Bolivia is a landlocked South American country with a turbulent past. Long ago, the region was home to indigenous peoples like the Tiwanaku and Inca civilizations, who left behind impressive ruins and artifacts that speak to their advanced societies. They controlled the area until the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century and established control over the region. The Spanish looted the country for centuries, with Bolivian silver mines producing much of the Spanish empire's wealth. As Spanish royal authority weakened during the Napoleonic wars in the 19th century, Bolivia fought for independence from Spain, joining forces with other South American countries. Independence was proclaimed in 1825, a result of sixteen years of struggle (the country is named after revolutionary Simon Bolivar). Independence did not bring stability. For nearly 60 years, short-lived, weak institutions and frequent coups characterized Bolivian politics. The War of the Pacific (1879-83) demonstrated Bolivia's weakness when it was defeated by Chile. Chile took lands that contained rich nitrate fields and removed Bolivia's access to the sea. The second half of the 20th century brought more political instability with a socialist revolution, military coups and counter-coups, but since then things have improved.
The country elected its first indigenous president, Evo Morales, in 2006, marking a historic moment for indigenous representation in Bolivian politics. Morales pursued an agenda of re-nationalization and "Latino-socialism" – which angered the USA. Morales pursued policies that were not in line with the USA's agenda. He advocated for nationalization of Bolivia's natural resources, particularly its vast reserves of natural gas, which went against the interests of foreign corporations, especially the US-owned corporations whose "interests" in the country are at stake, e.g. in silver mining. Morales also promoted social programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality, which challenged the neoliberal economic policies favored by the USA. Morales also criticized US foreign policy and interventions in Latin America, including its support for coups and dictatorships in the region. The USA sought to undermine Morales' presidency and limit his influence in the region by supporting opposition forces, by applying sanctions and exerting diplomatic pressure. However, Morales remained in power for over a decade before being ousted in a controversial election in 2019. Hence US state propaganda tends to paint Bolivia under Morales as a kind of "pariah".
Bolivia is still South America's poorest country, despite great natural riches, including, silver ore and various other minerals. But these have traditionally been exploited by outsiders with little benefit for the vast majority of the population. The discovery of vast lithium reserves in the Salar de Uyuni provides the chance to change that "tradition", and make Bolivia a more affluent country, if it's handled right.
La Paz
La Paz is the world's highest administrative capital, resting at more than 3,500m above sea level. It is located in a bowl-like depression surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. Overlooking the city is the towering, triple-peaked Illimani. Its peaks are always snow covered and can be seen from many parts of the city. A very elaborate cable car system makes for getting around very convenient.
Uyuni
A small town at the edge of an extensive plain at an elevation of 3,700m above sea level, Uyuni is best known for the nearby huge salt flat of the same name. This Salar de Uyuni is in fact the largest salt lake/salt pan in the world, and simply mind-boggling to see. Throw in some huge cactuses, scary mummies and a graveyard of rusting old steam trains, and it's a one-of-a-kind experience.
Salar De Uyuni was formed as a result of drying up of a lake called 'Lago Ballivian' about 40000 years ago. It is said to contain 10 billion tonnes of salt. As Salar De Uyuni is exceptionally flat and easily spottable, NASA supposedly uses this place to figure the positioning of satellites. When the rain covers the salt, the landscape turns azure blue as the plain reflects the sky. Drive across the salt flats when this reflection occurs and you will think you're above the clouds.
Uyuni ➜ San Pedro de Atacama
3 day tours of Salar de Uyuni in 4×4 jeeps is the most popular way to cross over to Chile. The first day is spent in Salar de Uyuni, with the night in one of the basic salt hotels on the Salar itself. These hotels are almost completely constructed out of bricks made from dried salt, it gets very cold in there. The second and third days are spent seeing colored lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, hot geysers, eerie rock formations – such as Arbol de Piedra (Rock Tree), and painted volcanoes. You will be immersed in a rugged part of the world. The stars in that unpolluted place will take your breath away.
