Bolivia’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps
- Destinations Americas
Cruisit Team
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- 82 minutes read
Bolivia’s Background
Bolivia was originally the center of the ancient Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) kingdom, and it was a component of the Inca empire from the 15th to the early 16th centuries. Bolivia was assimilated by the Viceroyalty of Peru with the advent of the conquistadores and left Spain with enormous riches in silver.
The country was named after Simon Bolivar, an independence warrior who helped the country break free from Spanish authority in 1825. Bolivia’s history has been marked by approximately 200 coups and countercoups. Later, in 1982, democratic civilian administration was created, but authorities faced significant challenges like as poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug manufacturing. Current objectives include attracting international investment, expanding the educational system, settling disagreements with coca producers over Bolivia’s antidrug initiatives, and fighting corruption.
Bolivia is one of the most remote countries in the western hemisphere, located in the heart of South America and one of only two entirely landlocked countries on the continent, the other being Paraguay.
The country of Bolivia takes diversity to a whole new level, not just in terms of people or fauna, but also in terms of terrain. With about 60% of the population descended from Native Americans, you’ll only be scratching the surface.
Because of the huge differences in elevation and complexity, the climate of Bolivia differs from one area to the next. You may experience almost every environment, including humid and tropical temperatures as well as cold and semiarid regions. Winters are often dry, whereas summers are typically wet. Some prominent cities, like La Paz, are located at high elevations and hence stay cold throughout the year. Because Bolivia is in South America, the summer season runs from November to March, while the winter season is from April to October.
This nation is divided into three regions. The Altiplano is the Andean terrain over 3500 meters. It is also the location of La Paz. The highland valleys are located in sub-Andean Bolivia. It is situated in the south-central region of Bolivia. The Tropical Lowlands are located in the country’s east. It shares Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, with Peru. Add all those together and you have a vacation to Bolivia that is unlike anything else.
Bolivia has long been considered a highland nation. Although the Andes Mountains cover just one-third of the country’s geographical area, they are home to the majority of its major towns, and for centuries, the highlands have drawn the majority of the country’s mining, commercial, and corporate investment. However, as the eastern lowlands, notably the department of Santa Cruz, grew quickly in the late twentieth century, the demographic and economic environment began to alter.
“Bolivia, one of South America’s most unique and interesting nations, is exceptional and diverse in its natural beauty. It is rugged, mystifying, complex, and a little nerve-racking.“
Bolivia is a fascinating country full of contrasts. Although you may feel that there is nothing in Bolivia that will take you off guard, the exact reverse is true. In a few of weeks, you may see jungles, lively towns, indigenous communities, volcanoes, lakes, flamingos, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, salt flats, colonial buildings, and rural villages. However, understanding the ethnically varied society would have taken months or years. A fantastic place for vacationers, long-term visitors, adventurers, and history and culture buffs.
It is, nevertheless, one of the poorest places you will ever visit. It is good for both your brain and spirit. On the other side, you will benefit the local economy. This is an excellent trade.
Soaring wildly over beautiful La Paz valleys in a paraglider; leaping on a horse for a Wild West experience near Tupiza; and hauling a catfish that weighs more than you out of an Amazon river (and potentially preparing it for dinner!) are among the activities that are not for the faint of heart. Bolivia’s mountains, rivers, and ravines will push you to your own boundaries, whether your weapons are crampons and an ice axe for ascending 19,685ft (6000m) Andean summits or a helmet and courage for gliding into the abyss.
Bolivians love parades, and barely a month goes by without a spectacle of colorfully costumed celebrators marking an important historical occasion or divinity. You’ll be able to hear them from blocks away before the brass bands and dancers arrive and encircle you (you may even get to join in). Learn about the country’s indigenous peoples’ history and culture in renowned museums and via the continued existence of traditions and rituals in everyday life. Get to know them better by participating in community-based tourism and hiring native guides.
Bolivia has such a diverse wildlife that new species are discovered on a daily basis. Enter tunnels teeming with tube-lipped nectar bats using their tongues to scour the darkness. Enter the world of the poisonous annelated coral snake, which is both visually and physically deadly. Listen for the cackling shouts and answers of a dozen different macaw species (among 1000 bird species), including the world’s rarest, the bluebeard, which can only be found here. Multicolored butterflies and insects fly at your feet in the forest, while lovely alpacas and vicuas stand out in the austere altiplano. Jaguars, pumas, and bears are common throughout the jungle.
