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GAY FRIENDLY BOLIVIA
Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, advice on where to sleep and what to eat, and above all special suggestions to make the most of your trip!
Welcome to Bolivia, among lively and chaotic markets,
typical costumes and an explosive mix between tradition and modernity,
all this with an altitude that will make you feel
to touch the sky with your fingers.
BOLIVIA GAY FRIENDLY
Same-sex civil unions are legal in Bolivia. La Paz and Santa Cruz are the largest cities in Bolivia and the first Pride parade took place in the capital in 2001 and has taken place every year since.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this destination at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
OPTION 1)
Arriving from the Puno border after a trip to PERU
Day 1 - Puno - (border Desaguadero) - La Paz
Discover More - MAP'GUIDE • PERU
OPTION 2)
arrivare con l'aereo a LA PAZ
Day 1 - EUROPE/ La Paz
Day 2 - La Paz
Day 3 - La Paz - Copacabana - Isla del Sol - La Paz - Google Maps
Day 4 - La Paz / Uyuni (domestic flight) - Train Cemetery - Colchani - Plaza de las Banderas - Incahuasi Island - Thunupa Volcano View - Colchani (Salt Hotel)
Day 5 - Colchani - Valle de las Rocas - Laguna Vinto - Uyuni
Day 6 - Uyuni - Potosí - Sucre - Google Maps
Day 7 - Sucre / Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Viru Viru) (domestic flight)
Day 8 - Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Viru Viru) / EUROPE
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map
WHAT TO SEE in BOLIVIA?
BEST THINGS TO SEE in BOLIVIA
La Paz
Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, known simply as 'La Paz' is the capital of Bolivia and is the highest city in the world as it is located on the Andean plateau at more than 3600 m above sea level. It is a city with a mix of cultures that create a splendid climate.
Don't miss the 10 THINGS TO SEE in LA PAZ:
1. Colorful Neighborhood of Chualluma
2. Plaza Mayor & Basílica de San Francisco
3. Calle Sagarnaga
4. Mercado de las Brujas
5. Calle Linares
6. Museo Nacional de Arte
7. Plaza Murillo
8. Teleférico & El Alto
9. Museo de la Coca
10. Mirador Killi Killi
Sucre
Sucre is defined as the most beautiful city in Bolivia, so much so that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1991. Sucre today is the constitutional and historical capital of Bolivia. It is currently the seat of the Supreme Court of Justice and other public bodies. Known as the White City for the color of its colonial buildings. Sucre contains much of the history of Bolivian and South American independence. Unmissable: the Casa de la Libertad, Catedral Metropolitana de Sucre, the Convento de San Felipe Neri, the Recoleta or Monasterio de Santa Ana de Montesión and the Mirador La Recoleta.
Salar de Uyuni
In ancient times the Salar de Uyuni was a body of water called Lake Minchin and today it has become the largest salt flat in the world with a surface area of over 10 thousand km2. It is considered to be a lake that progressively dried up about 40 thousand years ago, leaving behind an immense expanse of saline rocks. Today it is an important tourist destination but is also essential for the extraction of lithium, an essential element for the production of batteries for electric cars.
Don't miss the 5 THINGS to SEE INSIDE the SALAR DE UYUNI:
3. Colchani
Don't miss the 5 THINGS to SEE NEAR the SALAR DE UYUNI:
Tiwanaku
Initially Tiwanaku was a small agricultural settlement near Lake Titicaca and today it is an important archaeological site just 80 km from the capital.
Potosí
During a trip to Bolivia, it is impossible not to visit the town of Potosí which, with its 4060m is one of the highest cities in the world! There are many things to see in Potosí, which owes its existence to the Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) that looms above the city, arguably the richest source of silver the world has ever seen. Today Potosí, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure of colonial art and architecture.
Copacabana, Isla del Sol & Lago Titicaca
South of the large Lake Titicaca, one of the largest in South America, lies the 'Isla del Sol', the most important place in Inca mythology. To reach it you leave by boat from Copacabana. La Isla del Sol and Lake Titicaca are considered the places where the sun and the world are born.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz is the economic and modern capital of Bolivia and is the city with the most inhabitants in the country. It is a lively metropolis full of contrasts and absolutely worth a visit!
Samaipata
A place protected by UNESCO, Samaipata is the absolute place of rest and in fact here there are all the ideal characteristics for the best meditation.
Parque Nacional Madidi
The Madidi National Park is the right place for those who love nature, a nature reserve with the greatest biodiversity in the world. Indeed, in this park there is one of the most important jungle regions in the world and many scientists think that many animal species live within the park that have not yet been discovered.
Tupiza
In the south of Bolivia is Tupiza, an important mining center as it is located near the Chillcobija mines rich in zinc, silver, copper and lead.
