Bolivia's wealth of natural wonders, colorful Indian traditions, and enigmatic ancient ruins make it one of the world's most unusual countries. The `Tibet´ of South America, Bolivia is traversed by three massive Andean ranges. Although the country is landlocked, Lake Titicaca is the world's second largest inland sea.

Bolivia facts: Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of 12,507 feet, is the highest navigable lake in the world, as well as one of the deepest.

Bolivia facts: The 200 km-long mountain range of the Cordillera Real, near La Paz, has more than 600 peaks of over 5,000 meters

Bolivia is a land of sharp contrasts, with climatic conditions ranging from arctic to tropical. It is divided into three distinct ecozones: the bleak, windswept, high plain called the altiplano; the intermediary valley region; and the eastern tropical flat lowlands that make up about 70 percent of the country.

Bolivia facts: Bolivia is named after Simón Bolívar, one of the heroes of Latin American independence from Spain

Bolivia facts: Since its independence from Spain in 1825, Bolivia has lost territory to Chile, Brazil and to Paraguay

Historical contrasts also lace Bolivia’s past. The ancient Tiwanaku culture was highly advanced, though today’s Bolivia is the poorest country in South America. Silver mines generated great wealth during the Spanish colonial era, but at a tremendous cost in human suffering.

Bolivia facts: Potosí, in southern Bolivia, was the largest and wealthiest city in the Western Hemisphere throughout the 17th century, following the Spanish discovery of the Cerro Rico silver mine

Bolivia facts: Bolivia has two capital cities – the historic and judicial capital in Sucre, and the administrative capital in La Paz

Bolivia has the highest concentration of indigenous groups in Latin America. Together, Quechua and Aymara make up more than half the population of Bolivia. One-third of the population speaks Quechua, with half of those being bi-lingual in Spanish.

Bolivia facts: La Paz, at an altitude of 11,910 feet, is the highest capital city in the world

Bolivia facts: Bolivia borders no less than five neighboring countries: Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil

Bolivia’s spectacular topography is unrivaled, especially for those who are seeking adventure. Though accommodations may be modest when traveling away from major cities and Lake Titicaca, discovering the hidden treasures of this exciting country can bring the visitor unmatched rewards.

Bolivia facts: The annual Oruro Carnival in western Bolivia is highlighted by a ceremonial parade that lasts 20 hours, involves 20,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians, and attracts more than 400,000 people.

Bolivia facts: Sucre played an important part in the struggle for independence, and is rich in museums, libraries and historical archives.

Bolivia facts: Tarija, at 6,480 feet above sea level, enjoys an excellent climate, beautiful flowers and fine wines, and is the ideal place for finding peace and quiet.

Bolivia facts: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are well-remembered in the mining town of Tupiza in southern Bolivia, where they died in a shoot-out in 1908