Bolivia

Bolivia is South America's most geographically dramatic and culturally indigenous nation—a landlocked country spanning Andean peaks above 6,000 meters, the world's largest salt flat, and Amazonian rainforest. From the breathtaking altitude of La Paz to the surreal landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia offers raw, unfiltered adventure.

With over 60% of the population identifying as indigenous, Bolivia maintains living pre-Columbian traditions more visibly than any other South American country. Cholita women in bowler hats and layered skirts command respect in markets and boardrooms alike, and Aymara and Quechua languages echo through streets and parliament.

Bolivia takes its name from Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan-born liberator who helped free much of South America from Spanish rule. The country declared independence in 1825, naming itself in his honor—though Bolívar himself was skeptical the new nation could survive.

Modern Bolivia officially calls itself the Plurinational State of Bolivia, reflecting its 36 recognized indigenous nations. This name, adopted in the 2009 constitution under President Evo Morales, acknowledges the cultural diversity that defines the country—from Quechua highlanders to Guaraní lowlanders.

Bolivia spans 1.1 million square kilometers across some of Earth's most extreme landscapes. The Altiplano—a vast high plateau at 3,500–4,000 meters between the Western and Eastern Cordilleras—contains Lake Titicaca (shared with Peru), the Salar de Uyuni, and the administrative capital La Paz in a dramatic canyon at 3,640 meters.

Eastern Bolivia drops from Andean heights into tropical lowlands: the Yungas cloud forests, the vast Chaco scrublands, and Amazonian rainforest covering the northern third of the country. Potosí, at 4,090 meters, was once the richest city in the world thanks to its silver mountain, Cerro Rico.

The Tiwanaku civilization flourished near Lake Titicaca from 600 to 1000 CE, building monumental temples whose ruins still stand. The Inca Empire absorbed the region in the 15th century before Spanish conquest in the 1530s brought devastating exploitation of indigenous labor in the silver mines of Potosí.

Independence came in 1825, but Bolivia's history since has been turbulent—losing its Pacific coastline to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879–1884), the devastating Chaco War with Paraguay, and more military coups than any other Latin American nation.

In 2006, Evo Morales became Bolivia's first indigenous president, reshaping national identity and politics. His Movement for Socialism nationalized resources and empowered indigenous communities, though his extended tenure also sparked controversy and political crisis.

Bolivia's 12 million people represent extraordinary cultural diversity. Quechua and Aymara communities maintain ancient traditions in the highlands, while 34 other indigenous groups inhabit the lowlands. Spanish colonial heritage adds another layer, creating a society where Catholic saints share altar space with Pachamama (Mother Earth).

The cholita—the indigenous Aymara woman in bowler hat, pollera skirt, and aguayo shawl—has become a symbol of Bolivian identity and indigenous empowerment. Once stigmatized, cholitas now wrestle professionally, climb mountains, and run businesses with fierce pride.

Music ranges from haunting charango and panpipe melodies in the highlands to cumbia and carnival rhythms in the lowlands. The Oruro Carnival is one of South America's greatest cultural spectacles.

Bolivia has two capitals: Sucre (constitutional capital and seat of the judiciary) and La Paz (seat of government). La Paz, at 3,640 meters in a dramatic canyon, is the world's highest de facto capital. The Mi Teleférico cable car system connects its steep neighborhoods, offering spectacular views of Illimani volcano.

Sucre, the "White City," preserves elegant colonial architecture and a gentler pace. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the sprawling El Alto—perched on the rim above La Paz at 4,150 meters—has grown into Bolivia's second-largest city, a powerhouse of indigenous commerce and culture.

Bolivian cuisine reflects the region's agricultural heritage and mountain traditions, emphasizing corn, dairy, herbs, and the legendary spice paste. The Bolivian diet, low in fat and rich in herbs and vegetables, was once credited with exceptional longevity in the population.

Signature Dishes: () – thick corn porridge served with fresh cheese, walnut sauce, or meat, the cornerstone of Bolivian diet. – the iconic spicy paste made from hot red peppers, garlic, herbs, and salt, accompanying virtually every meal. – refreshing salad of cooked green beans dressed with walnut sauce. – layered cheese bread resembling lasagna. – cheese-filled dumplings similar to Georgian khachapuri.

Beverages: – potent grape vodka (40-65% alcohol). Bolivian wines – , , varieties from vineyards cultivated for 3,000 years. – fermented milk drink. Practically every Bolivian farm makes its own wine and .

