Travelling to Bolivia soon?
As a Bolivian specialist, we receive many enquiries
about travel to the country and always try to give the best possible advice.
Here are my answers to the top ten questions I
received about Bolivia in 2012.
1.- Will altitude affect me
when I arrive to La Paz?
Most likely yes, although if dealt with sensibly,
there is no need to think this may be a problem at all for your visit.
In fact I only know one person, my friend Bridget, who
felt no effects at all from being at high altitude. We even had her tested amid
simulated conditions at the Altitude Centre in London, which gave a rare
conclusion that Bridget could indeed run and walk as if she was at sea-level.
The reality for most people is that on your first day
at high altitude you will have to take it easy, drink plenty of water, eat and
sleep. Your body needs to adjust and this should minimise any uncomfortable
headaches or breathlessness.
As I mentioned in a recent newsletter, I found that
taking Altivit tablets before my most recent journey helped me in adjusting to
high altitude quicker than for previous trips.
2 Are there any direct
flights from the UK or Europe to Bolivia?
From 29 November 2012, Spanish carrier AirEuropa is
introducing two weekly flights from London Gatwick to the Bolivian city of
Santa Cruz, via Madrid.
From the USA, direct flights to Bolivia leave from
Miami.
3 Can I visit Fish Island
and the salt flats in the wet season?
Unfortunately not. If you travel in the rainy season
of January to March you will likely have the unique experience of seeing the
salt flats reflecting like the world’s biggest mirror. But a full tour to visit
the island in the middle of the flats will not be possible in those wet
conditions.
4 When is the best time to
visit Bolivia?
Spring time (September-November) is the best time, as
it is not too cold in the salt flats and desert, with far more sunshine and
very little rain.
5 Is Bolivia safe to travel
to?
Like many countries you visit as a tourist there are
risks, particularly if you don’t speak the main language (Spanish).
Compared to most South American countries, Bolivia is
safe for travelers, although crime rates have increased slightly over the last
five years.
But I always say that it is important to be streetwise
and not to carry all your valuables with you when out and about. I always
recommend making electronic copies of your passport and travel tickets
accessible online and on paper.
6 What is Bolivian food
like? Will I have problems finding things to eat if I am vegetarian?
You will find that many meals, particularly at higher
altitudes, are quite heavy and consist of meat, potatoes and rice, which helps
because your body will burn more calories.
Keeping to a strict vegetarian diet can sometimes be a
difficult, as soups are often made from chicken or beef stock. And on some
menus even salads identified as vegetarian might contain small pieces of ham or
bacon.
I always recommend not to eat raw vegetables to avoid
stomach problems.
7 What currency should I
travel with?
If you travel with US dollars many hotels and shops
will accept them directly but are also easily changed in cities at good rates
for the national currency, Bolivianos. You should also be able to use ATMs in
the main cities to withdraw Bolivianos.
8 What is the weather like,
do you have different season?
21 December to 20 March – Summer - will feel warm
but with more frequent rainfall. Sometimes it will snow in the highlands and
evenings can be cold.
21 March – 20 June – Autumn – Can be pleasant and
sunny, but evenings are cold in the highlands
21 June – 20 September – Winter – Temperatures get
below freezing in the evenings, and at high altitude temperatures can reach -20
C in the salt flats and desert areas.
21 September – 20 December – Spring – warm and
pleasant, although it will still be cold at high altitude in the evenings.
9 What vaccinations do I
need to have?
If you are travelling to the Amazon region you will
need a yellow fever vaccination.
I recommend you visit your GP, where in the UK a nurse
will be able to provide the latest information for the vaccines required for
the area you will be visiting.
10 Bolivia is part of the
Amazon?
Yes, in fact a large part of Bolivia’s east is Amazon
jungle, with many sections virgin rainforest.
Until next time.
Bibiana
PS: Here are some pictures of La Paz on 1 Dec 2012, snowed the evening before.
