Hidden Gem
Best in May
Bolivia
La Paz
Moderate
From $65 /day
Bolivia
Bolivia is a land of superlatives, home to the worlds highest administrative capital and its largest salt flat. This landlocked heart of South America offers a raw, unfiltered travel experience where ancient indigenous traditions remain the fabric of daily life. You can journey from the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the humid, tropical reaches of the Amazon basin in a single day. It is a destination that rewards the adventurous with surreal landscapes, vibrant street markets, and a deep sense of history that predates the Inca Empire. Visiting Bolivia means embracing the unexpected, from colorful mountain festivals to the silent, white expanse of the high-altitude deserts.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$65 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Sucre (constitutional), La Paz (administrative)
Languages
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní
Currency
Boliviano (BOB)
1 $ ≈ 6.91 Bs
Plug Type
Type A/C
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+591
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
BOT (UTC-4)
Emergency
110 (Police), 118 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire), 112 (General)
Why Visit Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni
Spanning over 10,000 square km, the world's largest salt flat creates a mesmerizing white horizon that plays tricks on your perspective. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water transforms the ground into a giant mirror, reflecting the sky with perfect clarity.
Rich Indigenous Culture
With over 30 recognized languages including Quechua and Aymara, Bolivia has the highest percentage of indigenous people in South America. You will see this heritage everywhere, from the iconic bowler hats of the Cholitas to the bustling Witches Market in La Paz.
Dramatic Geographic Diversity
The country offers an incredible range of climates and landscapes, allowing you to trek through the Cordillera Real at 4,000m or navigate the jungle rivers of Madidi National Park. This variety supports immense biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Colonial History and Architecture
Cities like Sucre, known as the White City, and the silver-mining hub of Potosi offer well-preserved glimpses into the Spanish colonial era. Walking through these UNESCO World Heritage sites feels like stepping back in time amidst whitewashed buildings and ornate cathedrals.
Unbeatable Value for Money
Bolivia remains one of the most affordable destinations in South America for international travelers. With a daily budget of approximately $65 / BOB 448, you can enjoy comfortable accommodations, hearty local meals, and unforgettable guided tours through the Andes.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Bolivia
Cities & Destinations
Regions
The Altiplano
This high-altitude plateau is the cultural heart of Bolivia, containing the bustling city of La Paz and the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca. It is a land of dramatic mountain views and ancient ruins like Tiwanaku, where the air is thin and the landscapes are vast.
The Salar de Uyuni and Southwest Circuit
Located in the remote southwest, this region is famous for its surreal salt crusts, red lagoons filled with flamingos, and active volcanoes. It is an essential stop for those seeking the most iconic and otherworldly photographs of the South American wilderness.
The Central Valleys
Home to the constitutional capital of Sucre and the historic city of Potosi, this region offers a milder climate and a relaxed pace. It is the best area to explore colonial history, visit local vineyards, and see some of the world's best-preserved dinosaur footprints.
The Amazon Basin
The lowlands of northern Bolivia provide access to the Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Travelers head to Rurrenabaque to launch boat expeditions into the rainforest to spot jaguars, monkeys, and pink river dolphins.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season when clear skies and accessible roads make trekking and visiting the salt flats easier. While the winter months are cold at high altitudes, they offer the most stable travel conditions.
Peak Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The dry season features sunny days and very cold nights, especially in the highlands where temperatures can drop to –15°C. This is the prime time for exploring the Salar de Uyuni and hiking the Cordillera Real.
Shoulder Season
Apr, Nov
These transitional months offer a balance of manageable rainfall and milder temperatures. April is particularly beautiful as the landscapes remain lush and green following the rainy season.
Off-Peak
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
The rainy season brings frequent travel disruptions and road closures. However, it is the best time to see the 'mirror effect' on the Salar de Uyuni and participate in the vibrant Carnival of Oruro in February.
Getting Around
Transport in Bolivia is an adventure due to rugged terrain and varying infrastructure. While domestic flights are efficient for long distances, the extensive bus network and unique cable car systems are the primary modes for most travelers.
Metro
La Paz features Mi Teleférico, the world's highest urban cable car network with 11 color-coded lines. It is the most efficient way to avoid traffic, with single rides costing ~$0.47 / BOB 3.26.
Bus
Long-distance 'flotas' connect major cities, with 'cama' (full-recline) seats recommended for overnight trips costing ~$15–$28 / BOB 106–BOB 195. Local 'micros' and 'trufis' serve as affordable shared urban transport.
Train
Ferroviaria Andina operates scenic routes in the west connecting Oruro to Uyuni and the Argentine border. The eastern network links Santa Cruz to Brazil and Argentina.
Flight
Domestic airlines like BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) and EcoJet connect La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Sucre. Flights are often the only viable option during the rainy season when roads are blocked.
Food & Drink
Bolivian cuisine is hearty, traditional, and deeply influenced by high-altitude living, relying heavily on potatoes, corn, and meat. Street food is a central part of the culture, with vendors serving hot snacks from mid-morning until late at night.
