A beautiful and inexpensive place without a tourist in sight. Sound like a dream? It's not. This slice of paradise does exist. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of South America, Bolivia is a little-known retreat exotically spiced with a unique Latin and Native American flavor. Bolivia has a lot to offer?a very low cost of living, unspoiled natural environment, friendly people and a range of climates to suit virtually every taste.
Property prices are among the lowest in Latin America and it has the potential to become the world's next great expatriate haven. Bolivia has long been a favorite destination of adventure travelers, yet few mainstream American and European tourists make it to this secretive outpost. Why? Well, perhaps it's because Bolivia isn't a destination you stumble across by accident. Shrouded by great mountain ranges, it lies hidden between Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Paraguay.
The country's most famous visitors were Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the American outlaws who fled to South America in the early 1900s - they are said to have had their last stand with the Bolivian army and are buried here. As recent as the 1980s, wise old men in towns throughout the Bolivian highlands could be heard gossiping about the fate of two of America's most notorious outlaws. In Bolivia, myths come thick and fast, and one legend has it that the Incas have an underground network of secret passageways on an island located in Lake Titicaca, which is praised by visitors as being one of the deepest blue and most beautiful bodies of water in the world.
Leave your worries at home
Bolivia is one of those countries that seduce you through sheer personality. The colorful bustle of its markets and street vendors, the liveliness of its nightlife, and the charm and friendliness of its people, make it one of the most livable places in Latin America. Bolivia has a bit of something for everyone: charming old-world colonial towns with great restaurants, museums, and nightlife, as well as slow-paced cozy developments in rural areas near indigenous villages, where hunting, gathering and fishing are a way of life.
The climate is another plus. Temperatures in Bolivia range from the mid 60s to the low 80s, with the average being in the mid 70s. Even the hottest days are always tempered by cooling breezes.
Bolivia is a republic with a presidential system of government. Its fully democratic, American style system retains the respect of individual rights and freedoms.
Bolivia enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, with violent crime being virtually unknown and theft not commonplace.
Americans, Canadians, Australians and most Europeans don't need a visa to spend up to 90 days as a tourist in Bolivia and nonresidents may buy property. Live the good life on less than $9,000 a year. Besides the fact that there's no such thing as a rat race in Bolivia, its biggest asset is its cost of living. You can stay in a clean, friendly hotel in the city center for $8 a night (or US$125 per month) where every meal costs less than $3. Groceries are up to 70% cheaper than in the United States or Europe. A routine trip to a good English-speaking doctor will set you back no more than $20. You can take in an American movie for only $2 or get a taxi across town for as little as 80 cents. And you're certainly not going to have high utility bills: Electricity and heating costs average $15 a month.
Cheap Real Estate
To give you an example of the costs, here are some properties on offer right now:
A 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2500-square-foot home in an affluent neighborhood with a large garden, a garage, an alarm system, and every modern convenience, for $75,000.
A 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 800-square-foot apartment with a dining room, a kitchen, central heating, a balcony, and parking, costs $15,000.
Rentals are downright cheap by First World standards. Apartments begin at around $75 per month for something small, with houses starting at the $200 mark.
You could certainly rent a nice two-bedroom apartment in one of the best parts of town for $175 to $350 a month. And you can lease a luxury three-bedroom suburban home would rent for between $275 and $400 per month; homes with private swimming pools start at around $500 monthly.
Recently, I helped a client find a lot to build on for less than $5000, with good shopping, a lake and the airport all in walking distance.
These deals and many more make little-known Bolivia worth investigating.
About The Author
Copyright 2005 by Shannon Roxborough
Shannon Roxborough is an international lifestyle expert with close to 20 years experience. He has helped hundreds of clients with overseas living, retirement and travel matters. Visit his website at: www.thegloballife.net
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThe typical scenario goes something like this: your casual mention... Read More
Love the outdoors, looking for adventure, a romantic getaway, or... Read More
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure... Read More
Five Affordable World Travel Destinations Locations That Offer... Read More
Enjoy your own luxurious lifestyle in our beautifully furnished, air... Read More
Work-rate, health and even personal relationships may be affected if... Read More
The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be... Read More
Shropshire is England's forgotten county, but it is well worth... Read More
When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay... Read More
The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the... Read More
That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More
Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a... Read More
Today, we as travelers have a ton of options to... Read More
After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and... Read More
Condo hotels, also known as condotels, are a relatively new... Read More
Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More
Punta Cana Beaches are among the most beautiful in the... Read More
As our wedding anniversary looms near... and this one will... Read More
Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home... Read More
Are you thinking of travelling Abroad?You will surely want to... Read More
When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot... Read More
Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More
Sea Pines Plantation ? The Pearl of Hilton Head IslandHilton... Read More
Disney Area Lodging DealsThe Orlando area communities of Lake Buena... Read More
When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..The home away from home but a little bit more... Read More
Punta Cana Beaches are among the most beautiful in the... Read More
The main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe is... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
If your vacation time is coming up and you are... Read More
==> Try to buy your vacation travel package from a... Read More
That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More
Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More
Condo hotels, also known as condotels, are a relatively new... Read More
Before finding the answer to this dilemma, let's take an... Read More
The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More
Gatlinburg has a small but thriving community of property owners.... Read More
When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More
Most of us take vacations for the express purpose of... Read More
For most of us, the basis of a car rental... Read More
Hotels are a large component of Pigeon Forge lodging. As... Read More
Family Vacation in Costa RicaYou will not have any problem... Read More
Real Estate in an area like Punta Cana is hot... Read More
I love Sussex County Delaware. I am native born, multigenerational... Read More
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Everybody knows someone who has been on one and an... Read More
The Algarve, and particularly the areas around Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Praia... Read More
People often ask me why we keep returning year after... Read More
When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay... Read More
Vancouver will receive a lot of attention as the 2010... Read More
Vacation Rental |