If you’ve never tasted llama tenderloin, this is your chance, perhaps with a local drink. Bolivian cuisine is as diverse as its people, with fresh treats accessible in every town. Markets are a fantastic place to start, but be wary of the sizzling pots with weird-looking mixes. Freshly blended fruit drinks will likely become a daily practice, and Yungas coffee can be purchased in a slew of new cafés springing up around Bolivia. Attractions like La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz all have booming restaurant scenes where you may sample modern adaptations of traditional local cuisine.
Now, after reading all of this, if we weren’t persuasive enough to make you book a ticket now, we don’t know what will. Maybe adventure is not your thing. But, for those adrenaline seekers, adventure lovers, and bucket list strikers, buckle up for a hell of a ride.
- Visit the railway graveyard, salt flats, Incahuasi (cactus) Island, colorful lagoons, geysers, and ancient volcanoes on a three-day Salar de Uyuni 4WD trip.
- Visit the El Fuerte and Tiwanaku UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Day hike in Amboró National Park to observe the giant tree ferns and the magnificent environment.
- See the La Recoleta viewpoint for a glimpse of Sucre’s “White City.” Discover the heart of Bolivia in the elegant colonial architecture and immaculately landscaped gardens of historical Sucre.
- Discover Potos’ colonial and silver mining past.
- Walk to the ‘Fountain of Eternal Youth’ on Lake Titicaca’s Isla del Sol.
- Take a city tour of La Paz in the afternoon, which includes a visit to the cathedral. Discover the numerous facets of Bolivia.
- Explore Valle de la Luna’s extraterrestrial landscapes, a network of gorges and huge clay spires that resemble the Moon’s surface.
- Troll Potosi’s steep streets and Spanish colonial architecture—once one of the world’s wealthiest towns.
- In La Paz, take a ride on Mi Teleférico, the world’s longest aerial cable car system.
- Be flexible in Bolivia; buses may leave late, planes may be canceled, and car rides may take longer. So, if you have a strict schedule, it’s best to relax and enjoy this experience as part of the culture.
- Pack for all four seasons because the weather is unpredictable, especially when traveling from one city to the other, they vary greatly.
- Put valuables in areas where they may be easily stolen. Keep them handy in your front pockets (Like your passport and money)
- It won’t hurt to learn the fundamentals of Spanish to be able to communicate more easily when around Bolivia, or make sure you have a translating app ready offline.
- Pre-download maps from Google, as the network may become unstable.
- Protests should be avoided no matter how interesting you think they are.
- La Paz, Bolivia Stay in the heart of the city, near Calle Sagarnaga and the Zona Sur. It is best not to wander from those locations.
- Bolivia has a total of 37 official languages. The most prevalent are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara, although it is not uncommon for individuals in rural regions to not speak Spanish. Some Bolivians opt to study Spanish. They speak with a pretty clear accent, and there are several programs accessible.
- Bolivia’s official currency is the Boliviano. Most Casa De Cambio agencies and street sellers may convert US dollars and other South American currencies. If you’re dealing with a street seller, you’ll almost certainly have to bargain for a reasonable price. Major hotels, tourist shops, and significant purchases will almost certainly accept US dollars, although the exchange rate may not be favorable. They won’t accept torn or worn out dollars, only new ones.
Crime & Scams in Bolivia
While there are a few concerns, Bolivia is typically a safe location to visit. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the area, Bolivia has significantly lower levels of theft and violent crime than neighboring Peru and Brazil, but, it increased in recent years. The most common crime experienced by travelers is petty theft, which is generally the consequence of negligence. The bulk of thefts and pickpocketing occur in tourist areas, restaurants, businesses, and public transit, and violent crime is frequent on the streets.
Most average Bolivians are horrified and angered by incidents of theft or assault, and the threat of crime in Bolivian cities is no greater than in North America or Europe.
You should not bring anything if you don’t want to risk losing it in the first place. Wearing expensive jewelry or timepieces puts you in danger. By using common sense, remaining cautious, and following a few simple precautions, you may drastically reduce your chances of becoming a victim and join the great majority of international visitors who visit the country without incident.
Healthcare in Bolivia While Traveling
Bolivia’s health-care system has greatly improved; they now have facilities with modern equipment and highly experienced specialists, making Bolivia appropriate for all medical needs, not just neurosurgery. Bolivian hospitals are well-known for their neurosurgery and pediatric neurosurgery. Neurosurgery has been practiced in Bolivia since the nineteenth century. Well-trained English-speaking doctors in regions such as La Paz and Santa Cruz make it exceedingly simple and pleasant for patients who have come to visit.
Before every trip, make sure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations. Among the key recommended vaccines globally are chickenpox (Varicella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), influenza (flu), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, and shingles.
When visiting Bolivia, you are required to purchase travel medical insurance. However, it is always important to have comprehensive medical coverage when traveling because you never know what you could encounter while overseas.
