Bolivia

Travel Bolivia on your gap year. Ideas for gap year travel to Bolivia.

Bolivia gap year - Gap year programmes in Bolivia

The landlocked country of Bolivia attracts far fewer visitors than other more famous South American destinations such as Peru or Brazil. Travellers who do make it to Bolivia, however, are rewarded with some stunning Andean landscapes, a rich mythological history and some unique Amazonian wildlife. The Andean mountain range is at its widest (650 kilometres) in Bolivia and its Western Cordillera, which separates Bolivia from Chile, has peaks reaching as high as 6,500 metres as well as a number of active volcanoes. Aside from its natural wonders, Bolivia is also a great place to learn Spanish or get involved with one of our worthwhile gap year volunteer programmes.

One place no one should miss on a visit to Bolivia is Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca - part of which belongs to neighbouring Peru - is more like an inland sea and is 8,965 square kilometres in size. At 3,810 metres in altitude Titicaca is also the highest navigable water in the world. The island of Isla del Sol on Titicaca belongs to Bolivia and is legendary in Inca mythology as being the birthplace of the sun itself. Isla del Sol has some stunning views across the water to the snow-capped mountains in the distance and is an extremely relaxing place to spend a few days.

Southeast of La Paz is one of Bolivia's most and historic cities - Sucre. In 1992 UNESCO declared Sucre a ‘Patrimonio Historico y Cultural de la Humanidad' and the oldest of its two universities dates from 1624. By tradition all buildings in the centre of Sucre are painted white, and the city is sometimes referred to as ‘La Ciudad Blanca.' Sucre is also home to some of Real Gap's most rewarding volunteer programmes. For example, anyone wanting to work with children on their gap year should consider Real Gap's ‘Sucre Orphanage Volunteer Bolivia.' Volunteers receive four hours a day Spanish tuition and also stay with local families at the language school. More importantly, though, volunteers make a direct contribution to the education, care and social development of orphaned children in Bolivia. Another excellent initiative in Sucre is Real Gap's ‘Indigenous Community Volunteer.' The main aim of this programme is to improve the education system and living conditions of some of Bolivia's poorest villages and communities. Alternatively, anyone who simply wants to learn Spanish during their time in Bolivia can opt, if they wish, just to attend the language school.
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Whatever you want from your gap year in South America, Bolivia offers a diverse range of sights and activities. Bolivia is also a great place to learn Spanish while you travel this fantastic continent.

Bolivia gap year - Gap year programmes in Bolivia


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