President Evo Morales aptly renamed the country The Plurinational State of Bolivia, reflecting its rich diversity. Bolivia boasts one of South America’s largest indigenous populations, alongside a significant mestizo (mixed-race) community. Among its 36 indigenous groups, the Aymara and Quechua, primarily in the northwestern highlands, are the most prominent. Lesser-known minorities, such as the Afro-Bolivians, contribute to the cultural tapestry with their vibrant Saya music, blending African percussion with traditional Andean instruments.
In Bolivia’s cities, a dynamic fusion of global trends and ancient traditions creates a lively cultural scene, where modern nightlife intertwines with indigenous roots. La Paz, for instance, is dotted with Peñas and Saya grottos, offering an authentic experience alongside the city’s more conventional clubs.
Bolivia’s folkloric traditions shine brightest during its grand carnivals, held at various significant times throughout the year. The Oruro Carnival, surpassing even Rio in regional fame, captivates with its energy and diverse traditional dances, including the Llamerada (llama herders), Suri Sikuri (harvesters), Diablada (devil worshippers), Tinku (dancing brawls), and Caporales (slave drivers). Beyond its cultural richness, the carnival is a spirited affair—Bolivians revel in the festivities, often engaging in playful water pistol battles or foam spray attacks, with the occasional dunk in a fountain for the unwary. Visit our Photo Gallery to experience the vibrant February 2010 Carnival.

Bolivia is home to over 300 archaeological sites and numerous locations of immense historical significance, many of which have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These include:
Potosí (1987) Nestled at 4,824 meters above sea level, Potosí is renowned as the world’s highest city. Once a major source of silver for Spain during the colonial era, this mining town centers around Cerro Rico, a mountain famously rich in silver.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos (1990) Located in the Santa Cruz department, these sites were established by Jesuits to convert indigenous peoples. Today, they are celebrated for their unique blend of European and indigenous cultural influences.
Sucre (1991) Known as the "White City," Sucre serves as Bolivia’s constitutional capital. Its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, characterized by white-painted buildings, reflects a rich historical legacy.
Tiwanaku (2000) These 10th-century ruins of a pre-Inca civilization, possibly dating back to 1600 BC, offer a glimpse into Bolivia’s ancient past. Much of this vast site remains unexcavated, inviting visitors to let their imaginations soar.
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (2000) Situated on the border with Brazil in the Santa Cruz department, this pristine park is a biodiversity haven and an untouched natural paradise.
Kallawaya Culture (2003) Found in the mountainous regions near La Paz, the Kallawaya people are direct descendants of the pre-Inca Tiwanaku civilization, preserving ancient traditions and knowledge.
Additionally, the Carnival of Oruro has earned the prestigious title of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance.

The Bolivian Express (BX) residence is nestled in the vibrant, residential neighborhood of Sopocachi, just a 5-minute walk from Plaza España and 10 minutes from Plaza Avaroa, the heart of the city’s creative scene. Sopocachi is renowned as La Paz’s cultural hub, brimming with cafes, cultural centers, laundromats, supermarkets, and more.
Our residence is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: high-speed Wi-Fi, regular cleaning of common areas, cable TV, a bookshelf stocked with local resources, heaters, cooking utensils, a microwave, and a steady supply of drinking water. You’ll share the space with fellow program participants and a few locals, including our social and cultural coordinator, who can offer valuable insights into Bolivia and La Paz. The atmosphere is warm and sociable, with occasional meals, gatherings, and parties, though we maintain a balance—ensuring the space remains a peaceful retreat rather than a constant party hub.
Find the exact location of our residence on Google Maps by following the link below.

In most cases, a standard tourist visa is sufficient, typically valid for 30 to 90 days. Many Europeans do not require a visa, while U.S. citizens do. For a complete list of visa requirements by nationality, please refer to the Visa Requirements page.
Note: Visa policies may change, so if you’re unsure or believe the requirements for your nationality have been updated, we recommend contacting the Bolivian Embassy in your country for confirmation. U.S. citizens, in particular, are now required to pay a visa fee—visit the U.S. Consular Affairs page for more details if this applies to you.
 If you do not need a visa, no further action is required. Upon entering Bolivia, you’ll automatically receive a tourist entry stamp valid for 30 to 90 days.

Check out our prices for the four programmes we offer: