The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Bolivia Travel

Bolivia is often overshadowed by its neighbors, which get much more tourism, such as Peru, Brazil, and Argentina. However, it’s one of South America’s most unique and diverse countries, offering everything from surreal salt flats to vibrant indigenous markets. It’s a destination where high-altitude cities meet pristine jungle, and centuries-old traditions blend with adventurous travel experiences. Being less developed than its neighbors, that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. You get authenticity, stunning scenery, and affordable prices. Whether you’re trekking through the Andes, exploring colonial towns, or venturing into the Amazon basin, Bolivia is a country that constantly surprises.

When to Visit Bolivia

Bolivia’s weather depends heavily on altitude and season. The dry season (May to October) is the most popular for travel, with sunny days and cooler nights. It’s perfect for visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats, hiking in the Andes, or exploring the Amazon without heavy rain. The wet season (November to April) brings lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and the mirror effect at Uyuni, though some remote areas can be harder to access. If you’re heading into high-altitude regions, expect chilly nights year-round, even in summer. It’s worth mentioning checking the news just before visiting. in Bolivia, it’s not rare for there to be country-wide protests. When I visited in 2022, a lot of the roads through the country were closed.

Understanding Bolivian Culture

Bolivia has one of the highest percentages of indigenous people in the Americas, with cultures like the Aymara and Quechua shaping much of the country’s traditions, clothing, festivals, and languages. Markets are central to daily life, from bustling food stalls to vibrant handicraft vendors. The culture is deeply tied to the land. Many communities practice traditional farming and celebrate ancient Andean beliefs alongside Catholic traditions. You’ll also notice a strong regional identity; the highlands around La Paz and Potosí feel vastly different from the tropical lowlands near Santa Cruz. People in Bolivia are also the shortest in South America. Unrelatedly, they are much more reserved and closed off than people from vibrant countries such as Brazil or Colombia.

Brief History

Before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, the region was home to advanced civilizations like Tiwanaku, and later became part of the Inca Empire. Spanish colonization brought silver mining, especially in Potosí, which once fueled the Spanish crown’s wealth. Bolivia gained independence in 1825 but has experienced periods of political instability, territorial losses, and economic struggles. They’ve lost every war they’ve been in, losing sea access from Chile, the Chaco war from Paraguay, and a war in the Amazon to Brazil. In recent decades, the country has made significant progress in indigenous rights and social reforms. This helps maintain its unique cultural heritage.

Getting to Bolivia

Most travelers visit Bolivia as part of a greater South American trip and normally enter by bus through Peru or Chile, though it’s fairly easy to cross from Argentina, Paraguay, or Brazil. If you’re coming from Peru, crossing at Copacabana on Lake Titicaca is a scenic and common entry point. Those arriving by air will likely land in La Paz’s El Alto International Airport or Santa Cruz’s Viru Viru International Airport.

Bolivia for First-Timers: Visa, SIM, ATMs, and More

Visa

Many Western nationalities can enter Bolivia visa-free for up to 90 days, except for Americans, who require a visa on arrival or in advance. Many South Americans can enter with just an ID card. Always check the latest entry requirements based on your passport.

Internet

Bolivia’s internet can be slow outside major cities, but coverage is improving. Local SIM cards from Entel or Tigo are widely available and inexpensive.

When I crossed from Peru into Bolivia by local buses, I simply walked across the border. In Bolivia, I exchanged just enough to get me a bus to La Paz. The problem was that the bus driver decided to end the ride early when we got to El Alto, the much more dangerous area atop the valley from La Paz. I had planned the route from the bus terminal to my hostel, but now I was in a dangerous place, with no internet, little money, and no idea where to go.

I managed to ask around and, with some struggle, eventually made it to my hostel. To avoid situations like this, consider an eSIM from Saily before you arrive so you’re connected right away.

Money & ATMs

Bolivia uses the Boliviano (BOB). Cash is king in most areas, especially rural towns. ATMs are common in cities but can run out of money during busy times. Banco Fie offers fee-free withdrawals. It’s smart to carry smaller bills, as change can be hard to get. They also love the USD, and as of 2025, you will often get a “blue dollar rate” and get more than the official rate for exchanging.

Bolivia by Destination: What to Expect

I will outline the route that makes the most logical sense for most backpackers who come in from Peru and leave through Chile, though you can adjust accordingly.

Lake Titicaca & Copacabana

Sitting on the border with Peru, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. The town of Copacabana is a good base for visiting Isla del Sol, believed to be the birthplace of the Inca. The lake’s blue waters and surrounding hills make for stunning scenery.

La Paz

At over 3,600 meters above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world, and you’ll feel it when walking around. Its steep streets are filled with markets, street food stalls, and colonial architecture. For a few cents, you can take the cable cars for sweeping views over the city and surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the Witches’ Market for a glimpse into traditional Andean beliefs.

Other trips nearby include cycling down the “Death Road”, visiting the markets and Cholita Wrestling in El Alto, the Valle de las Animas, or summiting Huayna Potosi (6088m), which they say is the easiest 6000m in the world, but it’s not easy! You can also do trips to both Uyuni or Lake Titicaca directly from La Paz including transport.

The Amazon Basin (Rurrenabaque)

On a return trip from La Paz, either by bus or flight, you can reach Rurrenabaque. From there, you can explore the rainforest and the Pampas, a wetland region teeming with wildlife. Multi-day tours offer opportunities to see pink river dolphins, caimans, monkeys, and countless bird species. It’s a laid-back town that serves as the main launch point for jungle adventures.

