PROBYTRAVEL
Bolivia

Things to Do in Bolivia

From the high-altitude Andes to the Amazon basin.

  • CapitalSucre (constitutional), La Paz (seat of government)
  • CurrencyBolivian Boliviano (BOB)
  • LanguageSpanish, Quechua, Aymara
  • Time zoneUTC-4
  • Emergency110 (Police), 118 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)

Why visit Bolivia?

Bolivia offers some of South America's most stark geographic transitions, stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real to the steaming rainforests of the Amazon basin. It remains one of the continent's most rewarding destinations for independent travellers willing to navigate its rugged infrastructure. The country's dual identity is represented by its capitals: Sucre, the white-walled constitutional capital, and La Paz, the dizzying seat of government hanging inside a canyon at 3,640 metres above sea level.

Planning a trip here requires careful attention to altitude. Most international arrivals land in La Paz or El Alto, where the thin air demands an immediate pace reduction. Key experiences like crossing the vast salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, exploring the silver-mining history of Potosí, or boating on Lake Titicaca (the world's highest navigable lake) require physical acclimatization. Beyond the highlands, the lowlands of Santa Cruz and the wildlife-dense pampas of Rurrenabaque present a completely different, tropical climate and culture.

Salar de Uyuni

The world's largest salt flat, spanning over 10,000 square kilometres. Multiday 4x4 tours cross this blinding white expanse, visiting high-altitude lagoons filled with flamingos.

Lake Titicaca & Isla del Sol

Located on the border with Peru, this deep blue high-altitude lake is the mythical birthplace of the Inca civilization. Direct boat trips connect Copacabana to the tranquil trails of Isla del Sol.

The Death Road (Yungas Road)

A dramatic mountain bike descent from the high Andean pass of La Cumbre down to the subtropical town of Coroico, dropping over 3,000 vertical metres.

Historical Potosí

Once one of the wealthiest cities in the world due to its silver mines, this UNESCO World Heritage site sits at 4,090 metres, offering deep insights into colonial-era exploitation and indigenous miner traditions.

Madidi National Park

Accessible via Rurrenabaque, this reserve spans from Andean glaciers down to lowland rainforest, housing exceptional biodiversity including jaguars, macaws, and capybaras.

Sucre's Colonial Architecture

Known as the 'White City,' Sucre offers a mild, pleasant climate, clean historic streets, and Spanish-colonial architecture, making it a favorite base for Spanish language learners.

Popular regions

The Altiplano

The Altiplano

The high-altitude plateau containing La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and Oruro, characterized by dry, cold weather and Aymara indigenous culture.

Salar de Uyuni & The Southwest

Salar de Uyuni & The Southwest

A desert-like volcanic region home to the massive salt flats, colored mineral lagoons (Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde), and active geysers.

The Valleys & Colonial South

The Valleys & Colonial South

Encompassing Sucre and Potosí, this region features lower elevations, a warmer climate, and preserved colonial history.

The Oriente & Amazon

The Oriente & Amazon

The vast tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz and northern Beni/Pando, featuring lush rainforests, Jesuit missions, and warm, humid conditions.

When to visit Bolivia

Based on average conditions in Bolivia.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature12°12°13°13°13°12°12°13°14°15°15°14°
Rain18d16d14d9d4d2d2d4d8d10d11d15d
CrowdsMedMedLowLowMedHighHighHighMedMedLowMed
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Bolivia

Altitude Acclimatization

3 Days

Start in Sucre (2,810m) or spend your first few days resting in La Paz (3,640m) before attempting strenuous treks or heading to higher elevations.

Salar de Uyuni Expedition

3 Days

Take a standard 3-day, 2-night 4x4 tour starting in Uyuni and ending either back in Uyuni or crossing the border to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

Lake Titicaca Exploration

2 Days

Travel from La Paz to Copacabana by bus, take a ferry to Isla del Sol, and spend a night on the island to experience the tranquil sunset and sunrise.

Amazon Wildlife Tour

3 Days

Fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque to explore Madidi National Park or take a pampas boat tour to spot pink river dolphins and caimans.

Getting around Bolivia

Flotas (Long-distance Buses)

The primary method for intercity travel. While cheap, safety standards vary. Opt for 'bus cama' (sleeper seats) with reputable companies like El Dorado or Trans Copacabana.

Mi Teleférico (La Paz)

The world's highest and longest cable car network. It is clean, exceptionally safe, cheap, and offers the best way to bypass La Paz's chaotic traffic while taking in panoramic views.

Domestic Flights

The state-run BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) and smaller regional carriers offer quick flights connecting La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Rurrenabaque, saving days of rough overland travel.

