National sport

Bolivian sports fans can keep up with the latest news by visiting our Bolivia news and current events page, which is constantly updated. The following is for people searching for a description or list of Bolivian sports, or just some amusing facts about Bolivian sports and how sports impact Bolivian customs and culture.

First and foremost, soccer is by far the most popular sport in Bolivia. In Bolivia, no other sport can compare to soccer, or futbol, as it is known in Spanish. It is mostly played by men and boys, although women and girls are gradually becoming more involved. Bolivia is still a chauvinist country, and when it comes to girls or women playing soccer, men do not take them seriously, seldom play against them in teams, and do not feel they are as athletic or capable as men. Female athletes, on the other hand, are gradually breaking down the restrictions.

Tennis, racquetball, swimming, horseback riding, golf, gymnastics, racing (like in automobiles), skiing (although our glaciers are melting), mountain climbing, hiking, running and jogging, track and field, rollerblading, volleyball, and more sports are available in Bolivia. Motorcycle races, cycling races, and mountain biking are also popular. Waterskiing and waverunners are also popular in some regions, although they are not widely used since most people cannot afford them. Also, many individuals, especially tourists, do rappelling and rock climbing in locations with hills and mountains. Whitewater rafting is a popular activity in tropical locations with numerous rivers. Canopy excursions are available in several rainforests.