Shoulder Season
The shoulder season, which runs from early April to early June and September to November, delivers slightly higher temperatures and less rain, making it a viable alternative to the dry season. April is an excellent month to visit much of the nation because the rains have nearly ceased and you will escape temperature extremes. There are also Easter-related festivities all around the country. June is dry and bright, but the highlands are very cold. This is an excellent time to travel—as long as you have properly prepared. Even if the days are still pleasant, nightly temperatures can plummet below -20°C and some trips begin before daybreak.
High (Peak) Season
Most people consider mid-June to late October to be the best season to visit Bolivia due to the dry weather, which provides sapphire skies and minimal transportation disruption. However, because it is winter in Bolivia, the highlands will be chilly and far below freezing at night in the desert and mountains, particularly in June and July. This is also the high season in Bolivia, so prices and attractions will be more expensive and crowded. This is the best time of year for trekking and climbing since the days are somewhat shorter but normally sunny, and the sky is perfectly clear.
However, winter in Bolivia is the best time to visit the hot and humid lowlands as well, since temperatures are often modestly pleasant, even if the dry season is less evident and rain is possible all year. Surazos, or cold fronts from Patagonia, sweep over the nation a few times a year, generally between July and August, sending temperatures plummeting even in the Amazon. Farmers set fire to clear forest areas over most of Bolivia around the close of the summer months in late August or September, which can block views and lead to respiratory problems.
Off-Season
From November through early April is summer, but it’s the rainy (wet) season, which lasts roughly from November to late March and is significantly more severe in the lowlands; in the Amazon, road movement becomes nearly impossible as vast regions are flooded and everything turns to mud; however, river transit becomes more regular. Heat, humidity, and insects are also significantly worse.
It rains much less in the highlands, particularly in the Altiplano, and traffic is less congested, but delays and road closures still occur, hiking pathways become muddier, and clouds regularly obscure vistas, especially at high elevations where route-finding can become impossible. Despite this, the rainy season in the Andes is also a very beautiful time, as the dry Altiplano and mountainsides are momentarily converted into lush grassland, and wildflowers thrive.
By Plane
There are few flights to Bolivia. At the moment, the only direct flights to the nation depart from Miami in the United States, Madrid in Spain, and neighboring South American countries—the most regular connections are from Sao Paulo in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Lima in Peru. Bolivia’s main international airports are Santa Cruz and La Paz. The only option other than flying is to go overland through South America.
By Train
You can take the weekly train from Calama, Chile to Uyunivia, Avaroa. From the Brazilian city of Corumbá, at the border with Quijarro, Bolivia, to Santa Cruz by train, which takes almost the whole day. From La Quiaca in Argentina to Villazón in the southern Altiplano, there are rail connections north to Tupiza, Uyuni, and Oruro. Also, from Pocitos in Argentina to Yacuiba in the Chaco, there are rail connections north to Santa Cruz or west to Tarija.
By Car
Bolivia is accessible by land from all five countries with which it shares a border: Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay, making it an easy addition to a wider South American journey.
The border crossing through Peru is the most popular—and also the simplest. The route is from Puno, Peru, on the west side of Lake Titicaca, via the Kasani crossing point at Copacabana or Desaguadero, south of the lake; both entries are a short ride (about 4 hours) from La Paz.
You can cross the Brazilian border at Quijarro, in the extreme east of Bolivia near the Brazilian city of Corumbá, which is the major base for exploring the Pantanal area and is well linked to the rest of the nation. You can also go to Santa Cruz from Quijarro. Another minor land crossing to Boilvia from Brazil is at San Matas, a day’s trip from the Chiquitan settlement of San Ignacio. Bolivia can also be accessed from Brazil at various sites along the northern Amazonian border, most notably from Brasiléia to Cobija and Guajarámerim to Guayaramerin.
Border crossings from Chile are through three primary routes, all of which travel through stunning Andean terrain. You can go from Arica on the Pacific Coast to La Paz via the border crossing of Tambo Quemado, or cross the border at Laguna Verde in the far south of the Reserva Eduardo Avaroa on a jeep tour organized from the Chilean town of San Pedro de Atacama, a route that will take you to Uyuni.
The Argentine border crossing to Bolivia is done through two simple hubs. One is from La Quiaca in Argentina to Villazón in the southern Altiplano, where there is a road north to Tupiza, Uyuni, and Oruro. The other is from Pocitos in Argentina to Yacuiba in the Chaco, where there is a road north to Santa Cruz or west to Tarija. There is also a tiny crossing south of Tarija at Bermejo.
