Bolivia travel tips

Following are regularly updated travel tips for Bolivia.

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September 18 2008 Bolivia travel tips

For something different, head south of La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's biggest salt flat at 10,582 square kilometres. This massive area was a lake until about 40,000 years ago when the water evaporated. The Salar boasts lunar landscapes with bizarre rocks resembling animals, trees and volcanoes. Snow-capped mountains occupy the horizon and about the only living things are llamas, flamingoes and giant cacti. Highlights of the Salar include the Train Graveyard, the Valle de Rocas, Laguna Hedionda, Laguna Colorado, Eduardo Avaroa, the Termas de Polques hot springs and the Sol de Manana volcanic zone boasting a series of sulfur pools and geyser basins. A shallow pool of clear water often covers the lake surface in the wet season and it's a good idea to bring along some sunglasses to cut the glare of the salty landscape. It's also smart to bring a sleeping bag, warm clothing and sun protection. The easiest and cheapest way to see this spectacular area is to go to the desert town of Uyuni, some 546 kilometres south of La Paz. The Panamericana bus company provides a daily service to Uyuni, costing up to US$10 in 2008 and taking about 13 hours. To arrange a 4-wheel drive guided tour, there are plenty of tour agencies around the town's main square or you can negotiate with the many hawkers promoting trips around the central bus station.

Note: A left-wing government was elected by the Bolivian people in late 2005 with economic and drug policies in conflict with the United States. In September 2008, violent clashes in Bolivia have claimed almost a dozen lives and injured about 20 others, with Bolivia and US expelling each other's ambassadors. Anti-government protesters have gone on the rampage mostly in the pro-autonomous east of Bolivia. Pro and anti government crowds have clashed mostly just outside Cobija, capital of the eastern province of Pando. Travellers should avoid protesting crowds.

La Paz is the most traditional Indian city in South America and most of the locals - the easy-going Los Pacenos - are extraordinarily friendly. La Paz is one of the safest South American capitals but backpackers and tourists should still be cautious, particularly in the travel hotspots.

The Madidi National Park in north-west Bolivia is 1.8 million hectares of pristine rainforest and jungle. The park is often touted as one of South America's most intact ecosystems, boasting everything from lowlands to soaring Andean peaks and a startling variety of Amazonian wildlife. An exciting way to travel through Madidi National Park is along the Tuichi River, many tourists staying in the town of San Jose. The upriver journey is cheap but can be slow and seem perilous.

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