Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Bolivia Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Bolivia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) £1 ≈ BOB 15.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Bolivia, particularly in larger cities, but cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Bolivia, but leaving 10% in restaurants and small tips for taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not common in Bolivia and is not widely accepted outside of private spaces or licensed establishments. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas and licensed establishments but is prohibited in most indoor public spaces. |
| Dia del Trabajo (Labour Day) (May) |
Expect some business closures and public celebrations. |
|---|---|
| Carnival (February) |
Expect lively celebrations, street parties, and crowded events. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 118 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Cabify, Uber |
| Other: | Bolivia offers a range of natural attractions, including the Uyuni salt flats, the Amazon rainforest, and the high-altitude city of La Paz. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Bolivia, Bolivia
Climate varies by region: Altiplano (La Paz, Uyuni) is dry and cold May to October, Amazon lowlands are best June to October, valleys around Sucre stay mild all year
Uyuni salt flat shows its mirror effect January to March, but flooding can close some routes
Carnival, February or early March: Oruro's UNESCO-listed parade draws huge crowds and hotels book out
Don't miss
- 🌫️ Walk across the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats after the rain
- 🧿 Visit the colorful markets and witches’ stalls in La Paz
- 🚡 Ride the world’s highest cable car system above La Paz
- 🏛️ Explore the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku civilization
- 🌅 Climb to Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca
- ⛏️ Visit the colonial streets and silver mines of Potosí
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Bolivia?
Bolivia's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity of landscapes and cultures. The country boasts some of South America's most stunning natural wonders, including the world's largest salt flat (Salar de Uyuni), the highest navigable lake (Titicaca) and portions of the Amazon rainforest. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll find a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures with vibrant traditions that have survived for centuries, alongside colonial architecture in cities like Sucre and Potosí. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The extreme altitude of many popular destinations (La Paz sits at over 3,600 meters) can cause altitude sickness in unprepared visitors. The weather can vary dramatically between regions, with the highlands experiencing cold temperatures that often drop below freezing at night, while the lowlands can be extremely hot and humid. Infrastructure can also be basic in more remote areas and during the rainy season (November to March), landslides may block roads in mountainous regions.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
La Paz
Capital city perched on a high plateau, La Paz offers dramatic mountain views and vibrant markets. The unique blend of colonial architecture and modern infrastructure creates an energetic atmosphere, while nearby valleys provide access to world‑class trekking routes. -
2
Sucre
The administrative capital of Bolivia sits on an island in Lake Titicaca. It features colonial architecture, a vibrant market square and serves as a gateway to the Andean highlands with dramatic mountain views surrounding the city center. -
3
Oruro
High in the Andes, Oruro offers a blend of colonial architecture and vibrant festivals. The city’s historic center features baroque churches, cobblestone streets and the annual Carnival, drawing visitors to its colorful parades and traditional music. -
4
Tiwanaku
A high‑altitude archaeological site in Bolivia’s dry plateau, Tiwanaku showcases monumental stone architecture and intricate bas-reliefs that reveal a sophisticated pre‑Inca culture. The ruins sit beside the caldera lake of Titicaca, offering dramatic desert scenery.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
-
1
Sol de Mañana
A high-altitude Andean town in Bolivia's La Paz department, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant markets. The landscape features rugged mountains, clear skies and traditional festivals that draw visitors seeking cultural immersion and adventure in the heart of South America. -
2
Cordillera Real
-
3
Rurrenabaque
-
4
Sajama National Park
-
5
Sorata
-
6
Provincia Sud Yungas
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Amazon Rainforest
This vast South American region spans from the Andes to the Amazon, featuring diverse landscapes, rich cultures and iconic cities like Lima, Bogotá and Quito that blend history with vibrant modern life. -
2
Laguna Colorada
A high‑altitude lake in Bolivia’s Andes, Laguna Colorada glows pink from algae and salt crystals. The surrounding caldera hosts flamingos, viscachas, dramatic volcanic scenery and the nearby Salar de Uyuni mirrors sunrise. -
3
Salar de Uyuni
This vast salt flat in Bolivia's Altiplano offers surreal landscapes, colorful mineral patterns and reflective skies. Visitors can explore unique geological formations, indigenous communities and high-altitude adventures across this otherworldly natural wonder. -
4
Amboró National Park
-
5
Laguna Verde
-
6
Lake Titicaca (Peruvian sector)
-
7
Madidi National Park
-
8
Nevado Sajama
-
9
Torotoro National Park
-
10
Valle de la Luna
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Carnival of Oruro
-
Alasitas Fair (La Paz)
-
Gran Poder Festival (La Paz)
-
Urkupiña Festival (Cochabamba)
-
Independence Day (August 6)
-
Todos Santos (All Saints Day)
-
Tinku Festival (Potosí)
-
Pujllay Festival (Tarabuco)
-
Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Sucre)
-
Chutillos Festival (Potosí)
Knowledge before you go
- Acclimatize in La Paz. Altitude sickness hits fast above 3,600m.