By Bus
Bolivia can be reached by land through regular bus routes from all five countries with which it shares a border—Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay—making it a simple addition to a larger South American vacation. Buses to and from Bolivia are operated by a number of firms from neighboring countries, notably Expreso Huracan and Pionera Trans Bolivia LTDA from Brazil. From Peru, take the Trans Salvador, Nuevo Continente Internacional, Tour Peru, or Titicaca Bolivia. From Paraguay, take the Trans Bolipar, Trans Rosario, Stel Turismo, or Pycasu SA. Argentina’s La Preferida Bus, Trans Tours Juarez, or Autobuses Quirquincho. Trans Salvador also provides services from Chile.
During the dry season from May to September, you can enter Bolivia through the long bus ride from Asunción, in southern Paraguay, to Santa Cruz, but be warned, it’s a 24-hour ride through 1,000 staggering kilometers of asphalt.
By Plane
Traveling by air is undoubtedly the quickest and most painless way to get through this hilly country. The primary hubs are Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz and El Alto International Airport, which is located far above La Paz (so high, in fact, that oxygen tanks are available in the arrivals area for individuals suffering from altitude sickness!). If you want to see the Amazon Basin but can’t bear the thought of a 24-hour bus ride, both hubs offer trips to Trinidad and Cobija; however, the more touristy city of Rurrenabaque can only be accessed through La Paz. Secondary cities like Sucre, Tarija, and Cochabamba are all well linked, with the latter being the sole airport with links to Uyuni.
By Train
Train transport in Bolivia is severely fragmented, as it is in much of Latin America. One famous tourist train departs El Alto (above La Paz) for the Tiwanaku ruins, stopping at Guaqui on Lake Titicaca before returning in the evening. Another passenger train runs from Oruro to Uyuni, although you’ll probably have to go to either end by bus or plane, making it fairly inconvenient. Ferroviaria Andina has the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
By Car
Due to the complexity of the country’s road network, few international visitors want to rent a car in Bolivia. A car, on the other hand, is useful for short excursions in and around Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, or Sucre, where the roads are less crowded. In hotter lowland cities, renting motorbikes (or moto-taxis) for day trips is also common. Cars are not recommended for Amazon Basin travel unless you speak Spanish fluently and are capable of coping with a range of harsh scenarios like as flash floods, muddy roads, and bathtub-sized potholes.
Many tourists to La Paz opt for a car rental with a driver who is familiar with the twisting roads that go up to high mountain passes or down to the Yungas cloud forests. Hertz and Europcar are two international vehicle rental companies with offices in La Paz and Santa Cruz.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced in most major cities. One of the simplest and safest methods for travelers to utilize them is via a cab app like Uber, which is only available in big cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz. Many taxis are really trufis (collective taxis) that travel on predetermined routes and pick up additional customers along the way.
By Bus
You will almost certainly never have a difficulty getting from one destination to another by bus in Bolivia. Some buses may be older than others, but nothing major. With the exception of strikes, which frequently affect both local taxis and long-distance buses, but not airplanes. It is not suggested to attempt to cross a barrier since violence often happen. Because most strikes only last a day or two, it is often best to wait it out.
We recommend purchasing your tickets at least a day in advance. Throughout the country, the tickets are reasonably priced. Because the journeys can sometimes last 10 to 15 hours, we don’t suggest you to drink too much water, and stocking up on entertainment because you will most likely grow bored.
You may take a bus from Copacabana to La Paz, then overnight buses on the route La Paz – Sucre – Tupiza, then a day bus from Tupiza to Uyuni, and finally an overnight bus from Uyuni to La Paz if you have a flight from there.
Mobile phones are extensively utilized in big towns and cities, and rural coverage is improving. If you wish to use one while in Bolivia, bring your own phone from home and purchase a Bolivian SIM card (“chip”) from one of the various mobile network companies, such as Viva, Tigo, or the universal ENTEL.
A Bolivian SIM card costs 10 BOB (1.50 USD) and is available from Entel, Tigo, and VIVA (previously Nuevatel) stores, as well as other locations such as electrical stores and pharmacies. There are no restrictions on getting SIM cards, and you can get them at Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s Viru Viru International Airport. Plans start at approximately 15 BOB and provide between 1 and 2 GB of data.
You can also get a prepaid eSim card from a company like Airalo, SIMCorner, or Nomad. All the providers offer data-only plans that may be used with an eSim-enabled phone, so make sure your phone is compatible. It is also possible to sign up for a Solis WiFi Hotspot. Check before you travel because they only serve select areas. Airalo provides the most extensive coverage of over 180 nations.
