Bolivia. A land of contrasts.
From the dizzying heights of the Andes Mountains and the vastness of the Atacama Desert, to the lush basin of the Amazon rainforest and the mind-bending salt flats – it’s a country infused with an energy you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
On June 11th, the Tribe returns to this relatively unexplored country for the sixth time, and for good reason.
Members who spend a month living in our mountain hideaway near La Paz, the world’s highest capital, seem to come away somehow… changed. Hushed whispers pass between new members and old, talking of a Chapter where the community experience is elevated to an almost spiritual level.
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Bolivia is an understated country, but rightly confident in its own charms.
Part of it’s allure it that it’s still very much “off the beaten track” for most travellers. It’s just too easy to get distracted by the bucket-list landmarks found in neighbouring Brazil or Peru.
But it’s always held an intensley special place in the Tribe’s heart.
Why?
Well, rather than tell you what we think, we put this question to those that had experienced it first-hand:
Tell us, is it really
“Better in Bolivia”?
And here’s what they told us…
#1: It’s the Tribe’s Home-from-Home
It’s sentimental because it’s where WiFi Tribe started... – Murray L. R.
Yep, it’s where the meandering tale of WiFi Tribe began.
Bolivia is Diego’s homeland. That beautiful house we stay at every year? That’s Diego’s childhood home. And over the last few years, it’s become the Tribe’s home too – the place we feel more settled than anywhere else in the world.
#2: The Adventures Are Raw & Exhilarating
“I knew Bolivia was a mountainous country with the world’s largest salt flats, but I had no idea how cool the nature in Bolivia really is…there was so much to see.” – Amanda P.
Scale mountains, play in the salt flats, trek the Amazon, sail across the world’s highest lake…
If you have an adventurous streak, Bolivia definitely brings the goods. Startlingly different landscapes lay around every corner, each one begging to be explored.
If you have a wild side, prepare to unleash it here.
#2: The Vibe Is Totally Unique
“My favourite thing about the Bolivia chapter is just how different it is compared to every other chapter. In most chapters, you live in a few apartments very close to each other. This is great because you get to know everyone well and usually your roommates even more so. But in Bolivia, you’re all living in 2-3 houses together. Your meals are cooked for you, so you generally eat all of your meals together. You’re honestly like a family.” – Lauren M.
Most of our chapters are set in beautiful cities that are lively and thriving. We love those locations, but Bolivia brings something totally different to the party.
Diego’s casa is a 30-minute drive from Bolivia’s largest city, so it’s a little off the beaten track. But it’s a price everyone’s happy to pay for the raw, unbridled adventure that the mountainous landscape offers.
Essentially, you’re getting the best of all worlds – the city is a short hop away, adventure is right on your doorstep, and your family (trust me, you’ll be calling the Tribe, “family”, within days) are all in one spot.
Which brings us nicely onto the thing that members mention the most when they talk about Bolivia…
#3: The Community Atmosphere Is Second-To-None
“The sense of community that WiFi Tribe strives for is much stronger in Bolivia because of how close the group gets on a chapter. It was a big bonding experience with the people because you spend so much time with them and get to know them much better than you would anywhere else. ” – Murray L.R.
We place great emphasis on creating an environment that brings the community together on every chapter.
But in Bolivia, that experience is just so much more intense.
That sense of closeness with your fellow Tribers is completely unadulterated. From morning workouts in the garden, to co-working in the comfortable spots around the house. From eating breakfast, lunch and dinner together (delicious meals cooked by Claudia, our absolute fave Bolivian… after Diego of course), to evening sessions on the sofa, putting the world to rights, or just enjoying a big ol’ cuddle puddle… if that’s your bag!
The point is, it’s just you and the rest of the Tribe, living together in one of the most stunning settings in the entire world.
If it’s community that you come to WiFi Tribe for, and you haven’t been to Bolivia yet, you really are missing something quite special. As I once heard someone clever say;
“You come as guests, stay as friends, and leave as family”
“I feel like Wifi Tribe is my family in every chapter, but this chapter is very different because of how much time you spend with everyone. You get the chance to develop deeper relationships with every person there.” – Lauren M.
And when we say “deeper relationships”, we’re talking about three-Tribers-getting-matching-tattoos-after-spending-4-weeks-together, kinda deep.
That’s the true magic of Bolivia.
#4: The Weekend Trips Are Without Compare
Remember when we said that there’s a ton to do in Bolivia?
“Bolivia’s landscape is like none I have ever experienced in any other country. From biking the famous Death Road, to sailing on the highest navigable lake in the world (Lake Titicaca), quad biking through the mountains, camping on Isla del Sol and waking up for the sunrise, viewing the flamingos in one of Bolivia’s many colourful lagoons, or spending the day posing for pictures with distorted depth perception in the salt flats, the options for weekend adventures are endless…” – Amanda P.
After a week of working hard, you can let off some steam on some of the most epic weekend trips you will ever experience. These adventures are a huge part of what makes Bolivia WiFi Tribe’s most iconic Chapter.
#5: You’ll Get a Shit Ton of Work Done
“Bolivia was easily the most productive chapter I’ve done in all my experience with WiFi Tribe. The peaceful environment in the mountains, far from the distractions of a city, makes it a great place to get work done.” – Amanda P.
“The productivity and work environment are unbeatable in Bolivia…it’s perfect for anyone that is more focused on work than on exploring new cities and sights.” – Lauren M.
“In the week there’s not a lot of things around to distract you. There are no restaurants around, or cafes, or activities. To go do something you have to take a 30 min taxi to the city so most of the time you are just at home among the mountains with nothing to do but relax and work.” – Murray L. R.
Need we say more?…
But hold up, hold up!
Before you get ahead of yourself and go booking your spot for next month, you need the full story…
We decided to pen this article because, firstly, we adore this place. It’s quite simply, one of our favourite places on earth.
But we also want to make sure that it’ll be a great fit for you. Because, truth be told, this chapter is going to be amazing for some people…
“It’s for anyone wanting a detox from the normal vibe of the tribe or that wants some adventurous weekend trips. I took advantage of having my meals cooked for me and cut out processed food and alcohol for the month. Most people didn’t, but I chose to make it more like a “retreat” away from those things. I felt awesome and had the best sleep of my life!” – Lauren M.
“The Bolivia chapter is for adventurous people who are looking for a “retreat” from their everyday nomad lives to live in a very close-knit community for a month. You can expect to have a productive month, making deeper connections with your fellow Tribers, and having some epic, but rustic, outdoor adventures on the weekend trips.” – Amanda P.
“It’s perfect for people who want to get away from the city life for a while, get a lot of work done, and form massive bonds with Fellow WiFi Tribers.” – Murray L. R.
And less so for others…
“The Bolivia chapter is not for people looking for a big city experience with easy access to restaurants, bars and nightlife. It’s not for people who aren’t a big fan of the outdoors, who don’t like to “rough it” on their weekend trips, and who have the need for constant high-speed internet access.” – Amanda P.
Ready to Come Home With the Tribe?
Bolivia is seriously special to us, as you can probably tell.
Those who experience this magical place leave with a renewed sense of connection – both to each other, and to this wonderous little rock we call home.
It’s a breath of fresh air in a world that sometimes feels a little crowded.
A rare moment of humanity and nature colliding, creating the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
So, if you’re ready to fill your lungs, and dare we say, your heart, you can explore our Bolivia Chapter here.
nb. At the time of writing, our September Chapter is full and has a waiting list. But we still have a couple of open spots in August, in case you’re feeling spontaneous!
