Bolivia is a land-locked country in South America, bordered by Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. It is Spanish-speaking country, with the local languages of Quechua and Aymara being spoken as well.
Bolivia is perhaps the most traditional of the Andean nations it is also one of the poorest. In the Altiplano area, surrounding La Paz, most people still survive by subsistence farming, growing potatoes and herding llamas.
In recent decades the country has developed its tourist industry, but it is still in its infancy, meaning that western influences in the country are quite limited and westerners (affectionately known as gringos) are few and far between, outside of the main tourist attractions.
The country offers an amazing geographical diversity, with huge potential for the adventurous traveller. Its mountains are stunning and the trekking routes on steep ancient Incan footpaths breath-taking in more ways than one!
View my tips for backpacking Bolivia which will help you to plan the ultimate trip.
Bolivia Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Bolivia Tours
• Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
Destination Guides
Here are some of the most popular places to add to your Bolivia itinerary, view my guides for tips and top recommendations:
• Copacabana
• Coroico
• La Paz
• Rurrenabaque
• Tupiza
Top Things to Do in Bolivia
Bolivia is a fast becoming a favourite among travellers to South America and word is beginning to spread on this fascinating and beautiful country. Although Bolivia may be South America’s poorest country, it makes up for it in its rich and diverse landscapes.
It is a country of extremes, of soaring mountains, vast and never ending salt flats, warm tropical lowlands and freezing cities at some of the highest altitudes in the world. Here you can discover indigenous cultures, explore fascinating colonial cities and have a myriad of wild adventures in the country’s stunning landscapes.
These are some of the best places to visit in Bolivia.
Visit the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flats
Salar de Uyuni, also known as the Uyuni Salt Flats of Bolivia are an extraordinary experience that you won’t find elsewhere in the world.
Reigning as the world’s largest salt flat, it encompasses over 4,000 square miles of salt crust which has formed over millions of years on what was once considered to be several prehistoric lakes. After a burst of rainfall, a thin layer of water rests on the open landscape creating what can only be described as a gigantic mirror.
The seemingly infinite horizons create a magical atmosphere that can’t quite be imagined until you place yourself in the midst of the open landscape and look around at the vast space that surrounds you.
Cycle the Death Road
Bolivia boasts the infamous Yungas Road (Formerly know as ‘Death Road,’ but don’t let this put you off…). Unsurprisingly, the danger of this road makes it a prime tourism spot, and cycle tours are a popular choice for visitors. View my tips for cycling Bolivia’s death road.
Chill out at Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is located on the border between Bolivia and Peru high in the Andes Mountains and it is one of South America’s largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. Its a great backpacking destinations with chilled out towns and villages, whilst there are also lots of ruins and rare wildlife such as giant frogs.
Amazon
From the Andes you can drop down through temperate grasslands, known as the Pampas, to the Amazon basin and jungle. Here you can go on trips on dug out canoes deep into the jungle to see crocodiles, dolphins, monkey, parrots and pythons.
Bolivia Travel Tips
Do I need a VISA to come to Bolivia?
If you are from Europe, Canada or Australia you do not need to apply for a visa before entering the country. You can come directly into the country and note TOURIST on the immigration forms. You can stay as a tourist for up to 90 days in one calendar year.
If you wish to stay for longer you can apply for a temprary residence visawhich costs approx USD$250.
If you are from the US you will need a tourist visa and it will cost you approx $160. To get the visa you will need proof of yellow fever vaccination, a photo, a ticket leaving the country (whih could be a round-trip bus ticket). This information may change at short notice.
Citizens of most South American and Western European will get a tourist stamp on entry for stays up to 90 days, depending on their nationality. Check that the stamp is for 90 days. If, for some reason it has only been stamped for 30 days, it can be easily and very quickly extended in the immigration office in the centre of La Paz.
DISCLAIMER: I’m not in any way an expert when it comes to visas. I advise you to check online or with the Bolivian Embassy in your home country to ensure you have all the correct information, this can change at short notice.