Sajama National Park

A place that’s quite remote, but for those looking to get off the beaten path, head out to Sajama. Bolivia’s oldest national park is home to snow-capped peaks, vast highland plains, and traditional Aymara villages. It’s a remote destination perfect for trekking, wildlife spotting, and soaking in natural hot springs. For experienced trekkers who enjoyed the 6088m climb up Huayna Potosi, here you can challenge yourself with a climb to the highest point in the country, 6542m.

Oruro

A mining city on the altiplano, Oruro is most famous for its vibrant annual Carnival featuring colorful parades and the Diablada dance. Outside of February, it offers local museums and a look into Bolivia’s mining heritage. It’s less popular to visit than other cities such as La Paz or Sucre, so you’ll likely be one of the few tourists around.

Cochabamba & Torotoro

Again, not as popular a destination, Cochabamba is known as Bolivia’s culinary capital, offering fantastic food markets, but there’s not a whole lot else to do. From here, you can visit Torotoro National Park, a hidden gem with dinosaur footprints, deep canyons, and vast cave systems. Torotoro requires a bit of effort to reach, but it is one of Bolivia’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Located in the lowlands, Santa Cruz is the most populous city in the country. It has a warm tropical climate and a more modern feel compared to the highlands. The city itself has a lively nightlife scene and excellent restaurants. Still, its main pull factor is that it’s a gateway to nearby natural attractions like Amboró National Park and the Jesuit Missions.

Samaipata

A charming small town in the foothills of the Andes, Samaipata is known for its laid-back vibe, lush surroundings, and the UNESCO-listed El Fuerte archaeological site. It’s also a great base for exploring Amboró National Park’s cloud forests.

Sucre

Known as the “White City,” Sucre is Bolivia’s constitutional capital and one of its most beautiful cities. Its whitewashed buildings, leafy plazas, and mild climate make it a pleasant place to linger. Its history also makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a good spot for learning Spanish, as schools here are plentiful and affordable.

Potosí

Another UNESCO Site and once one of the richest cities in the world thanks to its silver mines, Potosí is steeped in history. The Cerro Rico mines are still active today, and tours provide insight into the harsh conditions miners face. There is some controversy about visiting the mines for tourism, but regardless it’s a very interesting experience. The city’s colonial architecture is impressive, with ornate churches and historic buildings.

Tupiza

Surrounded by red rock canyons and cacti-covered hills, Tupiza feels like a slice of the Wild West. It’s the starting point for many alternative Uyuni tours and offers incredible horse riding, hiking through the canyons, and mountain biking opportunities. For those looking to cross from Bolivia to Argentina or Paraguay, you can make this your last stop and take a bus from here to the border.

Uyuni Salt Flats

Saving the best for last, Salar de Uyuni is Bolivia’s most iconic attraction, a vast white expanse that stretches to the horizon. In the dry season, it feels like walking on another planet; in the wet season, it becomes a giant mirror. There is absolutely nothing in the town of Uyuni itself; it just serves as the main departure point. Multi-day tours often include a trip through Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, with stops at colorful lagoons, geysers, and hot springs. Most people opt for the option to end the tour with a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, since you will be very close to the Chilean border.

Getting Around Bolivia

Flights

For those short on time, domestic flights are affordable and can help avoid long journeys, especially between La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Rurrenabaque.

Buses

Buses are the most common way to travel, and I often say buses in Bolivia are some of the best in the world for price-comfort. You can get extremely affordable, yet very comfortable buses throughout the country. Long distances mean overnight rides are common.

Local Transport

Within cities, you can use minibuses, shared taxis, and trufis (shared vans). In La Paz, the cable car network is also a fun, easy, and scenic way to get around.

Major Cultural Events and Festivals

Carnaval de Oruro is Bolivia’s most famous festival, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. The city comes alive with elaborate costumes, folk dances, and music. Other notable events include Alasitas in La Paz, where miniature items are bought to bring good fortune, and Gran Poder, a massive parade showcasing Andean traditions. Dia de Los Muertos (right after Halloween) is interesting in Bolivia, with cemeteries filled with people bringing gifts to loved ones.

Bolivian Food You Have to Try

In my opinion, not as good as any of its neighbours, Bolivian cuisine is still hearty and varied. This is also where I will give a warning that it’s rare to meet someone who visited Bolivia and didn’t get sick. I’ve rarely gotten sick traveling around the world and eating loads of street food, but both times I visited Bolivia didn’t end very well. The second time, when I went on a work trip and was eating at all the fanciest restaurants, was actually when I got the sickest ever while traveling. That being said, here are some Bolivian foods you should try:

• Salteñas: similar to empanadas, savory pastries filled with meat and vegetables
• Pique Macho: a generous plate of beef, sausages, fries, and peppers
• Anticuchos: grilled beef heart skewers sold at street stalls
• Quinoa soup

Conclusion

Bolivia is a country that rewards curiosity and patience. From windswept altiplano landscapes to dense jungle rivers, it packs incredible diversity into its borders. Though many people only visit La Paz, Uyuni, and Sucre for a week, I recommend staying at least a month so you have enough time to experience both the highlights and the hidden corners. Whether you come for the salt flats, the cities, or the festivals, Bolivia will leave a lasting impression.