Bolivia shares different
geographic zones, so has the privilege for an exceptional
variety of landscapes and climates. There are three major
geographic zones: Andina, Zona Sub-andina and Llanos. Most
of the territory has tropical climate due to the proximity
of Bolivia to the equator, except on zones where altitude
is the determinant factor.
Between
these chains of mountains there's a high flat known as
Altiplano, where altitude ranges from 3500 to 4000 mt.
Lake Titikaka is on the Altiplano Norte (Northern Altiplano)
making a benign microclimate around, good for agriculture
and animals. Potato, quinua, oca, imported species like
pines, eucalyptus, etc. In addition of andean camels there
are cattle, sheeps, etc.
Outside this zone, the Altiplano is a barren region,
but not less interesting. It depends on the characteristics
of each place to see "paja brava" (andean grass),
yareta, thola. trees of k'eñua, and animals like
llama, vicuña, cóndor, huallata (andean
goose) and other native species. The Altiplano Central
contains the salt field of Coipasa and the Poopo lake.
The large salt field of Uyuni is in the Altiplano Sur
(Southern Altiplano). It also contains vast deserts, geothermic
soils, and beautiful lagoons inhabited by the "parihuana"
(pink flamenco) and other birds.
Climate
Usually, the climate of the Altiplano is cold and dry.
Expect extreme temperatures, very hot with sun to hard
cold under shadow. During the day, ultraviolet sunrays
get the highest intensity due the altitude, so you must
protect your skin with some sun lotion, hat and long sleeves.
Wear dark glasses. In the night, temperatures below zero
are common with wind, so don't forget your thermal clothes.
Altitude
At high altitudes, normal functions of the body can be affected
by lack of oxygen and lower pressure, driving it to "sorojche"
or "altitude sickness", much more in the case
of persons moving up very fast, for example, travelling
by air from the sea level to La Paz (3600 mt). Symptoms
include breathlessness, racing pulse, fatigue, headache,
insomnia. Anyway, it's recommended to take care of a right
acclimatization. Take it easy. Try to rest for one or
a couple of days. Walk slowly, specially going up. Besides,
dehydration is higher, so drink much water. The "mate
de Coca" (coca tea, andean traditional remedy) can
help you to feel better.
To get higher altitudes, you must extend your acclimatization
for a longer period (one or two weeks). You can plan successive
ascents increasing altitudes little by little. If you
have a serious upset, get immediate medical care but keep
on mind that usually the better rule is to fall back to
a lower altitude as soon as you can.
Sub-andean zone. It corresponds with the band between
the Cordillera Oriental and eastern flats. The altitude
in this transition zone, decreases very fast bringing
about dramatic changes of climate and of course, about
flora and fauna.
Yungas
The
east side of the Cordillera Oriental (departments of La
Paz and Cochabamba) is characterized by a high humidity
and abundant rainfalls. The temperature is cold between
5000 and 3500 mt of altitude. Going down, between the
level of 3500 and 2.000 mt, it becomes mild and vegetation
increases a lot. In the descent from 2.000 to 500 mt of
altitude, the climate gets hot and the overgrown vegetation
makes dense forests inhabited by a wonderful variety of
wildlife. Exotic butterflies and birds, monkeys, squirrel,
jucumari (bear with spectacles), etc. There are plantations
of coffee. coca, citrics, bananas.
Valleys
The valleys located between the spurs on the south and
southwest sides of the Cordillera Oriental have a fertile
soil and a mild climate (departments of Cochabamba. Chuquisaca,
Tarija and Santa Cruz). They are excellent agricultural
lands, with an intensive production of vegetables, wheat.
barley, maize, sweet potalo, peach, grape. etc.
This zone of flat and low lands (250 mt altitude on average)
covers about 60% of me Bolivían territory. The
flats on the north and east of the country are characterized
by their humid and tropical climate (departments of Pando,
Beni, La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz). They consist
of large pastures, forests of fine woods and many navigable
rivers.
On
the north (Pando and Beni), the temperature is more torrid
because of the proximity of the Ecuador line. The abundant
fauna includes monkeys, anteaters, boars, "lagarto"
(caimán), turtles, sicuri (anaconda), anta (tapir),
carpincho (capybara), lobito de río (otter), pink
dolphin, etc. Locals work with cacao, siringa (natural
rubber), castaña (Brazilian nut). Cattle and fish
are also important activities.
