| Bolivar, is a landlocked country in central South | | | | small the government recruits anyone as young as 14. |
| America. It is bordered by Brazil on the north and east, | | | | It is estimated that 20 percent of the Bolivian army is |
| Paraguay and Argentina on the south, and Chile and | | | | between the ages 14 and 16 while 30 percent is from |
| Peru on the west. Bolivia is the second poorest | | | | 16 to 18. The tour of duty is generally 12 months. |
| country in Latin America, after Haiti. | | | | Bolivia is beautiful and striking there are currently 10 |
| Throughout the countries colonial history, Bolivia was | | | | national parks and eight protected areas. Although |
| known as Upper Peru, until after Simon Bolivar led the | | | | Bolivia is landlocked, it never feels claustrophobic |
| country to independence in 1825, when it was named | | | | blessed with breathtaking lakes and lofty mountains. It |
| in his honour. The countries name instigates great | | | | is difficult to know what is more breathtaking the |
| national pride, which has unfortunately been marred by | | | | Bolivians gentle struggle to survive amidst a legacy of |
| years of turmoil and tyranny under the lead of | | | | poverty and unrest, or the Altiplano ascending ever |
| caudillos, military dictators. | | | | higher. Standing as tall as the mountains, the Bolivians |
| Liberation retains a dual meaning in Bolivia. A country | | | | pride for their homeland is always evident and always |
| of great expanse, extensive lakes and salt plains | | | | justified. |
| induce an elated sense of freedom for any traveller. | | | | Go trekking through Bolivias large range of |
| But there is little of such freedom for Bolivians, many | | | | geographical regions and climates, including ancient Inca |
| of whom count for some of the poorest people in | | | | routes. |
| Latin America. Although Bolivia has entered an | | | | Hurtle down the worlds most dangerous road on a |
| unprecedented era of political stability, it follows a | | | | mountain bike. Starting from the Bolivian Andes outside |
| record of 192 coups in the 156 years from | | | | of La Paz , descend rapidly down twisting mountain |
| independence to 1981. | | | | roads into the jungle. Various companies organise the |
| The fight to keep their land mirrors the Bolivians fight to | | | | trip, including the hire of professional bikes and |
| preserve their traditions, such as the Pachamama, | | | | equipment. |
| Mother Earth shrines to her are found everywhere. | | | | Venture into the Amazon jungle. Typical jungle trips |
| The Bolivian military is comprised of three branches, an | | | | include motorised canoe trips, rainforest walks and |
| Army, Navy and Air Force. The legal age for voluntary | | | | camping, led by local guides who have an intimate |
| admissions is 18. However, when the numbers are | | | | knowledge of the indigenous plants and wildlife. |