Local Internet & WiFi
Bolivia, like nearly everywhere else in the globe, has witnessed a significant increase in internet use in recent years, and because few Bolivians own computers, this has resulted in an explosion of internet cafés, particularly in areas with substantial student populations. Internet cafés often charge 3–5 BOB per hour, and occasionally more in isolated places where competition is scarce. Machines and servers are typically slow, especially outside of major cities. Hotels, cafés, restaurants and pubs are increasingly offering free internet access.
Top Places in Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is the world’s biggest salt flat, or playa, with an area of over 10,000 square kilometers. The Salar is perfect for calibrating the altimeters of Earth observation satellites due to its enormous size, bright sky, and unusual flatness of the land. Salar is an important trade route through the Bolivian Altiplano and a great nesting habitat for numerous flamingo species. Cr eated as a result of transitions between various prehistoric lakes that existed roughly 40,000 years ago but had all drained over time, It is currently topped by a few meters of salt crust, which has an unusual flatness with average height differences of less than one meter throughout the whole region.
North Yungas Road
The Yungas Road is a 60-kilometer-long cycling path that connects La Paz to the region’s mountains known as the “Road of Death.” Built in 1930, it was regarded as dangerous because to its steep slopes, absence of guardrails, rain, fog, and narrow single track. The tourist route is 64 kilometers long and descends 3500 meters. During the 20-year period concluding in 2006, a new alternative route, currently part of Route 3, was built.
Tiwanaku
Tiwanaku is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site near Lake Titicaca in western Bolivia. The surface remnants are around 4 square kilometers in size and contain decorated pottery, massive constructions, and megalithic stones. The population of the site probably peaked about AD 800, with 10,000 to 20,000 individuals. Tiwanaku was discovered in 1549 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Cieza de León while looking for the southern Inca city of Qullasuyu. Because there was no written language, the name by which Tiwanaku was known to its residents may have been forgotten.
The Witches’ Market
El Mercado de las Brujas, located on Cerro Cumbre, a mountain plain, is a famous tourist site in La Paz, Bolivia. Local witch doctors, called as yatiri, manage the market, selling potions, dried frogs, medicinal herbs like retama, and armadillos used in Bolivian ceremonies. The yatiri are distinguished by their black caps and coca bags with amulets, talismans, and powders that promise good fortune, beauty, and fertility. Dried llama fetuses are the most well-known commodity at The Witches’ Market. As a religious devotion to the goddess Pachamama, llama fetuses are buried beneath the foundations of many Bolivian homes.
Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is a big, deep freshwater lake in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru that is commonly referred to as the world’s “highest navigable lake.” It is located in the Andes Mountains of South America, 3,800 meters above sea level, or roughly 12,500 feet, standing atop the boundary between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east. The Lake is essential for the survival of the local community providing drinking water and food. It also generates a favorable microclimate, allowing potatoes and grains (barley, maize, and quinoa) to be grown at that height.
11-day Itinerary in Bolivia
Day 1 and 2
Arrive at Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is a mysterious lake found in the South American Altiplano between Peru and Bolivia.
If you’re coming from Peru, either from Arequipa or Cusco, or if you’ve previously spent a few days in La Paz, you should have adapted; but, if Copacabana, at the lake’s foot, is your first stop, you should take it gently, because the lake is 3841 meters above sea level! As a result, you may have altitude sickness.
Lake Titicaca, South America’s biggest and the world’s highest navigable lake, is an essential water supply for Bolivia. Lake Titicaca has been used to replace the sea that Bolivia lost during the conflict with Peru since the nineteenth century, and it is one of only two countries on the continent that does not have access to the sea.
There is arguably no more important natural feature in Bolivia than Lake Titicaca. According to Andean religion, Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the Sun, and one of many hypotheses regarding the famed Inca Empire claims that the Incas originated from Bolivia, specifically Lake Titicaca.
You have different options for spending two days in Copacabana, a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
The first day you arrive in Copacabana, you can climb from the village to Yampupata—a wonderful trail with stunning lake views—and later in the afternoon, ascend to Cerro Calvario for one of the most gorgeous sunsets in South America.
The next day, take a boat to Isla del Sol, popularly known as the Island of the Sun, where you will find several hiking trails leading to breathtaking views, Inca ruins, and indigenous settlements.
- Backpacker:
- Budget: Hostal Puerto Alegre
- Mid-range: Hotel La Cupula
- High end: Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca
You can also choose to stay at Isla del Sol
- Backpacker:
- Budget: Hostal Palacio del Inca
- Mid-range: Hostal Wara Uta
- High end: Hostal Phaxsi
This section will be added shortly.
