bolivia travel plans

TRAVEL to BOLIVIA – Tips and Information Guide [2024]

Whether you’re looking to explore endless salt flats or cycle down the world’s most dangerous road, let our ultimate guide for travel to Bolivia help you plan your trip!

Bolivia has various climates, diverse cultures, attractions for all ages and adventures for the biggest adrenaline junkies.

Depending on what you wish to experience, you can find yourself in the hot lowlands to cold mountain tops.

If you can think of it, Bolivia most likely has it!

• An Amazonian jungle
• Unlivable sweltering deserts
• Incredibly fertile grasslands
• Snowcapped mountains
• And so much more!

Plus there are over 36 different ethnic groups – making it one of the most diverse countries in the world.

But if you are looking for an ocean nearby, that is the one thing Bolivia lacks. It is one of only two landlocked countries in South America.

Still, Bolivia shares the world highest lake with its neighbour, Peru, at Lake Titicaca.

Bolivia Travel Guide

Thinking about travelling to Bolivia as your next holiday destination? Make sure that you use our Bolivia travel guide to prepare you for your adventure!

General Info

Here are a few of the basics to get you started in your planning.

• Capital: Sucre (constitutional capital) and La Paz (seat of the government and de facto capital)
• Other Main Cities: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
• Currency: Boliviano
• Language: Spanish and 36 indigenous languages
• Population: 11,248,864
• Area: 1,098,581 sq. km
• Electricity Voltage: 220 Volt
• Electricity Sockets: Plug type A & C

How to Travel to Bolivia

In general there aren’t that many direct flights to Bolivia.

Most flights originating in other South American countries will land in either La Paz or Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the two most populated cities in Bolivia.

The quickest and easiest way to visit Bolivia is to fly, if you don’t mind the odd connection.

Flying from the US & Canada

From the USA you can fly out from Miami to La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

There is also an option to fly from different cities in the US via connections.

Most flights are likely to connect in Miami. And then in Miami, you will make the connection to Bolivia.

When flying from Canada you will also have to first fly to the US and then make your connection.

Of course, if you’re already visiting the neighbouring countries in South America you have a much wider selection of flight connections.

Examples of quick routes include those originating in Sao Paulo (Brazil), Lima (Peru) and Buenos Aires (Argentina).

The main airports in Bolivia are in the two capitals: La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

The airplane tickets are on the expensive side, ranging from USD$800-1100.

Flying from United Kingdom & Ireland

Unfortunately there are no direct flights departing from the UK or Ireland.

The quickest route is to fly to Madrid, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires or Miami from one of the daily flights from London. From there you will connect to Bolivia.

The cost of a round trip ticket is approximately USD$1,500.

Flying from Australia & New Zealand

From Australia and its neighbouring countries, the quickest route is to fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina. You can do this most easily with Qantas or Aerolineas Argentina via Auckland or Sydney.

The cost of the round trip is around USD$1,500.

From Buenos Aires flights to Bolivia will be approximately USD$300-500.

Of course, there is always the option to fly to the USA first and then connect from Miami to Bolivia.

Traveling Overland From The Bordering Countries

The only alternative to flying to Bolivia is to make your way through South America and travel to Bolivia overland by bus, train or automobile.

You can reach Bolivia by bus from all five neighbouring countries: Chile, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

Take the bus from Puno and enter Bolivia either through the Kasani border or Desaguadero.

The ride is around 4 hours away from La Paz.

The main entry point is Quijarro in Bolivia which is close to the Corumbá, Brazil.

From Quijarro you can make your way to Santa Cruz by train. But be warned that it’s a 13-18 hour long train ride!

From Brazil, you can also enter Bolivia at San Matías. This will be a whole day of bus travel from San Ignacio, Chiquitania.

Another way of travelling to Bolivia is from Amazonia. There are several entry points (Brasiléia, Cobija, Guajarámerim, Guayaramerin).

There are three main routes of travelling to Bolivia from Chile.

• Take the bus departing from Arica to La Paz
• Take the train from Calama to Uyunivia Avaroa
• You can also go on a jeep ride from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni
• La Quiaca to Villazón (road and rail connections to Uyuni, Oruro and Tupiza)
• Pcitos to Yacuiba (road and rail connections to Santa Cruz and Tarija)

If you are travelling to Peru from Paraguay it will be a whole day of bus travel from Asunción to Santa Cruz.

Visa Requirements for Bolivia

If you want to travel to Bolivia you must know whether or not a visa is required to enter the country.

All US citizens are required to purchase an entry visa (USD$160).

For citizens of other countries, the Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups.

• 1 st group: Countries that do not require the visa
• 2 nd group: Countries that require a tourist visa
• 3 rd group: Countries that require a visa with authorization from Bolivia

If you wish to see into which group your country falls in, click here

5 Interesting Facts About Bolivia

Bolivia is full of interesting people, places, history and culture. Here are a few interesting facts to help you plan to travel to Bolivia.

• In about 99% of the country tap water is NOT safe for consumption.
• People dress up as Zebras in La Paz! They help children cross the street and educate drivers and pedestrians about safety measures.
• Camino de las Yungas is known as the “World’s Most Dangerous Road”. Every year the number of casualties ranges from 200 to 300.
• Reflect at the world’s largest mirror – Salar de Uyuni. It is the world’s largest salt flat at 10,582 sq. km.
• Bolivia has 37 official languages! Pick the one you are best at speaking and enjoy your travel in Bolivia!

Best Time to Travel to Bolivia

Bolivia is in the southern hemisphere. For this reason, the best time to travel to Bolivia is during its summer (December – February).

From May to October, the highlands are cold and temperatures in the desert at night are below freezing. This is especially true during the months of June and July.

But temperatures will also vary depending on which region of Bolivia you travel.

For example, the Salar de Uyuni is located in the high desert where even summertime temperatures can range greatly.

Also, when visiting the Amazonian regions of Bolivia the temperatures can remain hot and humid year-round.

The beginning of the dry season is from April to May. The country begins to come alive during these months after all of the rainfall.

If you travel to Bolivia during this time you will benefit from lower prices and fewer tourists.

Bolivia Travel Itineraries

Here’s a typical rundown of places to visit and for how long to help you plan your itinerary.

Lake Titicaca (1 – 2 Days)

If you enter Bolivia from Peru you will reach the town of Copacabana.

You don’t have to spend a night in Copacabana. But it is worth it if anything to relax and take in the sights of the lake.

The first day is to be spent at the lake and go canoeing. Or take a tour out to visit the floating reed cities.

On the second day, explore Copacabana and hike to the top of Cerro Calvario.

La Paz (2 – 3 Days)

Capital city of Bolivia has many attractions worth exploring.

You can go for a ride on the iconic teleferico and enjoy the stunning views of La Paz beneath you.

Or visit the witches market and shop for spells.

You could also spend days at a time trying to visit any of the many impressive museums in the city.

La Paz is also notorious for its nightlife.

If this interests you, head out in the evening and get a taste of it for yourself!

While in La Paz if you’re searching for an adrenaline high cycle down the Camino de las Yungas!

But do be careful as it is known as the “World’s Most Dangerous Road.”

Salar de Uyuni (2 – 3 Days)

The Salar de Uyuni is one of the main reasons that people all over the world travel to Bolivia!

Even if you don’t have a lot of time it is definitely worth booking a three-day trip.

There are many opportunities to travel across the salt flats in any number of tours originating in the town of Uyuni.

Of course, after spending a few days trekking across the surreal landscapes, stay for a night in the town of Uyuni to get some rest.

Sucre (1 – 2 Days)

Sucre is a colonial, picturesque town.

This is a town that’s renowned for having some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in all of South America.

Spend some time enjoying the laid back atmosphere in the town.

And make sure to indulge yourself in the local food and drink while you explore the ancient town.

Budget for Travelling Bolivia

Bolivia is known for being a cheap place to travel in South America, but even then it’s easy to spend up big if you want to.

Here’s our general budget guide.

Backpacker – $20 per day

The cheapest accommodations when travelling in Bolivia is definitely camping or staying in budget dorm rooms in hostels.

If you have your own tent it would cost you around USD$5, if you do not find a place to wild camp (be very careful about safety while wild camping though)

But you can also rent tents relatively cheaply as well (around USD$11).

Dorm rooms can cost anywhere from USD$5 to $10 a night.

Food is very cheap in Bolivia. It is almost worth purchasing already prepared meals rather than shopping at grocery stores and preparing your own meals.

If you’re on a really tight budget then head to the markets or street vendors where you can buy fresh fruit salads and hot meals for as low as USD$1.

If you see anywhere that says “almuerzo” that means full lunch. This is a great deal as you will get a soup, main dish and dessert for about USD$1.50!

As for transportation costs as you travel in Bolivia, you also don’t have to worry.

If you take a cab within the city centre limits will cost you around USD$0.60 per person.

While buses offer even lower prices. One way tickets are around USD$0.30.

If you have to take a long bus ride then the price should be around USD$2/per hour.

Make sure you check out our complete guide to backpacking in Bolivia .

Couples/Mid-Range – $60-100 per day

If you are travelling as a couple or have a slightly higher budget, you can live very comfortably in Bolivia.

You can find private rooms for around $20 a night, and if you’re willing to spend between $30-50 a night, you’ll get something very nice in good hotels.

With that kind of budget you’ll also be able to eat in many restaurants, enjoy a tasty coffee if you’d like and head out for a few beers in the evenings.

Luxury – $150 per day

You can live quite well when travelling in Bolivia on USD$100-150 per day.

Four stars hotel like Radisson Hotel in La Paz are about USD$80 per night.

The more expensive restaurants offer meals at around USD$20-30

And most of the museums offer free admission or have very low priced tickets around USD$2-4.

You could also plan to book a good quality 3-day Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats tour for around USD$270 per person . This would include all meals and accommodations.

Even if you wanted to rent a car to tour the country on your own, car rental prices are reasonably set around USD$40 per day.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Bolivia

• La Paz . This capital city is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers everything from haute cuisine to lively nightlife.
• Salar de Uyuni. People all over the world travel to Bolivia specifically to witness this natural phenomenon, vast white salt flats stretching into the horizon.
• Reserva Eduardo Avaroa. This is one of the best national parks in the country and can be visited when you are doing your 3-day tour of Salar de Uyuni. Experience hot springs in which you can bathe and enjoy the views, geysers, deserts and several differently coloured lagoons!
• Sucre (White City). The official capital of Bolivia. Sucre is a charming town that is also on UNESCO’s list for its impeccably preserved colonial architecture!
• Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This town is part of Bolivia’s tropical Amazonian area and is the jumping-off point for trips to visit the Amazon. The city also boasts of having the best nightlife in all of Bolivia. For a wild night, you must visit the Monseñor Rivero Street.

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Bolivia

• The Pampas tour . This is one of two ways in which you can experience the Amazon jungle from Bolivia. Get up close and personal with the Amazons notorious wildlife and landscapes.
• The World’s Most Dangerous Road. This is a must for every thrill-seeker! But be cautioned that it has its name for a reason. Every year hundreds of people die while travelling on the road, including tourists.
• Salar de Uyuni. You cannot miss the world’s largest salt flat! The landscapes surrounding you will take your breath away! Plus you can have all sorts of fun taking photos on the white vastness of the salt flats.
• Madidi National Park. This park is one of the most biodiverse national parks in the world. There are jaguars, rare fauna and over 1,000 species of birds.
• Oruro Carnival. This town comes alive with folk dances, colourful and flamboyant costumes, live music and 20 hours of constant partying. And these are just some of the reasons why this carnival attracts around 400,000 people annually.

Transportation While Travelling in Bolivia

Travelling in Bolivia is both easy and affordable. You will find that it is possible to travel by bus, plane or train to almost any part of the country.

The bus is by far the easiest and cheapest way to travel in Bolivia.

The bus network is very well developed so all the buses are pretty frequent and reliable. You can travel by bus both within and between most cities and towns in Bolivia.

The prices are very low at around USD$0.30 one way. And if you’re going on a longer trip then it’s around USD$2/per hour.

If you’re going on a long bus journey, you should know that there are no meals included in the price.

So prepare some snacks for the trip or buy a hot meal from one of the street vendors that work on one of the stops on your trip.

There are two types of buses for short journeys: micros and trufis.

Micros are minibuses that have an already set route. They leave at any time when the bus is full.

Micros will stop wherever the passenger wants to get off or on. Just let the driver know where you are going and remind them to stop for you.

All tickets cost approximately the same, which is around USD$0.15 one way.

The trufi is a van or a cab that, like the micro, has an already predetermined route. You are typically sharing the ride with a handful of people.

Trufis do not have set schedules either. They only leave when they are full.

They are cheaper than regular taxis because you are carpooling with other passengers.

One way trip would cost about USD$0.40 to most places within a city or town.

Unlike many other places in the world, the taxi is regarded as one of the safest ways to travel in Bolivia.

You can call a cab at any time and anywhere. And they are so numerous that hailing a taxi from the side of the road is quite easy.

There are two types of taxis available: radio taxis and regular taxis.

Radio Taxis

Radio taxis are dispatched based on calls that they receive from private clients like hotels or restaurants.

These taxis drive to the passenger’s location and take them to their desired destination.

This is a safer, but the more expensive, option that would cost you around USD$1 -6.

Regular Taxis

Regular taxis operate throughout most cities and larger towns in Bolivia. These are the standard cabs that you would expect to see in any city in the world.

Taxis are reliable forms of transportation. You can often negotiate fares with taxi drivers.

But note that fares are already quite inexpensive so haggling with a driver is only going to take change out of his or her pocket.

If you are looking for a unique way to travel in Bolivia be sure to check out the cable car.

The teleferico operates at 4000 m in elevation making it the highest cable car in the world.

Riding the cable car will connect you from La Paz to El Alto.

Not only is it able to provide transportation to 3,000 passengers per hour between La Paz and El Alto – but also the duration of the ride is just 10 minutes!

The price of the ride is quite reasonable, at approximately USD$0.50. There are also various discounts for seniors, students and the disabled.

Accommodation in Bolivia

When travelling in Bolivia you can find accommodation for very good prices. But know, of course, that the standards of accommodation vary.

In more urban areas you will find budget hostels for as little as USD$2-3 to high-end hotels that charge USD$100 per night.

In smaller towns, you won’t have that much luck in booking an upper scale accommodation. But there is always a lot of variety when it comes to budget places.

Rates are highest from July to August and in areas that are popular with tourists.

Also, make sure to book in advance if you plan to visit during a major festival.

Many places in Bolivia do not differentiate between a hostel and a hotel. So if you are looking for one or the other, you’ll likely find them to be the same in most places.

Even small basic places will refer to themselves as a hotel. Keep your eye out for other names, such as hostales, residenciales or alojamientos.

These are all different names for basically the same thing.

They offer very simple rooms with shared bathrooms.

There is no real rating system for hotels in Bolivia. So the best way to tell if you should stay at the hotel is to explore a bit.

Usually, the hotel staff will agree to bargain with the price of stay – especially if you notice that the hotel is half empty.

Hostels are slowly popping up all around Bolivia. Most of them are connected to Hostelling International .

But very few hostels have dorms or communal kitchens, which seem standard in most places in the world.

Instead, they offer cheap rooms with a choice of opting out for a private or shared bathroom.

If you wish to explore the wilderness then camping is the perfect choice for you.

Outside of the city and town limits you can usually camp anywhere and almost always for free!

But be advised that in the highlands it gets very cold at night. Meanwhile, in the lowlands, you will have a problem with the mosquitoes.

Attacks on campers are rare but you should still be careful. Use standard safety measures when deciding where to camp.

Never camp by yourself. And women shouldn’t go camping unless they’re accompanied by men.

In national parks and protected areas you can find albergues or refugios.

Those are rustic shelters where you can stay for a very small fee.

Cooking facilities and running water are often available in the national parks.

Food in Bolivia

• Sanduíche de Chola (pork sandwich): This sandwich is a warm bun with slow-cooked ham, pickle of onions and topped with ahi chilli.
• Cuñapé (cheesy bread): Enjoy a bun made out of yucca flour that has cheese cooked inside of them.
• Humintas (baked tamales): These are sweet corn tomales with grated cinnamon (or raisin and sugar) and cheese in the middle. It’s all deliciously packed within a corn husk and then grilled or steamed!
• Chuflay (traditional mixed drink): Sip on ginger ale and singani (a native spirit made from Muscat de Alejandría grapes). It is fruity and spicy at the same time.
• Sonso de yucca (kind of like mashed potatoes, Bolivian style): These are yucas cooked and mashed with cheese.

Safety in Bolivia

Like many South American countries, Bolivia isn’t exactly the safest place to travel through.

Be aware of your surroundings because pickpocketing is on the rise – especially in tourist dense areas, such as Cochabamba, Oruro, Copacabana, Santa Cruz and La Paz.

Avoid withdrawing money from the ATMs at night or isolated locations – that’s usually when thefts are done.

There are also a lot more violent crimes happening, such as kidnapping.

Many times the criminals will target foreigners/tourists, take them hostage and drive them to an ATM where they’re supposed to withdraw money to pay for their own ransom.

Again this is most likely to occur in La Paz.

And, while not common, it is more likely to happen if you take a taxi when the driver is in on the theft.

This is why we encourage you to use only reputable and reliable cab companies.

Like with many countries, Bolivia also isn’t safe for roaming around after dark.

It might be tempting with its famous nightlife but be sure to travel in groups, remain in well-lit areas and call a radio taxi to pick you up if you find that you need a ride somewhere after dark.

Make sure you always get travel insurance wherever you travel. We recommend World Nomads.

Medical System in Bolivia

Because the medical system in Bolivia follows a socialist model, everyone is entitled to some basic care.

It is great that you can get treated for a variety of illnesses for free. But the only thing that’s a bit inconvenient is that the system is under a lot of strain.

They have way too many patients, not enough staff and funding.

So if you have to go to a clinic you will have to get there very early in the morning and be prepared to wait for the whole day.

Also, their public hospitals are notorious for having poor hygiene and being overcrowded.

If possible avoid public hospitals and opt out for private clinics instead.

Packing List for Bolivia

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of sweatpants
• 1 pair of hiking pants
• 3 pairs of shorts
• Fleece jacket
• 2 long-sleeved shirts
• 1 rain jacket
• 3 tank tops
• 1 pair of comfortable sneakers
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of hiking shoes

Miscellaneous Items

• Microfiber towel
• Pair of gloves and scarf
• World plug adapter

Travel Tips for Bolivia

These are our top travel tips for Bolivia. Use common travel sense when travelling in Bolivia the same as you would in any part of the world.