Weather and the best time to visit
In Bolivia there are often 4 seasons in one day, so it is good to dress in layers. In Oct – December it can be hot and the rain season starts. The hot weather and rain lasts til Oct – April. The rains usually peak Jan – March. From May – September it is very dry and colder during the days (but with bright sunshine that can burn as there is no cloud cover). During this time, especially June and July the nights are very cold.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
The main language spoken is Spanish, although you will hear lots of Aymara, one of over 30 indigenous languages, spoken frequently in Mallasa and Jupapina.
Very very few people in Bolivia speak English – so it’s one of the best places to come if you want be immersed in the language and of course learn more quickly. Another plus is, because many Bolivians speak Spanish as their second language (after their indigenous languages), they tend to speak much more slowly and clearly than in other Hispanic countries and you will find that local people are incredibly tolerant and patient if you make a mistake.
Obviously, the better your Spanish is, the more you will get out of your experience, being able to make friends and interact with local people. I recommend that you do some self study or sign up to a course before you come so that you have at least basic Spanish.
Cultural do’s and don’ts:
La Paz is a conservative city. People are generally very polite and helpful although they can be quite shy at first, especially in areas where there are few tourists. However, there are times, such as in queues, where these good manners seem to disappear!
Greetings are very important:
Try and learn some greetings even if you have the most basic Spanish! Most encounters are characterized by shaking hands or kissing (one cheek on left hand side). It is important to greet and also to say goodbye to people. Try not to be too loud or to swear (if you know the right words in Spanish) as in Bolivia this can be very offensive. Do not drink alcohol in the streets or in public places – apart from at fiestas.
Bartering and tipping:
Bartering is not so intense here as in some Asian countries and usually only takes place in tourist shops, not local community shops. Tipping in restaurants is moderate, there is no fixed %, and about 10% is fine. Taxis are not tipped.
Taking photographs – guidelines
Do not take pictures of children without permission from adults. child trafficking is a major worry in Bolivia and people may mistake you for a trafficker.
Many Aymara people in the streets may be very wary of having their photos taken and react badly – some believe that a photo takes away part of their soul. It is often easier when you have established some kind of relationship with them, after a conversation, or buying something from their stall for example.
Ask to take their photo, but don’t be surprised if they say no. Often dance festivals or parades (NOT demonstrations!) are good places to capture the colour and vibrancy of local culture as lots of people will be snapping away and the dancers expect to be photographed.
Dress code:
Wear comfortable and casual clothes that you don’t mind getting messed up. Short shorts or skimpy tops may offend the local people in Mallasa and Jupapina.
What to pack
This is a suggested packing list, I recommend you bring:
• Eye pads if you do not want to be woken up by the sun
• Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
• Sun hat and sun block – very important – the sun in La Paz is HOT and burns!
• Moisturizer for lips and skin
• Wet wipes and tissues, hand sanitizer
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable trainers
• Cotton socks, shorts, trousers t-shirts for volunteer work that you don’t mind getting dirty
• Smarter clothes if you want to experience the vibrant night life in la Paz
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers, repellent (helps reduce insect bites if going to tropical areas)
• Light jersey/fleece for cool nights
• Money pouch for wearing around waist or around leg
• Plug adapter. In Bolivia it’s a 2 pin plug – see image below. The voltage is 220.
Most toiletries can be brought cheaply in La Paz as can additional warm clothing if you are travelling to very cold places.
Money & Budget
What is the cost of living?
The living costs in Bolivia are relatively cheap. Here are some examples to give you an idea of day-to-day costs:
• Fancy coffee in a good café in the city: USD$2.50 / £2
• 3 course lunch: USD$5/£4
• Fancy meal in a good restaurant with wine: USD15/£10
• Beer / glass of wine: USD$3/£2.5
• Big bottle of mineral water: USD$1/£0.75
• Big bottle of carbonated drink: USD$1.20/£0.70
• Taxi within the city: USD$1.20 / /£0.70
• Local Bus: USD$0.60/GBP0,30
• Entrance to the cinema / concert / disco: USD$4/£3.2
If you book a tour the fee you pay covers the cost of accommodation, but you will usually be responsible for your own meals.
How should I manage my money in Bolivia?
Most purchases in Bolivia are made in cash. Cash can be withdrawn from your home bank account using your normal debit or credit card. There are ATMs in all major cities in Bolivia, check with your bank what commission they will charge you for each withdrawal.