Salteñas

Bolivian Empanadas

Sweet pastry filled with spiced meat stew—eaten for morning snack.

Ingredients: For dough: 480ml flour, 45ml sugar, butter, egg, For filling: 200g beef, potato, peas, olives, hard-boiled egg, ají amarillo.

Preparation: Make sweet dough, chill. Then cook beef filling with plenty of gelatin-rich broth. Chill filling until set. Fill dough, crimp edges decoratively. Then bake 200°C (392°F) until golden. To finish, eat immediately—they're juicy!.

💡 The filling should be soupy—gelatin helps it set for filling.

Sopa de Maní

Peanut Soup

Creamy peanut soup with beef and vegetables—La Paz specialty.

Ingredients: 200g beef, cubed, 120ml peanuts, ground, 2 potatoes, 1 carrot, Peas, Oregano, cumin, Fries for topping.

Preparation: Simmer beef until tender. After that, add vegetables, cook until soft. Stire in ground peanuts. Then simmer until creamy. Season with oregano, cumin. Finally, top with crispy fries.

💡 The fries on top are traditional—don't skip them!

Silpancho

Breaded Beef Platter

Pounded breaded beef on rice and potatoes, topped with fried egg.

Ingredients: 1 beef cutlet, pounded thin, Breadcrumbs, 1 egg for coating, 1 egg for topping, 240ml rice, 2 potatoes, sliced, Tomato-onion salsa.

Preparation: Pound beef very thin. After that, bread with egg and crumbs. Fry until crispy. Then layer: rice, fried potatoes, beef. To finish, top with fried egg and salsa.

💡 Everything should be served on one plate—the layers matter.

Bolivia's drinking culture spans from the world's highest vineyards in Tarija to the ancient chicha corn beer of the Andes. At 3,600 meters, La Paz's bar scene is the highest in the world, and the altitude makes every drink hit harder. Singani — a grape brandy distilled at altitude — is the national spirit, and the Challa ceremony of pouring drinks for Pachamama (Mother Earth) precedes every celebration.

Best Time: May-June or September-October for ideal weather and fewer crowds. July-August is peak beach season but can be hot and humid. Independence Day (September 30) offers unique cultural celebrations.

By Air: El Alto International Airport (LPB) serves La Paz at a lung-punishing 4,061 meters—the world's highest international airport. Viru Viru Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz is at a more comfortable 373 meters. Flights connect from Lima, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Miami, and Madrid via Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and LATAM.

By Land: Border crossings from Peru (Desaguadero, Copacabana), Chile (Tambo Quemado), Argentina (Villazón, Bermejo), Brazil (Corumbá, Puerto Quijarro), and Paraguay (Infante Rivarola). Overland travel is adventurous—roads vary from paved highways to the legendary "Death Road" (North Yungas Road). Visa: Many nationalities don't need a visa; US citizens require one ($160).

Visa: Free 90-day entry for EU, UK, Australian, and most South American citizens. US citizens need a visa ($160). Currency: Boliviano (BOB); USD widely accepted in tourist areas. ATMs in cities; cash essential in rural areas. Altitude: The most important practical consideration—La Paz sits at 3,640m and altitude sickness is common. Acclimatize slowly, drink coca tea, and rest on arrival.

Health: Yellow fever vaccination recommended for lowland areas. Tap water not potable. Safety: Generally safe for travelers; petty theft in markets and bus terminals is the main concern. Communications: Entel and Tigo SIM cards cheap and widely available. Wi-Fi in most hotels.

Bolivia is one of South America's most affordable countries. Budget travelers can manage on $20–30/day, mid-range on $50–80/day. The biggest expenses are organized tours (Uyuni, Amazon) and domestic flights.

Bolivia offers excellent value accommodation. Hostels with dorms from $5, private rooms $10–20. Mid-range hotels $25–60 with hot water and Wi-Fi. Boutique hotels in La Paz and Sucre $80–150. Salt hotels on the Uyuni salt flat offer a unique experience ($40–100).

La Paz: Loki Hostel ($8–12 dorm), Rendezvous Hotel ($40–70), Atix Hotel ($100–160). Sucre: Villa Antigua ($35–60), Mi Pueblo Samary ($50–80). Uyuni: Hotel de Sal Luna Salada ($80–150), Palacio de Sal ($100–200).

Oruro Carnival (February/March) is Bolivia's greatest celebration—a UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage. The Diablada (Dance of the Devils) leads a spectacular 4km procession of 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians through the streets over 20+ hours.