But note the following in particular:

• Water is not safe for consumption. Make sure to carry a bottle with a filter and/or purchase bottled water as necessary. Make sure the bottled water caps are not already open when you purchase them.
• Certain areas in La Paz and other touristy places are very dangerous. Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
• Make copies of all your important travel documents and plane tickets. If making friends while enjoying the nightlife in Bolivia be sure to keep your documents secure.
• Bring a travel lock and always lock your luggage when you are not around it. Keep an eye on people near your possessions when on public transportation as pickpocketing is a common crime.

Check Out Our Bolivia Blog Posts

The ultimate backpacking in bolivia guide, 11 amazing things to do in la paz, bolivia (2024 edition).

• DESTINATIONS
• EXPERIENCES

The Ultimate Bolivia Travel Itinerary for 3-4 Weeks

Hello! My name is Valeria . I was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia with a huge passion for traveling. I would like to introduce you to my beautifully diverse country. Be prepared to be blown away by culture and nature on this 1 month itinerary of Bolivia.

From the lowlands to the highlands, you’ll find so many different traditions, languages and landscapes here. But above all, Bolivians have a huge welcoming heart. It’s a land of so many colors and different tastes. A place where you can be surrounded by mountains and in just a few hours you can be navigating wide rivers from the Amazon basin.

Being a Bolivian for me is about loving every inch of this land, even when I’m going crazy on the streets of La Paz or whenever I have to spend more than 20 hours on a long bus ride. Being Bolivian means understanding our differences and enjoying our diversity. Keep in mind all travelers coming from abroad need to fill out the Bolivia entry form prior to your arrival.

In September last year I decided to solo backpack for a couple of days around eastern Bolivia. I had been around the Sudeste Chiquitano a few years back and wanted to explore more so I jumped into the bus without a clear idea of what I was going to do.

I arrived to Roboré around 3 or 4 in the morning and found a ride to Santiago de Chiquitos and for the following four days I was able to explore with locals the beauties of this amazing place. After visiting Tucabaca viewpoint (located 3km from the village) for sunset, I was convinced I had to check sunrise too and so we did.

I woke up at 4am and started walking with some friends I met at the village. The moon was hiding, the sky was clear and we started climbing. At 6am we were at the top. We had a complete view of Tucabaca Valley known as the best kept dried forest in the world, home to thousands of birds that were waking up. The sky turned pink and then red. A sunrise that I will never forget.

It’s moments like this that I hope you can experience in Bolivia. So, let’s get started on your amazing itinerary to Bolivia!

Bolivia Itinerary (Part 1): Santa Cruz to Uyuni

Arrive in Santa Cruz . Lowlands are a great start. While Santa Cruz is one of the most important cities in Bolivia, my advice is to get to the countryside as soon as possible. Let’s start on a four day getaway to Chochis, Tucabaca and Aguas Calientes. Here you’ll enjoy nature and amazing hikes, including swimming in a hot spring river that flows over 5km.

Return to Santa Cruz. Enjoy the warm weather and then off you go to Amboró and Samaipata. Amboró National Park is a great place to relax. I love to spend a couple of days at Refugio Volcanes since they have awesome hikes (from easy to very demanding). A bit further away is Samaipata, a small town that used to be a secret getaway but nowadays is a must-do. Make sure you visit a vineyard here!

Next is the valleys. Torotoro National Park is known to be a land of dinosaurs. This protected area has some insane rock formations, dinosaur prints, a cave that can be easily explored (with stalactites and stalagmites bigger than me!) and of course the Torotoro Canyon which is home to endangered species like the Ara Rubrogenys (Red-fronted macaw).

Sucre and Potosí are our next stops. Both cities have a special vibe where you’ll explore Bolivia’s history and culture. Sucre is one of the most important historical places home to the House of Liberty where our Act of Independence was signed.

Sucre’s old town is filled with churches and amazing rooftops (like San Felipe Neri or La Merced). You will have views for days at La Recoleta and a textile museum (ASUR) with impressive information about textile history from our indigenous people. On the other hand, Potosi, once the most important city on the continent, has a special vibe which connects our colonial history to the modern way of living in the mines.

From Potosi, the next stop is our top destination. Be prepared to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats and amazing landscapes that can’t be found elsewhere. The traditional tour is a complete 3 day adventure that includes spending one day at the biggest salt desert in the world, driving through amazing deserts and enjoying colorful lagoons (like the Red Lagoon or Laguna Colorada ) home to thousands of flamingos.

Bolivia Itinerary (Part 2): La Paz – The Amazon

After this adventure, I’m sure you’ll be ready to relax. So let’s stop in La Paz for a couple of days where you’ll enjoy crazy landscapes in a city 3,600 metres above sea level. La Paz will blow your mind — from a new and spectacular food scene to outstanding views, this city has everything.

Explore it’s colorful markets, jump on cable cars and go out and party! And when you’re done, go out and start exploring our mountains. From an easy Valle de las Animas trek, to maybe a summit (hello Huayna Potosi )!

You’ve been out in the mountains for too long now. Let’s go to the jungle! You can either take a 21 hour bus ride or an easy 45 minutes flight to Rurrenabaque, the entrance to the Amazonia. This popular destination has two sites that combined are a dream destination: the pampas and the jungle.

The jungle is Madidi National Park : one of the most biodiverse and protected areas in the world. Spend at least two days around the rainforest and you’ll understand the beauty of nature. If you enjoy bird-watching, one of the most insane places is called Caquiahuara, a place where red macaws nest.

The pampas, on the other hand is located three hours from Rurrenabaque. Here I recommend you spend at least two days. While navigating on a small peque-peque (wooden boat) you’ll see caimans, birds, turtles, capybaras, monkeys and river dolphins! It’s just AMAZING!

Return to La Paz and relax. If you have time go to Sajama National Park. Sajama is the highest mountain in Bolivia and the first national park. This place has amazing landscapes, hot springs, wildlife and it’s completely off the beaten path. Take a couple of days to explore this site.

Our last stop and for sure a very important one is Lake Titicaca. While most people go straight to Copacabana, I’ve found some hidden gems that need to be seen: Santiago de Okola is a small village on Lake Titicaca’s shore and for sure it’s a place that you’ll love. Here you can learn about their traditions and at the same time enjoy the peace of the lake.

Cap off your amazing Bolivia itinerary with a bonus destination in a wine region. Tarija and Valle de los Cintis in the south is something you shouldn’t miss if you love wine, this place has a 400 year old tradition producing wine and our national drink “Singani”. Here you’ll visit outstanding vineyards that can be easily explored in a couple of days.

My Top 3 Destinations in all of Bolivia

Bolivia’s best destinations are found in its unique landscapes. For sure one of my favourites is Sajama National Park . I’ve enjoyed awesome sunrises and sunsets here. While the place is mainly visited by mountaineers, there are some sweet hiking spots and places to relax (like hot springs) surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Another one of my favourite places is called Tucabaca Valley. I already mentioned this place since I have one of the sweetest memories from a sunrise at the viewpoint and it’s also a place that’s off the beaten path. If I had to narrow it down to pick just 3 destinations in all of Bolivia here would be my favourites:

1) Cordillera Real:  I started trekking not too long ago and was blown away by our mountains. If you grow up in La Paz you are kind of used to this snowy mountain landscape but being out there camping or trekking around those peaks is beyond awesome. The best part is that they are just around the corner! A short two-hour ride for you to enjoy a hike above 16,000 feet and landscapes you didn’t even dreamt of.

2) The Amazon: Bolivia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and there’s no better feeling than being out there in nature surrounded by the rainforest and its sounds. For years I was lucky enough to work on conservation and protected areas which allowed me to travel to indescribable places – seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the best feelings.

While navigating in a small wooden boat (we call them peque-peque) you’ll enjoy the sound of howler monkeys and see tons of caimans, maybe later you’ll bump into sweet water dolphins, all of this in just a short boat ride and that for me, is amazing.

3) Salar de Uyuni : If you travel somewhere else you’ll see mountains, you might see rainforests but something that you won’t see anywhere else in the world is 10,000 km2 of salt. I’m sure you’ve heard of this place before and it’s on your bucket list. I’m also sure that everyone has told you to look for reflections and for sure it’s a must. Sunset and stargazing at the Salar while it’s flooded is just out of this world!

Immerse Yourself in the Wonderful Culture of Bolivia

It’s important not to miss the popular destinations but do try and visit the off-the-beaten-path places. While most people keep their itinerary to the basics (Titicaca Lake, Uyuni Salt Flats, Death Road and La Paz), Bolivia has so much more to offer.

If you want to explore Bolivia’s cultural side don’t miss Sucre (our capital) and Potosí. Great parts of our history can be seen on the streets of these two cities. Just imagine that at a certain point, Potosi was bigger than London! (it’s in the books, trust me) and that’s because Cerro Rico was one of the biggest silver mines in history.

Sucre, on the other hand, is known as the “White City” and around its colonial streets you’ll enjoy beautiful views, don’t miss San Felipe Neri, this church has the most insane views of Sucre’s old town. The best part about these two cities is that they are located near each other (it’s a three hour bus ride).

Missional Churches in the Chiquitania is another wonderful spot to experience the culture of Bolivia. While most people come to the western part of Bolivia, the east has six Jesuit Missions that have been declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Not only are the church’s beautiful, but every two years a Baroque Music Festival is held in all of them.

Then there is the food of Bolivia. As I said before, La Paz is definitely becoming a foodie destination, with new restaurants taking advantage of our biodiversity and providing excellent experiences (Popular and Ali Pacha just to mention a couple). But that is not all, for me, as a traveler, the thing I enjoy the most is discovering food around the streets.

One of my favorite ones here is called “anticucho” : grilled beef hearts accompanied with potatoes and spicy peanut sauce, a night snack that you shouldn’t miss! All around Bolivia you’ll find so many different foods. The highlands diet is way more different than the one in the lowlands which give us so many new things to try.

A Few Last Tips for your Itinerary to Bolivia

Before coming to Bolivia check the season. Usually I recommend the dry season the most since it’s possible to enjoy most of our top destinations easily, especially if you’re an outdoor person like me. Rainy season is a must if you want to see the Salt flats flooded, from November through February your chances of having a mirror effect on the Salar de Uyuni are way higher.

Pack light but bring everything because you will go from freezing to hot in a couple of hours. While La Paz and the mountains are usually cold all year round, lowlands are usually hot and humid. Be careful where you eat but try everything you can. Our market food is just AMAZING and if you want to buy some souvenirs, we have great wines, chocolate and colorful handcrafted items that you can easily bargain.

I hope this Bolivia itinerary guide has inspired you to visit my beautiful country!

BY VALERIA DORADO IG: @LALIBELLE

Author:  Valeria Dorado

Hola! My name is Vale and with my blog I want to inspire you through my experiences and the images that I capture to discover the world.

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Travel Advisory June 6, 2023

Bolivia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Chapare region due to crime .

Reconsider travel to:

• Yungas region due to crime .

Country Summary:  Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time in Bolivia. Demonstrations can result in violence. Roadblocks and strikes may cut off traffic and restrict the flow of goods and services around the country. Domestic and international flights may be delayed or unexpectedly cancelled.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Bolivia.

If you decide to travel to Bolivia :

• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Contact your airline or travel agency prior to travel.
• Avoid demonstration and crowds.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Bolivia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Chapare Region: Do Not Travel

Due to a high level of violent crime , the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Chapare region. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Yungas Region: Reconsider Travel

Organized criminal groups near Corioco and Carnavi in Yungas have committed carjackings and robberies . The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Yungas area. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months (as of entry date into the country).

One page per stamp.

Yellow Fever.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy La Paz Avenida Arce 2780 La Paz, Bolivia Telephone: + (591) (2) 216-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (591) (2) 216-8000 Fax: + (591) (2) 216-8111 Email:  [email protected]

United States Consular Agency, Santa Cruz, Bolivia Edificio Empresarial Equipetrol, 4 th Floor Intersection of Av. San Martin and Av. Las Ramblas Equipetrol Norte Santa Cruz, Bolivia Telephone: + (591) (2) 216-8000 Emergency after-hours telephone: +(591) 2-216-8000 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Bolivia for information on U.S.-Bolivia relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. Most types of visas are only available at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighboring country. Tourist visas can also be purchased at any land or air border. U.S. citizens who wish to extend their initial 30-day stay can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities. Visit the  U.S. Embassy in Bolivia  website for the most current visa information.

Entry Requirements:

• Valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity remaining.
• International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• With a visitor visa, you may stay 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year. A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. 
• Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia. 
• Visitors must provide proof of lodging in Bolivia including the address of the accommodation. If you are staying with friends or family, authorities may require a letter of invitation from the host.
• If you purchase a visa at the airport, you will be required to provide a photocopy of your passport biographic page.
• If you plan to work, study, volunteer, or conduct business in Bolivia, you must apply for a separate visa.
• Make sure you get entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities every time you enter or leave Bolivia.
• If you received the Bolivian visa at a land border or entry port and you lose your passport, you will need to get a new visa and pay the $160 US visa fee to leave the country.
• If you obtained your Bolivian visa at the Bolivian Embassy/Consulate in the United States and you lose your passport, you will need to get an exit stamp but will not be required to pay the visa fee. 
• Bolivian citizen minors traveling alone or with only one parent who have remained in Bolivia for over 90 days must obtain authorization from the non-traveling parent or parents to leave Bolivia and may be required to present the original birth certificate.  For more information, please contact the Embassy . 

Dual Nationality : Upon entering and/or exiting Bolivia, U.S.-Bolivian citizens may be required to show a valid Bolivian identity document, such as a Bolivian cedula de identidad.

HIV Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Bolivia. 

Find information on  dual nationality,   prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Chapare and Yungas Regions : Organized criminal groups near Coroico and Carnavi in Yungas have committed carjackings and robberies. Additionally, government authorities have used force in past confrontations with residents over coca eradication, and pro-coca groups may attempt to target U.S. interests.  Contact the Embassy  before traveling to these regions.

Crime : Pick pocketing and petty theft are common.

• Express kidnappings, in which tourists are robbed and forced to withdraw money from ATMs, occur infrequently in La Paz. Use only marked (radio) taxis and don’t travel alone, particularly late at night or if you’re under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Avoid Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba  next to the main bus terminal, due to crime.
• Use caution if you plan to travel from Copacabana to La Paz by bus.  Arrive during daylight hours if possible, verify the final destination, and buy tickets directly at the bus terminal.
• Be aware of impostors.  Organized criminal groups sometimes pose as police with the intent to rob foreigners. It is also a common scheme for criminals to pose as a crime victim, only to rob an unsuspecting bystander.
• Theft of bags, wallets, and backpacks are a problem, especially in tourist areas and on overnight buses. Thieves sometimes distract victims by spraying water on their necks or placing a substance on their bags, and trick them into giving up their bags. Never leave personal items unattended.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Avoid roadblocks or public demonstrations.
• Consider the possibility of flight disruptions.
• Take extra food, water, and warm clothing on road trips. Roadblocks may occur without warning and could strand you for several days.

Messages regarding demonstrations, strikes, and weather-related events are posted on the  Embassy’s website .

International Financial Scams : See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime :

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at  110  and contact the U.S. Embassy at  +591 (2) 216-8000. After working hours: +591 (2) 216-8000.  The National Tourism Police provides free assistance in English to tourists. Contact the La Paz office at  800-14-0081 . Contact the Cochabamba office at  +591 (4) 450-3880. In the city of Santa Cruz, contact Interpol at  +591 (3) 349-7720.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Bolivian authorities are  generally  required to press official charges within 24 hours of arrest, and to release a detainee within 48 hours if no formal charges are brought. However, investigative and pre-trial periods may drag on  indefinitely .

Bolivian law allows law enforcement officials to detain any foreigner pending proof of legal status in country (i.e. passport, visa, or residency card). Though this is rarely enforced, anyone who cannot produce proof of legal status may be detained until legal status is confirmed.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

In Bolivia, you may find products made with wild plants and animals. Many of these products could involve protected or endangered species, whose sale and export are illegal. Any protected species that is sold or transported, either live or transformed into food, medicinal beverages, leather, handcrafts, garments, etc., could be seized by Bolivian authorities. Some products, including live animals, require special permits when leaving Bolivia. Knowingly importing into the United States wildlife or plants that were taken from the wild or sold in violation of the laws of Bolivia (or any other country) violates U.S. law.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

• Under Bolivian law,  suspects can be detained for up to 18 months  without formal charges during an investigation, and the detention period could be extended beyond 18 months.
• Legal cases often drag on for years.

Mountain Trekking and Climbing Safety : Many popular trekking routes in the Bolivian Andes are at 16,000 feet or higher. Regardless of medical history or physical fitness, you may experience significant health issues due to the high altitude. Exercise extreme caution when trekking or climbing in Bolivia.

• Trekkers must have adequate clothing and equipment, not always available locally, and should be experienced mountain travelers.
• Don’t trek alone . Join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm to obtain an experienced guide and porter.
• If you develop a severe headache, weakness, vomiting, shortness of breath at rest, cough, chest tightness, or unsteadiness while climbing, descend to a lower altitude immediately, and consider seeking medical attention.
• Trekkers and climbers should purchase insurance that covers emergency services such as medical evacuations.
• Satellite communication and internet connectivity can be limited or non-existent. Inform family members of your plans and note that you may not be reachable for extended periods.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods : Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  The Bolivian constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Bolivia.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: Bolivian law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is unevenly enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility issues may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure, and common in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  Bolivia has one of the highest domestic violence rates against women in South America. A very high percentage of women in Bolivia have experienced intimate partner violence. See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Testing:  Numerous private and public clinics throughout Bolivia offer COVID-19 testing. For a comprehensive list of COVID-19 testing centers, please visit our medical assistance page . 

The designated government agency regulating COVID-19 testing in Bolivia is the Servicio Departamental de Salud (SEDES). There are 9 branches of SEDES in the 9 Departments of Bolivia.

• The first step is to contact SEDES for evaluation at 800-10-2930.
• Antigen and RT-PCR tests are both widely available. The two available tests are the Quick Test and the PCR test.
• The tests are available at most private labs and in some hospitals.
• The price for an Antigen test is around 150bs. The cost for a RT-PCR test is approximately 450bs.
• COVID-19 tests results can be issued by email, text messages or physical copies.

