Bolivia : a sustainable travel guide with Thaki Voyage

Sustainable tourism seeks a balance, however difficult, between the social, economic and environmental pillars of host destinations. A trip to Bolivia has a high carbon footprint. The objective is then, that once there, the trip aims to have the most positive impact possible, taking into account the challenges of the country.

Bolivia is often mentioned as “the poorest country in South America”. A country with deep social inequalities. A country where ethnic origin often determines social class (although this is less and less the case).

Before the pandemic, tourism was one of the most dynamic economic sectors of the country (a growth of 4.6% from 2010 to 2020).

The stakes of sustainable tourism are therefore high in Bolivia. For Thaki Voyage, this translates into a strong involvement of local communities, a lot of awareness and the achievement of projects to improve the living conditions of communities.

In Bolivia, community-based tourism helps to value the way of life of indigenous communities, while accompanying them in their development. We must always ask the following question: does my money benefit the local population? In reality, not always… This is the challenge of community-based tourism.

The other challenge is the fight against the folklorization of the host culture. In some so-called “community-based tourism” activities, culture is staged to fit our fantasized tourist imaginations. Where is the authenticity? The line between empowerment and folklorization is often very fine.

To go further, we can read in a very interesting article from Voyageons Autrement, that “some unscrupulous external organizations […] are not interested in developing tourism that helps the local population, but rather in the financial profit they will be able to make.”

Do the locals really benefit from tourism? How to detect these abuses?

They are dancers, seamstresses, farmers… They continue to exercise the know-how of their ancestors and to make the country live. Moreover in Bolivia, more than 75% of the population employed in tourism are women (but in less important positions than men…).

Thaki is committed to helping you discover the courage and energy of Bolivian women through “woman power” trips.

As you have understood, Bolivia is a country of peoples. People with ancestral cultures, that we meet with respect and an open mind. But, as you know, Bolivia is also a country of great landscapes, mountains, lagoons and forests… A country that can be visited in 1000 different ways.

So to continue the adventure, we asked the Thaki Voyage team for advice! Whether you are looking for thrills, cultural discoveries or authentic encounters, the rest of this article should help you find the Bolivia that suits you.

Before leaving for Bolivia, you must be well aware of the country where you will land! Between the altitude and the bad condition of the roads, Bolivia requires a serious preparation.

Anne Bialek is a recognized Andean climber and has opened several routes in Bolivia. For years, the local Thaki team has been putting all its passion and expertise to accompany travelers on magnificent Andean ascents and treks, always with respect for the mountains.

Venerated for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples, here more than anywhere else, the discovery of the jagged peaks of the Andean Cordillera has an authentic, almost sacred character.

In order for these expeditions to respect the environment and contribute to local development, it is important to choose Bolivian guides who are UIAGM (International Union of Mountain Guides Associations) certified.

Soft mobility par excellence, the bicycle is an excellent way to visit Bolivia while limiting its carbon footprint … for those who are well prepared!

The altitude, the roads conditions, the difference in altitude and the climate will not make it easy for you but if you try the adventure, you will discover the country in a new way.

Thaki Voyage proposes the crossing of the Salar of Uyuni and a circuit around the lake Titicaca. An original way to discover these highly frequented sites far from the crowds.

Don’t be afraid! You don’t need to be a skilled athlete to enjoy Bolivia. The country’s must-sees are also the richness of its culture and the uniqueness of its landscapes.

Strange capital, La Paz deserves that we spend a few days there.

Just by walking, you can soak up the atmosphere of the city and its markets. To get around, take the cable cars and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Perched at more than 3600 meters above sea level, La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world! It is the ideal city to start the trip by acclimatizing to the altitude.

Not far from La Paz, the small town of Coroico with its tropical climate is perfect for cultural discovery and rest

We grant you, Bolivia is not the country of the gastronomy. But it would be a shame to miss it! The Thaki team advises us the La Manqa school which trains young people in social difficulty to the Bolivian gastronomy. The school has created several restaurants in La Paz that reinvent traditional dishes into gourmet creations. Among the traditional dishes you will find :

The sajta de pollo, a dish from the region of La Paz that is prepared for the festivities. It is made with chicken, potatoes, tunta (dehydrated potato) and a tomato and onion salad.

The  pique macho, pieces of beef with fried potatoes, onions and other accompaniments.

The chuños, kinds of tuntas exposed to the sun and the frost.

Fiesta de Ekeko, or Fiesta de las Alasitas

Every January 24th, the Alasitas festival is the occasion to send your wishes to Ekeko, the Aymara god of abundance and fertility!

This festival is also called “festival of the miniatures” because the idea is to buy miniatures what we would like to have in real, then to make them blessed by the Yatiri, the Aymara priest.

More info

The Oruro Carnival

The carnival is the biggest cultural event in Bolivia. It is celebrated in honor of the Uru people. To know more about it. More info

Gran poder

For the day of the Holy Trinity, June 4, the rich store owners parade through the streets. “A religious festival tinged with syncretism, which allows rich shopkeepers to show off their wealth with extraordinary outfits and jewelry!”

Año Nuevo Aymara

On June 21, the day of the winter solstice (Bolivia is located in the southern hemisphere), the Aymara New Year takes place. This celebration marks the beginning of winter and the end of the harvest and therefore, the rest of Pachamama (mother earth).

Day of the Dead

Like in Mexico, Bolivian families gather on November 1st at the graves of their deceased to eat, celebrate and exchange with the souls.

Personnages andins ©️Jorge Carrasco

A movie: Utama, la Terre Oubliée (2021). “A beautiful film about isolated communities.”

A band : “Kjarkas, It is a band that will really allow you to discover the traditional Bolivian music”.

Duration of the trip: 15 days minimum (3 weeks ideally). “The trip takes about 30 hours and it takes several days of SAS in La Paz (3600m) to get used to the altitude. You will understand that it is useless to come for less than 2 weeks”. Moreover, a plane trip to Bolivia has a high carbon footprint. Even if it is impossible to balance the carbon emissions, it is better to stay as long as possible in Bolivia (travel less but travel better…).

Bolivia, a dangerous country? “What is delicate is the political conflicts, it is always a little rock’n roll! Apart from that, Bolivia is the most peaceful country in South America! You don’t go to El Alto in the evening. As everywhere else, you have to be careful with the snatchings! But it’s very “bon enfant.”

How to manage problems related to altitude: “We work with Ifremmont, doctors specialized in problems related to altitude. We offer all our clients SOS Mam services. Our clients can be on the phone 24/7 with a specialist doctor. All our guides and drivers have been trained by Ifremmont doctors. We also have oxygen tanks and oximeters. We even have hyperbaric chambers!”

The final word, a message to share? “Come to Bolivia as long as it remains authentic. Live a human adventure. Real meetings. Real emotions. Over the years, we have made many contacts and opened many ways. We are therefore able to offer community stays that are quite original. Stays off the beaten track, original, which are renewed over the years.