Overview
Travel warning
Visitors should be aware that there was serious nationwide civil disruption in October 2003, and this shows signs of resurgence; in particular, the areas of the Central Highlands (Altiplano), where Lake Titicaca, Sorata and La Paz are situated, as well as Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Road blockades can still happen on all main roads at any time (especially those supplying passage to and from La Paz airport) and demonstrations should be avoided. Likewise, visitors should not attempt to breach road blockades. Recent opposition to public authority in the Central Highlands has resulted in violence, including the murder of a town mayor. For further advice, visitors should contact their local government travel advice department.
Bolivia borders Peru to the northwest, Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, and Chile to the west. La Paz, the seat of government, is the world’s highest capital city. It contains many museums and provides visitors with modern and comfortable hotels. Cochabamba, the garden city, boasts a long tradition of local culture and folklore and Tarija City’s excellent climate, combined with beautiful flowers and fine wines, makes it ideal for finding peace and quiet. The states of Beni and Pando, in the heart of the jungle, occupy a region offering visitors dramatic and colourful landscapes. Pantiti’s many rivers provide popular land and water excursions. National dishes include empanada saltea (a mixture of diced meats, chives, raisins, diced potatoes, hot sauce and pepper baked in dough) and lomo montado (fried tender loin steak with two fried eggs, rice and fried banana). Cruzena, is considered to be one of the best beers on the continent. La Paz has many nightclubs, which generally open around midnight. There are folk music and dancing shows on Fridays and Saturdays, which start late in the evening.
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