Tarija Wine Region
Tarija is a city located south of Bolivia in the very famous region where some of the best wines in South America are produced.
Rurrenabaque – The Bolivian Amazon
Rurrenabaque, famous for its wild nature, is the starting point for excursions in the Madidi National Park region. It is a true naturalistic paradise, with centuries-old trees and wonderful crystal-clear waterways.
WHAT TO DO in BOLIVIA
Visit the Uyuni Salar
In ancient times the Salar de Uyuni was a body of water called Lake Minchin and today it has become the largest salt flat in the world with a surface area of over 10 thousand km2. It is not possible to visit it independently but an organized 4x4 tour lasting one or more days is required, depending on the starting point. Furthermore, you can reach Incahuasi Island to admire the most famous views from the summit.
Discover the Laguna Colorada
The Laguna Colorada is located approximately 4,000 meters above sea level. The peculiarity of this salt lake is its color: red, a unique color caused by red sediments and algae.
Walk around Isla del Sol
Also known as Titicaca Island, the best way to admire it is undoubtedly by staying there for at least one night. It is possible to reach it from Copacabana. The walk is wonderful and will take up many hours of your day!
See the Train Cemetery
The Great Train Cemetery is a site where many trains and equipment have been abandoned and you can see them up close completely rusted by the salty winds over the years. A tip is to visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds as it has become a famous place for visitors.
Venturing into the Amazon
The starting point to admire the Amazon is the town of Rurrenabaque. Pampas tours are the most affordable and give you the opportunity to see the most wildlife up close. The only thing is that the pampa is not immersed in the jungle and is located on the edge of the Amazon basin.
Cycle along North Yungas Road
Also called the “Road of Death”, this piece of road is officially included in many lists of the most dangerous routes in the world. This route connects La Paz with Yungas. The road first climbs to around 4,000 meters from Passo La Cumbre and then drops sharply to around 1,000 meters of Coroico.
Watching the Sunset in the Valley of the Moon
The Valley of the Moon is only about 15 miles from San Pedro and is easily accessible by car and is one of the most beautiful spots to admire the Bolivian sunset!
Get on the La Paz Cable Car
The highest cable car system in the world is located in La Paz and is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy a spectacular view of the city from above!
BEST EVENTS in BOLIVIA
Carnaval de Oruro (February)
The Oruro Carnival has been declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and takes place on 10 and 11 February each year. Undoubtedly it is one of the most popular festivals in the country with the greatest fame and recognition worldwide.
Pujillay (March)
Pujillay is one of the most unique Bolivian holidays that takes place in March. This name commemorates the Battle of Jumbate in 1816, when the Spanish and indigenous people fought to the death for the territory. During this celebration, those who lost their lives during that battle are honored.
Holy Week (April)
In Bolivia, Holy Week lasts a week, until Easter Sunday and is a holiday known throughout Latin America. One of the most enchanting celebrations of the week is Palm Sunday during which large processions parade through the streets. Good Friday, however, is characterized by a delicious 12-course meal shared with family and friends. The celebration ends at dawn on Easter Sunday, where supporters pray and give thanks to God.
Tinkus Festival (May)
In the city of Macha, in May, a traditional celebration called the Tinkus festival takes place. This festival brings together hundreds of Quechua indigenous people who honor Pachamama through combat simulations and various offerings.
Aymara New Year Festival (June)
The Aymara New Year is the largest national holiday in Bolivia. The Aymara are an indigenous population of the south and west of Bolivia and the tradition of celebrating their New Year dates back many centuries and is deeply rooted in the country's culture.
San Juan (23 June)
This Catholic holiday celebrates the biblical figure of St. John the Baptist and is traditionally celebrated by lighting huge bonfires and burning items no longer needed in the flames. Nowadays, due to safety concerns, bonfires are not so common and so people celebrate with fireworks and barbecues to cook food to share with people.
Chutillos Festival (August)
The Festival of the Chutillos coincides with the Christian feast of Saint Bartholomew on August 24th. Potosì is the city where it is possible to see and participate in this great celebration.
Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe (September)
The Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe takes place in the city of Sucre. This popular celebration is one of the most important folklore festivals in the country as it brings together more than 40,000 dancers from all over Bolivia!
Wallunk'a (November)
Wallunk'a coincides with All Saints' Day and is a celebration in which the world of the living is connected with that of the dead. This festival celebrates eroticism and seduction and to do so, at midday, women are suspended eight meters in the air on swings that symbolize the seesaw between the two worlds. At the same time, the opportunity is for younger people to find a partner!
WHERE TO STAY in BOLIVIA?
BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS, VILLAS & APARTMENTS in BOLIVIA
La Paz - Las Brisas *** ® Tested by World Mappers La Paz - El Museo Hotel Boutique ***
La Paz - Patio de Piedra Hotel Boutique ***
La Paz - Midtown La Paz ****
La Paz - Hostal Iskanwaya ***
Colchani - Hotel Palacio de Sal ® Tested by World Mappers
Colchani - Hotel de Sal Luna Salada
Uyuni - Casa de Sal - Salt Hotel ® Tested by World Mappers
Uyuni - Hotel Cristales De Sal
Uyuni - Hotel Jardines de Uyuni
Sucre - Hotel Monasterio **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Sucre - Hotel Boutique La Posada ****
Potosì - Hotel Santa Teresa ***
Copacabana - Hotel Utama ***
Cochabamba - Casa San Martin Suites
Oruro - Hotel Monte Cristo ***
Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Taos Apart Hotel ***** ® Tested by World Mappers
WHERE TO EAT in BOLIVIA ?
BEST TYPICAL RESTAURANTS of BOLIVIA Quality / Price
La Paz - €€ - Angelo Colonial ® Tested by World Mappers
La Paz - €€ - Popular Cocina Boliviana
La Paz - €€ - Mi Chola
La Paz - €€ - Ali Pacha
La Paz - €€ - Restaurant Alaya
Uyuni - €€€ - Tika Restaurante en Uyuni ® Tested by World Mappers
Uyuni - €€ - La Casa del Turista
Uyuni - €€ - The Hot Spot Uyuni
Uyuni - €€ - Level Club
Uyuni - €€ - Bouquet Du Vin Vinoteca
Uyuni - € - Llama Cafe
Sucre - €€ - Pueblo Chico ® Tested by World Mappers
Sucre - €€ - Restaurante La Posada ® Tested by World Mappers
Potosì - €€ - Sabor y Sazón Potosi
Potosì - € - Salteñeria El Hornito ® Tested by World Mappers
Potosì - € - La Salteña ® Tested by World Mappers
Santa Cruz de la Sierra - €€€ - Restaurante El Arriero
Santa Cruz de la Sierra - €€ - La Pascana (with Cathedral View) ® Tested by World Mappers
Santa Cruz de la Sierra - €€ - El Aljibe Comida Típica
Santa Cruz de la Sierra - €€ - Aviator
Copacabana - €€ - La Posada del lago
Copacabana - €€ - Restaurant La fortaleza del sabor
Cochabamba - €€ - Casa de Campo
Oruru - €€ - Factory Xpress
WHAT TO EAT in BOLIVIA?
BEST TYPICAL DISHES of BOLIVIA
Salteñas
Salteñas are filled with chicken, beef and other types of meat and are common to find in street food stalls around the country.
Silpancho
Silpancho is one of the most characteristic dishes of Bolivian cuisine. It is prepared with potatoes, rice, fried beef and fried eggs, accompanied by a salad of carrots, beets, onions and tomatoes. It is a fairly heavy dish, so it is usually eaten for lunch.
Papas Rellenas
A bit like our arancini, but with potatoes. You can find it in meat sauce or chicken and tubers, all battered and fried. The best are those in Doña Emi's La Paz, as in the Netflix episode "Food: Latin America" dedicated to Bolivian cuisine.
Pastel de Queso
The pastel de queso is freshly cooked by local street vendors. It consists of a large pancake made with flour, water, salt, butter and cheese, thrown into boiling oil for no more than 20 seconds and then topped with plenty of icing sugar. A true delicacy.
Api, Tojorì & Mocochinchi
A hot drink made from morado (purple) corn fermented together with sugar and citrus peels, flavored with cinnamon and cloves. There is also a second version, tojorì, made with white corn and the addition of anise. Another alternative is made with mocochinchi, small dried peaches from the plateau, boiled together with sugar and cinnamon, which give life to the refreshing juice of the same name.
Sopa de Manì
An unmissable Bolivian soup based on ground peanuts, lamb, veal or chicken, depending on the region, covered with fried potatoes. A less daring alternative is kalapurka, a typical Andean soup from the city of Potosì made with beef, potatoes, corn flour, chilli pepper and coriander, kept hot by small volcanic stones that are inserted into the dish before being served.
Fricasè
Long cooked pork with corn starch, coriander, chili pepper and oregano.
Chicharrón de Cerdo
It is cooked over firewood with bacon, meat and pork skin which are cooked using chicha and the animal's fat.
Chola Bun
It is a fairly strong sandwich filled with pork ham and accompanied by onion, tomato, chili pepper, parsley, coriander and many other ingredients that vary depending on the regions of the country. Sometimes, it is also seasoned with spicy sauces such as yasgua or llajua.
Ranga
Ranga is a traditional Bolivian dish from the Tarija region. It is prepared with potatoes, yellow pepper, cow belly and sometimes, tomato, onion and soup seasoning. It is a very nutritious and tasty soup characteristic of Bolivian lunches.
