Bolivia: Barato

Contemporary Bolivia: It is a country right in the middle of South America. No coastline (fought a war with Chile, Chile won.) And the poorest country in South America. Those are its claims to fame. Poor and Landlocked. The United Nations attributes its poverty to the coca black market, which is a route many turn too in order to make ends meet. But leaving it at that would sell this beautiful country far short.

Yes there are heaps of coca leaves on every corner, smog hovering over the traffic streets, cracks in the walls, no hot water, and no gas for the stoves more often than not. Let only that you can´t drink the water. But there is also rich smells of empanadas wafting off every corner, streets filled with brillant colored clothing and people bustling at all hours, beautiful incan ruins, and fresh juice that more than replaces the water.