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Bolivia. Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Medical care in large cities is adequate, but of varying quality. Medical facilities are generally not equipped to handle serious medical conditions, and risk of infection is high. Emergency medical care outside of large cities, in rural areas, and inside national parks is inadequate.

For emergency services in Bolivia, dial 110.

Ambulance services are not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. 

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.

Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance : Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas insurance. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.

Pharmaceuticals:

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the  Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

If you are considering traveling to Bolivia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad   page .

Water Quality:

In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Many cities in Bolivia, such as La Paz, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes .

Adventure Travel:

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

The following diseases are prevalent in Bolivia: 

• Dengue  
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Zika  
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Bolivia.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Use extreme caution when driving on roadways. Few highways have shoulders, fencing or barriers, and lane markings are minimal. Even when lanes are marked, it is common for drivers to disregard them.

• Although La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba are connected by highways, most roads in Bolivia are unpaved.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for trips outside major cities.
• Travel during the rainy season (November-March) is difficult, as most routes have potholes, and roads and bridges may be washed out.
• Other dangers include poor maintenance and overloaded vehicles, lack of lights on some vehicles, and intoxicated or overly tired drivers, including commercial bus and truck drivers.
• Stop signs are rare, and drivers commonly disregard red lights, particularly at night.

Traffic Laws: Most drivers lack formal training. Maintain situational awareness on the roads and employ defensive driving skills.

• Drivers do not normally yield to pedestrians.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident , stay at the scene until local police arrive. Leaving the scene is illegal under Bolivian law. The police may assess a percentage of fault to you relative to their assessment of your responsibility for the incident.

Public Transportation:  

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

• Avoid taking unlicensed taxis, and use radio taxis whenever possible.
• The majority of intercity travel is by minibus, with varying levels of safety and service. Bus accidents are responsible for death and severe injuries.  

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Bolivia’s Civil Aviation Authority to be in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Bolivia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Bolivia .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Bolivia Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Bolivia travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

One of the more underrated gems of Latin America, Bolivia is a vibrant country full of incredible sights, friendly people and unique culture.

From breathtaking salt flats to lush jungles to exciting cities, there’s something for every kind of traveler in Bolivia. And if you’re looking to visit some record-breaking places, this is the country to visit.

Bolivia is home to the tallest monument to Jesus Christ on Earth, the world’s largest navigable lake, the largest population of Indigenous peoples, and much more.

With so many fascinating experiences, you’ll be bragging about your trip to your friends and family for weeks after you return.

Bolivia’s diverse landscape makes it the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers . From the Andes Mountains to the Amazon, there’s a lot to explore in this landlocked country.

Madidi National Park is the best place in the country to experience the mighty Amazon River, whether you’re hiking through the rainforest or checking out the local wildlife. Be sure to build in extra time to reach the park, though, as rides on public transport from major cities can take several hours, especially in the wet season.

Up in the highlands, you’ll find incredible mountain views at Lake Titicaca, a top spot for international travel. This giant lake is home to sights and experiences you won’t soon forget.

Wherever you decide to go, read up on travel health before your trip. Altitude sickness can take its toll here, so make sure you’re prepared for whatever adventure you have planned.

Not much of an outdoorsy type? Bolivia’s cities have tons to offer travelers.

Santa Cruz, located in southern central Bolivia, is considered the country’s commercial center and has tons of great museums, galleries, and cultural institutions to visit — as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.

In La Paz, you can browse the colorful markets and learn more about the Indigenous Incan culture that has endured in the area for centuries.

And in Sucre, you can see real dinosaur footprints and chow down on authentic empanadas all in the same day (a perfect itinerary if you ask us).

Ready to travel Bolivia?

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Bolivia in South America.

Note: This ultimate guide to Bolivia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Bolivia Map

Use this Bolivia travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Bolivia Salt Flats Experiences

Looking to travel to the Bolivia Salt Flats (ie Salar de Uyuni)? These guides can help!

Touring Bolivia’s Salt Flats: A Memorable Experience

Awkward Moments In Bolivia’s Siloli Desert

The Lesser-Known Sites Of Salar de Uyuni In Bolivia

La Paz Travel Guide

La Paz is a must-stop when traveling in Bolivia !

My Humorously Painful Story About Obtaining A Visa In La Paz, Bolivia

Hostel Review: The Adventure Brew B&B In La Paz, Bolivia

Bolivia Travel Tips

This advice can help you with planning a trip to Bolivia !

Why Bolivia Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

15 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know About Bolivia

Want Good Luck In Bolivia? Buy A Llama Fetus!

Things To Do In Bolivia

Book the following Bolivia tourist attractions & experiences for an incredible trip!

How To Bike Bolivia’s Death Road (& Survive)

Traveling In South America

These guides share Bolivia travel advice as well as tips for exploring South America in general!

14 Essential Tips For Backpacking South America

My Most Ridiculous Bus Encounters Backpacking South America

Is South America Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

21 Best Places For Solo Travel In South America

Best Bolivia Tours

Explore local culture with a Bolivia tour guide through these unique excursions:

• 3-Day Tour to Salt Flats and Lagoons from Uyuni
• La Paz City Walking Tour Including Historical Streets
• Chacaltaya + Moon Valley from El Alto
• Death Road: Mountain Bike Tour on the World’s Most Dangerous Road from La Paz
• Climbing Huayna Potosí from La Paz
• Day Tour to Titicaca Lake from La Paz

Bolivia Hotels

Click here to browse the best Bolivia travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals !

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Renting A Car In Bolivia

Need a rental car for your Bolivia trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Bolivia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Bolivia tour. When visiting Bolivia — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Bolivia travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Bolivia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Bolivia .

Q: What are the best places to visit in Bolivia?

Bolivia is an amazing place to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature and see truly once-in-a-lifetime sights.

One of the country’s most popular attractions is Salar de Uyuni , the world’s largest salt flat. Stretching nearly 11,000 square kilometers (4,247 square miles), this former prehistoric lake will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet, with reflective landscapes as far as the eye can see.

The salt flat offers plenty of unique experiences, like an overnight stay in a salt hotel or a relaxing dip in the local hot springs. This is definitely one stop you won’t want to miss.

Truly daring bikers will want to take a ride on Death Road , a 40-mile downhill road that winds through Bolivia’s mountains.

As the name suggests, this isn’t exactly an experience for first-time bikers, and even if you’re experienced you still might want to ride with a tour guide. But the views from the cliffs and the adrenaline rush from the ride have made this road famous for a reason.

For a somewhat more relaxed experience, head to the famous Lake Titicaca , the largest lake in South America. Here, you can enjoy incredible views, explore Incan ruins, and check out man-made floating islands.

Bolivia is also home to many vibrant cities that are definitely worth exploring. The nation’s capital, La Paz , is a gorgeous city nestled into the mountains with tons of amazing sights to see and culture to take in.

Take a cable car up to the city’s highest peaks for incredible views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains. Explore old colonial cobblestone streets and stroll by colorful houses that date back to the 16th century.

And the adventurous can check out the Witches Market stocked with everything you need to commune with the divine, or just manifest some good luck (including llama fetuses ).

Beyond La Paz, the city of Sucre is the perfect place to check out Spanish colonial architecture and brush up on your language skills with fellow international travelers. The surrounding mountains and mild weather also make Sucre the perfect spot for hiking some of the world’s best trails .

For a look into Bolivia’s history, head to Potosi , home of the Cerro Rico silver mines. Once one of the most populous cities in the Americas, the city showcases gorgeous historic architecture that really tells the story of this country’s long history.

Q: Is Bolivia expensive for tourists?

Compared to other South American destinations, Bolivia is quite inexpensive for travelers. The average traveler spends about $42 USD per day in Bolivia on food, transportation, accommodations, activities, and other travel expenses.

You can generally find apartment rentals for less than $50 USD per night and hostels are easy to find, particularly in cities.

Food is also generally pretty inexpensive regardless of whether you’re eating at restaurant or from a street food vendor.

Q: What is the best way to travel around Bolivia?

Air travel is usually the quickest and most comfortable way to get around the country. Flights in Bolivia are pretty inexpensive and will help you get to out-of-the-way destinations without losing days to travel.

Buses are a popular (and inexpensive) mode of transportation in the country, but they can be uncomfortable and journeys can take much longer than advertised. If your plans are flexible (and you’re on a tight budget), this might be the best way to get around.

You can also book a direct route on a tourist-class bus for a bit more money for a quicker, more comfortable ride.

Q: Is Bolivia safe for travel?

Bolivia is relatively safe for travelers but does pose some more risks than other destinations. Violent crime rates have risen here in recent years and petty crime is a constant issue.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching does happen, particularly in cities and more tourist-heavy areas. Always stay aware of your surroundings and don’t flaunt any obvious signs of wealth when you’re out in public to avoid pickpockets .

You’ll also want to keep your valuables hidden and separate your money so it’s not all in one place.

Bolivia is also a bit riskier for solo female travelers , but you should be fine if you stay on the backpacker route and avoid going out alone after dark.

Q: What do I need to know before going to Bolivia?

Bolivia’s landscape is very diverse, which means that the weather can vary from place to place. The high altitudes of mountain destinations can leave you shivering in the cold if you’re not prepared, while you may find yourself facing high temperatures in the lowland regions.

If you’re doing a big tour of the country and visiting several different destinations, pack accordingly. Do some research on each place you plan to visit and make sure you’re prepared with appropriate clothing.

Also, the sun is also strong wherever you go in Bolivia, so don’t forget the SPF!

If you’re not used to high altitudes, you may find yourself feeling a little woozy once you enter the highlands. If you’re facing altitude sickness, the best thing to do is to take care of yourself as best you can. Rest when you need to, drink lots of water, limit your alcohol intake, and ascend slowly if you can.

You might also want to pack appropriate medications in case you experience symptoms. Ibuprofen is always great for headaches and acetazolamide and dexamethasone can help with more specific altitude sickness symptoms. Be sure to ask your doctor if these medications are appropriate for you before your trip.

Most businesses in Bolivia don’t accept credit cards, so you’ll want to make sure you have cash on hand. Better yet, keep some spare cash in your luggage — you’ll find ATMs in most towns here but they’re not always reliable. It’s always helpful to have a backup stash in a safe place just in case you can’t access your funds.

Q: How many days should you spend in Bolivia?

Most experts suggest spending about a week in Bolivia. This should give you enough time to see the major sights like Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and La Paz and will give you enough wiggle room to travel from destination to destination.

On a 10-day trip, you can build in some time to visit other great destinations like Sucre and Tupiza.

Q: What is the best month to visit Bolivia?

Bolivia’s climate varies throughout the country, but you’ll find that the dry season (April through October) is usually the best time to visit. Temperatures are a bit cooler but without the extreme weather of the wet season, traveling around the country is much easier.

The country’s peak season runs from June through September so plan to visit during a different time if you want to avoid the crowds.

Q: Do I need a Bolivia travel visa?

Visitors from the United States do need a visa to visit Bolivia. U.S. citizens can obtain a tourist visa for free prior to their trip from their local Bolivian Embassy or Consulate or purchase a visa at the border.

Visitors with a visa can stay in the country for up to 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year. To obtain a visa, visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket and lodging in Bolivia (i.e. a hotel reservation or, if you’re staying with family or friends, a letter of invitation). Visitors also must show an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.

Travelers from Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia do not need a visa to enter Bolivia.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Bolivia International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit rules and Bolivia Travel Requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Bolivia.

Q: Where is Bolivia?

Bolivia is located in west-central South America. It shares borders with Brazil (north and east), Paraguay (southeast), Argentina (south), Chile (southwest and west), and Peru (northwest).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Bolivia?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are typically accepted at larger establishments in Bolivia, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Bolivia?

The tap water is typically not safe to drink in Bolivia. Luckily, it is easy to find bottled water throughout the country. Or, better yet, you can bring a filtration bottle to limit your plastic usage.

Q: What is the local currency in Bolivia?

The local currency in Bolivia is the Bolivian boliviano (BOB).

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10 Days in Bolivia: The Perfect Bolivia Itinerary

Ready to explore with this Bolivia itinerary? Spend 10-days in Bolivia with this step-by-step guide 

Where can you find lakes with lava red waters and ancient artefacts on islands, cities featuring colonial architecture next to functioning witch markets, and dramatic scenery like the hexagonal patterns of the Uyuni Salt Flats all on one trip? Welcome to Bolivia.   

I try not to get overly enthusiastic about every place I visit. But when you’re planning a Bolivia travel itinerary, it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in excitement about the rich culture, striking landscape and endless amount of things to do in a country of this size.

Bolivia doesn’t look large on a map, but it’s packed with natural beauty as far as the eyes can see. I’ve just returned from my third trip there and woooooooh, lemme tell you, it’s stunning. 

So how can you fit everything in on your trip in South America? I’ll help you plan the perfect 10 days in Bolivia. Let’s go. 

Handy Tips for Planning Your Bolivia Itinerary 

Group tour or independent travel .

A combination of group tours and independent travel is the easiest way to see Bolivia. You can find some great options on Viator and GetYourGuide . 

Using this hybrid travel model, you can enjoy Bolivia at your own pace and add in guided tours to make the most out of experiencing more remote locations. That said, you can use a tour operator like G Adventures for a group trip – they are a lot of fun. 

What to Pack for Your Bolivia Itinerary

You’ll be thousands of metres high for most of your Bolivia trip, so you’ll want a nice pair of sunglasses, suntan lotion, water, and a daypack to carry it all in. 

Wear comfortable leggings , lightweight clothing during the day, and a fleece and jacket at night. 

Bring a lightweight pair of trainers. I like the Tropicfeel Monsoons .  

Useful Resources 

• Skyscanner – You can find the best deals using my favourite flight comparison site.
• Booking.com – Look for Bolivia hotels and find competitive rates on Booking.com.
• Rentalcars.com – An excellent resource for finding great deals on rental cars in Bolivia.
• GetYourGuide – Discover fun things to do, book skip-the-line tickets, and go on guided adventures on your Bolivia trip. 
• G Adventures – See more of Bolivia on extended one or two-week guided tours.

Getting Around 

You can get around to many of the places on this Bolivia itinerary by bus – or hire a car if you’re more D.I.Y (though I really wouldn’t recommend it). But driving in Bolivia is tricky, and buses aren’t always the most comfortable, so you may want to fly from one location to another when going from Uyuni to La Paz and use a combination of bus and plane for Lake Titicaca to Sucre.

Bolivia Itinerary 

Day 1: la paz .

Few places stole my heart the way La Paz did the first time I went. Once I got over the jet lag and altitude (it’s 3,500m high), I discovered a unique city full of intricate colonial architecture, beautiful vistas everywhere I walked, and a real-life witches’ markets selling anything you may need to cast a spell.

Things to do in La Paz

Tour the basilica of san francisco .

Start your day in El Prado and tour the iconic Basilica of San Francisco, where for only around £2.50 ($3) you can tour the 16th-century church and climb the bell tower for city views.

Explore The Witches’ Market

Climb up to El Mercado de las Brujas (The Witches’ Market) and browse the stands at my favourite place in La Paz. Take in the ancient traditions and purchase a unique souvenir like dried frogs or mysterious concoctions made by local witches and sorcerers.

Walk Around the Parks

La Paz has some gorgeous open spaces. A couple of my favourites include the large network of pathways and vistas up in Parque Urbano Central and the hiking and rock climbing at Peñon. 

Dinner at El Vagón del Sur

One of the best restaurants in La Paz, enjoy traditional Bolivian dishes like Picante Surtido, where you can try several meats with delicious (and spicy) sauces at  El Vagón del Sur. 

Getting to La Paz 

Fly to La Paz International Airport (LAP), and then take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. 

Suggested Stay for La Paz on your Bolivia Itinerary 

Ritz Apart Hotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of La Paz, just blocks from Parque Urbano Central. 

Rooms and suites are well designed, have plenty of space to get comfy, and the views of the mountains and city are lovely.

Check Prices and Availability for Ritz Apart Hotel on Booking.com

Alternatively, check all accommodation in La Paz on Booking.com 

Days 2 – 3: Lake Titicaca & Copacabana 

You can’t visit Bolivia without seeing one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Titicaca. Spend a couple of days in Copacabana, a charming village located directly on the shores of the beautiful lake. 

Things to do in Lake Titicaca & Copacabana 

Explore the town of copacabana.

Copacabana has more than enough things to see over the course of a couple of days on your Bolivia trip. Highlights include the whitewashed 17th-century Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana and traditional Bolivian cuisine like freshly grilled lake trout at La Orilla.

Take a Ferry to Isla del Sol

Located on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol is a popular stop where you can see ancient archeological sites at Roca Sagrada and the Inca Stairs. 

Bring your hiking shoes and climb to the top of these 15th-century ruins.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Playa de Copacabana is a wonderful (if a bit small) beach located in town. The water is way too cold to swim, but you can rent a pedal boat, walk the town looking for delicious food, and take in the mountain scenery nearby.

Getting to Lake Titicaca & Copacabana 

From La Paz, you can take a bus to Copacabana in around three hours, and then take ferries to other attractions along the lake.

Suggested Stay for Lake Titicaca & Copacabana on your Bolivia Itinerary 

Hotel La Cupula is a cool boutique hotel with stylish and affordable rooms, friendly staff, and breakfast located on site.

Check Prices and Availability for Hotel La Cupula on Booking.com

Alternatively, check all accommodations in Copacabana on Booking.com

Days 4 – 5: Sucre 

Sucre is the constitutional capital city of Bolivia, and while less famous than La Paz, it’s 100% worth a couple of nights on your Bolivia itinerary in 10 days.

Explore the colonial architecture, visit landmarks like the exciting Treasure Museum, which showcases gorgeous gemstones, and eat the local cuisine at hidden gems like Qaway Mirar.

Things to do in Sucre 

Marvel at colonial architecture.

Walk around the city and explore the interior courtyard of the Church of San Felipe Neri, the 17th-century Iglesia de San Lázaro, and the towering spires at the 19th-century Glorieta Castle.

Chill in Plaza 25 de Mayo

The famous town square is a perfect place to chill out, people-watch, and admire the statue of Antonio José de Sucre, the first president of Bolivia. 

Shop at Mercado Central

Browse through the central marketplace where locals shop for produce, meat, and spices. The selection is incredible, so bring some cash and a tote bag.

Attend a Show at Origins Cultural Space

Learn more about Indigenous cultures at Origins Cultural Space , where you can experience dinner and a show featuring local cuisine, fashion, and dance celebrating Bolivian traditions and history.