From the Airport to your accommodation
By Train
By Bus
By Metro
Day 3 to 4
The World’s Highest Capital
La Paz is known as the world’s highest capital, making it another must-see on your Bolivia itinerary. Travelers commonly say that La Paz is the sort of city that you either love or despise. La Paz is an intense city, to say the least, and the climate, traffic, and scents, mixed with the altitude, will bombard all of your senses. But you’ll get used to it, and we believe you’ll start to embrace the turmoil.
Although La Paz lacks must-see attractions, there are numerous locations you can visit in a single day: ride the cable car for bird’s eye views of the city, witness the famed Cholita wrestling spectacle, visit the cemetery, and roam about the city and its markets. If you’re lucky you might also attend one of the many festivals that La Paz is famed for.
On the second day, you may either continue to explore lesser-known regions of La Paz, or take a one-day journey many attractions nearby.
Tiwanaku is located near the holy Lake Titicaca in southern Bolivia, and it would become the center of one of the most prominent Andean cultures. Tiwanaku’s architecture, sculpture, roadways, and empire had a profound impact on the subsequent Inca civilization.
If ancient ruins aren’t your thing, Valle de la Luna offers hikers and climbers their adrenaline rush fix. Valle de la Luna was once believed to be a mountain, but wind and weather eroded it over time, transforming it into a magnificent valley with jagged, strange shapes stacked high on top of one another. It, like Moon Valley, is known for its rock formations and sand dunes, which are placed in the total aridity of the Atacama Desert. This is why many people regard it as the most uninhabitable area on the planet.
Alternatively, ride along Death Route, the world’s most deadly road. North Yungas Road, known as “Death Road” for all the obvious reasons. Heavy fog, landslides, waterfalls, and slopes that drop 2,000 feet (610 meters) at every turn, driving down or up this 43-mile (69-kilometer) curve in the road is exceedingly dangerous. La Paz Death Road is now exclusively utilized for recreational mountain bike activities due to the construction of a new roadway, so you won’t have to worry about evading cars or other vehicles. The cycling route is around 80 kilometers long and takes four to five hours from start to finish.
- Backpacker:
- Budget: The Adventure Brew Downtown Hostel
- Mid-range: Qantu Hotel
- High end: Atix Hotel
This section will be added shortly.
From the Airport to your accommodation
By Train
By Bus
By Metro
Day 5 and 6
The White City
Sucre is Bolivia’s capital and is known as the “White City” because to its whitewashed colonial structures.
Traveling in Bolivia may be difficult due to altitude and lengthy overnight buses, so spend the first day in Sucre gently and simply enjoy the serene ambiance of the UNESCO-listed city where it is easy to lose sight of time.
Despite the fact that Sucre is one of Bolivia’s major towns, the ancient city center maintains a small town atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax. The major reason to visit Sucre is to appreciate the city’s white colonial buildings, white churches, lofty bell towers, lovely courtyards encouraging relaxation, red-tiled rooftop terraces, and attractive hills around the city.
If you’re feeling more daring, you can hire a local guide to take you outside the city to see the countryside and hills around Sucre, or you can take a short excursion out of town to Cal Orcko Parque Cretacico, where you can see hundreds of dinosaur footprints. Cal Orcko, situated 3 miles south of the city of Sucre in Bolivia, and is home to the world’s biggest and most diversified collection of Cretaceous Period dinosaur footprints. This is a must-see for dinosaur enthusiasts who happen to be in the Bolivia.
- Backpacker:
- Budget: Family Hostel
- Mid-range: Mi Pueblo Samary Hotel Boutique
- High end: Roles Hotel
Day 7
Tupiza
Tupiza is a little tranquil hamlet in southern Bolivia that has quietly gained tourist attention in recent years. The countryside around Tupiza is breathtaking, and feel like you are in a western film rather than Bolivia.
You can also trek among the unusual red rock formations and cactus vegetation. Because the town is 3000 meters above sea level, you won’t be able to escape the stifling hights and heat.
You can opt for a self-guided trek from Tupiza to Canon del Duende, Valle de Los Machos, Puerta del Diablo, and Canon del Inca – a several-hour circle – and then climb a little hill above town to enjoy the views and watch the sunset, or you can attempt another popular activity, like a horseback riding trip instead.
Tupiza is also a good starting point for a trip to Salar de Uyuni, but the classic journey takes one day longer and costs a little more, so you should do the tour from Uyuni instead.
- Backpacker:
- Budget: Anexo Mitru
- Mid-range: Hotal La Torre
- High end: El Grano de Oro Hotel
Days 8 to 10
Adventures in Uyuni
The three-day jeep drives over the world’s largest salt plain, around towering hills, and vivid lakes with millions of flamingos will definitely be the highlight of your stay in Bolivia.
