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
emergency cleaning services Glencoe ..Family Vacation in Costa RicaYou will not have any problem... Read More
Are you thinking about a great place to go for... Read More
For many decades Gatlinburg has been a favorite resort getaway... Read More
"I'm coming home. I've been away too long. Been away... Read More
Five Affordable World Travel Destinations Locations That Offer... Read More
Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical... Read More
Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a... Read More
Welcome to Washington, DC - The nation's capital is a... Read More
Just drive out to one of these delightful wine estates... Read More
This article is meant to be a guide for those... Read More
Hotels are a large component of Pigeon Forge lodging. As... Read More
Disneyland became the very definition of a theme park and... Read More
When you venture to Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee, Florida, why... Read More
RV rental vacations aren't cheap, but they do contain loads... Read More
As a resident, business owner and frequent skiier at Whistler,... Read More
Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado... Read More
Vacation Home Exchange V Renting Trade and save, or do... Read More
Enjoy your own luxurious lifestyle in our beautifully furnished, air... Read More
Hilton Head Island's mild climate, slow pace, and beautifully forested... Read More
Most of the time, when an individual is planning a... Read More
Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through... Read More
Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More
The Algarve, and particularly the areas around Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Praia... Read More
Edinburgh and beyondRoadtrips around BritainIt's hard to overstate the poetry... Read More
The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is... Read More
reliable maid service Highland Park ..No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting the city... Read More
For many people, the Bahamas is a dream vacation site,... Read More
Cairns Rainforest Retreat is ideally located for your unique rainforest... Read More
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure... Read More
How to find a Town Houses that will make your... Read More
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing... Read More
Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner... Read More
When it comes to shopping for something on-line, we tend... Read More
Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More
Everybody knows someone who has been on one and an... Read More
Whether you've saved up for years for a fun family... Read More
Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches,... Read More
Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More
Italy is a popular vacation destination for families because it... Read More
Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the... Read More
Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown.... Read More
The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
So you decided on Orlando Florida for your family vacation... Read More
The Costa del Sol has long been one of the... Read More
Shropshire is England's forgotten county, but it is well worth... Read More
Lake Tahoe cabin complexes rangein size from small, six-unit, luxury... Read More
Wiltshire is a large English county situated in central southern... Read More
Making the decision to dive into the world of timeshares... Read More
Vacation Rental |