The Tiwanaku Empire and the KM 0 Philosophy

Tibet of the Americas

Bolivia is often described as the “Tibet of the Americas,” a moniker that hints at its high-altitude isolation and spiritual depth. It’s even been known as the rugged heart of the Andes; it is the “sleeping giant” of luxury travel. To understand Bolivia’s allure, one must first look at its foundations, during the times of the Tiwanaku Empire, an advanced civilization that flourished around Lake Titicaca for nearly a millennium. By the 15th century, the region became part of the Inca Empire. Fast forward a few centuries, and we come to the Spanish seeing Bolivia as a literal silver mine. When the winds of independence swept through South America in 1825, the new nation was named after its liberator, Simón Bolívar.

For a long time, Bolivia seen as not ready because the infrastructure couldn’t match its ambition. However, the new luxury traveler is destined for Bolivia. From Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia’s crown jewel, the world’s largest salt flat, to the world’s highest administrative capital, a transformation has occurred.

Beyond luxury hotel experiences, and historic education, the most noticeable transformation is the gastronomy scene. Led by restaurants like Gustu, the city has become a pilgrimage site for “foodie” travelers. The focus is on “KM 0” philosophy (This belief prioritizes the belief that ingriedients in a particular location have traveled the shortest distance possible from their point of origin). This means using only Bolivian ingredients, from Amazonian fruits to Andean tubers, served in sophisticated, high-design settings. This is a key tenant in sustainable food. By sourcing food nearby, restaurants drastically reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-haul shipping, air freight, and refrigerated trucking. It also minimizes the need for plastic packaging and preservatives meant to keep produce “fresh” during weeks of travel.

Bolivia is the sleeping giant because it doesn’t try to mimic more established destinations. Its luxury is “rough”—it requires a willingness to embrace the surreal. But for those who have “seen it all,” the this is the ultimate modern indulgence.