The diversity of ecological zones found within Bolivia's borders are enormous and quite amazing. This is a land where arid desert neighbors tropical rain forest and where sub zero temperatures co-exist with intense heat.
The Andes are one of the main reasons for much of this incredible ecological diversity. Reaching an altitude of 21,463 feet, they form an immense barrier between south western Bolivia and the Pacific ocean. As well as their many craggy peaks and active volcanoes the Bolivian Andes give rise to an enormous plateau standing at an average altitude of 11000 feet. This is known as the Altiplano, and it is the home of the world's largest salt lake and some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet. At the northern end of the highlands, near to the Peruvian border, stands La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital and the highest capital city in the world. Nearby, straddling the border with Peru, is Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake.
Below the highland regions to the east, are large sections of the Amazonian rain forest. As the mountains drop towards the valley areas, spectacular areas of magical beauty emerge. This is a land of vertiginous waterfalls and mighty rivers flowing with incredible violence and speed. But as well as awe inspiring, deep canyons there are also gentle, verdant valleys to be seen.
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America but there are some indications of economic improvement and trade links with neighbouring countries are growing. Over half of its largely impoverished population are indigenous Amerindians, 30% being Quechua speaking and 25% Aymara speaking. A further 30% of Bolivians are of mixed Amerindian-European ethnic origin, whilst most of the remaining 15% are of direct Spanish descent.
Bolivia is one of the most remote countries in the western hemisphere but is quite easy to get to by air from the U.S.A. with regular flights from Miami. Spain is the place to head for if you need a direct flight from Europe