Travel to Bolivia: Everything you need to know
Are you making plans for a holiday to Bolivia or simply curious about what the country has to offer? In this Bolivia travel guide you will find practical tips, inspiration for destinations and attractions, and useful advice to ensure your travel to Bolivia runs smoothly. I hope my articles inspire you to add Bolivia to your bucket list and help you make the most of your Bolivia trip.
Where is Bolivia located in South America
Bolivia is located in the heart of South America, without direct access to the sea. The country is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, and Chile and Peru to the west. Bolivia’s geography is unique: one moment you are standing on the vast Altiplano high plateau, the next you are driving through mountains rising thousands of meters above sea level, or following winding roads down to the lush rainforests of the lowlands.
What to do in Bolivia
Travel to Bolivia means discovering a country full of contrasts and ancient traditions. In La Paz, spectacularly situated between steep mountain slopes, modern neighborhoods and lively traditional markets come together. To the south lies the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, with surreal landscapes, colorful lakes and flamingos that you explore by jeep. In the Amazon region you discover jungle and waterways, while cities such as Sucre and Potosí offer insight into Bolivia’s colonial history and rich culture.
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Climate in Bolivia
The climate in Bolivia varies greatly by region and altitude. Due to its location in the heart of South America and its enormous differences in elevation, the weather ranges from crisp, thin air on the Altiplano to humid heat in the jungle regions.
On the high plateaus, such as around La Paz and the Salar, the days are usually dry and sunny with large temperature differences between day and night. In the Amazon and lower-lying areas, a tropical climate prevails with high humidity and a distinct rainy season.
Best time to visit Bolivia
The best time to visit depends on which parts of Bolivia you want to explore during your Bolivia trip. For the highlands and salt flats, the drier months from May to October are often more pleasant, as rain showers are less frequent. However, the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni transform spectacularly during the rainy season (approximately December to March): a thin layer of water covers the salt crust, turning the landscape into a gigantic mirror.
For the rainforests, the dry season is also somewhat more comfortable, but even during the rainy season travel remains possible, and the landscape is at its greenest.
Also read: Best time to visit Bolivia
How long to stay in Bolivia
For a first Bolivia trip, including destinations and highlights such as Sucre, Potosí, Uyuni, La Paz, and part of the Amazon region, approximately three weeks is a good starting point. I would not recommend a shorter period, as you would miss the tranquility of nature and the great diversity of landscapes. In addition, you also need time to acclimatize to the altitude. If you would like more time for hiking, cultural encounters, or a deeper jungle experience, at least four weeks is recommended.
Travel to Bolivia can also be easily combined with Peru. La Paz and Peruvian destinations such as Puno, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu are well connected for building a route, allowing you to experience several cultural and geographical highlights of the region in one journey.
Where to stay in Bolivia – hotel tips
Bolivia offers a surprisingly varied selection of unique accommodations: from stylish boutique hotels to distinctive hotels on the edge of the salt flats. For both work and personal travel, I have visited Bolivia several times and stayed in a variety of places throughout the country.
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How to travel to Bolivia from Europe
The main international gateways to Bolivia are the airports of La Paz (El Alto) and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Both cities are reached by various airlines via one or more stopovers from North America, Europe, or other South American countries.
I personally always fly with KLM from Amsterdam to Lima and then onward to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Another option is to fly with Air Europa via Madrid to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. You can easily search, compare, and book flights via Skyscanner. And nothing is better than being picked up directly upon arrival after a long flight; I always book this through Welcome Pick Ups. It is generally not advisable to start your Bolivia trip in La Paz due to the altitude.
Travel to Bolivia Overland
From Peru
Travel to Bolivia combines well with Peru, especially if you want to explore the Andes and Lake Titicaca. A popular route runs from Cusco or Puno in Peru, via Copacabana in Bolivia to La Paz, crossing the border near Lake Titicaca. This journey takes longer than a flight, but the scenery along the way makes it more than worthwhile. On Passport the World, you can read more about travel to Peru and how to combine this destination with a Bolivia trip.
From Chile
Chile also combines well with Bolivia, particularly if you want to explore the desert landscapes in northern Chile. From San Pedro de Atacama, you travel via the Hito Cajón border crossing to the region around Uyuni. This route is done as part of a multi-day jeep tour that takes you past lagoons, volcanoes, and vast high plateaus, with the Salar de Uyuni as the highlight. On Passport the World, you can read more about travel to Chile and how to combine this destination with a Bolivia trip.
From Argentina
From Argentina, Bolivia is especially accessible from the north of the country. From Salta or Jujuy, you travel toward the Bolivian border along a route known for its colorful mountains and expansive landscapes. Buses connect northern Argentina with cities such as La Paz, Tupiza, and Uyuni, although travel times can be long. This route fits well within a longer South America itinerary, combining southern Bolivia with northern Argentina. On Passport the World, you can read more about travel to Argentina and how this destination connects beautifully with travel to Bolivia.
Transport in Bolivia
Bolivia is vast and the landscape rugged, which means travel can sometimes take more time than you expect. It is wise to outline your transportation plans in advance and combine different modes of transport. Also keep in mind that roadblocks may occur, for example during local protests, which can affect your planning. Have a look on my page about safety in Bolivia.