Getting to Sucre 

From Lake Titicaca, take a bus to La Paz and fly from La Paz International Airport to Sucre. 

Suggested Stay for Sucre on your Bolivia Itinerary 

Stay at Parador Santa Maria La Real in the middle of Sucre in an opulent 18th-century hotel with excellent views of colonial architecture in Bolivia’s capital city.

Check rates and availability for Parador Santa Maria La Real on Booking.com

Alternatively, check all accommodations in Sucre on Booking.com

Day 6 – 9: Uyuni & Altiplano on a Tour 

Taking a tour of Uyuni & the Altiplano is something I can’t recommend enough. From lesser-known wildlife havens like the flamingo hotspots of Cañapa Laguna and Charcota Laguna in the Altiplano to the sprawling salt-crusted stretch of desert in the Uyuni Salt Flats, visiting the Uyuni & Altiplano is a must on your Bolivia 10-day itinerary. Check out this guided tour . 

Things to do in Uyuni & Altiplano 

Salar de uyuni.

Explore the famous salt flats and see why the salt desert is famous worldwide as a photographers’ dream with popular stops like the abandoned trains at the Train Cemetery, arts and crafts made from salt at the Salt Museum in Colchani, and the National Flags at the Dakar monument.

Explore the Lagoons, Volcanoes, Geysers, and Hot Springs

Check out the brightly coloured lagoons and resident flamingos at spots like Cañapa Lagoon and Lake Colorado before hiking up Ollague Volcano. You’ll see other sites like the Sol de Mañana Geysers throughout the day and have lunch at Laguna Hedionda. 

Cap the evening off at the hot springs at Laguna Polques. 

Hike the Dalí Desert 

Dalí Desert is a stunning stretch of bizarre rock formations and surreal colours across a sweeping desert landscape reminiscent of Salvador Dalí’s artwork. 

Photograph Laguna Verde

Visit the famous green lake, a mineral-rich lagoon contrasting with the stunning snow-capped Licancabur Volcano.

Getting to Uyuni & Altiplano 

Take a 6-hour bus ride from Sucre to Uyuni before beginning your guided tour. Even though the best tours are only three-four days, you’ll need to budget at least four days to account for travel.

Suggested Stay for Uyuni & Altiplano on your Bolivia Itinerary 

Spend a night in Uyuni before or after your tour, and enjoy staying at one of the famous “salt hotels” when you book at Casa de Sal . Rooms are large, reasonably priced, and heated, which can be a lifesaver on the very cold desert nights.

Check Prices and Availability for Casa de Sal on Booking.com

Alternatively, check all accommodations in La Paz on Booking.com

Day 10: La Paz 

Now that you’ve had a nonstop Bolivia trip itinerary, it’s time to head back to La Paz and unwind before you go back to the airport. I saved a few fun activities for last, so don’t pack up your walking shoes just yet. 

Things to do in La Paz 

Ride a cable car .

Take a ride on Mi Teleférico, where you’ll start in La Paz and make your way high up on the hill while seeing colourful houses, street art, and epic city vistas. 

There are over two dozen stations and ten different lines, but the Red Line has the best views.

Visit the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore

There are 36 Indigenous cultures in Bolivia. You can learn about folklore, customs, and witchcraft at this excellent museum in a stunning 18th-century mansion.

Dinner at Gusto

Try some of the most creative cuisine in La Paz at Chef Marsia Taha’s Gusto . Using local ingredients sourced from nearly every region of the country, you’ll explore flavours of the Amazon rainforest, Andes Mountains, and the valleys and plains between.

I recommend flying from Uyuni to La Paz. While you can take a bus, it’s a long ride and not very comfy – so do yourself a favour and schedule a flight.

For your last night in La Paz, stay at Atix Hotel , a luxury property featuring a gorgeous indoor pool, stylish rooms and suites, and excellent food for breakfast and dinner. 

Check Prices and Availability for Atix Hotel on Booking.com

Alternatively, check all accommodation in La Paz on Booking.com

Other Bolivia Itineraries

Bolivia 2 week itinerary.

Extend your stay on a 2-week Bolivia adventure. If you have the PTO in the bank, add a couple of extra days to and explore the Amazon Rainforest or learn about the mining history in Potosi and take in architectural sites like the Covenant Saint Theresa Museum.

• Day 1–3 La Paz
• Day 4–5 Lake Titicaca & Copacabana
• Day 6–7 Sucre
• Day 8–9  Potosi
• Day 10–13 Uyuni & Altiplano
• Day 14 La Paz

Bolivia 1 Week Itinerary

If you don’t have enough time to plan a 10-day Bolivia itinerary, no need to fret. You can pack in a lot of the best things to do in Bolivia on this 7 days in Bolivia itinerary edit. 

• Day 1: La Paz
• Day 2 – 3: Lake Titicaca & Copacabana
• Day 4 : Sucre
• Day 5 – 6: Uyuni & Altiplano
• Day 7: La Paz

Bolivia Itinerary – Map 

Read All Country Guides to Bolivia

More For Your Bolivia Trip

18 amazing places to visit in bolivia.

• Surreal Landscapes in Bolivia You Won’t Believe are Real
• The Best Time to Visit the Bolivia Salt Flats is Not When You Think
• How to Plan Your Trip to the Bolivia Salt Flats

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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The 17 best experiences Bolivia has to offer

Nov 12, 2023 • 15 min read

The intricate shapes formed by the caves in Parque Nacional de Torotoro attract visitors from all over the world © Ana Batista / Getty Images / EyeEm

Landlocked Bolivia is an exciting country with unmatched travel experiences for its visitors.

While it's true that the sheer scale of opportunities on offer can be overwhelming, such variety is a gift to travelers looking for true adventure.

Long overshadowed by the tourism juggernauts that are its neighbors, local initiatives are rocketing Bolivia to the top of the list of global destinations. From snow-topped mountain peaks to lush Amazon rainforest, Bolivia has something for everyone, if you know where to look.

Filled with the best secret (and not-so-secret) surprises this country and its people have to offer, our round-up of the best things to do in Bolivia is perfect for wanderers in search of the most authentic travel adventures.

1. Marvel at the stars on the Salar de Uyuni

Arguably Bolivia’s biggest tourist attraction, the Salar de Uyuni ’s white expanse confounds the senses as the sky and earth blend and erase the horizon.

If you visit just after the rains in March or April, the effect is amplified by water reflecting the sky at your feet, a photo op like no other on the planet.

The journey becomes truly otherworldly at night, and you will never forget the way the stars and the Milky Way are mirrored on the ground, creating a life-changing floating effect.

Planning tip:  Many visitors jump on the tours leaving early in the morning from the center of Uyuni , but it's worth considering multi-day tours with stops at Isla Incahuasi and the many hot springs and colored lakes nearby.

2. Get lost in the Amazon jungle

The jungle town of Rurrenabaque is the starting point for any Bolivian adventure through the Amazon . This is the doorway to Madidi National Park , an expansive reserve that just happens to be the world’s most biodiverse protected area.

Pink river dolphins, portly capybaras, elusive jaguars and more bird and insect species than any other national park accompany daring visitors as they explore the untamed wilderness.

Agencies host wildlife-filled, three-day tours of the pampas (plains) or the selva (jungle). The magic here lies in the tour agencies owned and operated by indigenous communities.

Both Madidi Jungle and Chalalán ecolodges, located three and six hours by boat from Rurrenabaque respectively, are the best places for bushwhacking, community-driven adventures. Both are run and guided by Uchupiamona peoples, who have called these lands their home for centuries.

Anyone looking for world-class flyfishing excursions, cast your lines out for golden dorado with the team from Tsimane Lodge .

3. Visit Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun

Any trip to Bolivia is incomplete without a visit to sacred Lake Titicaca . The highest navigable lake in the world at 3812m (12,506ft), Titicaca’s waves kiss picturesque farming villages and envelop legends of ancient civilizations lost in the water’s depths.

Take the less-traveled Huarina-Achacachi-Taquina highway to the beachside tourist town of Copacabana to see the best of the slow life here. And the rustic ferry ride at the Strait of Tiquina on the way to Copacabana’s peninsula is one of Bolivia’s unforgettable experiences.

Copacabana itself is a pulsing town, and a stay in the whimsical domes and spires of Hostal Las Olas means a hammock-swinging, birds-eye view of boats moored in the bay. But don’t swing too long – the mysteries of Isla del Sol , Incan birthplace of the sun god, are calling. You can still feel ancient spirits haunting the footpaths and stone ruins of this serene, roadless island.

4. Tour La Paz, from the streets to the clouds

The best tour guides in La Paz are its lustrabotas , or shoe-shiners. These young workers, with their iconic face-covering knitted masks, know where to go to see streets of a bygone era, where old tradesfolk – fishmongers, seamstresses, milliners and, of course, lustrabotas themselves – hawk their work in the streets.

The tour starts at the mural-covered general cemetery and ends at the notorious San Pedro Prison, and the 50bs fee goes directly into the guides’ pockets and supports a variety of social programs.

Alternatively, take in the city from above, gliding along in Mi Teleférico , the world’s longest urban cable car network. Stretching 20 miles (32km) across two cities, this mass transit wonder began in 2014 as an efficient way to move commuters across La Paz and El Alto, cities notorious for unbelievable traffic jams.

At just 3bs per line, the system flies from the swish south side of La Paz up to the far end of El Alto in minutes, so pick a line and go for it. The glass cabins are shared among riders, so you just might make some new friends along the way.

5. Lunch your way through La Paz’s culinary renaissance

Inspired by the opening of Danish superstar chef Claus Meyer’s Gustu in the south of La Paz in 2012, energetic chefs across Bolivia seem to be opening restaurants on a weekly basis. Look to La Paz’s city center for the crème-de-la-crème of Bolivia’s culinary renaissance, where lunch menus show off the best the city has to offer.

From the second floor of a former colonial home near the Mercado de las Brujas , the cooks in the steamy kitchen at Popular Cocina Boliviana have taken a festive approach, creating wild spins on traditional Bolivian dishes that are as colorful as the cumbia music rattling its tables.

For the most elegant lunch available, head across downtown to the trendy Hb Bronze Coffeebar , where a selection of Bolivia’s finest coffees, wines and chocolates accompany your sandwich or charcuterie plate.

For a more avant-garde dining experience, culinary deconstructionist Marco Quelca and his band of kitchen outcasts at Sabor Clandestino dish out experimental plates during immersive outdoor dining experiences that explore the cultures and spiritual beliefs of local indigenous people. This isn’t just a meal, this is an event for both stomach and soul.

6. Treasure hunting at Mercado 16 de Julio

Above La Paz in the neighboring sister city of El Alto, the sprawling neighborhoods surrounding the Plaza 16 de Julio come to life bright and early every Thursday and Sunday. Shop doors swing open and street stalls stretch out their umbrellas and tarps to create the largest open-air market on the continent.

Fresh produce. Sporting equipment. Handmade furniture. Used books. Half a helicopter. If you want it, you can find it here. Getting to the market from central La Paz is a comfortable 10-minute ride uphill on the city’s red Mi Teleférico cable car line – it's worth the short trip for the panoramic views alone.

Planning tip:  Let yourself get lost among the madness but watch out for pickpockets.

7. Cheer on the high-flying Cholita Wrestlers

La Paz’s “ Cholita Wrestlers ” will stop (and steal) your heart during their haywire afternoon brawls. Dramatic fights, spurred by soap opera-like storylines, place these indigenous athletes in the spotlight, showing off their traditional bowler caps and famously wide, cape-like skirts.

They grapple, slam, kick and fly their way to victory against crooked heels, often unconscionable men and chauvinistic referees hell-bent on keeping these women down.

Cholitas Luchadoras is the best show in town, performing two to three times per week. Their main event is held on Sundays at a colosseum in El Alto’s Villa Dolores neighborhood. Pickups are available from La Paz, but a short, six-block walk from the Faro Murillo Mi Teleférico cable car gets you to the door.

Tickets cost 50bs and get you a ringside seat for a family-friendly show of thrills and spills. It also included a bag of popcorn, perfect for throwing at that nasty referee.

8. Climb your way up the Andes

Local belief says the Andes are haunted by mountain gods called “ apus ”. Mountaineers come from all over the world to Bolivia to test their mettle against these spirits and have some of the most breathtaking adventures along the way.

Of course, it is important to only go with internationally certified guides, and the mountaineers at Bolivia Expé are some of the most experienced around.

A relatively easy-to-reach peak and reasonably comfortable refuges make Huayna Potosí a favorite, often serving as a training ground for some of Bolivia’s more difficult climbs.

The majestic Mt. Illimani is the sentinel overlooking La Paz, and its south face leads to the highest peak in the Cordillera Real, full of steep climbs and technical challenges. Meanwhile, Condoriri, Janko Kota, Illampu, Volcán Sajama and many others are standing by. Strap on your crampons and pack your ice ax. The apus accept your challenge!

Detour:  For those looking for some intense rock climbing, the tall peaks and wide granite walls at the Cordillera de Quimsa Cruz, seven hours south of La Paz, are the place to be.

9. Touch pre-history at Bolivia’s dinosaur park

Parque Nacional Torotoro is a compact 64 sq km (25 sq miles) but manages to pack in massive thrills. This was the stomping ground for the great dinosaurs of the Cretaceous period, dating back 145 million years, and you can touch the tracks that prove it.

The town of  Torotoro is completely dinosaur-crazy, and residents themselves offer treks to the biggest footprint sites in the park, easily accessible to dinosaur lovers of any age.

While in the park, take advantage of the prehistoric landscape and do some additional exploring, from the lofty views and sunlight-drenched rock cathedral at Ciudad de Itas to the dizzying mirador above the depths of Cañon de Torotoro .

Detour:  Travel to nearby Huayra K'asa and explore the very deep and very wet Caverna de Umajalanta . But be warned, this intense cave tour is not for the faint of heart.

10. Get a downhill adrenaline rush in Sorata

Under the shadow of snowcapped mountain Illampu, Sorata is home to the Jacha Avalancha Internacional (Big Avalanche International), an annual downhill bike race that brings fearless cyclists from around the world to this quiet, leafy valley town every October for an intense weekend of gravity-defying, mud-covered adrenaline. Come experience the rush yourself by taking on Bolivia’s best off-road biking trails.

The Loma Loma, Eden and Chilquani trails await more advanced cyclists, while the road-heavy Camino Millipaya is gaining popularity as a more novice – some would say sensible – way to catch a rush while taking in the scenery.

The gem of Sorata is the Gruta de San Pedro , a cave located at the bottom of a route by the same name, where you can explore the depths of this mysterious cave and take a leisurely paddleboat around its subterranean lagoon.

With so many trails to choose from to match all skill levels, companies like Gravity Bolivia and Bike Adventure Tours can help you fulfill your adrenaline-fueled dreams.

11. Get gold rush fever with horseback tours in Tupiza

Tupiza was once flooded with wily prospectors and international mining companies, drawn here by gold in the riverbeds promising unspoken riches. Rampant gold fever fed local banks, attracting American outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid on their continent-crossing escape from the famous Pinkerton Agency.

Relive these wild times on a guided horseback tour , galloping your way through deep, red canyons and along the same riverbeds where gold prospectors placed their hopes for fortunes.

You can ride through glorious Cañón del Inca and Cañón del Duende , or canter along the Río San Juan de Oro where miners today still look for slivers of the shiny stuff. Club Ecuestre Amazonas provides full immersive tours, including visits to functioning mining towns that will take you back to the days of Butch and Sundance.

Detour:  From Tupiza, a three-hour drive west takes you to San Vincente to pay your respects to the duo of bandits at the reported site of their final, fatal run-in with the law.

12. Get that party vibe in Santa Cruz de la Sierra 

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the country's economic engine, and though cruceños work hard, they also play hard. With its Miami mood and Bolivian prices, Santa Cruz has party culture locked in.

For a night at the clubs, the very center of town near the Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo is the place to be. Bartenders at Duda Bar shake up fresh cocktails, and nearby clubs bump electronica, reggaeton and other styles.

More party options await along nearby Avenida San Martín, and the drinks and DJ sets at Simon Speakeasy are not to be missed.

For the beer-drinking set, Santa Cruz’s always-warm weather is tailor-made for the ever-growing number of beer gardens serving up craft brews of every style. Madera ’s big wooden tables are designed to be shared with strangers, while Santa Cruz Beer Company ’s massive outdoor bar on Avenida Los Cusis is well worth the short taxi ride from the center.

13. Escape to the global town of Samaipata

Three hours southwest of Santa Cruz de Sierra rests Samaipata, a town of cool breezes and laid-back lifestyles that attracts people from afar to plant roots here. More than a few expats now call this place home, and many have opened excellent restaurants. Check out local favorite La Boheme to enjoy a cold beer and swap travel stories.

Samiapata’s big attraction is El Fuerte de Samaipata , a 20-hectare archeological site originally built by the Chané people, a pre-Incan society that claimed territory reaching into Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Both the Incas and the Spanish later built on this site, so unraveling the mystery of everything here is no easy task.

What do the animal-shaped carvings mean? And were those eerie niches in the walls intended as rooms for priests to prepare for ceremonies or food storage closets? Pass the afternoon with a picnic, keeping an eye out for the majestic condors flying in from Amboró National Park just to the north.

14. Take the circuit of Jesuit missions of Chiquitos

Bolivia’s colonial history comes alive in Chiquitania, where Jesuit missions still call visitors to their altars to admire elaborate woodcarvings.

Large and small towns along this route through tropical savanna keep historic churches built in the Baroque Spanish tradition. You can spend days here hopping between missions, taking in the buildings’ craftsmanship and warm golden colors.

Larger, well-known churches like the one in Concepción , built by Jesuits in the 18 th century, are often adorned with sacred art created by indigenous locals and are not to be missed. But churches in smaller villages are just as important to visit.

These include San Miguel , San Raphael and the church in Santa Ana , constructed by indigenous locals after the Jesuits fled. Local chamber orchestras frequently give concerts in these houses of worship. This is a living history not to be missed.

15. Visit Bolivia’s coffee country

Caranavi is a small town with a big city feel, the beating heart of Bolivian coffee country. The constant heat and humidity of the surrounding cloud forest mean life is lived on doorsteps here, and the plaza is always alive with family adventures.

Travelers take advantage of the area’s best outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, ziplining and rafting. But even with all that, coffee is king. Small, family-owned cafetales  crawl up the hillsides, and the smells of roasting and brewing coffee pour out of the open entrances to the town’s many coffee shops.