- Drink only bottled water and use purification tablets to avoid traveler's diarrhea common throughout the country.
- Book Uyuni Salt Flats tours with reputable operators; 3-day trips offer stunning landscapes and lagoons beyond one-day visits.
- Carry extra cash in small bills as ATMs are unreliable outside major cities and taxis rarely accept cards.
How to travel to Bolivia
Most international visitors arrive in Bolivia through El Alto International Airport in La Paz or Viru‑Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, with connections to major South American cities and some international hubs. Land borders with Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil also provide entry points, with buses connecting to neighboring countries. As of March 2025, many nationalities can obtain visas on arrival, though it’s advisable to check current requirements before traveling. Be prepared for altitude adjustment if flying directly into La Paz, which sits at over 3,600 meters above sea level.
Access summary
- La Paz: Fly to El Alto (LPB) via Lima, Bogotá, São Paulo, Santiago.
- Santa Cruz & Uyuni: Arrive Viru Viru (VVI); connect by domestic flight or tours.
- Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) flag carrier; no major global alliance membership.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Bolivia
Bolivia offers accommodations for every budget, from international hotel chains in major cities to basic hostels and homestays in rural areas. La Paz and Santa Cruz have the widest range of options, while tourist destinations like Uyuni and Copacabana offer more limited choices. In remote areas, particularly in national parks, eco-lodges provide immersive experiences. Prices are generally lower than in neighboring countries, making Bolivia good value for travelers. During peak tourist seasons and festivals, booking in advance is recommended.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Bolivia
Getting around Bolivia varies by region and can be challenging. In cities, microbuses and trufis (shared taxis) provide affordable local transportation. For intercity travel, buses connect major destinations, though comfort levels vary widely from luxury coaches to basic services. Trains operate on limited routes, primarily in the eastern lowlands. For remote areas, 4WD vehicles are often necessary, especially during the rainy season when roads can become impassable. Domestic flights save time when traveling between distant locations like La Paz and Santa Cruz and are recommended when crossing from highlands to lowlands.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Bolivia are around 66% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to BOB) is 44% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Bolivia is generally safe for tourists, though petty theft can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution in major cities, especially at night. Political demonstrations occasionally disrupt travel, so stay informed about current events. Remote areas require additional preparation.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited outside major cities. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Altitude sickness affects many visitors in highland areas, so allow time to acclimatize. Stomach issues are common, so be cautious with food and water hygiene.
Accessibility
Accessibility is challenging throughout Bolivia. Even major cities have limited infrastructure for mobility-impaired travelers, with uneven sidewalks and few ramps. Historical sites and natural attractions present significant barriers and public transportation rarely accommodates wheelchairs.
Tap water
Tap water is not safe for drinking throughout Bolivia. Rely on bottled water with sealed caps, which is widely available and inexpensive. Most hotels provide bottled water, but carrying your own is advisable when traveling to remote areas.
Packing recommendations for Bolivia
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🧥
Warm winter coat
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
💊
Altitude sickness medication
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for variable temperatures
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Bolivia
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