Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cupesi;
the
marayau,
which resembles a bunch of giant grapes; the currant-like
nui;
the
scaly onion-looking
sinini;
and the stomach-shaped
paquio
.
Drinks
Top
cervezas
(beers) include Paceña, Huari, Sureña, Taquiña, Potosina and Tropical Extra.
Vino
(wine) is good, especially around Tarija.
Singani
is a white grape brandy, popular in
a
chufflay
(mixed drink with soda or lemonade).
Chicha
is a fermented corn drink popular
in the countryside.
On the nonalcoholic drink side,
Api
is made from a ground purple corn, while
mate de
coca
is an infusion of water and dried coca leaves. Another wonderful hot drink is
trimate,
a combination of chamomile, coca and anise. A must try is a
mocochinche,
a sugary peach
drink made from boiled cane sugar, cinnamon sticks and featuring a floating dried peach
(another Andean food-preservation marvel). Also popular are the sweet and nutty
tostada
and the corn-based
horchata
and
licuados
(fruit shakes blended with water or milk).
Gay & Lesbian Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Bolivia but still not widely accepted.
Gay bars and venues are limited to the larger cities, especially Santa Cruz and La Paz,
but these are still somewhat clandestine affairs. As for hotels, sharing a room is no prob-
lem - but discretion is still in order.
Gay-rights lobby groups are active in La Paz (MGLP Libertad), Cochabamba (Dignid-
ad) and, most visibly, in progressive Santa Cruz, which held Bolivia's first Gay Pride
march in 2001. La Paz is known for La Familia Galán, the capital's most fabulous group
of cross-dressing queens who aim to educate Bolivians around issues of sexuality and
gender through theater performances. The feminist activist group Mujeres Creando is
based in La Paz and promotes the rights of oppressed groups.
Insurance
A good travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical mishaps is important.
There is a wide variety of policies available: shop around and scrutinize the fine print.
Some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities,' which can include skiing, mo-
torcycling, mountain biking and even trekking. Check that the policy covers ambulances
and emergency airlift evacuations.
