Bolivia's Altiplano – Lake Titicaca, Copacabana & Beyond

This guide is based on our full Bolivia Adventure Guide, which is 440 pages. It focuses on the area between the two major spines of the Bolivian Andes, the Western Cordillera and the Cordillera Real. This is a dry plain, the world's largest, called the Altiplano. Starting at Lake Titikaka, the Altiplano runs 490 miles/800 km to the south. Some geographers believe that the Altiplano is a dried lake bed and that Lake Titikaka is the shrinking remnants of the ancient lake. Standing at 11,000 ft/3,660 m above the sea, the Altiplano has been cultivated to grow high-altitude crops like potatoes, barley and quinoa. Half of the nation's population lives in the Altiplano, the main theater of Bolivia's history. All of the detailed information you need is here about the hotels, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. But we also lead you to new discoveries, turning corners you haven't turned before, helping you to interact with the world in new ways. That's what makes our Adventure Guides unique. «An excellent addition to the Adventure Guide series, packed with detail, from where to stay and eat, to where to shop for local crafts and how to enjoy historic sites. This guide surveys the wildlife and outdoor opportunities of the country, which range from tropical jungle to high plains deserts. Hiking and viewing opportunities blend with cultural insights. Highly recommended.» — The Midwest Book Review. A country with a smorgasbord of landscapes, Bolivia is a unique destination. Tropical jungles in the Amazon Basin give way to beautiful deserts in the altiplano. The Andes, with four of the world's highest peaks, offer some of the best hiking, climbing and caving on earth. Water covers 14 per cent of the country's territory, including stunning Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Throughout, Bolivia is sprinkled with ruins of pre-Inca civilizations ripe for exploration. Here, Vivien Lougheed shares her passion for Bolivia, telling you about the history, geography, landscape, hidden treasures and top highlights. Comprehensive background information – history, culture, geography and climate – gives you a solid knowledge of each destination and its people. Regional chapters take you on an introductory tour, with stops at museums, historic sites and local attractions. Places to stay and eat; transportation to, from and around your destination; practical concerns; tourism contacts – it's all here! Detailed regional and town maps feature walking and driving tours. Then come the adventures – fishing, canoeing, hiking, rafting, llama trips and more. Never galloped along a beach on horseback, trekked up a mountain, explored ancient sites? “Adventure Guides” include extensive lists of recommended outfitters, with all contact details – e-mail, website, phone number and location.