Farmers work hard to produce some of the highest-altitude coffee in the world, and these are your guides along Bolivia’s Ruta de Café. Café Aventura , a coffee shop in the quiet southwest corner of the plaza, organizes one of the most authentic tours to be found anywhere.

Visitors visit rustic farms and try a hand at harvesting and processing the beans. And the best part? Drinking a cup of coffee with the very farmers who grew it.

16. Get to the roots of Bolivian wine in Valle Cinti 

The roots of Bolivian viniculture run deep, reaching three hours north of Tarija to the red, dusty soils of Valle Cinti, in Sucre. Here are some of the continent’s oldest vineyards, dating back to the 1550s.

Moscatel de Alejandría and negra criolla are grown here, joined by the hybrid vischoqueña, an endemic grape variety producing a unique, light-bodied wine that will delight any oenophile.

Vines here climb up 6-meter (20ft) tall trees, and vignerons from Jardin Oculto and other bodegas climb ladders to care for the crop. Tierra Adentro Tours can help make sure you don’t miss the harvest, which runs from late February to early April.

This is also the birthplace of singani, Bolivia’s national spirit, and local makers can show you how distilling has been done here for generations. Camargo is the hub of the region, with places to stay and plenty of market shopping.

Detour:  For something special, take in the vineyard views from the terrace of the Hotel Parador Viña de Pereira in nearby, rustic Villa Abecia.

17. Take in the tragic majesty of Cerro Rico

In any history of the Spanish Empire, ample pages must be written about Potosí and its iconic, tragic symbol, Cerro Rico.

This former mining town, founded in 1545, is home to this “Mountain That Eats Men”, so named due to the thousands of miners’ lives lost within its tunnels over centuries. This silver mine was once the colossal engine that brought countless riches across the world to Europe.

Among the narrow, colonial streets of the old town, Plaza 10 de Noviembre contains some of the city’s most important landmarks, including La Catedral and El Cabildo . The Casa Nacional de la Moneda is one of the finest museums in the country. Finished in 1773, this former mint was built like a fortress and even served as one for a time.

Looming above it all, the working mine at Cerro Rico is mostly depleted and its cone peak threatens to collapse, serving as a grim reminder of the colonial impact on Latin America.

This article was first published April 2022 and updated November 2023

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• Travel Destinations
• Central & South America

The Ultimate Bolivia Travel Guide

Published: October 17, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Kathrine Erickson

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Bolivia, a captivating country located in the heart of South America. With its rich indigenous heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural traditions, Bolivia offers a unique travel experience that is sure to leave you enthralled. From the towering peaks of the Andes mountains to the vast stretches of the Amazon rainforest, Bolivia is a land of breathtaking beauty and adventure.

As you explore this diverse country, you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of ancient Inca ruins, colonial architecture, and modern bustling cities. Whether you’re wandering through the vibrant markets of La Paz, exploring the mystical ruins of Tiwanaku, or taking a boat tour on the sprawling Lake Titicaca, Bolivia has something to offer every type of traveler.

One of the major highlights of Bolivia is its natural wonders. You can embark on an unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing Uyuni Salt Flats, where the endless white expanse stretches as far as the eye can see. Or, you can venture into the Amazon rainforest, home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, including jaguars, macaws, and pink river dolphins.

But Bolivia is not just about epic landscapes – its vibrant culture and traditions are equally captivating. Indigenous cultures have preserved their heritage through vibrant festivals, intricate textiles, and traditional music and dance. The warmth and hospitality of the Bolivian people will make you feel welcome, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Sucre or immersing yourself in the indigenous communities of the Yungas region.

In this ultimate Bolivia travel guide, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your trip to this incredible country. From visa requirements and transportation options to top tourist destinations and safety tips, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime, and immerse yourself in the rich and colorful tapestry that is Bolivia.

Geography and Climate

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, and Chile and Peru to the west. The country’s geography is incredibly diverse, ranging from towering Andean peaks to vast lowland plains and dense rainforests. Bolivia is also home to the mesmerizing Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt flat in the world.

The Andes Mountains dominate the western part of Bolivia, with peaks reaching elevations of over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). This region offers stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The eastern part of the country is characterized by tropical lowlands, known as the Amazon Basin, with lush rainforests, winding rivers, and abundant wildlife.

Due to its varying altitudes and geographic features, Bolivia experiences a diverse range of climates. In the highland regions, such as La Paz and Potosi, the climate is generally cold and dry, with temperatures dropping significantly at night. The summer months of November to March bring slightly higher temperatures, but it is still advisable to pack warm clothing.

In the lowland areas, including the Amazon Basin and parts of Santa Cruz, the climate is tropical and humid, with heavy rainfall occurring between November and March. The temperatures remain relatively high throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy warmer climates.

It is important to note that the weather conditions can vary greatly depending on the altitude and region you are visiting. If you plan to explore the Andean peaks or the Uyuni Salt Flats, be prepared for potentially harsher weather conditions, including strong winds and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Regardless of the region you choose to visit, it is always a good idea to pack a variety of clothing options and be prepared for changes in weather. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the lowland areas, while warm layers and waterproof outerwear are essential for the highland regions.

Overall, Bolivia’s geography and climate offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Whether you wish to climb towering mountains, explore sprawling rainforests, or marvel at the surreal beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia has something for everyone.

Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Bolivia, it is essential to understand the visa requirements to ensure a smooth entry into the country. The visa regulations for Bolivia vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.

For many countries, including the United States, Canada, and European Union member states, a tourist visa is not required if your stay is less than 90 days. You will receive an entry stamp upon arrival, and you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

However, it is crucial to check the specific visa requirements for your country of residence before traveling to Bolivia. Some countries may require a visa for any length of stay or impose different visa rules. You can consult the Bolivian embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information.

If you plan to stay in Bolivia for more than 90 days or if you have a different purpose for your visit, such as business, study, or work, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance. The application process typically involves providing documentation such as a letter of invitation, proof of financial means, and a criminal background check.

For those planning to engage in volunteer work or participate in certain activities, it is advisable to check if any additional permits or visas are required. Some regions or protected areas may have specific entry requirements or restrictions.

It is recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel date to allow for sufficient processing time. Keep in mind that visa regulations can change, so it is essential to stay informed and consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Upon arrival in Bolivia, you may also be required to pay a reciprocity fee depending on your nationality. This fee is typically payable in cash and allows entry into the country. The amount can vary, so it is advisable to check the current fee and have the appropriate currency on hand.

Remember to keep all necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and entry stamp, in a safe place throughout your stay in Bolivia. It is also a good practice to make copies of your important documents and store them separately as a precaution.

By understanding and fulfilling the visa requirements for Bolivia, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience exploring this captivating South American destination.

Currency and Money Matters

When visiting Bolivia, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local currency and have a clear understanding of money-related matters to make your trip more convenient and hassle-free.

The official currency of Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). It is advisable to exchange your currency for Bolivianos upon arrival to have the local currency readily available for your expenses.

Banks and exchange offices are widely available throughout the country, especially in major cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz. It is recommended to exchange money at official exchange bureaus or banks to ensure fair rates and avoid counterfeit currency.

Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in many establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in urban areas. However, it is important to note that smaller establishments, markets, and more rural areas may still prefer cash payments.

ATMs are also readily available in most cities and towns, and they usually offer the option to withdraw local currency using your debit or credit card. However, it is advisable to inform your bank or credit card company about your travel plans to avoid any issues with accessing your funds.

While traveling in Bolivia, it is recommended to carry smaller denomination bills and coins, as it may be challenging to get change for larger bills, especially in local markets or smaller establishments.

In terms of budgeting for your trip, Bolivia is generally considered an affordable destination for travelers. Prices for accommodations, meals, and transportation can vary depending on your chosen level of comfort and location. Major cities and tourist areas tend to have higher prices compared to more rural regions.

It is important to note that bargaining is common in markets and smaller stores in Bolivia. While fixed prices are typically observed in larger establishments and supermarkets, bargaining can be a cultural practice in certain situations, such as when purchasing souvenirs or in local markets.

It is also essential to be mindful of your personal safety and security when handling money in Bolivia. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when using ATMs, especially in crowded areas. It is advisable to utilize ATMs located in secure and well-lit areas, such as within banks or shopping centers.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to have some emergency funds or a backup payment method, such as a credit card or traveler’s checks, in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

By familiarizing yourself with the currency, money exchange options, and local payment practices, you can navigate the financial aspects of your trip to Bolivia with ease and enjoy your travel experience to the fullest.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bolivia depends on the specific regions and activities you plan to engage in during your trip. Due to its diverse geography and varying climates, different parts of the country experience different weather patterns throughout the year.

The highland areas, including La Paz, Sucre, and Potosi, have a cool and dry climate, with the dry season lasting from May to October. This period is considered the best time to visit for outdoor activities and exploring the Andean landscapes. Daytime temperatures are generally pleasant, although nights can get quite chilly, especially at higher altitudes.

If you’re interested in trekking or climbing, the months of May to September offer the best weather conditions with clear skies and lower chances of rainfall. However, it’s important to be prepared for the colder temperatures, especially during overnight stays in mountainous regions.

The wet season in the highlands typically occurs from November to April, with frequent rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. While the landscapes become lush and green during this time, trekking and outdoor activities can be more challenging due to muddy trails and limited visibility.

In the lowland regions, including the Amazon Basin and parts of Santa Cruz, the climate is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The dry season from May to October is typically considered the best time to visit these areas, as rainfall is less frequent, and temperatures are slightly cooler.

During the wet season from November to April, the rainforest comes to life with vibrant vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. However, heavy rainfalls and high humidity can make exploration more difficult, and some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding.

Another factor to consider when planning your visit to Bolivia is the country’s festivals and cultural events. The most famous and vibrant festival in Bolivia is the Carnival of Oruro, held in February or March, showcasing colorful costumes, traditional dances, and music that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Overall, the best time to visit Bolivia varies depending on your desired activities and regions of interest. To make the most of your trip, it is advisable to check the specific weather conditions and plan accordingly. Whether you’re seeking trekking adventures in the highlands, wildlife encounters in the rainforest, or cultural immersion in bustling cities, Bolivia has something to offer year-round.

Getting to Bolivia

Getting to Bolivia is relatively straightforward, with various options available to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re arriving by air, land, or water, here are the main ways to reach this stunning South American country.

By Air: The easiest and most convenient way to reach Bolivia is by flying into one of the international airports. The main international gateway is El Alto International Airport (LPB) located in La Paz, which offers direct flights from major cities in the United States, Europe, and other South American countries. The city of Santa Cruz also has Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), which serves as another major entry point for international travelers.

By Land: If you’re already in a neighboring country, you can choose to travel to Bolivia by land. The most common land border crossings are from Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Buses and private cars are popular modes of transportation for land travel, and there are well-established routes and border crossings to choose from.

By Water: For a unique and adventurous journey, you can enter Bolivia via the Amazon River. From Brazil, you can take a riverboat from Manaus to the Bolivian town of Guayaramerín. From there, you can continue your journey by land to other Bolivian destinations.

Once you arrive in Bolivia, you can travel within the country using a combination of domestic flights, buses, and taxis. Domestic flights are available between major cities and tourist destinations, providing a convenient way to cover long distances quickly. Buses, both local and long-distance, are widely available and offer a more budget-friendly option for traveling within the country. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also prevalent in urban areas.

It is worth noting that Bolivia’s transportation infrastructure may vary in different regions. While major cities have well-developed road networks and transportation services, more rural areas and remote destinations may have limited transportation options. It is advisable to plan your itinerary accordingly and research the transportation options available in each specific area you plan to visit.

Before traveling to Bolivia, it is important to check any entry requirements, such as visas and vaccination requirements, and to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and trip cancellations.

With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Bolivia is a destination that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. By choosing the most suitable transportation method for your journey, you’ll be on your way to exploring the wonders this country has to offer.

Transportation in Bolivia

Getting around Bolivia is an adventure in itself, with various transportation options available to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. From navigating bustling streets to traversing remote regions, here are the main modes of transportation to consider when traveling within Bolivia.

Buses: Buses are the primary mode of transportation for both short and long distances in Bolivia. There are different types of buses available, ranging from small minibusses to larger coaches. Local buses are commonly used for short journeys within cities and towns, while long-distance buses connect major cities and tourist destinations. It is advisable to book tickets in advance for longer trips, as buses can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.

Taxis and Ride-sharing: Taxis are a popular and convenient way to get around in urban areas. It is recommended to use official taxi services or trusted ride-sharing apps to ensure safety and avoid scams. Negotiate the fare with the taxi driver before starting the journey or ensure the ride-sharing app displays the estimated fare upfront.

Domestic Flights: Bolivia has a well-connected domestic flight network, which is particularly useful for covering long distances quickly. Domestic flights operate between major cities, such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba, as well as popular tourist destinations like Uyuni and Rurrenabaque. It is advisable to book domestic flights in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Trains: While not as extensive as the bus network, Bolivia does have a limited train service that connects certain cities and towns. The most popular train route is the scenic journey from Oruro to Uyuni, which takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Altiplano region. It is advisable to check the train schedule and book tickets in advance, as availability can be limited.

Rentals and Private Cars: Renting a car or hiring a private driver can provide flexibility and convenience, especially for exploring remote areas or embarking on road trips. However, it is important to note that road conditions in Bolivia can vary, and driving can be challenging, particularly in mountainous regions or rural areas. Make sure to have an international driver’s license and familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and customs.

When using transportation in Bolivia, it is essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly regarding personal belongings and safety. Keep your belongings with you at all times and avoid displaying valuable items that may attract unwanted attention.

It is also worth noting that transportation options and schedules may be less frequent or limited in more remote regions of Bolivia. It is advisable to plan your itinerary and check transportation availability in advance, particularly if you are visiting less-traveled areas.

By utilizing the various transportation options available, you can navigate Bolivia’s vast landscapes and vibrant cities, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable travel experience.

Accommodation Options

When planning your trip to Bolivia, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From cozy guesthouses to luxurious hotels, here are the main types of accommodations available throughout the country.

Hotels: Bolivia offers a variety of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to higher-end establishments. Major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Sucre have a wide selection of hotels, with amenities such as private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and onsite restaurants. In more remote areas, hotels may be simpler, but still provide the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay.

Hostels: Hostels are a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers and backpackers. They typically offer dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities, as well as private rooms for those seeking more privacy. Hostels are a great option for meeting fellow travelers and often provide communal spaces like common rooms or kitchens.

Guesthouses: Guesthouses, or “casas de huéspedes,” are smaller, family-run accommodations that offer a more intimate and personal experience. These establishments often provide comfortable rooms with basic amenities and may include home-cooked meals for guests. Guesthouses can be found in both urban and rural areas, providing an authentic glimpse into local culture and hospitality.

Eco-Lodges: For those seeking a more eco-friendly and nature-centric experience, Bolivia offers various eco-lodges located in remote and environmentally sensitive areas. These lodges blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings and provide unique opportunities to explore the country’s incredible biodiversity while minimizing environmental impact.

Apartments and Vacation Rentals: If you prefer the convenience and flexibility of having your own space, apartments and vacation rentals are available in some urban areas and tourist destinations. These options are ideal for families or larger groups, as they often offer multiple bedrooms, living areas, and kitchen facilities.

When choosing accommodations in Bolivia, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, amenities, and safety. Researching customer reviews and checking the reputation of the establishment can help ensure a comfortable and secure stay.

It’s also worth noting that prices for accommodations in Bolivia can vary depending on the location and level of comfort. Major cities and tourist hotspots tend to have higher prices compared to more rural or less-visited areas. Planning your accommodation in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons, is advisable to secure your preferred choice.

Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion in a local guesthouse, a comfortable stay in a hotel, or a budget-friendly experience in a hostel, Bolivia offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.

Top Tourist Destinations

Bolivia is a country rich in natural beauty, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, Bolivia offers a plethora of enchanting destinations to explore. Here are some of the top tourist destinations in the country:

1. La Paz: As the administrative capital of Bolivia, La Paz is a bustling metropolis nestled in the Andes Mountains. The city is famous for its vibrant markets, such as the Witches’ Market, where you can find unique traditional crafts, herbs, and spiritual items. Don’t miss the chance to visit the stunning Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) or take a cable car ride for panoramic views.

2. Salar de Uyuni: The breathtaking salt flats of Uyuni are a must-visit destination in Bolivia. The vast expanse of white salt crystals creates a mesmerizing natural landscape that seems to stretch endlessly. Take a jeep tour across the flats and witness the stunning mirror-like reflections during the wet season or explore the Incahuasi Island, known for its giant cacti.

3. Lake Titicaca: Shared with Peru, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and a place of cultural significance. Take a boat tour to the peaceful Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) and explore ancient Inca ruins or spend the night in a traditional homestay with local families on the islands.

4. Sucre: Known as Bolivia’s constitutional capital, Sucre is a city of colonial charm and architectural beauty. Stroll through its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire stunning churches, visit museums, and explore the city’s rich history. Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby Tarabuco market, known for its vibrant indigenous textiles.

5. Potosi: Once one of the wealthiest cities in the world, Potosi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich silver mining history. Explore the famous Cerro Rico mines, visit the Casa de la Moneda museum, and stroll along the colonial streets lined with beautiful churches and grand mansions.

6. Rurrenabaque: This gateway to the Bolivian Amazon offers a chance to immerse yourself in the lush rainforests and incredible biodiversity. Take a jungle tour to spot wildlife, embark on riverboat trips along the Beni and Tuichi rivers, or visit the nearby pampas to see pink river dolphins and caimans in their natural habitat.

These are just a few of the many incredible destinations that Bolivia has to offer. Each region has its own unique beauty and attractions, from the stunning landscapes of the Andes to the rich cultural heritage of ancient civilizations. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or cultural explorer, Bolivia has something for everyone.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs

When visiting Bolivia, it is important to be mindful of the cultural etiquette and customs to show respect and appreciation for the local traditions. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Greetings and Respect: Bolivians generally greet each other with a handshake, although close friends and family members may greet with a kiss on the cheek. It is customary to use formal titles such as “Señor” (Mr.) or “Señora” (Mrs.) when addressing older people or those in positions of authority.

Respect for Pachamama: Pachamama, the earth mother goddess, holds significant importance in Bolivian culture. It is customary to show respect for Pachamama by offering small food items or coca leaves before starting a meal or engaging in certain activities, especially in rural and indigenous communities.

