Straddling the Andes, Bolivia is one of the lesser visited countries in the region, but is also one that captures the hearts of those who travel to this rewarding hidden corner. A Bolivia holiday can take in some of the most spectacular wildernesses in South America, from the snow-capped Andean mountain ranges down to the lush forests of the Amazon basin, and from sparkling lakes and altiplano to bright white salt flats.
Landlocked in the heart of the South America, this little country is home to some of the most untouched areas of the Amazon rainforest, which can be explored best from one of the new eco-lodges. In contrast to this steamy tropical jungle, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at a height of 3,800 metres, with its cold waters averaging a surface temperature of between 10-12 °C. With shorelines in both Bolivia and Peru, the lake is included in most Peru and Bolivia holiday itineraries.
Also not to be missed are the colonial towns of Sucre (a UNESCO world heritage site) and the silver mining centre of Potosi. Both are well-preserved examples of the country's Spanish past, and Sucre in particular has buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. La Paz too has much to interest visitors - Bolivia's largest city has lively traditional markets, musems, coffee shops and great views of snowy Mt Illimani on a clear day. Take your woolies though as the high altitute means its pretty cool year round.
For good reason, it's difficult to find an advert for holidays in Latin America without an image of Bolivia's extraordinary Uyuni Salt Flats. The flats stretch from southern Bolivia across the border into northern Chile. The gleam from the miles of glistening salt crust mean that sunglasses and sun cream are essential as you travel across the flats by four-wheel drive. Our favourite Bolivia holiday excursion is trip out into the flats with one of the new AirStream Campers.
In some circles Bolivia is also becoming known as a destination for the more adventurous. For example, cyclists can embrace the extreme thrill of cycling down a road that has been branded as the world's most dangerous. Not for everyone, but our experienced Latin America team can shape exactly the right holiday in Bolivia to suit all tastes and requirements.
With its hauntingly beautiful rugged terrain and colourful indigenous customs and festivals, this is a fascinating country. There is more than enough to see on a Bolivia holiday to justify a trip to this country in its own right, however it can easily be combined with both Peru and Chile, as well as Argentina and Brazil.