Bolivia, a landlocked country in South America, offers an array of attractions to tourists from around the world. However, when it comes to tourism, Bolivia still remains an underrated destination. In this article, we will explore whether or not Bolivia has a lot of tourism.
Geographic location and climate
Bolivia is located in the heart of South America and shares borders with five other countries: Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay. Due to its high altitude and diverse geography, Bolivia experiences a wide range of climates. The country boasts of snowy peaks in the Andes mountains, vast salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, dense Amazon rainforests in the north and tropical savannas in the east.
Tourist Attractions
Despite being an underrated destination for tourism, Bolivia boasts some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. The country’s top tourist destinations include:
- Salar de Uyuni – The world’s largest salt flats that span over 4,000 square miles.
- Tiwanaku – A pre-Columbian archaeological site near La Paz that dates back to around 400 AD.
- La Paz – Bolivia’s administrative capital that sits at a breathtaking altitude of over 3,600 meters above sea level.
- Lake Titicaca – The highest navigable lake in the world that is shared by both Bolivia and Peru.
- The Yungas Road – Also known as “Death Road,” it stretches from La Paz to Coroico and offers breathtaking views along with a thrilling bike ride experience.
Current state of tourism in Bolivia
According to data from the World Bank, Bolivia received approximately 1 million international tourist arrivals in 2019. Compared to other South American countries, this number is relatively low. For instance, neighboring Peru received over 4 million arrivals in the same year.
One of the reasons for Bolivia’s lower tourism numbers could be its lack of infrastructure and marketing. Unlike its neighbors, Bolivia does not have a well-developed tourism industry. Additionally, there is a lack of direct flights to Bolivia from major international destinations, which makes it less accessible to tourists.
The future of tourism in Bolivia
Despite being an underrated destination, Bolivia has immense potential to attract more tourists in the future. The country has recently started investing in its tourism industry by promoting sustainable tourism practices and improving infrastructure.
Furthermore, Bolivia’s unique culture and natural beauty offer a different experience from other South American countries. As more people become aware of this hidden gem, it is likely that Bolivia will see an increase in tourism numbers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Bolivia may not have as many tourists as some of its neighbors, it still offers a range of attractions that are worth exploring. From stunning landscapes to unique cultural experiences, Bolivia has something for everyone. As the country invests more in its tourism industry and gains more exposure globally, we can expect to see an increase in tourist arrivals in the coming years.