Bolivia Inspiration

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Bolivia through its finest exports. From captivating films and enchanting books to mouth-watering cuisine and essential key phrases, our guide will prepare you for an unforgettable holiday in this awe-inspiring country. Discover the heart and soul of Bolivia before you even set foot on its soil. Let the journey begin!

Watch 📺

"Jungle," starring Daniel Radcliffe as explorer Yossi Ghinsberg, is a biographical film about an expedition gone wrong in the wild and remote Bolivian Amazon.

"Che: Part II" features Benicio del Toro as Che Guevara, who ventures to Bolivia with hopes of spreading his Marxist ideals. Though mostly filmed in Spain, this film provides insight into Bolivia's connections with revolutionaries.

The 2022 award-winning "Utama" tells the story of a Quechua couple living in Bolivia's high Andes during a drought, featuring incredible scenery and stunning cinematography. While Redford and Newman never actually set foot in Bolivia during the filming of the classic western "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," it remains an enjoyable watch. You can visit Tupiza, where (spoiler alert!) the outlaws are believed to have been gunned down.

Read 📖

"The Fat Man from La Paz" by Rosario Santos revolves around Don Alejandro, a wealthy and eccentric figure, and delves into the complexities of Bolivian society, touching on themes of class, identity, and cultural traditions. The narrative blends personal anecdotes, social commentary, and humorous observations, painting a vivid picture of life in La Paz.

Taste 😋

Salteñas, a beloved national dish, are deliciously savoury pastries often described as a cross between empanadas and soup dumplings. These mouthwatering parcels are typically filled with a rich and hearty mixture of meat, vegetables, spices, and occasionally hard-boiled egg and olives. Accompanying salteñas is Bolivia's national drink, singani. This clear grape brandy, produced in the country for centuries, holds a special place in Bolivian culture. Made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes grown in the high-altitude vineyards of the Andes, it is smooth and delicate, with hints of floral and citrus notes. Whether sipped neat, mixed into cocktails, or enjoyed as a refreshing long drink, singani is a must-try for visitors.

Listen 🎶

Bolivia’s music is full of captivating melodies and lively rhythms, where music is intricately woven into the diverse cultures and stunning landscapes of the Andes. From the traditional tunes of Los Kjarkas to the modern beats of Atajo, the poetic verses of Savia Nueva, and the mesmerising melodies of Kalamarka, Bolivian music is a fusion of tradition, innovation, and cultural pride that beckons you to immerse yourself in its dynamic sounds.

Say 🗣️

Over 40% of Bolivia's population identifies as indigenous, so impress the locals by greeting them in Quechua with "Imaynallan kashanki?" meaning "how are you?"

Another useful Quechua phrase for saying goodbye is "tinkunakama," which translates to "see you later" or "next time." When enjoying a local beer, known as "chela," or the famous Bolivian brandy, singani, stun the locals by using the Aymara-Quechua word "machaykusun" to toast to health and celebrate life, like saying cheers!