Bolivia

La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and the highest capital city in the world It is 4,080mt above sea level. the sight of this city lying 500mt below, at the bottom of a steep crater, takes your breath away- literally as breathing can be a problem here. It is an interesting city with museums, catherdrals, handicraft markets, but the real draw is the fascinating places elsewhere in Bolivia. La Paz is a good place to use for access to these places. Tiahuanaco is a remarkable archeological site, that takes it's name from one of the most important pre columbian civilizations in South America. The dating of this site varys from 10,000 BC to 160 BC. The site is still being slowly uncovered. This site seems to be a ceremonial complex at the centre of an empire which covered almost half of Bolivia, south Peru, north Chile and northwestern Argentina. It was also a hub for trans Andean trade.

LAKE TITICACA

Lake Titicaca is a beautiful clear blue lake and contains on it's southern end Isla de Sol and Isla de la Luna. It has a magical quality and is the highest navigatable lake in the world. It is definately worth experiencing by boat.

COPACABANA

Is an attractive small town on Lake Titicaca. It has a heavily restored, Moorish style catherdal containing a famous 16th century miracle working Dark Virgin of the Lak, also known as Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of Bolivia.

THE YUNGAS

The lush forested slopes behind the mountains to the north of La Paz are the main production areas of citris, bananas, coffee and coca leaves for the cpaital. It is also a favorite retreat for those wanting to escape the Anean chill.

SOUTHWEST BOLIVIA

The mining town of Oruro with its famous carnival of the devil, vast salt flats, multi-coloured lakes, flamingos and volcanos are all found in this remote and starkly beautiful corner of Bolivia which borders on Chile and Argentina. Driving across the salt lake, Salar de Uyuni is a fantastic experience, especially in June and July when the the bright blue skies contrast with the blinding white sun crust.At the other side multicoloured lakes and volcanoes that make up some of the weirdest landscapes in South America.

POTOSI, SUCRE AND THE SOUTHERN HIGLANDS

This is region which boasts the World Heritage Sites of Potosi,with its rich mining past and current mining misery, and Sucre, the white city. In the south Tarija is known for it's fruit and wines and it's traditions which set it apart from the rest of the country.

COCHABAMBA AND SURROUNDS The fertile foothills surrounding the city provide much of the country's grain, fruit and coca. Colonial villages and precolumbian sites are also within reach. It is 394 km by road from La Paz. The climate here is mild or warm. NORTHERN LOWLANDS Bolivias northern lowlands, the Cuenca Amazonia, account for 70% of the nations territory. Beni department has 53% of the country-s birds and 50% of it-s mammals. Eastern Bolivia The vast and rapidly developing plains to the west of the Eastern Cordilleras are Bolivias richest area of natural resourses. For the visitors, the pre Inca site Samaipata and the beautiful churches of the former Jesuit missions west of Santa Cruz are worth a visit.