Bolivia

A tourist travelling through this country can find totally different landscapes depending on which part of the country is visited. In the southwest is the Andean altiplano, situated at an altitude of over 3000 metres above sea level. To the north is the Amazon with its great biodiversity. And to the southeast is the flat Chaco region.

The official language is Spanish. However, when you go somewhere you will often hear local people speaking a native language. Quechua and Aymara are the most common indigenous languages.

There are international airports in Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. There are routes and buses linking the country's main cities. However, some destinations, such as those in the Amazon, can be difficult to reach.

In general, rainfall tends to be higher in January and February (summer), and lower in the middle of the year. This is true both in the lowlands (with a more or less marked dry season depending on the region) and in the highlands where the winter is dry and rainfall normally occurs in the summer.

Among the best known destinations are the Uyuni salt flats, the Sajama National Park, the Torotoro National Park and Lake Titicaca with its Isla del Sol. The archaeological area of Tiwanaku is recommended for those who are interested in native cultures.

When visiting the Andean zone, try to make little physical effort, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol consumption, because it is at high altitude (consult a doctor for more information). And if you go to the Amazon region or the Yungas, you should always carry insect repellent. There are departments in Bolivia where it may be compulsory to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter (check before you go).