< Continued from page 1
Things to Do and See
There's much to see and do in Bolivia. All kinds of outdoor adventure like hiking, trekking, fishing, birding, wlidlife viewing (much more than the ubiquitous llama!) skiing, and climbing. With the Inca legacy, there is archaeological exploring and cultural possibilities to overwhelm the senses. The cities offer all the urban entertainment you'd find anywhere.

No matter where you go, take lots of photos!


Altiplano and Highland Valleys:

La Paz, one of the two capitals of Bolivia, and nicknamed the city that touches the clouds, is one of the highest cities on earth and the center of Bolivian legislative government, culture and tourism.

Sucre, the judicial capital, has a pleasant climate, many historical associations and is near some of the fossils left by the The Dinosaurs of South America.

Lake Titicaca is a sacred lake in Incan mythology and favored destination for visitors to Bolivia and Peru.

Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca is known for its fiestas and festivals, primarily the festival of the Virgen of Copacabana and Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria .

Pairumani in Cochabamba is the estate of silver baron Simón I. Patiño. You'll see extensive gardens farmland and a family mausoleum.

Did you know that the silver mining center of Potosí was at one time a larger city than London? Of course that was several centuries ago, but it's still a busy up and down city with traditional red tile roofs. The silver mines are still producing under methods which haven't changed much since colonial days.

In the southern altiplano, the vast salars, or salt lakes, of Uyuni and Coipasa present vast areas of desolate country. Several lakes, known by their colors, such as Colorada, Celeste, Verde, Blanca and Amarilla, are havens for wildlife.

Tiwanaku is Bolivia's premiere archaeological site, with ruins of a civilization pre-dating the Incas.

Tarija and Tupiza in the southwestern corner of Bolivia offer oasis-like respite from the salars. Tarija, with its Mediterranean climate and architecture is known for colorful fiestas and unique music.
Yungas:

Coroico and Sorata, thought to have the most scenic location in Bolivia, are popular with trekers and hikers for the mountains, often cloud and mist covered, and the beautiful green valleys. The Yungas form a natural, geographic division between the altiplano on the west and the Amazonian rainforests on the west. Amazon Basin:

The rainforest area occupies about half of Bolivia, and is largely undeveloped. There are mines in the area, and most of the transportation and towns service the mines. Tourism is not yet developed, but visitors wanting jungle trips will find them here.

Rurrenabaque, on the Río Beni is the base for many of these trips by motor launch to see flora and fauna. Rafting on Río Beni is exhilarating.

Parque Nacional Alto Madidi protects one of the most complete and varied ecosystems, largely intact, in Soth America.

Riberalta and Guayamerin are frontier towns, with the latter on the Brazilian border and consequently busy.

Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado is named for the Bolivian biologist and boasts some of the best scenery in Bolivia along with an amazing variety of wildlife and a favorite for Birding.

Santa Cruz (photos) has an excellent zoo, primarily housing South America birds and fauna.
Just remember to let yourself get used to the altitude. Plan a little "down" time when you first arrive and take it easy. Use these tips to Ease Jet Lag.

Buen viaje!