No matter how long you stay in Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni must be on your Bolivia travel plan, end of story.
Except for the vast Salt Flats, where you can capture those crazy photos while experimenting with the perspective, you will witness Train Cemetery, salt harvesting town, Dakar Monument, Incahuasi Island, numerous attractive lagoons and volcanoes, and Geyser Sol de Manana during the following three days. You can even stay in a hotel made of salt, which is an exceptional experience.
The far more popular three-day journey will take you through all of those locations. The most unusual settings you will ever see, but if you don’t have that much time in Salar De Uyuni, there are alternative one-day, two-day, and sunset and dawn tours available.
There are several tour operators in Uyuni town, so you can search around and pick the one you like most.
It is possible to return to Uyuni on the last day of the tour and travel overnight to La Paz, or the agency can organize transportation to San Pedro de Atacama if you wish to pass into Chile.
- Backpacker:
- Budget: Hostal Quinoa Dorada
- Mid-range: Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel
- High end: Hotel Jardines de Uyuni
Day 11
Departure
Today marks the end of your trip and the journey back home. The distance from Uyuni to La Paz is around 8 hours by car and 9 hours by bus. Alternatively, you can also take a plane which takes around 2 hours.
People with more time may want to continue their adventure to neighboring South American countries, or spend more days in Bolivia. Whichever you choose, we hope you had the best time so far!
The Most Popular Food in Bolivia
Bolivian cuisine is mostly composed of “beef and potatoes.” Beef is the most prevalent meat option, but chicken, hog, and even llama are all available. The majority of beef is deep-fried, and the aroma may be detected across the city. Fried chicken is another popular dish. Guinea pig and rabbit are two more intriguing alternatives. Vegetarians may have difficulty finding full meals, especially in more remote regions. Bolivian cuisine is inspired by Inca food, Aymara cuisine, Spanish cuisine, and, to a lesser extent, cuisines from neighboring nations such as Argentina and Paraguay.
Pique a lo Macho
This classic Bolivian meal consists of grilled beef slices. They’re topped with a spicy sauce, tomatoes, and onions and served with potatoes. This meal is popular in Cochabamba (the valley area). Minced beef in well-seasoned bits, chorizo, fried potatoes and locotos (chili peppers), tomato, hard-boiled eggs, and sliced onions, all served as a snack. It is sometimes topped with a sauce composed of beer, oil, vinegar, and llajua (a very hot sauce made with locoto and tomatoes).
Picante de Pollo
Picante de pollo is a spicy Bolivian meal made of chicken cooked with onions, potatoes, tomatoes, aji amarillo chilis, peas, and chicken stock. Cumin, garlic, and oregano are common flavors in the thick sauce. Picante de pollo is best served with rice or cooked potatoes on the side and garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This is available in numerous places around the country, but the best is prepared in Cochabamba. The red chili sauce in which the chicken is cooked is its unique component. This delectable meal is accompanied by potato, chuo (dehydrated potato), tomato and onion salad, rice, and peas. It is also cooked with many types of meat, such as ox tongue/tail or rabbit.
Silpancho
Silpancho is a classic Cochabamba-style Bolivian meal. It’s a filling dinner that includes white rice, a pounded cutlet of breaded beef, boiled potatoes, chopped tomatoes, onions, beets, parsley, and a fried egg. There is also a sandwich variation of the meal known as trancapecho. Silpancho is formed with beef patties that have been pressed thin. They are served with rice and potatoes, as well as an egg on top. The term silpancho comes from the Quechua word sillp’anchu, which means “thin and pounded,” and refers to the breaded cutlet that is commonly used in the meal.
Salteñas
Salteñas are a popular Bolivian street dish stuffed with a delicious combination of sweet and salty sauces. This meal is also offered at a number of eateries and cafés around the country. If you visit La Paz, go out early in the morning to find a street vendor because they tend to sell out quickly. The salteas’ interiors are also filled with beef, pork, or chicken. Vegetarian salteas are available in several restaurants.
Anticucho
Anticucho is a meat meal made out of tiny pieces of skewered and grilled meat, the most common of which being beef heart. This dish gets its name from the Quechua language. It’s skewered beef heart on sticks seasoned with oil, yellow chile, garlic, and cumin and cooked over a charcoal fire. It goes great with potatoes and a spicy peanut and chili sauce. The original recipe, which refers to a dinner of marinated llama meat grilled directly over a fire, goes back to the 16th century. When the conquistadors came across the meal, they adapted it to include beef instead of llama.
What's the Travel Budget for Bolivia?
