Oh Bolivia, many wonder of your geographical whereabouts, many ignore you as you have no beaches, some assume you are not “happening” enough, and some have never even heard of you, but you hold many wonders.

It’s hard to use the cliché’ of “there is something here for everyone”, but after a visit to this bustling, loud, fascinating country, this seems to be true. Adrenaline lovers will enjoy careering down “The Worlds Most Dangerous Road”, a term well suited for what can only be described as a rocky, steeptastic, mountain bike adventure, not for the faint hearted, or those who are susceptible to the gluteus maximus aches. For nature lovers, a trip into the jungle is essential, flora and fauna galore, along with some amazing Amazonian sized insects who just can’t wait to meet you.

For something completely different, a trip to Salar de Uyuni has to be top of the list. The gigantic salt flats of south Bolivia, are an immense white wash of horizontal crusty plains, with cactus islands, beautiful lagoons and volcanic masses to explore.

An experience for those wanting a view of true Bolivian culture, is a trip down the mines in the world’s highest city Potosi. These working mines are an insightful clamber into the underground world of a proud and hard working Bolivian Miner, a harrowing but memorable encounter.

Almost every Bolivian bound traveller seems to find themselves drifting toward the country’s capital city of La Paz. The city in itself is a sight not to be missed, and it is a crazy sight at that. The view as you enter is like nothing you can imagine. A bowled city so sprawling it looks as though the little homes at the top are clinging on for fear of slipping down the hill. A mass of houses line all sides of the “bowl”, and it literally leaves everyone saying wowzas (or something to that tune).

A venture into the city means a visit to the famous “Witches Market” and black markets, complete with their short, bowler hatted and velvet skirted female inhabitants. The markets are a dalliance with the strange, from lotions, potions, trinkets, and weaving to llama foetuses for all, (yes really, dried baby llama corpses, apparently for good luck). This city (and country) is a must do adventure into the quite honestly captivating, outrageous and unknown.

A visit to Bolivia has a lot in store for any who are brave enough to encounter a complete contrast to the westernised, organised world of today. It will leave you shaking in your boots with diverse, memorable experiences and will steal a big chunk of your heart.

Follow James & Jo’s travels on JimbandJo’s Blog

About James and Jo

James & Jo have given up work for a year in-search of opening their eyes & minds to the big wide world! Since November 2010, they’ve been through Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, China and India yet to come…. phew! Keep up to date with James & Jo’s adventures via their travel blog.