About twice the size of Spain, Bolivia possesses nearly every possible climate and terrain from the snow capped peaks of over 21,000 feet to the to the semi-tropical lowlands to the steaming jungles of the Bolivian Amazon Basin. The country became landlocked in 1880 during the "Pacific War" when it lost its sea coast to Chile. Offsetting this one missing element is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable inland sea in the world. Boasting crystal blue waters, reed boats and islands known for pre-Colombian ruins.
Besides great scenery, one has the opportunity to see various exotic birds, plants, insects, and animals due to Bolivia's relatively sparse population, lack of development and diverse geography.
Our Bolivia Fact File provides background information on certain aspects of travel to Bolivia. We are constantly updating the Bolivia Fact File with new information so you can get a great insight before you travel to Bolivia.
Full Country Name: Republic of Bolivia
Area: 1.09 million km squared
Population: 8.8 million
Capital City: La Paz
People: 30% Quechua Indian, 25% Mestizo, 30% Aymará Indian, approximately 15% European
Religion: 95% Roman Catholic, Protestant
If there is any aspect of Bolivia you would like more information about, please do not hesitate to contact our South America team.
Learn enough Spanish to chat with the locals, travel around South America and make your ideas understood on a volunteer programme. Cultural activities and excursions will help you get the most out of your stay.
Make life a little brighter for orphans in Bolivia. Organise dancing, music, painting and sports classes, help cook and feed them – but most of all, give them the love and attention many miss out on.
Give orphans and vulnerable children the chance of a better future. Work at a centre and help them learn vital skills such as English, manual labour and sports – essential if they don’t go onto university.
Discover why so many people love Bolivia. Take Spanish lessons and learn to salsa, do some valuable volunteer work with children or animals, visit the highest city in the world, meet the indigenous Tacana people and lots more.
Spend 5 months or more on an amazing gap year in Latin America. This programme provides all the structure you need, with lots of activities including Spanish lessons, volunteering with wildlife or disadvantaged street children.
After redundancy, Sally decided to see the world. She enjoyed our South Africa Wildlife Course so much that within 48 hours of arriving back in the UK she booked onto the Malaysia Orangutan Experience and the Thai Adventure! Read more..
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Gap Year for Grown Ups provides Career Break Voluntary Projects and Culture & Language programmes throughout South America and Central America. They have the best available Community voluntary projects as well as a number of Conservation Volunteer Projects to choose from. Combine these voluntary work placements abroad with learning Spanish in South America.
For useful volunteer travel advice to South America from Gap Year For Grown Ups, use the following links:
