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Traveler Warning: Possible violence in Santa Cruz

This warning is for people traveling to Bolivia in general and to Santa Cruz city and Department in particular. On Sunday, May 4th and after, violence could explode in this area, when an illegal autonomy referendum is scheduled, due to the illegality of this act, civil unrest, demonstrations and blockades are expected.

Demonstrations or large gatherings may take place in major cities on May 4 and after. Travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between the promoters of this act and security forces, demonstrators, and bystanders, and escalate into violence. Travelers are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety. Travelers should stay current with media coverage of local events.

In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers. Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor.

The police will be on alert for potential civil unrest. Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal police patrols. As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use ruse or diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and theft are the most common street crimes during such periods. Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other portable valuables.

Danger should not be taken lightly going downhill through Death Road

Danger should not be taken lightly going downhill through Death Road

The North Yungas Road leading from La Paz to Coroico in the Amazon basin has been called "the most dangerous road in the world" because of its precipitous drop from the highlands to the Amazon jungle, hugging cliffs for most of its 40-mile descent. Since the first tours of the route began in the late 1990s, biking down the road has become increasingly popular with an estimated 15 companies currently organizing the trips.
Until a new paved road opened in 2007, Bolivian buses would frequently plunge off its 3,300-foot cliffs, killing hundreds every year.
But for all its danger, it has become a draw for mountain bikers. Guided trips are offered, but it should not be taken lightly. A U.S. tourist died in April when the lost control of his bike and plunged off a cliff. Also a UK tourist died a few days latter in a car crash in the same road.

On many travel websites, biking down the “world famous death road” is described it as a breathtaking and adrenalin-filled experience. But before joining the ride you should take all safety measures in consideration at least 13 cyclists have died on the road in the past 10 years. The ride usually takes five hours and is 80 percent downhill. Some riders who have completed the ride list near misses with heavy trucks and vans hurtling around the sharp bends.
Make safety a priority of your trip and you’ll have for sure excellent stories to tell your friends and family once you get back home.

Festival of Baroque Music in Chiquitos (Santa Cruz-Bolivia)

Festival of Baroque Music in Chiquitos (Santa Cruz-Bolivia)


The seventh version of the International Festival of Baroque and Renaissance Music of "Chiquitos Missions" (April 24 through May 4) with participants from 21 countries and 54 groups who will present 150 concerts.

The old Jesuit missions of Chiquitos (1691 - 1767) and those of Moxos (1681 - 1767) represent one of the most important treasures of the Bolivian and regional cultural heritage.

During the restoration process of the Jesuit temples, more than 9,000 musical pieces were found; 5,000 were found at Chiquitos and another 4,000 in Moxos, written by both European and indigenous composers between the XVII and XVIII centuries and were played up to the mid IXX century. This event marks the rebirth of the Baroque music in Chiquitos and birth of the festival. In 1991, the UNESCO declared the six mission towns and the temples Humankind Cultural Heritage.

This festival not only presents Renaissance Baroque music concerts, but also traditional dances. Entrance to these events is free.

The main event this year, is the presentation of the Chilean group Syntagma Musicvm and the recording of their new CD of Franciscan music.

Click here to visit the event Web Site

To read more about Santa Cruz please click here

April (Movable Event Organizer defines de date)
Festival of Baroque and Renaissance Music of "Chiquitos Missions"
Chiquitos and Moxos Missions near Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Cultural/ethnic

Cochabamba International Fair starts today

Cochabamba International Fair starts today

Between today and May 4th, more than 750 companies, domestic and foreign, will participate in a new version of the International Fair of Cochabamba (Feicobol) which opens tonight in this capital.

This event qualified as one of the most important economic events in the country, expects to generate more than 150 million dollars in business transactions, commercial agreements and other activities such as tourism, entertainment, services, direct sales, among others.

This Trade Fair is accompanied by shows, great food and artist presentations.

If you want to read more about Cochabamba please click here

Eco Tourism in Bolivia

Eco Tourism in Bolivia


While you’re on visit to Bolivia or if you’re just on the planning stages, as travelers you will be faced with the responsibility to preserve the fragile environments you visit. This idea of traveling responsibly is called “ecotourism”, conscientious travel to protect the environment and nourish its variety.

Putting the focus on the impact of your actions and using a little commonsense, travelers can make the right decisions to positively affect the world around them. To start eco-traveling, please follow this short guide compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA):

Respect our fragile planet

Sure the planet feels solid beneath our feet, and it can hold its own against the big boys in the solar system. Yet the Earth's ecosystem the scenic surface features which we stand next to in pictures is a fragile infrastructure dependent on balanced and cyclical nurturing.

Think of it as the Earth's hair. It looks great now, but the more we tread on it, the messier it becomes, until one day the planet wakes up completely bald. Unless we combine our efforts to help in its preservation, the unique and beautiful destinations we buy expensive cameras to photograph may not be here for future generations to enjoy.

Leave only footprints

Take only photographs leave only footprints. These two simple phrases sum up the heart of eco-tourism. Do not leave litter of any kind, and do not take any souvenirs from historical sites and natural areas. In some instances, like taking a piece of the Valle de la Luna, it's a crime.