Take care taking money from ATMs on the street, beware of people watching you / following you. Do not take a taxi off the street right after having withdrawn money as they may have been observing the ATM.
Important: Only bring US dollars in foreign cash. It is very difficult to exchange EURO and British pounds. Please be aware that if the foreign bills you bring have even the slightest tear in them or are in any way damaged they will not be accepted in banks of shops as payment.
Avoid changing money on the streets. You might get a slightly better rate but you risk drawing attention to your money and where you keep it. Also there is always a risk of being short-changed or receiving counterfeit notes.
Health
What vaccinations will I need?
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. Also we recommend that you are vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid and that childhood vaccinations are up-to-date, such as polio, TB, meningitis, MMR, diphtheria, tetanus.
Malaria is only present in certain areas – we will advise you before you come whether the areas you plan to visit are affected. If you are coming away for a longer period of time it is a good idea to have a general medical and dental check-up before you come out.
How can I keep healthy?
In La Paz there are many good quality local clinics and doctors. If you get sick then we will be close by to accompany you and ensure that you get the right treatment. It is very important that you have a comprehensive international health insurance package.
Buy travel insurance
I recommend having comprehensive medical and accident insurance and give a copy of your policy to people at home so they can be useful in an emergency. Bring along any personal medications and basic first aid items you think might be useful (e.g. plasters, Imodium, rehydration salts, etc).
If you are coming away for a longer period of time it is a good idea to have a general medical and dental check-up before you come out. In La Paz there are many local clinics and doctors. If you get sick then we will be close by to accompany you and help you get the right treatment.
General tummy upsets:
Many visitors suffer from “runny tummies” during the first weeks in Bolivia as they get used to the food. Usually this only last a few days to get out of your system – although if it last longer than a week, we will accompany you to the doctor. Normal precautions such as drinking bottled water, ensuring that ice is not made from tap water and listening to recommendations from locals/other travellers about where to eat and where NOT to eat should be taken to heart.
Altitude sickness:
La Paz is situated at a breathtaking 3.600 metres above sea level. The altitude affects people differently – it has nothing to do with fitness levels or age – some people have absolutely no symptoms, whilst other suffer from symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia and loss of appetite during the time of acclimatization which usually takes about a week.
Altitude sickness can be avoided or relieved by resting and NOT rushing around during your first few days – often easier said than done when you are excited to explore your new surroundings! Not eating heavy meals and not drinking alcohol for the first few days is also recommended. There are pharmaceutical remedies for altitudes sickness. You can buy a pill over the counter known as the Sorochi pill.
However, undoubtedly the best way to deal with the altitude is to do as the locals do, and their ancestors centuries before them, and to use coca which is easily accessible in coca tea bags to make yourself a refreshing and cure-all cuppa! Read this article from the BBC with more useful information.
Malaria:
Malaria is only present in certain areas – we will advise you before you come whether the areas you plan to visit are affected and whether it is advisable to take malaria tablets. However, there is dengue fever in some of the jungle areas which you should be aware of, especially in the rainy season.
Food and water:
If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know before arrival. You should avoid drinking the tap water – you can use bottled water or cooled boiled water (this is what we use in the volunteer accommodation).
As a general rule, in the first week or so as you become acclimatized, follow these guidelines: if it’s not peeled by you, or been boiled or fried, don’t eat it, e.g. salad or coleslaw. Local shops sell basic food or use the supermarkets in the south zone of the city if you want more of a selection.
Safety
How safe is Bolivia?
Bolivia is often identified as the safest country in South America; however, as everywhere, there is always the risk of petty crime such as pick-pocketing. Foreigners are often targeted in touristy areas.
Many of the ruses or the tricks used to distract your attention mean that you don’t even know that you have been robbed until some time afterwards. The kind of common sense that you need to use in any place is the best defence against becoming a victim
Tips to adapt to Bolivian life
The realities of developing countries include: poverty; unreliable communication and modes of transportation; low standards of personal and public hygiene; social outcasts and cultural differences.
As a result, you may at times experience culture shock or just feel really frustrated that your daily plans are undermined by logistical problems such as frequent transport strikes or when the wifi collapses for no apparent reason.
Don’t let this put you off, or make the experience less enjoyable. Take it for what it is, embrace and go with the flow.