Must Try
Salteñas
These juicy, baked empanadas filled with meat, olives, raisins, and a sweet-savory gravy are the quintessential Bolivian mid-morning snack.
Pique Macho
A massive, sharing-style plate consisting of bite-sized pieces of beef, sausage, onions, peppers, and boiled eggs served over a bed of thick-cut fries.
Sopa de Maní
A rich and creamy peanut soup topped with crispy thin-cut fries, often served as a starter in traditional lunch menus.
Silpancho
A popular dish from Cochabamba featuring a thin, breaded meat schnitzel served over rice and potatoes, topped with a fried egg and fresh salsa.
Mocochinchi
A refreshing and very sweet drink made from dehydrated peaches boiled with cinnamon and cloves, usually served ice-cold on street corners.
Singani
The national spirit of Bolivia, this clear brandy is distilled from Muscat of Alexandria grapes and is most commonly enjoyed in a cocktail called Chuflay.
Money & Costs
Bolivia remains one of South America's most budget-friendly destinations, with daily costs for mid-range travelers averaging ~$65 / BOB 448. Prices are generally stable, though costs rise slightly during major festivals like Carnival.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% is standard in upscale restaurants. For tour guides, ~$5.89–$12 / BOB 41–BOB 81 per day is a respectful gesture.
Cards
Cash is essential as card acceptance is limited to major hotels, large supermarkets, and high-end restaurants in cities. Always carry small denominations for markets and taxis.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in cities but often have withdrawal limits of ~$306–$613 / BOB 2,116–BOB 4,232 per transaction. It is advisable to use ATMs inside bank branches like BNB or BCP for higher security.
Culture & Etiquette
Bolivian culture is a blend of Roman Catholicism and deep-rooted Andean spiritualism, where respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth) is paramount. Visitors will find people generally polite but reserved, especially in the highland regions.
✓
Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially indigenous women in traditional dress, as some believe it can capture their soul.
✓
Greet people with a polite Buenos dias or Buenas tardes when entering a shop or small restaurant to show respect.
✕
Do not refer to indigenous people as indios, as the term carries a heavy pejorative weight; use indigenous or originario instead.
✓
Use only registered radio taxis at night, which can be identified by the telephone number and company logo clearly displayed on the roof.
✕
Do not be surprised by roadblocks or protests, known as bloqueos; they are a common form of political expression and you should never try to cross them forcefully.
✓
Leave a small tip of around 10% in upscale restaurants, though it is not strictly required in local markets or casual eateries.
✕
Do not drink the tap water anywhere in the country; always stick to bottled water or ensure water has been boiled or treated.
✓
Participate in bargaining at local markets, but keep it friendly and fair; a few cents may mean much more to the vendor than to you.
Safety & Health
Bolivia is generally safe for vigilant travelers, but civil unrest and roadblocks are common. Travelers should avoid the Chapare region due to high crime levels and use only registered 'radio taxis' at night.
Tap Water
Not safe to drink
Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever certificate is required for entry into tropical regions. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters are highly recommended.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Fake police: Scammers in uniform demand to see passports and 'fines' for alleged drug offenses.
- ⚠ Distraction theft: Accomplices spill liquids (mustard or water) on you to 'help' clean it while picking your pockets.
- ⚠ Express kidnapping: Criminals force victims to withdraw the maximum limit from various ATMs, often involving unlicensed taxis.
- ⚠ False tourist: A friendly 'stranger' befriends you and lures you to a private location to rob you.
Altitude sickness (soroche) is a serious risk in La Paz (3,640m); visitors should rest and hydrate upon arrival. Medical facilities are adequate in cities but severely limited in rural areas.
Language
Spanish is the primary language for tourism and administration. While English is spoken in major hotels and by tour operators, learning basic Spanish or indigenous greetings is highly beneficial for local interactions.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola / Kamisaraki | oh-la / ka-mee-sa-ra-kee |
| Thank you | Gracias / Yuspagara | gra-see-as / yoos-pa-ga-ra |
| Please | Por favor | por fa-vor |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | kwan-to kwes-ta |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño? | don-de es-ta el ban-yo |
| I don't understand | No entiendo | no en-tyen-do |
| Goodbye | Adiós / Jakisiñkama | ah-dyos / ha-kee-seen-ka-ma |
| Yes / No | Sí / No | see / noh |
Visa & Entry
Bolivia uses a three-tier group system for entry. Group I citizens enter visa-free, while Group II and III require visas either on arrival or in advance at a consulate.
Max Stay
90 days per calendar year
Passport Validity
6 months beyond arrival date
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, UK, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, and most South American countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bolivia safe for tourists?
How much does a trip to Bolivia cost?
When is the best time to visit Bolivia?
Do I need a visa for Bolivia?
Is English widely spoken in Bolivia?
What should I eat in Bolivia?
How do I get around Bolivia?
How can I prevent altitude sickness in Bolivia?
Can I drink the tap water in Bolivia?
What is the best way to see the Salar de Uyuni?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Bolivia?
Browse our 1 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.