Dress Code: While Bolivia is generally a relatively relaxed country in terms of dress code, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting religious sites or indigenous communities. It is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees and avoid wearing revealing clothing out of respect for local customs and beliefs.

Communication and Language: Spanish is the official language of Bolivia, but indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara are also widely spoken. Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish, such as greetings and simple pleasantries, can go a long way in showing respect and building connections with the locals.

Photography Etiquette: When taking photographs of people, it is polite to ask for permission first, especially in indigenous communities. Some individuals may request a small tip in exchange for being photographed. In religious sites, always check if photography is allowed, and be respectful of sacred spaces and rituals.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Bolivia, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving a 5-10% tip is common. It’s also customary to tip local guides and drivers for their services during tours or excursions, although the amount is at your discretion.

Cultural Sensitivity: Bolivia is a culturally diverse country with indigenous populations that uphold their customs and beliefs. It is important to approach different cultures with an open mind and respect their practices. Avoid making assumptions or judgments, and be willing to learn and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Bolivia.

By being respectful, observant, and appreciative of local customs, you can foster meaningful connections with the people of Bolivia and enhance your travel experience in this culturally rich country.

Popular Activities and Adventures

Bolivia offers a plethora of exciting activities and adventures for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. From trekking through the mountains to exploring ancient ruins, here are some popular activities to consider during your visit:

Trekking and Mountaineering: Bolivia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its dramatic mountain landscapes and challenging peaks. The Cordillera Real and Cordillera Apolobamba mountain ranges offer incredible trekking opportunities, from multi-day hikes to shorter day trips. For experienced climbers, tackling Huayna Potosi, Illimani, or Sajama, among other peaks, provides a true mountaineering adventure.

Visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats: A visit to Bolivia is incomplete without exploring the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats. Take a jeep tour across this vast white expanse, capturing breathtaking photographs amidst the mirror-like reflections during the wet season. Visit the Incahuasi Island, known for its giant cacti, and enjoy the surreal beauty of this unique natural wonder.

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest: Venture into Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon rainforest for an immersive exploration of its incredible biodiversity. Take a guided tour to spot various species of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and pink river dolphins. Stay in an eco-lodge and learn about the sustainable practices implemented to preserve this precious ecosystem.

Discovering Ancient Ruins: Bolivia is home to fascinating ancient ruins that provide a glimpse into the country’s rich history. Explore the archaeological site of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can marvel at the ancient architecture and learn about the pre-Columbian Tiwanaku culture. Visit the Inca ruins of El Fuerte de Samaipata, known for its intricate stone carvings and stunning views.

Experiencing Indigenous Culture: Bolivia’s indigenous cultures are a vibrant and integral part of the country’s identity. Immerse yourself in the local communities of the Yungas region, where you can participate in traditional ceremonies, learn about traditional weaving techniques, and sample delicious local cuisine. Visit the colorful Sunday market in Tarabuco to witness the indigenous Quechua culture on display.

Cycling the “Death Road”: For adrenaline junkies, cycling the infamous Death Road near La Paz is a thrilling adventure. Descend from the high-altitude mountains along a narrow road with breathtaking vistas. Although once known for its danger, safety standards have improved in recent years, making it a popular bucket-list activity for many travelers.

Attending Festivals: Bolivia is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, where traditional music, dance, and festivities are on full display. The Carnaval de Oruro is the most renowned, with weeks of celebrations featuring elaborate costumes, music, and dance. Other festivals worth experiencing include the Gran Poder festival in La Paz and the Virgen de la Candelaria festival in Copacabana.

These are just a few of the many thrilling activities and adventures awaiting you in Bolivia. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, culture lover, or looking for unique experiences, Bolivia offers a wealth of opportunities to make your visit truly unforgettable.

Food and Drink

Bolivia’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and other international influences. From hearty traditional dishes to unique local beverages, here’s a taste of the food and drink you can enjoy during your visit:

Traditional Bolivian Cuisine: Bolivian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with staple ingredients such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, and a variety of meats. One iconic dish is “Salteñas,” savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, and a slightly spicy broth. Another popular dish is “Sopa de Mani,” a rich peanut soup. Don’t miss the opportunity to try “Llajwa,” a spicy salsa made with tomatoes, chili peppers, and herbs, often served with traditional dishes.

Street Food: Bolivia’s street food scene is vibrant and affordable, offering a wide range of tasty treats. Sample freshly baked “Anticuchos,” skewers of marinated and grilled meat, or try “Salchipapas,” a popular dish featuring sliced sausages with French fries. You can also find “Empanadas,” stuffed pastries filled with a variety of fillings, and refreshing fruit juices such as “Api,” a hot purple corn beverage.

Regional Delicacies: Each region of Bolivia has its own specialty dishes worth trying. In Cochabamba, sample “Pique Macho,” a dish with beef, sausage, fries, and vegetables. In Sucre, don’t miss the opportunity to try “Chorizo Chuquisaqueño,” a local sausage prepared with aromatic spices. In the Amazon region, taste “Suri,” a traditional dish made from roasted grubs, considered a delicacy by the indigenous communities.

Beverages: Bolivians enjoy a variety of traditional beverages. “Mate de Coca” is a popular herbal tea made from coca leaves, known for its energizing properties. “Chicha” is a traditional fermented corn drink that is brewed and consumed in both traditional and modern settings. For those looking for alcoholic beverages, try “Singani,” a grape brandy commonly used in cocktails, or “Chuflay,” a popular mix of singani and ginger ale.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: While Bolivian cuisine is meat-centric, vegetarian and vegan travelers will still find options to suit their dietary preferences. Look out for dishes like “Sopa de Quinoa” (quinoa soup), “Api con Pastel” (corn beverage with a sweet pastry), or “Plato Paceño” (a vegetarian plate with cheese, potatoes, and peas).

When dining out in Bolivia, it’s common to find menus that offer set lunches, known as “menú del día,” which include a soup, main course, and sometimes a dessert. Restaurants and cafes are widely available in urban areas, while local markets offer a great opportunity to sample traditional street food.

Remember to stay hydrated and only consume bottled or purified water to prevent any stomach discomfort. Embrace the rich flavors and culinary traditions to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant food culture of Bolivia.

Safety Tips

Bolivia is generally a safe country for travelers, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and secure trip. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during your visit:

Stay Vigilant in Crowded Areas: Like in any other destination, be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places such as markets, bus stations, or busy streets. Keep an eye on your belongings, including bags, wallets, and electronic devices, and avoid displaying signs of wealth.

Use Reliable Transportation: When using public transportation or taxis, opt for licensed and reputable services. If possible, arrange transportation through your accommodation or use trusted ride-sharing apps. Avoid unofficial taxis or those that are poorly maintained.

Plan Ahead and Inform Others: Before embarking on any adventures or long journeys, inform someone about your plans and approximate return time. It’s also beneficial to research the areas you plan to visit and understand any potential risks or travel advisories.

Be Cautious with Street Food: While street food in Bolivia is often delicious, it’s important to choose vendors who prioritize hygiene and cleanliness. Look for busy food stalls with fresh ingredients, and ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly before consumption.

Altitude Sickness Preparedness: If you plan to visit high-altitude areas, such as La Paz or the Uyuni Salt Flats, be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness. Stay well-hydrated, avoid strenuous physical activity upon arrival, and consider consulting a healthcare professional before traveling for preventative medication.

Stay Hydrated and Be Cautious with Water: Drink bottled or purified water to avoid any potential stomach issues. It’s also recommended to brush your teeth with bottled water and avoid consuming raw or uncooked foods that may have been washed with tap water.

Respect Local Customs and Culture: Show respect and sensitivity towards local customs, traditions, and religious sites. Dress modestly, seek permission before taking photographs of people, and be mindful of local etiquette and cultural practices.

Use Reliable Tour Operators: If you’re participating in adventure activities, such as trekking or biking, choose reputable tour operators with experienced guides. Ensure they prioritize safety protocols and provide necessary equipment.

Stay Informed and Use Trusted Sources: Keep yourself updated with the latest travel advisories and information from reputable sources, such as your country’s embassy or consulate, to stay informed about any potential safety concerns or incidents in Bolivia.

By following these safety tips and exercising common sense, you can have a safe and enjoyable journey while exploring the wonders of Bolivia.

Essential Packing List

When preparing for your trip to Bolivia, it’s important to pack wisely to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here is an essential packing list to consider:

Travel Documents: Bring your passport, visa (if required), and a printed copy of your itinerary and accommodation reservations. It’s also useful to carry a copy of important documents in case of loss or theft.

Clothing: Pack clothing suitable for the climate and activities. Include layers for varying temperatures, as the weather can change throughout the day. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket or poncho, a hat, and sunglasses. If visiting high-altitude areas, bring warm clothing for chilly nights.

Medications and First Aid Kit: If you have any prescription medications, ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. Consider bringing a basic first aid kit with essentials such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any necessary personal medication.

Travel Adapters and Chargers: Bolivian electrical outlets typically use type A and type C plugs. Bring a universal travel adapter to charge your electronic devices. It’s also a good idea to have a portable power bank for charging on-the-go.

Money and Essentials: Carry a mix of cash and cards. Bring a debit or credit card for emergencies and larger expenses, and carry smaller denominations of local currency for day-to-day expenses and markets. Don’t forget to bring a secure money belt or pouch to keep your valuables safe.

Personal Care Items: Pack toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and any other personal care items you may need. Consider bringing wet wipes or tissues for convenience, as well as a small towel or washcloth.

Travel Gear: Depending on your planned activities, bring a daypack for outings, a reusable water bottle, a headlamp or flashlight, a camera or smartphone for capturing memories, and any hiking or adventure gear you may require.

Language Guide and Maps: Carry a pocket-sized Spanish phrasebook or download a language app to help with communication. Depending on your destination and travel plans, bring a detailed map or guidebook to assist with navigation.

Snacks and Water: While there are plenty of dining options available, having some snacks for long journeys or hikes is a good idea. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially in high-altitude areas.

Important Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including your country’s embassy or consulate, as well as the contact information of your accommodation and any tour operators you will be using.

Remember to pack light and consider the weight restrictions for any internal flights or transportation. Be prepared for different weather conditions and diverse activities, but also leave room in your luggage for any souvenirs or treasures you may find along the way.

By using this essential packing list as a guideline, you’ll be well-equipped for your adventure in Bolivia, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Useful Phrases and Language Tips

While it’s not necessary to be fluent in Spanish to enjoy your trip to Bolivia, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in enhancing your experience and connecting with the local culture. Here are some useful phrases and language tips to help you communicate during your time in Bolivia:

• Hola – Hello
• Buenos días – Good morning
• Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
• Buenas noches – Good evening/night

Basic Expressions:

• Gracias – Thank you
• Por favor – Please
• Perdón – Excuse me/pardon me
• ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
• No entiendo – I don’t understand

Ordering Food:

• Una mesa para uno/dos – A table for one/two
• Me gustaría pedir… – I would like to order…
• La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please
• Más agua/pan, por favor – More water/bread, please

Directions and Transportation:

• ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
• ¿A qué hora sale el próximo autobús? – What time does the next bus depart?
• Estoy buscando el baño – I am looking for the restroom/toilet

Language Tips:

• Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish can greatly enhance your interactions with locals and show your respect for their culture.
• Carry a pocket-sized phrasebook or download a language app for quick reference.
• Practice pronunciation by listening to audio guides or language podcasts before your trip.
• Don’t be afraid to use hand gestures or point to objects when trying to convey a message.
• Be patient and open to learning from the locals. They will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language.

Bolivians are generally friendly and welcoming, and even a few basic phrases in Spanish can go a long way in building connections and navigating everyday situations more smoothly. Embrace the opportunity to learn and use the local language, and you’ll find that your interactions in Bolivia become even more enriching and enjoyable.

As our ultimate Bolivia travel guide comes to an end, we hope you are inspired to embark on a memorable journey to this captivating country. Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality make it a truly unique destination. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the mysterious depths of the Amazon rainforest, Bolivia’s natural wonders will leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the vibrant markets of La Paz, explore ancient ruins that tell the tales of past civilizations, and indulge in the flavors of traditional Bolivian cuisine. While exploring Bolivia, remember to be mindful of the cultural customs and etiquette, and show respect for the local traditions. Stay informed about safety precautions and take necessary measures to ensure a smooth and secure trip. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or breathtaking landscapes, Bolivia offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave a lasting impression. From trekking through the Andes to cruising the Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery. As you venture off the beaten path and experience the vibrant tapestry of Bolivia, embrace every opportunity to learn from the locals and immerse yourself in the country’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. From the vibrant festivals to the warm smiles of the people, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and charm that Bolivia has to offer. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the wonders of Bolivia – a land of natural wonders, ancient history, and incredible cultural experiences. It’s time to create memories that will last a lifetime in this vibrant and enchanting country.

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28 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling in Bolivia

By Author Sarah Ketchum

Posted on Last updated: 28th November 2023

For a first-timer to South America, traveling in Bolivia can feel a bit intimidating. Given that Bolivia has so many unique tourist attractions , there isn’t much information easily available for tourists.

But Bolivian travel doesn’t have to be scary or frustrating, and this country has far too many amazing things to see and experience to miss it out.

When planning your Bolivia trip, these essential tips will make your visit both unforgettable but, most importantly, safe.

If you’re a female traveler and want to get more tips, head over to our indispensable post about safe travel in South America . 

Click to navigate this article:

Planning Your Trip

It’s essential to be flexible

Throw your strict timetable out the window when traveling in Bolivia. Buses leave late, inter-country flights get cancelled if they’re not full enough (watch out for Amazonas and BOA, both repeat offenders), car trips can take hours longer than they’re supposed to when the roads get bad during rainy season… all in all, it’s an adventure!

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Look at the delays and changes of plans as a cultural experience and a reason to sit back and enjoy the ride, not an excuse to complain or stress.

Give yourself a day or two of buffer time between any major, can’t miss events (like an expensive flight or tour) to give yourself breathing room.

Although you may think you’re saving time by purchasing a flight, in my experience, overnight buses are usually more reliable. Almost without fail, every flight I have taken has had some sort of issue, whether that was lost luggage, a delay, or an altogether cancellation.

With only one exception, every overnight bus I’ve booked in the past two years has left at the scheduled time and arrived on schedule (or earlier). While the travel time for buses is longer, it is usually much less stressful and a lot cheaper.

Transportation in Bolivia

Long-distance buses in Bolivia

Spending ten, 12, or even 15 hours on a bus doesn’t sound like tons of fun, but it is definitely the cheapest and easiest way of traveling between cities in Bolivia. The good news is, these buses usually travel overnight, so you can spend most of that time sleeping in preparation for your next adventure.

Overnight buses are my favorite way to travel between cities in Bolivia. They’re the most wallet-friendly option because the ticket itself is cheap and you save money on lodgings for that night. The best part is that you wake up in the morning with a new place to explore!

However, there are definitely some easy ways that you can prepare yourself to a comfortable journey. 

– Book the correct bus

Step one to having a good bus experience is booking the right bus. If you are going on an overnight trip, be sure to reserve a “cama” bus seat. These seats lie flat (160˚), have leg rests and are usually quite spacious and comfortable.

To ensure no extra stress, use  Tickets Bolivia  for purchasing bus tickets ahead of time. They are reliable, don’t overcharge, and will refund your ticket if something goes wrong on their end (like an unforeseen Día del Peatón ).

You can also walk into a bus station and purchase same-day bus tickets, but you won’t be guaranteed to get a specific time or seat type that you want.

– Keep your valuables on you

If you check a bag on an overnight bus, be sure to keep your valuables (cameras, passports, cash, etc.) on you, not under the bus, or in the shelf over the seats in the bus as theft is an issue on Bolivia buses. 

However, don’t let the fear of theft stop you from having a fun and affordable Bolivian adventure.

While thieves do exist, in my experience they tend to look for easy targets and seize opportunities to take valuables from the unaware. As a result, it is always better to keep valuables in your possession and sight, especially if you are going to be snoozing.

I usually sleep with my small bag on my lap or under the leg rest of my cama bus seat. In two years, I’ve never had a problem with theft, but stories exist, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and not make yourself an easy target.

– Don’t over-hydrate 

Don’t over-hydrate. In fact, this is probably the only instance while traveling in high-altitude Bolivia that I would recommend under-hydration. Most overnight buses make very sparse stops (if any) so you will want to empty your bladder at all possible points and not fill it up much between stops.

Although many bus companies advertise toilets on board, in reality, few are in operation and ever fewer are in a state that you’d want to use. 

Remember to bring toilet paper and wet wipes or alcohol hand sanitising gel for if you do end up using the bathroom or making an impromptu stop in the middle of nowhere to go to the toilet in the hedge (a very common form of toilet break!).   

– Bring these essentials for a good night’s sleep

The real key to an enjoyable overnight bus ride is to get some sleep. Headphones with some soothing music, ear plugs, and melatonin (or something stronger) will help. If you get carsick easily, be sure to pack tablets for those mountain roads.

Public transport in Bolivia

Learning how to use the many forms of public transportation in Bolivia will make your trip much easier, cheaper, and, in my opinion, more fun. Using the public transportation in any country is the best way to interact with the people and culture, and Bolivia is no different.

There are several types of public transportation used in Bolivia: radio taxis, independent taxis, trufis, minis, and micros. 

These types of  collectivo- style public transportation is often your safest option. The people riding with you will often look out for one another and kindly offer tips and directions when asked politely, and you won’t be all alone in a vehicle with the driver.

– Radio Taxis

Radio taxis are taxis whose drivers report to a central dispatcher for their company. They can be recognized by the lighted signs on their roofs and the fact that the driver will have a radio in their car to contact their dispatcher.

These taxis are usually safe to use. However, be sure to negotiate the price of the ride ahead of time, before climbing into the car, to make sure they don’t take advantage of you.

You can expect to pay a little more than you would in an independent taxi (see below).

Standard taxi fares can range from five to ten bolivianos ($.7-$1.5 USD) for a short journey within a city. 

Note: In La Paz and Cochabamba, you negotiate the cost of the taxi ride for your whole group. In Sucre, you negotiate the cost per person .

– Independent Taxis

Independent taxis are just guys driving around in their cars with a “taxi” sign stuck in their front window and generally charge a couple of bolivianos less than radio taxis.

While many of these drivers are honest folks just trying to earn money, these taxis can be unsafe for foreigners.