In the wilderness never disturb anything that you can avoid disturbing. Leave all the pretty rocks where they are; your desk will survive without another paperweight. The "it's only one rock" attitude goes out the window when a million people each take one rock from one forest.

The road most traveled

Following the basic rules of ecotourism can be as easy as following a well-marked trail, because on the well-marked trail is where you should be. Always follow designated trails and resist the urge to explore the forest.

Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats, and hopefully they will not disturb you in return. You were told a thousand times as a child to not tap the aquarium's glass, so consider each ecological wonder a special aquarium.

Education is a terrible thing to waste

Increase the size of your brain and educate yourself about the geography, customs and manners of the region you plan to visit. The invasion of foreign values can damage a culture more than a bulldozer in some regards. Get to know the culture before you arrive and know which of your actions or standards may not be accepted smoothly.

Tourism provides a positive boost to local people. Attending local events encourages indigenous pride and cultural heritage, enabling many traditions to be preserved. These traditions present a more lasting, honest perspective of the destination than any postcard ever could.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Respect the privacy of others and always ask before photographing people. Some Australian aborigines believe that photographs steal their souls. Why you may not believe this to be true, respect their beliefs slide the camera back into backpack.

Also be respectful of local people's land by asking permission before entering buildings, shrines or sacred lands. Showing respect will gain you the most treasured of souvenirs trust.

Eco-souvenirs

Souvenirs are a vital part of every trip, special for their uniqueness and direct mental link to a fabulous vacation memory. As a concerned eco-tourist, do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, such as ivory, tortoise shell, animal skins and feathers. Purchase souvenirs from local artists to keep cultural traditions alive.

Extend this idea and dine in locally owned restaurants exploring the gastronomic scenery is just as important as visiting the main attractions of a destination. Choose locally owned and operated lodges, hotels, tour guides, and take advantage of local taxis, buses and car rental agencies.

Eco-friends and neighbors

The easiest ecologically saving action to undertake is to support conservation-oriented organizations already working to preserve the environment. Select responsible tour operators and guides whose practices are based on sound eco-conscious beliefs.

Maintain an eco-friendly attitude when choosing destinations to visit. Encourage organizations to subscribe to environmental guidelines.

It's a small world after all

Globetrotting with the world in mind provides a more satisfying way to travel; challenging you to learn about the places and people you visit and help sustain their fragile environments, economies and cultures.

We hope this tips will help you make the best out of your visit to Bolivia. If you want to read more about Bolivia or just looking for additional tips, please click here.

Enjoy your trip!!

Road Blocks Lifted

Road Blocks Lifted, road conditions are clear for most of the country. There're a few trouble spots near Trinidad (Beni) and Puerto Suarez (Santa Cruz) due to flooding. (Date:4/21/08)

Road conditions

Road block still in place on the road from Santa Cruz to Camiri at Boyuibe and Lagunillas. Another road block at Ipati-Aratical in the road from Camiri-Sucre-Potosi . More updates on this coming soon. (Date: 4/13/08)

Feria de Cochabamba (Cochabamba's Intl. Fair)

Coming in April the Feria de Cochabamba (Cochabamba's International Fair)

This Trade Fair is accompanied by shows, great food and artist presentations. One of the largest trade fairs in Bolivia. The Fair includes companies from around the world, showcasing their products, going from the food industry to technology and machinery.

April 24th (normally goes for two weeks)
April (Movable - Event Organizer defines de date)
Cochabamba - Laguna Alalay
Trade Fair

If you want to read more about Cochabamba click here

Road conditions update

Road block still in place on the road from Santa Cruz to Camiri at Boyuibe and Lagunillas Another road block at Huaillani near Cochabamba, in the Oruro-Cochabamba road. More updates on this coming soon. (Date: 4/13/08)

Most Road Blocks lifted

Road Blocks at: Quillacollo, Chinata, Cotoca and Suticollo Lifted.

Road block still in place on the road from Santa Cruz to Camiri. More updates on this coming soon. (Date: 4/10/08)

Road Blocks from Oruro to Sta. Cruz

Due to social unrest the road from Oruro-Cochabamba is blocked at Quillacollo. Another blockade at Chinata in the road from Cochabamba to Santa Cruz. More updates on this coming soon. (Date: 4/7/08)


Update: Road Blocks still in place. New Road Block at Cotoca and Suticollo near Santa Cruz. More updates on this coming soon. (Date: 4/8/08)

Update: Road blocks still in place. New Road Blocks on the road from Santa Cruz to Camiri. More updates on this coming soon. (Date: 4/9/08)

Road blocks at Camiri, Bermejo and Yacuiba lifted

Road blocks at Camiri, Bermejo and Yacuiba were lifted yesterday, route to Argentina is open again.

Camiri, Yacuiba and Bermejo roads Blocked

Camiri, Bermejo and Yacuiba Road to Santa Cruz are blocked indefinetly due to social unrest. Negociations with Local and Central Government are taking place. More Updates soon.

News Update Road Block canceled

Bolivian Transport Union canceled the Road Blocks planned to start on Monday. Successful negotiations with the Government caused the Union leaders to cancel the measure. The Road Block in Camiri continues on effect, even thou negotiations with Government are taking place as of this moment. More updates on this soon.