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Overview | Bolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the vastly differing Amazonian and Andean landscapes, and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination if you're looking for more than postcards. | When To Go | Travelers will encounter just about every climatic zone in Bolivia, from stifling humidity and heat to arctic cold. Summer November to April is the rainy season, when overland transportation becomes difficult if not impossible in some areas. In the lowlands it can be utterly miserable, with mud, high humidity, biting insects and relentless tropical downpours. The most popular, and arguably most comfortable, time for exploring the whole country is during winter May to October with its dry, clear days. This is also the best season for climbing.The high tourist season falls between late June and early September, due not only to climatic factors, but the timing of European and North American summer vacations and the fact that it's also Bolivia's major fiesta season. Both international visitors and lots of South Americans are traveling during this period, so prices are generally higher than during the rest of the year. | Visas | Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry. Entry or exit stamps are free, and attempts at charging should be met with polite refusal; ask for a receipt if the issue is pressed.Bolivian visa requirements can be arbitrarily changed and interpreted. Regulations, including entry stays, are likely to change. Each Bolivian consulate and border crossing may have its own entry requirements, procedures and idiosyncrasies.Citizens of most South American and Western European countries can get a tourist card on entry for stays up to 90 days, depending on the nationality. | Weather | Most of Bolivia lies as near to the equator as Tahiti or Hawaii, but its elevation and unprotected expanses result in unpredictable weather. The two poles of climatic extremes are Puerto Suárez with its overwhelming heat, and Uyuni for its icy, cold winds. But there are no absolutes; at times you can sunbathe in Uyuni and freeze in Puerto Suárez.
Knowing what to pack depends not so much on when you go but how high you go. Ascending a whopping 3657m 12,000ft to a town like La Paz will mean rugging up year-round, with maximum temperatures only nudging the 20°C 68°F mark and dropping to the low single digits at night. Visit the Bolivian lowlands, however, and you'll be peeling off the layers, with average monthly highs sitting around 30°C 86°F. In both cases, the rain is generally less in the middle months, especially July; November to March at low altitudes are downright soaking. | Getting There | Only a few airlines offer direct flights to Bolivia - many people fly into another South American country and travel overland, which is generally cheaper. |
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 |  | Bolivia & High Andes | In La Paz pick up a trinket from the witches’ market, visit the highest ski ‘resort’ in the world or hurtle down thousands of metres by mountain bike. Tarabuco market is a riot of colourful textiles and headgear reminiscent of Spanish conquistador helmets. Sucre and Potosi have the relaxed ambience and charm of colonial towns and you’ll get the chance to experience the raw workings of a silver mine, once the heartbeat of the Spanish Empire. |
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|  | | | | Taste of Peru | The highest navigable lake in the world and the birthplace of the Inca empire, Titicaca is a stunning expanse of vibrant blue water. Here you visit the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians and explore Taquile Island with its traditional way of life. Crossing the altiplano you pass typical Andean villages as you head to the centre of Inca civilisation. |
| | Please Click Here for more information on Taste of Peru | |
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