The fact that the driver does not report to a company means that he or she could more easily rob or kidnap you. I would say if you are alone, seeking a ride a night, or heading to a place you don’t know well, stay away from the independent taxis. 

This is very important in La Paz in particular, where “express kidnappings” do occasionally happen when foreigners use independent taxis. It’s not worth taking the risk to save a few bolivianos. 

– Trufis

Trufis are kind of like shared taxis. They run on a set route, identified by the signs in their front window. These signs usually have names of neighborhoods or major plazas written on them and you can generally get out whenever you want just by saying “acá por favor” (“here please”).

Trufis usually cost two or three bolivianos ($.5 USD) depending on the distance you go.

– Puma Katari buses

In La Paz, the brown and yellow Puma Katari buses are also a good option. They cost two bolivianos ($.3 USD), run on set routes, and only stop at bus stations.

– Minis

Minis are the fifteen-passenger vans zooming around. Like trufis, they run on a set route identified by window signs.

Minis usually cost between two and 2.60 bolivianos ($.3 USD) depending on the distance traveled. Sometimes you can take minis to a nearby city for 15-25 bolivianos ($2-4 USD), such as traveling from La Paz to Coroico or La Paz to Copacabana.

This can be a nice option instead of a tourist bus if you want to save some money and don’t mind having less leg room.

– Micros

Micros are the multi-colored, creatively painted school buses. They run set routes identified by window signage like trufis and minis, but are even cheaper, running from one and 1.50 bolivianos ($.25 USD)

Heads up: micros allow standing room in the aisles, so they can get pretty crammed.

– Trucks

In more rural areas, trucks, lorries and other large vehicles often transform into the public bus for the residents of remote villages.

Although hitchhiking is generally not recommended in Bolivia (you can read why and about further suggestions for hitchhiking in South America ), in these types of places, it is the norm.

Bear in mind that you’ll be generally asked to pay for the journey (never more than a few bolivianos) and you can guarantee it to be a fascinating – if sometimes terrifying – experience. Just don’t expect to leave on time . 

Useful vocabulary for taking public transport in Bolivia

Trufis, minis, and micros can be hailed at any point on the street. They will just pull over wherever you are! No need for bus stops. They will also let you off wherever you want. To get the driver to let you off, you can use these key Spanish phrases:

            “Aqui, por favor!” – “Here, please!”

            “En la esquina, por favor!” – “At the corner, please!”

            “Voy a bajar!” – “I’m getting down!”

If you have data on your phone, you can use a maps app to see where you are in relation to your destination, then just hop out when you get close. Cheap and easy!

Don’t miss the Teleferico, the world’s highest cable car network

If you are in La Paz, two more options for public transportation exist. The famous Teleferico lines are a great way to get around the city.

Each different line you use will cost three bolivianos ($.45 USD), but it is usually faster and less jarring to use the cable cars for long distances to avoid traffic. The views are also exceptional!

Packing for traveling in Bolivia

Pack for all seasons – the climate is confusing

A trip through Bolivia is a trip through multiple climate zones.

In the span of one day, you can travel from an icy, snowy highland climate to a hot, humid jungle . When visiting the Andean regions of Bolivia, be sure to pack plenty of layers.

In the mornings and evenings, temperatures can drop to below freezing, while when the sun is shining in the afternoons you’ll be comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt.

Also, rain storms can pop up at any moment, especially during the rainy season (between November and March), so be sure to carry a rain jacket in your day pack.

If you’re planning on backpacking in Bolivia, I highly recommend investing in good rain gear. A waterproof jacket (check them out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon ), waterproof pants (have a look on REI | Amazon ) and waterproof but lightweight hiking boots (check mine out on REI | Backcountry | Amazon ) will make your multi-day trek much more enjoyable, and can actually help you pack lighter since you won’t have to takes tons of extra pairs of clothes to replace the soaked ones.

A lightweight waterproof jacket is also a good choice for the Amazon jungle as it can get very, very wet in places such as Rurrenabaque and Madidi National Park .

The sun can be brutal at high altitudes, such as the Salar de Uyuni or Bolivian salt flats . Even with low temperatures, you can still get sunburned, so make sure to pack hats and sunscreen . Don’t let the snow-capped mountains deceive you! Your skin will thank you for the protection.

Another packing tip is to use a backpack, even if you don’t plan on trekking. Between bus travel and wandering up and down city streets, a backpack is much more convenient than a roller suitcase or duffel bag. Osprey  are an durable and reliable brand (check them out on  REI | Osprey | Amazon ).

Staying safe traveling in Bolivia

Whenever people hear that I live in Bolivia, they almost always ask if I feel safe there.

The answer is yes! Living in La Paz, I always feel perfectly comfortable using public transportation and walking home after dark by myself.

Everywhere you travel, the key to safety is to be aware of your surroundings. Bolivia is no different.

But here are my nine top tips for staying safe and aware in Bolivia:

• In crowded markets, don’t put your passport and other valuables in a backpack . A cross-body bag that you can keep zipped and keep an eye on is best.
• When backpacking and hiking, let someone know where you’re going and when to expect your return.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases so you can ask for assistance or directions if needed . Most people you meet will be more than happy to help you out, especially if you make the effort. 
• Pre-download the areas and cities you will be visiting on Google Maps or Maps.me. That way, if you don’t have Wi-Fi or data, you can still find your way around. (This is especially helpful if you plan on visiting the 16 de julio market in El Alto. Those streets can become a maze of shops and tents if you don’t know your way around!)
• In La Paz, stay in the city-center (near Calle Sagarnaga) or the Zona Sur. These areas of the city are usually more tourist-friendly and safer. You can also opt to stay at a family-owned eco-lodge, such as Colibri Camping , or a relaxed bed and breakfast like El Museo Hotel Boutique  in the bohemian Sopocachi neighborhood if you want to feel more at home during your stay.
• Stay away from protests. Protests and street blockades are a fairly regular occurrence in Bolivia, and they can sometimes get intense or violent. While seeing or participating in a protest can be exciting, it is best as an extranjero to stay out of it. These highly-charged political situations can get out of hand very quickly , so if you see a protest happening, it is best to walk around it, not through it. Also, if you happen to be in a city during a transportista strike, just re-read tip #1 and be flexible with your plans. Don’t try to use public transportation unless you want to put your taxi or minibus driver in danger.
• There is a trend of travelers visiting Bolivia, and other South American destinations to use recreational drugs or visit prisons (particularly the famous San Pedro prison in La Paz). I would seriously advise against taking drugs in Bolivia. The country has very strict laws when it comes to drug use, and you could face serious consequences, including real prison time. You only need to read the superb book Marching Powder  to get a sense of this…
• Enroll in your consulate’s safe traveler program to receive updates on different happenings in the country. The U.S. Embassy’s “Safe Traveler Enrollment Program” is very easy to join and provides helpful information – including road closings in some cases.
• Make a local friend and ask for advice. If you are nervous about an excursion into the countryside or some other aspect of your trip to Bolivia, ask a friend! Most Bolivians are welcoming and warm, and they would love to make your experience visiting their country a good one. They know that their nation is beautiful and their culture is rich, and they are more than happy to share it with you. I’ve never been led wrong when asking friends for recommendations on places to stay, foods to try, things to do, or ways to get around.

Read our guide about the safest countries in South America for travellers for more safety tips and recommendations.

Ultimately, Bolivia is a wonderful country with so much to see, do, and experience. Don’t let fear stop you from visiting this amazing place for yourself.

Be aware, be flexible, and hop on a micro or two to make your trip a unique, fulfilling experience and something you will never forget. 

Save this article about Bolivian travel for later: pin it!

Friday 4th of August 2023

Dear Steph Thanks for your information, I am planning to travel for a month in your country in most cities in September this year. I am a female 60+ solo traveler and I have been before in Pero, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. I had no problems in these countries, except my mobile got stolen in Valparaiso ( I had it on my selfie in my hand and a young boy came behind me and took mobile out of selfie, and ran away). This was the only thing happend to me in my travel to South America. I should mention that I do not speak Spanish and I usually use Google translate. I appreciate if you give me some advice.

Steph Dyson

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

Hi Mitra, not entirely sure what help you're looking for but Bolivia is a brilliant destination! Hopefully the ideas above can help answer some of your questions. Steph

Saturday 20th of August 2022

Hey great article, thank you! Do you have any experience with or thoughts on illness in Bolivia? Food poisoning, contaminated water, mosquito transmission of dengue, yellow fever, malaria? My family and I are planning to traveling there in November with our 14 month old daughter. We won’t be spending much time in rural areas in hopes of avoiding the worst of those risks while she is still so young. Cochabamba, Tarija, and Santa Cruz are our main destinations. Thanks!

Sunday 21st of August 2022

Hi Bella, dengue and yellow fever are a risk in Bolivia and in lowland places like those you're visiting. There's no real way to stop them (aside from the yellow fever jab, but I assume she's too young for that), so you'll just need to be careful and keep her covered up and away from mosquitoes. Malaria is not much of a risk and only very deep into the Amazon, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Food poisoning and contaminated water are your main risks, so avoid any sort of salad, street food and drinks that don't come in sealed containers. Some "good" restaurants can also have poor hygiene so do a lot of research before choosing to eat anywhere. I hope that helps! Steph

Tuesday 1st of September 2020

Thank you so much for this very valuable and useful information. I was somewhat apprehensive about traveling to Bolivia, but now I believe that armed with your common sense suggestions and a relaxed sense about time, we'll be ok.

Saturday 21st of November 2020

So pleased to hear that Allison! Steph

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• Best time to visit Bolivia
• How to get to Bolivia

Bolivia is one of the least expensive countries in South America, and considerably cheaper than neighbouring Chile, Brazil and Argentina. Imported goods are expensive, but food, accommodation and transport are all relatively cheap, and travellers on a tight budget should be able to get around on Bs140/$20/£12/€14 per day, staying in basic hotels and eating set meals in local restaurants. For about Bs280 Bs280/$40/£25/€28 per day you can enjoy more comfortable hotels and good food, take taxis when necessary and go on the occasional guided tour. Spend more than Bs490 ($70) per day and you can have a very comfortable trip.

Disabled travellers

Electricity, entry requirements, the internet, living and working in bolivia, opening hours and public holidays, photography, tourist information, tailor-made travel itineraries for bolivia, created by local experts.

4 days  / from 1320 USD

Highlights of Bolivia

Bolivia for those on a tight timeline. In just 4 days, you will visit the de facto capital La Paz, a day tour to Lake Titicaca with the beautiful Copacabana town. A short flight to Uyuni will allow you to explore the wonders of salt processing before heading back to La Paz.

16 days  / from 5050 USD

Andean Triangle - Chile, Bolivia and Argentina

Start your South American adventure in Santiago de Chile before exploring the wonders of the Atacama desert. A short hop across the border and you'll find yourself in the middle of the Bolivian salt flat. Afterwards, you'll continue to Argentina with Salta and Buenos Aires.

14 days  / from 2271 USD

Multi-country adventures from salt flats to the Andes

South America is full of wonders and this trip packs Argentina, Chile and Bolivia into 2 weeks. Bustling Buenos Aires, beautiful valleys around Salta, the surreal looking surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama, the salt flat of Uyuni as well as Lake Titicaca are all part of this itinerary.

Things are a bit more expensive in larger cities, especially Santa Cruz , and in isolated regions where goods have to be brought in over long distances. Goods and services aimed specifically at foreign tourists tend to be more expensive, and there is sometimes a tendency to slightly overcharge foreigners – if in doubt, always agree a price in advance before accepting a service. Prices in shops and restaurants tend to be fixed, but there is some room for bargaining in markets, when looking for a hotel room or buying a bus ticket – try asking for a reduction ( rebaja ). There’s a limit to this, though. Bolivians don’t generally enjoy bargaining for its own sake, and there are few sights more ridiculous than a wealthy gringo haggling vociferously for a tiny discount on an already inexpensive item being sold by a very poor market trader.

Very little provision is made in Bolivia for the disabled. Public transport, hotels and public places such as museums are seldom equipped with ramps, widened doorways or disabled toilets, and pavements, where they exist at all, are often narrow and covered with dangerous potholes and other obstructions.

The electricity supply in most of Bolivia is 220V/50Hz; in La Paz, however, there are both 110V and 220V supplies, often in the same house, so check carefully before plugging in equipment. Plugs are two-pronged with round pins, but US-style flat-pinned plugs can also usually be used.

Most visitors to Bolivia do not need a visa, although the situation does change periodically, so always check with your local embassy or consulate a few weeks before travelling. US citizens require a visa (Bs945/$135); this is available on entry, where it must be paid for in cash, or from a Bolivian embassy or consulate.

On arrival, all travellers are issued with a tourist card ( tarjeta de turismo ) valid for up to ninety days’ stay for citizens of most EU countries, and up to thirty days for citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand; your passport will also be stamped. Make sure you ask for the full ninety days if you need it and are eligible, as border officials sometimes give only thirty days, particularly at remote border crossings. A thirty-day tourist card can be extended to ninety days at the migraciones (immigration offices) in La Paz, Santa Cruz and other major cities; this is free for most nationalities, but costs extra (around Bs175) for Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders; the process usually takes 24 hours.

Border officials may ask for evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, so be prepared to show a credit card or a wad of travellers’ cheques; keep cash out of sight, as officials have been known to angle for bribes. Tourist cards, as well as entry and exit stamps, are free of charge .

If you want to stay on in Bolivia beyond the ninety-day limit, it’s best to leave the country overland and return the next day, when you’ll be issued with a new tourist card. If you lose your tourist card, go to a migración office to get a new one before you try to leave the country – this involves a lengthy bureaucratic procedure, so it’s best not to lose your card in the first place. If you overstay, you’ll be charged a small fine for each extra day, payable at a migración before you try to leave the country. If you’re leaving Bolivia by a particularly remote border crossing, you may need to get an exit stamp in advance from the migración in the nearest major town. Under-18s travelling to Bolivia without their parents need written parental consent authorized by a Bolivian embassy.

Officially you must carry your passport with you at all times in Bolivia, but away from border areas it’s enough in practice to carry a photocopy of the main page and your tourist card and entry stamps to show police or other officials when necessary.

It’s essential to take out an insurance policy before travelling to cover against theft, loss, illness or injury. A typical policy usually provides cover for the loss of baggage, tickets and – up to a certain limit – cash or cheques, as well as cancellation or curtailment of your journey. Most of them exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Bolivia this can mean whitewater rafting, trekking and mountaineering, though probably not kayaking or jeep safaris.

Many policies can be chopped and changed to exclude coverage you don’t need – for example, sickness and accident benefits can often be excluded or included at will. If you do take medical coverage , check whether benefits will be paid as treatment proceeds or only after you return home, and whether there is a 24-hour medical emergency number. When securing baggage cover , make sure that the per-article limit – typically under £500 – will cover your most valuable possession. If you need to make a claim, you should keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment; in the event you have anything stolen, you must obtain an official statement ( denuncia ) from the police.

Like almost everywhere else in the world, Bolivia has seen a huge growth in internet use in recent years and, because few Bolivians have their own computers, this has meant an explosion of internet cafés , especially in places where there are large student populations. Internet cafés tend to charge about Bs3–5 an hour, and sometimes more in remote areas where competition is thin on the ground. The speed of machines and servers usually isn’t very fast, especially outside the main cities.

Some of the better-equipped internet cafés also offer net phone or Skype services, which allow you to make calls via the internet for the same price as if you were just surfing the net – by far the cheapest way of calling home.

Increasing numbers of hotels, cafés, restaurants and bars in the more touristy areas offer free wi-fi access.

In cities and larger towns you’ll find laundries ( lavanderías ) where you can have your clothes machine-washed for around Bs10-15 per kilo; top end hotels can arrange this for you. Otherwise, most hotels can find someone to wash your clothes by hand if you ask. Some budget hotels have facilities for hand-washing your own clothes.

Official requirements to gain residency in Bolivia are complicated and time-consuming, so most travellers who want to stay in the country for longer periods do so informally, leaving Bolivia every ninety days to come back in on a new tourist card.

There are several options available to people looking to work or study in Bolivia. Several cities have language schools where you can study Spanish, Quechua or Aymara, and those with initiative and enthusiasm shouldn’t have much trouble finding voluntary work with one of the large number of NGOs operating in Bolivia. Paid work is more difficult to come by, and getting formal permission to work even more so, but opportunities do exist, particularly for those with valuable skills to offer.

Bolivia is a good place to study Spanish . Bolivian pronunciation is slow and clear, making the language easier to pick up, and tuition costs are lower than in neighbouring countries. Spending one or several weeks on an intensive course is a good way of immersing yourself in Bolivian culture and getting to know a particular city in more detail, and can provide a good reason for living in Bolivia for a while without being a tourist.

La Paz, Sucre and Cochabamba are the most popular places for studying Spanish – language schools are detailed in the listings section for each of these cities in the guide. You’ll also find individual Spanish language teachers offering their services on a one-to-one basis in these cities and in smaller towns around Bolivia. These can be very good, though it’s worth trying a lesson or two before you commit to a long course with a particular teacher. More adventurous linguists can also study Quechua (in Cochabamba) or Aymara (in La Paz).

There are ever-increasing opportunities for volunteering in Bolivia, though most require you to pay for your own food and accommodation and to stay for at least a month. Unless you’re willing to pay the (often high) fees charged by agencies that match volunteers with charities, the best way to find volunteering work is by word of mouth . Ask around in cities like La Paz, Sucre and Cochabamba and you’re likely to find something worthwhile to do if you’re prepared to work for free, especially if you have useful skills to offer. Also try contacting local NGOs – and international ones working in Bolivia – directly. You’ll need a reasonable level of Spanish if you want to do any kind of volunteer work with local communities. A useful website with information on free and low-cost volunteering opportunities throughout South America is w volunteersouthamerica.net .

One place that does take volunteers on a regular basis is the Parque Machía Inti Wara Yassi animal refuge in Villa Tunari in the Chapare region, east of Cochabamba. Volunteers do everything from maintaining trails and looking after rescued animals to cleaning toilets and showing school children around the park. Conservation-centred tour operator Madidi Travel , on Calle Comercio in Rurrenabaque ( t 03 8922153, w madidi-travel.com), also welcomes volunteers to help out with both their Rurrenabaque office and private rainforest reserve; jungle-based volunteers get room and board.

