12 Interesting Facts About Bolivia You Did Not Know

You would like to know more about Bolivia? Well, you’ve come to the right place, let’s get you started with this list of fun and interesting things about Bolivia!

1. Bolivia is home to the pink river dolphins of Amazon

For the first on our list of fun and interesting facts about Bolivia, let’s talk about the pink river dolphins of the Amazon in Bolivia.

It is not known why the Amazon river dolphins in Bolivia has this color, although one theory is that they have blood vessels near the surface of their skin. It’s also possible that the coloration has something to do with their age. 

The Inia Geoffrensis dolphins are considered to be the smartest of the five freshwater dolphin species. They can also bend their heads up to 90 degrees because of the unfused vertebrae on their necks. 

2. Almost half of the world’s animal and plant species are found in Bolivia

Forty percent of the world’s plant and animal life exists in Bolivia. The reason for this rich biodiversity is Bolivia’s climate and strategic tropical location.

Furthermore, the Bolivian government takes care of its nature. Over 17 percent of the land is declared as protected areas.

3. Bolivia is one of the “wettest” countries in the world

Bolivia receives an annual rainfall of more than five meters, making the country one of the wettest on the planet.

4. More than 30 languages are spoken in Bolivia

One of the interesting facts about Bolivia is that there are over 30 official languages in the country. Although Spanish is the most spoken, regional and indigenous languages are still being spoken. 

5. Bolivia is home to the world’s highest lake

Lake Titicaca is located in the western part of Bolivia and the southeastern part of Peru. It is situated 3,810 meters above sea level.

Aside from being the highest lake in the world, it is also South America’s largest freshwater lake.

Possibly because of its height, Lake Titicaca is also one of the world’s deepest lakes. The deepest point recorded is at 280 meters.

6. Bolivia is also home to the largest salt flat

Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. With an area of 10,582 square kilometers, it contains more than 64 million tons of salt.

When it rains, a thin layer of water stays just over the surface, making it reflective and turning into the world’s biggest mirror.

7. Bolivia has two of the world’s highest cities

The City of Potosí, which sits at an altitude of 13,420 feet, is known for its economic importance as home to silver mines.

Meanwhile, the fast-growing City of El Alto sits at an altitude of 13,615 feet.

8. One of the world’s biggest butterfly sanctuaries is also in Bolivia

Another interesting spot in Bolivia is its huge butterfly sanctuary located 20 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. The sanctuary has an area of 24 hectares and can be visited all year.

9. Bolivia is home to the Road of Fate AKA Death Road

In Bolivia, you can find the infamous North Yungas Road, a cycle route that connects the Yungas region and the city of La Paz. The route includes the Cotapata-Santa Bárbara section, which used to be the Road of Fate AKA Death Road.

The route is considered dangerous because of the narrow track, steep slopes, and lack of guardrails. When it is foggy, the route becomes extra challenging. 

The road has cross markings in spots where vehicles were known to have fallen before to warn those who pass by the route.

10. In Bolivia, you can find a hotel made out of salt

Feeling salty? A stay in this unique hotel in Bolivia will surely make you feel better!

Hotel de Sal Luna Salada is a modern hotel built entirely from salt, from the exterior to the furniture inside. 

11. You can eat a guinea pig in Bolivia

Care for some exotic delicacy? Guinea pigs are served whole in Bolivia, with the legs and head both pointing up.

12. There’s pretty solid evidence that dinosaurs roamed Bolivia

Possibly one of the most interesting facts about Bolivia is that a limestone slab, Bolivia on Cal Orko, has 5055 dinosaur footprints from at least eight different species. What’s more intriguing is that the footprints are on an 80-meter-high wall. 

You might be wondering how was this so. One theory is that tectonic activities pushed the limestone slab off the ground, eventually leaving it standing vertically. 

You most definitely should see our other interesting fact lists about countries from the top menu if you enjoyed reading these interesting facts about Bolivia. See you in the next post!