Pique Macho
This dish is made with a pound of beef, Vienna sausages, French fries, green and red peppers, tomato slices, julienned onions and hard-boiled eggs. Its name derives from the cut of the ingredients (Pique) and from the fact that being very spicy, many of its first diners exclaimed that it was "A picado for men".
Intendente
It is a rather strong dish that is prepared mainly with meat and its main ingredients are tripa gorda, roast loin, pork ribs, lamb ribs and kidneys, cow heart and numerous pieces of chicken. It is usually served with corn, white rice, potatoes, lettuce, tomato or onion.
Chambergos
Chambergos is one of the most characteristic typical dishes of the Holy Week celebrations in Bolivia. They are donuts and the Bolivian government recognizes them as National Cultural Heritage!
Tortilla de Huevo de Peta
Peta egg omelette is made with peta eggs (a kind of turtle). It is prepared with six turtle eggs, wheat flour, sugar, chopped onion, salt, pepper and cumin.
Cuñapé
Cuñapé is a small sandwich prepared with cassava starch and cheese as the main ingredients. The mixture is made up of eggs, white cheese, salt, cassava starch and milk.
TRAVEL TIPS about BOLIVIA by World Mappers
We advise you to bring practical clothing such as trekking shoes, fleece, windbreaker, gloves and hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Crime is widespread in the country. If you use taxis, book them through the hotel. Be careful of plainclothes officers because in the country there are only uniformed policemen. The border areas with Chile are littered with mines.
If you arrive directly from Italy, our advice is to fly to Santa Cruz first, because La Paz, which is located m. 3625 (the highest capital in the world), could cause problems due to the altitude.
In Bolivia there is no Uber in all cities (only in Santa Cruz de la Sierra) so for longer journeys in the city we rely on taxis. In Bolivia there are numerous so-called "micros", local minibuses packed with people which, for around 1.5 BOB (around €0.20) paid directly to the driver, take you from one part of the city to another. Be careful, they don't have timetables but they only leave with a minimum of 8 people and there are no stops but you can get on and off quickly!
It is necessary to check in which area of Bolivia you are traveling, following multiple cases of yellow fever the competent local authorities have intensified checks on the international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet issued by the ASL), therefore vaccination is strongly recommended. Mandatory for all travelers coming from countries at risk of transmitting the disease or who have transited through a country where the disease is endemic, as well as for travelers going to locations in the following departments where the disease is endemic: Chuquisaca, La Paz, Cochabamba, Tarija, Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando.
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Consult the Practical Information for the trip
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CHEAP CAR RENTAL in BOLIVIA
To travel around Bolivia you need a rental car. We have chosen to rely on DiscoverCars.com, the best car rental website where you can search, compare and save up to 70%, a real bargain right? They will help you choose the perfect car for your next trip, without having surprises of car delivery surcharges, and where it suits you best. Then just download their App to manage your booking wherever you are.
TRAVEL INSURANCE for BOLIVIA
Before any trip it is good to take out insurance to cover any inconveniences that could ruin the experience. We always rely on HeyMondo which allows you to choose the right insurance for every need. We recommend that you always protect yourself with health insurance and coverage for any cancellations, delays and, if you use them, for theft or breakage of electronic equipment. Medical treatment in Bolivia can be very expensive. Health insurance in this country is not mandatory by law but is strongly recommended; without it, even a routine visit can make you shell out staggering amounts.
You will get an immediate 5% discount
INTERNET & PHONE CALL in BOLIVIA - eSIM CARD
How many times do we go abroad and the first thing we do is call home to say we have arrived. How often are we in a city on vacation and we need to find a place to eat using Google Maps or the internet. How many times do we need to send messages and photos on WhatsApp without spending a salary.
Tired of spending millions when abroad calling or using the internet?
Here is the SOLUTION we use: Holafly, a new technology with eSIM. Order your eSIM on the website and within minutes you will receive an email with a QR code. Just scan it and you'll be connected to the internet right away. You save time, stress and above all do something good for the environment by not having a physical SIM. If you are in a hurry and have to leave tomorrow and have not thought about the internet problem, you can solve it very quickly with this eSIM, and there is no problem that you could accidentally lose it or damage it while traveling. Most importantly, with the eSIM you don't have to change or remove your regular SIM card, you can leave it in the phone and use the eSIM instead of the physical one.
Don't waste time and above all don't spend millions, activate your Holafly eSim.
It is very easy, but how to do it? It only takes 3 steps and voila!
Holafly also offers data plans with unlimited data to many of the main destinations in the world: for example USA, Indonesia, Europe, Mexico, Thailand and many more.
This is a "new" technology and not all devices are compatible with it, but you can check which phones are already compatible with the eSIM at this link: https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones.
You will get an immediate discount of 5% with the "WORLDMAPPERS" Discount Code