Unless you have arranged something in advance with an international company or non-government organization, your chances of finding paid work in Bolivia are slim. The best bet is teaching English in La Paz, Cochabamba or Santa Cruz, though pay is low unless you get work with the British Council or a similar international agency – this is best arranged in advance. Obviously, work as a teacher is easier to find if you have a formal TEFL qualification. Even if you do find paid employment, getting an official work permit is a costly and long-drawn-out bureaucratic nightmare – contact the migración in La Paz or any other major city for details.

Letters and postcards sent by airmail ( por avión ) to Europe and North America tend to take between one and two weeks to arrive; the rest of the world outside the Americas and Europe takes longer. Letters cost about Bs10–15 to Europe, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. For a small extra charge, you can send letters certified ( certificado ), which is more reliable, but even then it’s not a good idea to send anything you can’t afford to lose.

Parcels up to 2kg can be airmailed from major post offices; this costs about Bs100 per kilo to Europe and about half that to North America; the contents must be checked by a customs officer in a post office before being sealed. There’s no point sending anything from small town post offices, as you’ll almost certainly reach the nearest city or large town before your letter or package does. If you have to send anything particularly important or urgent internationally, it’s worth splashing out and using one of the internationally recognized courier services : FedEx and DHL have offices in major cities.

If you wish to receive mail in Bolivia, you can do so through the poste restante service available in most post offices – it’s best to use those in major towns or cities. Have mail sent to “Lista de Correos, Correo Central, the town concerned, Bolivia”, and make sure your surname is written in capitals and as obviously as possible, as your post will be filed under whatever the clerk thinks your surname is; if you suspect something sent to you has gone astray, ask them to check under your first name too. Mail is usually held for about three months, and you’ll need your passport to collect it.

No two maps of Bolivia are identical, and none is absolutely accurate. Most errors are made in the mapping of dirt roads and tracks : some maps mark them incorrectly as proper roads; some miss them out altogether; and many mark roads quite clearly in areas where they have never existed except in the dreams of planners.

It’s worth buying a good map of Bolivia from a specialist map outlet in your home country before you go, as they can be difficult to find in Bolivia itself. That said, you can usually pick up a reasonably good national road map , entitled Bolivia Highlights , from the municipal tourist office in La Paz, and from bookshops and tour agencies in La Paz and other major cities. The best general map of Bolivia is the Travel Map of Bolivia (1:2,200,000), produced by the US company O’Brien Cartographics, which you should be able to find at any good map outlet in your home country. Most good map outlets also sell sectional maps of South America that cover Bolivia reasonably well.

If you’re planning to do any trekking or climbing in the Cordillera Real, O’Brien Cartographics produce an excellent map of that range which you should try to get hold of before you travel. In addition, the Bolivian Instituto Geográfico Militar, or IGM produces maps at a scale of 1:50,000 and 1:250,000 that cover about three-quarters of the country. These are very useful for trekkers or anyone planning to explore more remote areas and can be bought from the Instituto Geográfico Militar in La Paz. They also sell some good smaller-scale maps covering the whole country.

Newspapers are sold in the street and from shops and kiosks in all major towns and cities. In La Paz, the main quality dailies are La Prensa , which has good foreign coverage, the politically conservative El Diario , and the less reliable La Razón . The main provincial cities all have their own newspapers, which have a strongly regional outlook: Los Tiempos in Cochabamba is particularly good. The best of the Santa Cruz papers is El Deber , though its regional outlook is so strong you could be forgiven for thinking La Paz was a minor province of some faraway country, so little attention does it pay to events in the de facto capital. Most Bolivian newspapers now have their own websites . For serious analysis of political, social and economic developments, Bolivians turn to the weekly news magazine Pulso ; the fortnightly Juguete Rabioso is also good.

International newspapers and magazines are quite hard to come by, though Time , Newsweek and The Economist are sold in city centres and expensive hotels in La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Radio is the most democratic of Bolivia’s media, and the only one that adequately reflects the country’s cultural diversity, with many of the country’s hundreds of different stations broadcasting in indigenous languages . The leading national news radio station is Radio Fides, which is owned by the Catholic Church and broadcast on different FM frequencies in all the major cities. Other than the internet, carrying a short-wave radio is about the best way of keeping in touch with events back home and in the rest of the world. You can pick up the BBC World Service in English in most of Bolivia (though not in La Paz, where the surrounding mountains block the signal – check w bbc.co.uk/worldservice for frequencies), as well as other international broadcasters.

Bolivians watch a growing amount of television, although many homes are still without a set. There are seven state and numerous private terrestrial channels , mostly serving up an uninspired cocktail of football, news and imported soap operas. Better hotels offer cable or satellite TV, which in bigger cities means up to eighty channels and often include the likes of CNN and BBC World, though in smaller cities local cable networks offer a far more limited selection.

The Bolivian currency is the peso boliviano (Bs), referred to as both the peso and (more commonly) the boliviano . Thanks to the weakness of the Bolivian economy the boliviano remains extremely vulnerable to devaluation, and many businesses in Bolivia effectively operate in US dollars. Tour operators and many hotels quote their prices in US dollars rather than bolivianos, accepting payment in either currency. Otherwise, it’s usual to pay for everything in bolivianos – indeed most places won’t accept anything else.

Notes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 bolivianos; coins in denominations of 1 and 2 bolivianos (these look very similar), and of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos. At the time of writing the exchange rates were roughly:

You can check current exchange rates in any Bolivian newspaper or online at w xe.com/ucc.

The best way to carry money in Bolivia is to have your funds in several different formats – a credit card (or cards), some travellers’ cheques and some cash dollars hidden away for emergencies – so that if one lets you down you can turn to another. The easiest way to access funds is using plastic. Banks in all major cities and larger towns are connected to the nationwide Enlace network of ATM s, from which you can withdraw cash in US dollars or bolivianos using a credit or debit card – Enlace machines accept both Visa and Mastercard. Other than in the most expensive shops and restaurants (and in some hotels and tour agencies), credit and debit cards can rarely be used to pay for services directly – where they are, Visa is the most widely accepted, followed by Mastercard; American Express cards are rarely used.

Outside cities and larger towns, debit and credit cards and travellers’ cheques are pretty much useless, so it’s important to carry plenty of cash with you when you head to rural areas. US dollars can be changed into bolivianos at banks and by street money-changers almost everywhere in the country, and are a good way of carrying emergency back-up funds – even if there are no official money-changers around, you can usually find someone to change dollars at a reasonable rate by asking around in shops or hotels.

Small change is in chronic short supply in Bolivia and people are often reluctant to accept larger-denomination bills, so it’s best to break them at every opportunity – in big shops, hotels and bus company offices. You should also be wary of forged notes – dollars and bolivianos – particularly if changing money on the streets.

Shops, businesses and public offices in Bolivia generally open Monday to Saturday from around 8.30am or 9.30am. They mostly close for a long lunch break between about noon and 2pm (even longer in some regions), and then open again until around 5.30pm to 7pm. Some offices, however, have adopted a newer system, known as hora corrida , whereby they work straight though from 8.30am to 4pm without closing for lunch.

Banks ’ opening hours are generally Monday to Friday from 8.30am to noon and 2.30pm to 5pm, and on Saturdays in the morning. Public museums usually open on Sundays for at least half the day, and close instead on Mondays. All these times are approximate, though: Bolivians aren’t noted for their punctuality, and public offices in particular often open later and close earlier than they are supposed to; conversely, private businesses, particularly those connected with tourism, often work longer hours and open on Sundays. If you’re arranging to meet a Bolivian, make it somewhere you don’t mind waiting around, as they’re unlikely to turn up on time. Note that during public holidays and local fiestas pretty much everything closes down.

Bolivia’s phone system is now fairly efficient. The Bolivian national telephone company, ENTEL , has offices in all cities and most towns where you can make local, national and international calls. ENTEL offices are usually open daily from around 8am to 8pm, sometimes longer. Local calls are very cheap, and long-distance national calls are moderately priced, but international calls are relatively expensive, though costs are coming down. You can also use a cardphone , which are found on the streets of most towns. The cost of either method is the same. You can buy a phone card ( tarjeta telefonica ) at ENTEL offices and in shops and street stalls throughout Bolivia. Phone calls to North America and Europe cost around Bs1 per minute, and a little more to Australia and New Zealand.

You’ll also find a small number of coin-operated phones in most towns. Most departments also have their own regional telephone cooperatives that have their own networks of cardphones. These are sometimes cheaper for local calls, though no good for international or national long-distance calls. Many shops and kiosks also have phones from which you can make short local calls for a small fee.

Mobile phones are widely used in large towns and cities, and coverage is improving in rural areas. If you want to use one while in Bolivia, the easiest option is to bring your own phone from home and buy a Bolivian SIM card (“chip”) from one of the several mobile network operators – such as Viva, Tigo or the ubiquitous ENTEL – which you can then top up with credit. Annoyingly, foreigners can only – officially at least – buy SIM cards from bigger branches of the mobile companies, which tend to be in the larger towns or cities; take your passport. SIMs are often free if you buy credit (from Bs15) at the same time.

Collect call and phone cards If your home phone operator has an arrangement with ENTEL, you can phone home collect using a telephone charge card . This enables you to make calls from most public and private phones in Bolivia by dialling an international operator. The calls are charged to your own account back home. It’s worth having one of these cards, if only for emergencies. To get a card and PIN, and to find out rates, contact your domestic operator before you leave (see Useful websites).

The light in Bolivia is very bright, particularly at high altitudes , so use fast (100 ASA) film and a UV polarizing filter. In the highlands, the best times to take photos are early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the sunlight is not too harsh. Under the forest canopy in the lowlands, on the other hand, light is poor, so you need to use slow film. Taking photos of people without permission can offend, particularly in rural areas. It’s best to ask politely (“ Puedo sacar una fotito? ” – “Can I take a little photo?”); most people react favourably to this approach, though some may refuse outright or ask for a small fee.

Bolivia is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, an hour ahead of US Eastern Standard Time.

Bolivia has no national tourist offices. Although you can sometimes get limited tourist information from some of the country’s embassies, you’ll probably find that tour companies who run trips to Bolivia are a better bet. The internet is another good source of information, and a growing number of websites offer everything on the country from hard facts to trivia and travellers’ tales.

Most major Bolivian cities have a regional tourism office , either run by the city municipality or by the departmental prefecture. Some are fairly helpful, handing out free leaflets and doing their best to answer questions (though rarely in English). Others offer a much more limited service, though you should at least be able to get a plan of the city from them. Local Bolivian tour operators are generally a good source of information, and many are happy to answer queries, often in English, though obviously their main aim is to sell you one of their tours. Finally, the best source of information is often word of mouth from fellow travellers.

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Bolivia Travel Tips

Your ultimate bolivia travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in bolivia. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Located in central South America, Bolivia is a great place to visit.

While it is sometimes overlooked in favor of more well-known destinations, Bolivia still offers many things to see and do.

Featuring an array of diverse landscapes, Bolivia is a good place for those who love the outdoors or those who wish to see something new.

From the Andes mountains to the Amazon Basin Rainforest, to the world’s largest salt flat, Bolivia offers an exciting trip.

This Bolivia travel guide will help you plan your next vacation. 

Popular City Guides

• Reasons to Travel To Bolivia
• Atacama Desert
• Salar de Tara
• Bolivia Salt Flats

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Bolivia

• Power voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz. Type A and C.
• Bolivia’s currency is the Bolivian Boliviano and 1 Boliviano is equal to 0.14 USD.
• You can check up to date prices at  XE Currency Converter .
• The best way to get around Bolivia is by bus.
• To enter Bolivia, you need a passport valid for six months after your stay as well as a Bolivian visa. This visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days per calendar year.
• Entel and Tigo are two popular network providers in Bolivia and a SIM card can be purchased through either of them. Purchasing SIM cards through the network’s official website is the recommended way to go. 
•  Bolivia has a sales tax rate of 13%.

Things to See and Do in Bolivia

• Bolivian Salt Flats   – Take an adventure tour to the biggest salt lake in the world.
• The Atacama Desert  – Visit Salar de Tara is located in the Los Flamencos National Reserve, and borders with both Bolivia and Argentina
• The Witches’ Market:  This famous market in La Paz is a popular tourist attraction for those who want a different kind of market experience. Browse through a variety of potions and herbs (both for curses and for good luck and prosperity), as well as a gift shop
• Lake Titicaca – Visit the highest lake in the world at 12,555 feet
• Visit the Bolivian Amazon – The Amazon isn’t only in Brazil or Peru, Bolivia has Amazon adventures as well.
• Death Road  – Vehicles don’t travel this road anymore and instead you can pay to whip down it on mountain bikes in oversized armour and questionably safe padding.

Bolivia Travel Guides

• Visiting the Bolivian Amazon
• Things to do in Bolivia
• The Bolivia Salt Flats in Uyuni
• Tallest Mountains in the World

Accommodation

Budget  – Bolivia offers a variety of backpacker hostels for around 50 to 180 Bolivianos per night. Select either private or dorm-styled rooms and enjoy amenities like prime locations, shared kitchens, lockers, and hot showers. The popular Casa Blanca hostel in Potosi comes with its own bar and bicycle rental.

Mid Rang e – For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 300 to 540 Bolivianos per night and enjoy services like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, the hotel’s restaurant/bar, and lounge areas.

High End  – Upscale hotels will cost about 750-1,250 Bolivianos per night. Experience the best of Bolivia with high-class service, air-conditioned suites, outdoor pools, fitness rooms, and shuttles to nearby airports.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

The cuisine in Bolivia favors corn, potatoes, beans, and rice. Salteñas (a spicy beef-filled pastry) is a main dish of Bolivia.

Bolivia, especially major cities like La Paz, also has a rich street food culture. Early mornings or later in the afternoons are the best time to go.

Try a Choripan (sausage wrapped in bread, usually with tomatoes and lettuce) or an Anticucho (cow heart kebab with peanut sauce).

Bolivia also has a number of sit-down restaurants and cafes. In total, expect to pay around 100 Bolivians per day for food and drinks.

The Best Ways to Get Around Bolivia

Getting to bolivia:.

Getting to Bolivia:  If going to La Paz, El Alto International Airport is a convenient airport to fly into and is located just 8 miles from La Paz. 

If going to Santa Cruz, Viru Viru International Airport is the best way to go and is just 10 miles from the city center.

Flights:   You can check for the best flights to La Paz on   Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are a great way to get around Bolivia and operate frequently. You can find buses for both shorter distances as well as longer distances, such as overnight buses that take you between cities. Expect to pay 20-150 Bolivianos depending on the distance traveled.

Train:  Trains are a good way to take a slower route through Bolivia and see some excellent views. Expect to pay around 11 to 240 Bolivians depending on the distance. Cable cars are a good alternative and cost just 3 Bolivianos to ride one line.

Taxis : Be sure to settle on a price before getting in a taxi. Ask your hotel or tour operator what approximate prices should be.

Radio taxis are the most reliable and your hotel or restaurant can call a cab for you.

Car Rental:  As long as you have a valid US license and are at least 18 years old, you can rent a car in Bolivia. However, as the public transport system is very efficient, renting a car is recommended only if you are planning to go to very remote locations. Prices are around 350 to 700 Bolivianos per day. Taxis are also available in Bolivia, as well as Uber.

You can also compare  prices here

When to go To bolivia

Bolivia operates on a separate schedule from the US, so the winter (dry) season is from May to October and summer (wet) season is from November to April.

Because of this, the best time to visit would be from May to October. During this time, there is less rainfall, the roads are in better condition, and you will be able to do more outdoor activities in the sunshine.

Where to Stay in Bolivia

Hotel Rosario La Paz :  Located just minutes from The Witches’ Market and the Plaza Murillo, this three-star hotel in La Paz is a great place to stay.

Enjoy the hotel’s restaurant that features authentic Bolivian cuisine or step outside to the nearby shops and attractions.

Hotel Palacio del Sal:   Located in Potosi, this beautiful four-star hotel offers gorgeous architecture and a central location. This hotel is uniquely built from salt and has a variety of rooms, including ones with gorgeous mountain views. Visit the renowned Uyuni Salt Flat, walk over to the Colchani train station to explore more of Potosi, or stay inside and enjoy the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

Buganvillas Hotel Suites & Spa :  Centrally located in Santa Cruz, this four-star hotel puts you in the heart of Santa Cruz. Walk to the downtown park or the Municipal Zoo, among other attractions. Afterward, enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including 2 restaurants, an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, tennis court, and football pitch, among others. Those traveling with children will especially enjoy the family rooms and a children’s playground.

What to Pack for Bolivia

Bolivia has a diverse landscape and climate. It can be cold in the mountains and highlands and hot and humid in the jungle. Be prepared for varying temperatures when traveling through Bolivia.

• Layers:  As Bolivia has a diverse climate, packing clothes with layers will keep you prepared no matter the weather. 
• Sunscreen:  With so much beautiful sunshine, protect your skin with some sunscreen. 
• Travel Backpack:  With so much to see outdoors, a travel bag will help keep all of your essentials with you without weighing you down.
• Dress in layers and be prepared for cool nights, (even in the summer and especially in the mountains.
• How to Pack for a winter vacation read – Travel Tips for Winter Packing

Bolivia Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Bolivia Travel Guide: Related Articles

24 Fascinating Facts About Bolivia You Should Know In 2024

20 Best Things To Do In Bolivia In 2024

Salar de Uyuni – How to Visit The Bolivia Salt Flats

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Bolivia Trip Planner

Top destinations in bolivia.

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Explore nearby places

• Buena Vista
• Vallegrande
• Villa Tunari
• Quillacollo
• San Jose de Chiquitos
• San Ignacio de Velasco
• General Eugenio Alejandrino Garay
• Madidi National Park
• Villamontes
• Santiago de Chiquitos

All related maps of Bolivia

• Map of Bolivia
• Map of Buena Vista
• Map of Santa Cruz
• Map of El Torno
• Map of Samaipata
• Map of Vallegrande
• Map of Aiquile
• Map of Pocona
• Map of Villa Tunari
• Map of Tarabuco
• Map of Concepcion
• Map of Torotoro
• Map of Sucre
• Map of Cochabamba
• Map of Maragua
• Map of Quillacollo
• Map of San Jose de Chiquitos
• Map of San Ignacio de Velasco
• Map of Potosi
• Map of Trinidad
• Map of San Javier
• Map of Oruro
• Map of General Eugenio Alejandrino Garay
• Map of Camargo
• Map of Madidi National Park
• Map of Villamontes
• Map of Robore
• Map of Santiago de Chiquitos
• Map of Yolosa
• Map of Caranavi
• Map of Coroico

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Q&A about Bolivia

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