Trufis and Micros

Shared fixed-route minivans (trufis) and colorful older buses (micros) dominate city streets. They are incredibly cheap but require basic Spanish to navigate as routes are simply painted on the windshields.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Backpacker

    25 - 40 USD

    Covers dorm beds in hostels, local market meals (almuerzo completo), and public bus travel between cities.

  • Flashpacker / Mid-range

    50 - 100 USD

    Includes private rooms in guesthouses, private 4x4 tours (like a shared Uyuni trip), and dining at mid-scale international restaurants.

  • Comfort Traveler

    120 - 250 USD

    Covers high-end boutique hotels (especially salt hotels in Uyuni), private flights between La Paz and Uyuni, and personalized private guides.

Bolivia remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in South America. Cash is absolutely essential; credit cards are rarely accepted outside high-end hotels and restaurants in major cities.

Food & drinks

  • Salteña1.50 USD
  • Sopa de Maní2.50 USD
  • Pique Macho6.00 USD
  • Trancapecho2.00 USD
  • Api con Pastel1.80 USD

Practical

  • Altitude Sickness (Soroche)

    Take soroche pills (available in local pharmacies as 'Sorojchi Pills'), drink coca tea (mate de coca), and avoid alcohol and heavy meals during your first 48 hours at high altitude.

  • Visa Requirements

    US citizens require a Class I Tourist Visa, which has strict documentation requirements (including passport photos, hotel bookings, and a fee of around $160). EU, UK, and Canadian citizens generally enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

  • Cash and ATMs

    Always carry Bolivianos in cash, especially small bills. ATMs frequently run out of cash or reject international cards; Banco Unión and Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz are usually the most reliable.

  • Water Safety

    Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Bolivia. Use bottled water, or use a high-quality water filter or purification tablets, even for brushing teeth.

  • Safety and Strikes (Bloqueos)

    Protests and road blockages (bloqueos) are common and can suddenly disrupt overland travel. Monitor local news (like El Deber or Erbol) and consult your hostel/hotel before long bus journeys.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Bolivia

How many days do I need for a first trip to Bolivia? +

To cover Bolivia's diverse geography, you should plan for at least 10 to 14 days. This allows three days to properly acclimate to the high altitude in La Paz or Sucre, followed by a three-day Salar de Uyuni expedition and a couple of days at Lake Titicaca. If you also want to visit the Amazon basin, add another three to four days to your itinerary.

When is the best time of year to visit Bolivia? +

The dry winter season from May to October is generally the best time to visit the Altiplano, Salar de Uyuni, and the Amazon, as roads are passable and skies are clear. However, if you want to see the famous mirror effect on the Uyuni salt flats, you must visit during the rainy season between December and April. Keep in mind that rainy season travel can cause road delays in rural areas.

What is the classic route for first-time visitors to Bolivia? +

A classic route begins in the constitutional capital of Sucre to acclimate at a lower altitude before moving up to the high-altitude seat of government, La Paz. From La Paz, travelers typically head northwest to Lake Titicaca or south to the Altiplano for a three-day overland expedition through the Salar de Uyuni and the Southwest deserts. You can end your trip with a flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque to experience the Oriente and Amazon rainforest.

How should I manage the high altitude in Bolivia? +

Altitude sickness is a serious consideration, as La Paz sits at over 3,600 meters and the Altiplano is even higher. Plan to spend your first three days resting, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and drinking local coca leaf tea to help your body adjust. Many travelers choose to fly into lower-elevation cities like Sucre or Santa Cruz first to ease the transition before heading up to the highlands.

Is Bolivia an expensive destination, and what is the local currency? +

Bolivia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in South America, where a daily budget of 30 to 50 USD can comfortably cover mid-range guesthouses, local meals, and public transport. Cash is king throughout the country, and you should carry Bolivian Bolivianos in small denominations, as many vendors and taxi drivers cannot make change for large bills. ATMs are widely available in major cities like La Paz and Sucre but are scarce in rural areas like the Uyuni salt flats.

What is the best way to travel between regions in Bolivia? +

For long distances between major cities, domestic flights operated by airlines like BoA are highly recommended to save time and avoid winding, high-altitude mountain roads. For shorter regional trips, such as traveling from La Paz to Lake Titicaca, comfortable long-distance buses are the standard option. To explore remote areas like the Salar de Uyuni and the Southwest deserts, you will need to book a guided 4x4 overland tour.

What should I know about safety and local transportation in Bolivian cities? +

While Bolivia is generally safe for vigilant travelers, petty theft is common in crowded bus stations, markets, and tourist areas in La Paz. Always use registered radio taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than hailing unmarked cabs on the street, especially at night. In La Paz, utilizing the Mi Teleferico cable car system is not only scenic but also one of the safest and most efficient ways to navigate the city.