On the east (Santa Cruz), agriculture and cattle gain more
importance. There are plantations of cotton, maize, soybean,
sugar cañe, etc. This flat is cutted by a chain
of hills known as Serranía de Chiquitos, where
there are mineral deposits and pictographs. The highest
peak here is Cerro Chochis (1230 mt). Another notable
elevation is the tableland named Meseta de Caparusch on
the border with Brazil.
Chaco
The flats on the south and southeast of Bolivia (departments
of Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca and Tarija) are characterized
by a very hot and dry climate, where wildlife consists
mainly of low forests, trees like the "toboreche",
"quebracho", thorny vegetation (cactus and xerophytic
species), and animals like the piyo (american ostrich),
deer, boar, puma, snakes, etc. Major economic activities
are based on petroleum and natural gas, besides agriculture,
cattle and fish.
Uyuni
is a lonely and cold village, but it's an important tourist
centre because is the starting point for the circuits
to the fascinating region of Salar de Uyni and Sud Lipez.
Uyuni lies at 10 hrs from Oruro or 6 hrs from Potosí
(by bus).
The regular circuit
(4 days) goes through the Salar de Uyuni, passing by Isla
Pescado in a wonderful ride on this large and spectacular
mirror of salt. Then it continues to Sud Lipez, amid fascinating
volcanic sceneries toward the Reserva Nacional Eduardo
Avaroa.
The route goes by Laguna
Colorada and continues till Laguna Verde. There are geisers,
holes of hot and sulfurous water, deserts with odd stone
formations and beautiful lagoons inhabited by flamencos.
The town of Tupiza is located
in a valley of mild climate with spectacular landscapes
around, besides hills and canyons with impressive formations
and colors. There are several routes to walk by foot or
on horseback. One of them is the route of Butch Cassidy
and Sundance Kid, outlaws from the Old West of United
States, who were killed in San Vicente.
Bolivia shares of three basins. The Amazonas Basin, with
the rivers: Abuná, Orthon, Madre de Dios, Beni,
Yata, Mamoré, Itonomas, Baures and Guaporé
or Itenez. The diversity of fishes living in this basin
is very wide (more than 300 species). Pacú, bagre,
corvina, sábalo, raya, dorado, surubí, piraña,
etc. Many times the rivers are the only route to get inaccessible
places, besides they give a good chance to see animals.
The
rivers of this basin are tributaries of the Madeira (Brazil),
which at the same time is branch of the Amazonas (Brazil),
the largest plentiful river on the world.
The Central Basin is an enclosed system over all the altiplano.
It contains the Titikaka and Poopo lakes, which are joined
by the Desaguadero river. Some species líving in
here are mauri, hispi, boga, carache, pejerrey, trucha.
This basin also contains the Uyuni and Coipasa salt fields,
which are remains from large quaternary lakes, and on
the south section, there are small odd colored and sulphurous
lakes.
The major rivers of Del Plata Basin are: Bermejo, Grande,
Pilcomayo, Paraguay. They home fishes such as raya, surubí,
dientudo, dorado, sábalo, piraña, pacú
and others. These rivers flow into the Paraná river
(Argentina), and this one ínto the Río de
la Plata (Argentina - Uruguay).
Bolivia lies near the equator, so seasons in Bolivia
don't show big differences. The dry season from April
to November (autumn, winter and part of spring) is characterized
for an uniform climate, which is the most comfortable
for outdoors. On the other way, rainfalls in the sub-Andean
zone and amazonian flat lands, must be expected any time
of the year.
From
June to August, the altiplano and cordilleras usually
show a beautiful blue sky, but it's too cold under shadow.
Besides there's some possibility for an occasional snow
storm. This period, the hot eastern lowlands can get very
cold under the freezing winds coming up through the south
side of the territory, which are locally known as "surazos".
The rainy season runs between December and March (part of spring
and during summer). There are frequent rainfalls, almost
every day. The sub-andean zone and western flats are characterized
by more frequent and heavier rains. Many roads get troubles
so delays are common, but is the best period for boat
trips.
In the high season for tourism, this is from June to September,
there are herds of tourists so you will find groups for
diverse tours easily, but reserves and prices for hotels
and other tourist services will be increased.