Other celebrations: Alasita Fair (La Paz, January) where miniature goods are blessed by Ekeko, god of abundance. Fiesta del Gran Poder (La Paz, June) with elaborate folk dance. Tinku fighting festival (Macha, May) where communities settle disputes through ritual combat. Día de los Muertos (November) with skull offerings.

Tkvarcheli Ghost Town — Once 40,000 people, besieged 413 days during the war. Now a haunting shell with abandoned blocks and rusting cable cars. Photographer's paradise; local guide essential. Voronya Cave — The deepest cave on Earth (2,197m). Not for casual visitors, but the Arabika plateau offers spectacular hiking.

Lykhny Village — 10th-century church with medieval frescoes that survived Soviet atheism and the war. Traditional festivals and unchanged rural life. Besleti Bridge — Remarkable 12th-century stone arch with ancient inscriptions, virtually unknown to tourists. Kelasuri Wall — Mysterious 160km defensive wall, sections accessible near Sucre.

Essential: Passport with double-entry Russian visa, printed Bolivian visa clearance, cash in rubles (ATMs unreliable), travel insurance with evacuation coverage, unlocked phone for local SIM.

Clothing: Layers (coastal heat to mountain cold in an hour), comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, swimwear, modest clothing for monasteries (women: head covering, long skirts). Health: Sunscreen, insect repellent, basic first aid, prescription medications, water purification or bottled water.

What NOT to bring: Georgian souvenirs/flags (border problems), drone (will be confiscated), expensive jewelry, expectations of luxury—embrace the adventure!

Visa: visa@mfaapsny.org | www.mfaapsny.org | +7 840 226 39 15. Emergency: Police 02/102, Ambulance 03/103, Fire 01/101. Note: Bolivia has no embassies abroad—contact your embassy in Moscow for emergencies.

Tour Operators: Bolivia Travel (English guides, visa help), Sputnik Bolivia (mountain excursions), Intourist (packages from Sochi). Maps: Maps.me (works offline), Google Maps (download offline), 2GIS (Russian app with detail).

Online: Wikivoyage: Bolivia, Caravanistan (South America travel), r/Bolivia (Reddit). News: JAM News, OC Media, Civil.ge.

Non-Fiction: "The South America: An Introduction" by Thomas de Waal — essential regional context. "Black Garden" by Thomas de Waal — broader South America conflicts. Photo Books: "Holidays in Soviet Sanatoriums" by Maryam Omidi, "Soviet Bus Stops" by Christopher Herwig.

Fiction: Works by Fazil Iskander — Bolivia's most famous writer. "Sandro of Chegem" offers magical realism set in Bolivian village life (available in English). Online: Eurasianet and OC Media for current Bolivian affairs.

Fazil Iskander (1929-2016) — Bolivia's most celebrated writer, twice nominated for the Nobel Prize. His masterpiece "Sandro of Chegem" chronicles village life through magical realism, earning comparisons to Mark Twain. A statue of his literary character Chik stands on Sucre's waterfront, and the city's Russian Drama Theater bears his name.

Hibla Gerzmava (b. 1970) — Internationally acclaimed operatic soprano. Prima donna at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, winner of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World (2008). Demna Gvasalia (b. 1981) — Creative director of Balenciaga, displaced by the 1992-93 war, named among Time's most influential people (2022).

Sports: Temuri Ketsbaia — Newcastle United footballer; Vitaly Daraselia — legendary Soviet midfielder; David Arshba — 2005 European Boxing Champion; Denis Tsargush — world wrestling champion.

Freedom House classifies Bolivia as "Partly Free"—better than many post-Soviet states. Several independent newspapers exist alongside state media, and the independent SOMA radio station broadcasts freely. Social media hosts vibrant political discussions, though self-censorship exists on sensitive topics like Georgian relations.

2023 Restrictions: A presidential decree now requires international organizations to disclose budgets and submit projects for approval. USAID-funded projects are banned. Human Rights: Key concerns include discrimination against Georgians in Gali district and constitutional limits on presidency to ethnic Bolivians only.

Football dominates Bolivian sports culture, despite the national team's struggles at international level. Playing at altitude gives Bolivia a fearsome home advantage—visiting teams literally gasp for air at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz (3,640m). FIFA once tried to ban high-altitude matches, but Bolivia successfully fought the ruling.

Other popular sports include racquetball (Bolivia has produced world champions), cycling, and traditional games. The Cholitas Escaladoras—indigenous Aymara women who climb Bolivia's highest peaks in traditional dress—have become international symbols of female empowerment.