Traveling by Air in Bolivia
Domestic flights are convenient for covering large distances, for example between La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz. The view upon arrival in La Paz is often a first impression of the country’s scale.
Traveling Overland in Bolivia
Buses are another good way to travel to Bolivia and around the country. There are reliable connections and shuttle services available, which can be compared and booked via Bookaway. For areas such as the Salar de Uyuni, jeep transport is essential and usually part of an organized tour. Renting a car yourself is less common and requires thorough preparation.
Transportation in Cities
In the centers of cities such as La Paz and Sucre, much can be explored on foot. For longer distances, taxis or ride-hailing apps are common. In La Paz, the cable car system is also an efficient way to get around the city. In the evening, it is advisable to use official transportation. For remote natural areas or excursions in the surroundings, it is best to book a tour.
Safety in Bolivia
Is Bolivia safe? It is a question I am asked regularly. As with other countries in South America, it is important to always consult the official travel advisories of your own government before you travel to Bolivia. It is noteworthy that these advisories may differ from country to country, meaning you may see different colors for the same regions on safety maps. Therefore, always follow the guidelines that apply to your country and check whether your travel insurance covers your Bolivia trip.
In general, Bolivia is very manageable for travelers, especially in tourist areas and during a Bolivia trip along well-known routes. However, traveling through Bolivia requires common sense: keep an eye on your belongings, stay alert in busy cities, and preferably use reliable transport in the evening. Personally, I have always experienced Bolivia as an exceptionally authentic and welcoming country. For a more detailed explanation, you can also read my dedicated page about safety in Bolivia.
Health and Vaccinations for Bolivia
For Bolivia, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on your travel route and length of stay. In cities, medical care is generally available, but in remote areas it can be limited. Therefore, bring a travel medical kit and make sure you have sufficient mosquito repellent. When traveling to lower, tropical regions, protection against mosquitoes is important.
Travel Insurance for Bolivia
You should not travel to Bolivia without proper travel insurance. World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance policies, with coverage for more than 150 activities including medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
Altitude Sickness in Bolivia
During a tour through Bolivia, you will almost immediately be confronted with high altitudes. Cities such as La Paz, Potosí and the area around the Salar de Uyuni are located at 3,500 meters or higher. It is therefore important to give your body time to adjust. Symptoms such as mild headaches, fatigue or getting out of breath more quickly are very normal in the first few days.
Take your time, drink plenty of water and eat light meals. It is better to avoid alcohol for a while. In Bolivia, coca tea is often drunk to relieve symptoms, but the most important thing remains to take it easy and listen carefully to your body.
Try to structure your itinerary logically and avoid immediately diving into activities at high altitude. Plan strenuous hikes or long days later in your trip, when your body is better acclimatized.
If you are sensitive to altitude sickness, it is wise to discuss this with your doctor in advance. With good preparation and sufficient rest, you will ultimately get much more out of your trip to Bolivia.
Practical tips for your tour through Bolivia
Language in Bolivia
The official languages of Bolivia are Spanish and several indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Aymara. In tourist centers, people speak some English, but this is minimal. A basic knowledge of Spanish makes contact with locals easier and enriches your travel experience. Purchase a small phrasebook with useful Spanish travel phrases for your vacation in Bolivia.
Money and Payments in Bolivia
Bolivia uses the Boliviano (BOB) as its currency. In larger cities, you can withdraw money and pay by card, but in smaller villages, markets and for local transport, cash often remains the norm. It is therefore useful to always carry some banknotes with you.
Payment cards are not accepted everywhere, and additional fees may be charged when withdrawing cash. Keep this in mind when planning your travel budget.
Extra tip: Bring a Wise card. These are multi-currency debit cards that allow you to pay in different currencies without high conversion fees. They use real-time exchange rates, ensuring smooth payments and cash withdrawals worldwide.
Internet and (e)SIM in Bolivia
In larger cities and frequently visited areas in Bolivia, wifi is usually available in hotels, cafés and restaurants, although speeds may vary. For a more reliable connection on the go, it is useful to purchase a local SIM card, for example from providers such as Entel or Tigo. You can also choose an eSIM for Bolivia, so you are online immediately upon arrival without having to switch physical SIM cards.
Time Zone in Bolivia
Bolivia is located in the UTC-4 time zone and does not observe daylight saving time. This means that during the winter months, it is five hours earlier than in the Netherlands and Belgium, and during the summer months, six hours earlier. The time difference between Peru and Bolivia is one hour.
Voltage and Plugs
In Bolivia, 220 V is used, and power outlets are type C and A. A world travel adapter is useful to bring with you, especially if you are coming from Europe.
Visa and Entry Requirements
For many travelers, a tourist stay in Bolivia is visa-free for a limited period, often around 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality. However, your passport often needs to be valid for at least six more months upon arrival, and proof of onward travel may be requested.
Because regulations can change, it is wise to check the current entry requirements in advance with your own embassy or consulate.
Finally: Why Travel to Bolivia
Whether you are trekking through the high Andes, driving across the salt flats or following jungle trails, Bolivia shows you something entirely different from anything you have experienced before. Due to the large altitude differences, diverse regions and sometimes long travel distances, good preparation is essential. On Passport the World, you can also read more about traveling to other countries in South America, such as Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina, and how you can possibly combine these destinations with Bolivia during a longer tour.
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