12 Truths Expats Learn About Bolivia
Expatriating to Bolivia is no easy feat, with mountains of paperwork, a puzzling new culture, and all the pitfalls of a poverty-stricken country to contend with. Yet those who have lived here share a series of learned truths which are infinitely more perceivable through the lens of an outsider. Here’s everything you need to know.
Things never happen on time
Nothing ever happens when it’s supposed to in Bolivia. Even more than elsewhere in Latin America, business deadlines are entirely fluid and start times of social meetups are open to interpretation.
Patience is a virtue
Protests are a way of life
Protests are the primary method of political discourse in Bolivia, with roadblocks and dynamite taking precedence over tactful negotiation. Expats in Bolivia know their travel plans depend entirely on the political climate at the time, and that citywide blockades are a great excuse to take a day off work.
The dangers are exaggerated
Bolivia has an unjust reputation in the western world, considered by many to be a lawless no-mans-land where murder and kidnapping are the norm. In reality, it’s among the safest countries on the continent.
Todo es posible, nada es seguro
“Anything is possible, nothing is certain” is a worthy motto to live by in this vast, unpredictable land.
There are no road rules
To be fair, there probably is an old book of traffic rules buried somewhere in the Legislative Assembly in La Paz. Nevertheless, your gung-ho driver will pay little notice as he speeds through a red light on the wrong side of the road without a seatbelt.
Safety is an afterthought
Whether it be shoddy construction work, drunken bus drivers, or ill-equipped adventure tourism outfits, profit sadly comes before safety in much of this largely under legislated land.
Parties are important
Bolivians love their fiestas, at times getting so inebriated they are unable to stand or speak. With numerous booze-fueled festivals taking place all throughout the year, drunkenness is a near-constant state for some.
Folklorico is life
Each area has their own distinct music and dance, a source of regional pride held dear to the people’s hearts. But during Bolivia’s ubiquitous entradas, these contrasting genres blend together seamlessly to proudly form Bolivia’s national folkloric identity.
Food is a source of pride
Bolivians adore their national cuisine, often even more than delicacies from abroad. And despite appearing rather unappetizing at times, some of it is surprisingly good.
The people are wonderfully warm
Once you get to know them, Bolivians are incredibly friendly and warm, despite perhaps seeming a little aloof at first.
Bolivia is bloody crazy
Whether it be punching on for Pachamama, prisons that produce cocaine, or a festival to worship skulls, there’s no doubt Bolivia is among the maddest nations on earth. And we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.