Why consider Bolivia for cosmetic surgery?

Bolivia is located in central South America and boasts contrasting Andean and Amazonian landscapes as well as the highest capital city in the world.  Once most famous for silver mining Bolivia's more recent incarnation is as plastic surgery hot spot with visitors flocking from the US for a makeover, and now an increasing number of Brits are taking advantage of cosmetic surgery at a fraction of the price in the UK . And why not, with breathtaking scenery, warm hospitable people, world-renowned surgeons who study for a rigorous 15 years in order to qualify and advanced medical technologies, the medical tourist can combine a wonderful holiday in an exotic Latin American location with some 'nip and tuck' at very affordable prices.

Bolivia is located south west of Brazil nestled between Paraguay and Argentina in the south, with Chile and Peru in the west.  Officially known as the Republic of Bolivia, the country has a range of geographical regions and is an excellent location for trekking, fishing, jungle tours and mountaineering with most patients choosing to do their exploring and travelling pre-surgery so they can rest and recuperate afterwards.  There are two capital cities in Bolivia; La Paz (the administrative capital) and Sucre (home of the judicial branch of the government), while Santa Cruz de la Sierra, dubbed the tropical paradise of Bolivia, is the country's largest city and where a big proportion of plastic and cosmetic surgeries are located.  Bolivia highlights include the colonial town of Potosí - the highest city in the world - located in south-west Bolivia at 4070 metres above sea level and nominated a cultural asset of humankind by UNESCO.  The Cerro Rico (the Rich Mountain) silver mine is also a must-see as it is where a wealth of silver has been mined since the sixteenth century (the mines produced plenty of wealth for the Spanish empire but unfortunately the country went into decline when the price of silver dropped in the 1980's).

The country also has a plethora of natural wonders including mountain ranges like the Andean Royal Mountain Range which divides diverse ecological regions, Uyuni Salt Lake and national parks like the famous Madidi park.  The visitor can view many an interesting sight from archaeological ruins and significant statues such as the majestic Christ of the Concord positioned proudly on top of the San Pedro Hill in Cochabamba to the sacred lake of the Incas; Titicaca Lake, near La Paz.  Wherever you are in Bolivia make sure you sample some local specialities; dishes like empanada salteña (diced meats, potatoes, chives, raisins, a hot sauce and pepper baked in dough), or lomo montado, fried tender loin steak with two fried eggs, rice and fried banana are great washed down with a Cruzena, considered one of the best beers around.

Prices for cosmetic surgery are very low in Bolivia but quality is top class.  'Makeover Travel' in Santa Cruz for example has been awarded several prestigious prizes for quality, service and organisation and some of their clients include Miss World contenders.  In Bolivia you will pay under £1,500 for a tummy tuck, compared to around £5,000 in the UK, and only £800 for Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), which costs between £3,000 and £4,000 in the UK.  Equally, the bill for a complete face lift will be £1,500, compared with typical prices of between £4,300 and £6,000 in the UK, and what's more, all of these prices include 10 nights accommodation in a five star hotel.  All things considered there is little wonder that 'Beauty tourism', as it has become known, is growing at a rate of sixty percent each year.  Along with low prices, modern medical equipment, highly qualified surgeons who are world renowned, and the use of modern technologies and materials, the pound stretches even further in Bolivia as accommodation, travel, food and shopping are also inexpensive.

The official language in Bolivia is Spanish, but Quechua, Aymara and Guaraní are also spoken.  Bolivia has a wide range of climates due to its varied geography - you can experience stifling humidity one minute then heat or arctic cold weather conditions the next.  The best time to visit is during the winter months (May to October) to enjoy dry, clear days.  During the summer (from November to March), it is the rainy season so expect relentless downpours, humid conditions and plenty of mud.  Air tickets are the most expensive between late June and early September, when Bolivia's major fiesta season takes place.  The climate in Santa Cruz is semi tropical with average temperatures of between 29 to 35 degrees Celsius in the spring and summer, dropping down to around 21 degrees Celsius in the winter.

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