Country file · South America
Cryptids of Bolivia
What cryptids are in Bolivia? The best-known are Kharisiri and Jichi.
Bolivia’s legends come from the Andean altiplano and the eastern lowlands. In the highlands the kharisiri is a feared fat-stealing figure whose stories are taken seriously by many, and are studied by anthropologists as a reflection of fears of exploitation.
- 2 cryptids
- 3 recorded sightings
Cryptids reported in Bolivia
Kharisiri
A fat-stealing bogeyman of the Andes, thought by many to be a real danger, that anthropologists read as a story of fear of outsiders and exploitation. Regional legendJichi
A giant serpent of Bolivia’s lowlands, guardian of lagoons, rivers and springs, said to bring drought if people misuse the water. FolkloreThe legends of Bolivia
In the Amazon and Chaco lowlands the Jichi is a giant serpent guardian of water. Both are living Indigenous traditions that deserve respect.
Hotspots
- El Alto and the altiplano
Where kharisiri remedies are sold and the belief is most visible.
- Beni and Santa Cruz lowlands
Home of Jichi stories.
Sightings timeline
- 2000Canessa’s anthropological study Kharisiri
Andrew Canessa’s article ‘Fear and loathing on the kharisiri trail’ analysed the belief in Bolivia.
- 2013Siguiendo las huellas del Jichi Jichi
The Santa Cruz department government published a cultural study of the Jichi.
- September 19, 2024La Razón article Jichi
The Bolivian newspaper La Razón reported on the legend as part of cultural coverage.