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $150 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $900 and can cost way more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $90 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $200 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $320 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $650 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $10 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $17 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $20 to $25 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $30 to $40 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $165 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $350 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $530 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $970 for one person for a week
Bhutan’s daily tariff:
- $200 per day, per person, in the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
- $250 per day, per person in March, April, May, September, October, and November.
- Singles must pay $40 extra each night.
- There is a $30 per night surcharge for groups of two people.
- You can pay more for a four or five star hotel of your choosing.
- Children under the age of five only pay a $40 visa fee once.
- Children aged 5 to 12 are eligible for a 50% discount.
The $200 to $250 tariff almost covers everything a traveler will need for one day, including lodging, food (3 meals), transportation, and admission to attractions. You’ll probably only need the flights in and out. Here is the breakdown, however excluding the tariff.
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $150 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $900 and can cost way more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $125 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $260 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $450 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $790 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $15 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $25 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $30 to $35 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $40 to $60 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $230 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $425 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $700 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $1200 for one person for a week
Bhutan’s daily tariff:
- $200 per day, per person, in the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
- $250 per day, per person in March, April, May, September, October, and November.
- Singles must pay $40 extra each night.
- There is a $30 per night surcharge for groups of two people.
- You can pay more for a four or five star hotel of your choosing.
- Children under the age of five only pay a $40 visa fee once.
- Children aged 5 to 12 are eligible for a 50% discount.
The $200 to $250 tariff almost covers everything a traveler will need for one day, including lodging, food (3 meals), transportation, and admission to attractions. You’ll probably only need the flights in and out. Here is the breakdown, however excluding the tariff.
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $150 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $900 and can cost way more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $125 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $260 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $450 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $790 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $15 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $25 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $30 to $35 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $40 to $60 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $230 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $425 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $700 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $1200 for one person for a week
Bhutan’s daily tariff:
- $200 per day, per person, in the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
- $250 per day, per person in March, April, May, September, October, and November.
- Singles must pay $40 extra each night.
- There is a $30 per night surcharge for groups of two people.
- You can pay more for a four or five star hotel of your choosing.
- Children under the age of five only pay a $40 visa fee once.
- Children aged 5 to 12 are eligible for a 50% discount.
The $200 to $250 tariff almost covers everything a traveler will need for one day, including lodging, food (3 meals), transportation, and admission to attractions. You’ll probably only need the flights in and out. Here is the breakdown, however excluding the tariff.
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $150 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $900 and can cost way more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $125 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $260 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $450 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $790 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $15 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $25 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $30 to $35 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $40 to $60 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $230 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $425 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $700 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $1200 for one person for a week
If you want to know what to pack, read this list below:
- This is a remote country that can get extremely cold, dress accordingly
- Raincoat or Light Waterproof Jacket
- Hiking Boots or Sturdy Sneakers (Shoes You Don’t Mind Getting Wet)
- Sunscreen
- Insect Protection – Repellent and Clothing
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Water Shoes
- Beach Towels/Sarong
- Dry Bag
- Money Belt or Cross Bag
- Portable Medical Kit
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Copies of your passport.
- Get all the needed vaccinations before traveling
- A power bank is a must in any travel.
- Always have some cash with you just in case there are no ATMs and if you are dealing with a business that solely accepts cash
- Get yourself an adapter for your gadgets
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
- A key or combination lock
- Zip-lock bags
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hairbands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products
Clothing For Boys
- 1 pair of jeans or khaki pants
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts
Clothing For Girls
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans
- 1 pair of leggings
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Want to plan your own trip, here are some of the best resources that can help you
- Skyscanner – They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Momondo – This is another favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. Always check here too.
- Booking.com – The best all-around booking site that constantly provides the most affordable and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation.
- Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do group tours, go with Intrepid. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint.
- Grassroots Volunteering – For volunteering, Grassroots Volunteering compiles a list of good local volunteer organizations that keep the money within the community.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more! It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- Trip Advisor: Check the reviews and then book your accommodation. TripAdvisor is where you go when you want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
- VRBO: is the main search engine to use when you 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.
- 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.
- World Nomads Insurance: When traveling you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.
Final Thoughts on Bolivia
The remote country of Bolivia offers a lot of history which is interwoven throughout the country, with its lovely ruins, welcoming people, and beautiful nature making it so appealing, diverse, and even scenic thanks to this mix. This makes Bolivia a country worth visiting. From the high peaks of the Illimani to the carefully carved Inca ruins and creative marvels to its natural beauty and wildlife, the beauty of Bolivia is a dramatic one. Would you visit Bolivia?
Have you been to Bolivia? Let us know how your trip was in the comments below.
