata, Chulumani, Guanay, and many other small villages.