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Update April 12, 2024

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Bolivia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 6, 2023, bolivia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Chapare region due to crime .

Reconsider travel to:

• Yungas region due to crime .

Country Summary:  Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time in Bolivia. Demonstrations can result in violence. Roadblocks and strikes may cut off traffic and restrict the flow of goods and services around the country. Domestic and international flights may be delayed or unexpectedly cancelled.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Bolivia.

If you decide to travel to Bolivia :

• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Contact your airline or travel agency prior to travel.
• Avoid demonstration and crowds.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Bolivia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Chapare Region: Do Not Travel

Due to a high level of violent crime , the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Chapare region. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Yungas Region: Reconsider Travel

Organized criminal groups near Corioco and Carnavi in Yungas have committed carjackings and robberies . The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Yungas area. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Travel Advisory Levels

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TRAVEL to BOLIVIA – Tips and Information Guide [2024]

Whether you’re looking to explore endless salt flats or cycle down the world’s most dangerous road, let our ultimate guide for travel to Bolivia help you plan your trip!

Bolivia has various climates, diverse cultures, attractions for all ages and adventures for the biggest adrenaline junkies.

Depending on what you wish to experience, you can find yourself in the hot lowlands to cold mountain tops.

If you can think of it, Bolivia most likely has it!

• An Amazonian jungle
• Unlivable sweltering deserts
• Incredibly fertile grasslands
• Snowcapped mountains
• And so much more!

Plus there are over 36 different ethnic groups – making it one of the most diverse countries in the world.

But if you are looking for an ocean nearby, that is the one thing Bolivia lacks. It is one of only two landlocked countries in South America.

Still, Bolivia shares the world highest lake with its neighbour, Peru, at Lake Titicaca.

Bolivia Travel Guide

Thinking about travelling to Bolivia as your next holiday destination? Make sure that you use our Bolivia travel guide to prepare you for your adventure!

General Info

Here are a few of the basics to get you started in your planning.

• Capital: Sucre (constitutional capital) and La Paz (seat of the government and de facto capital)
• Other Main Cities: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
• Currency: Boliviano
• Language: Spanish and 36 indigenous languages
• Population: 11,248,864
• Area: 1,098,581 sq. km
• Electricity Voltage: 220 Volt
• Electricity Sockets: Plug type A & C

How to Travel to Bolivia

In general there aren’t that many direct flights to Bolivia.

Most flights originating in other South American countries will land in either La Paz or Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the two most populated cities in Bolivia.

The quickest and easiest way to visit Bolivia is to fly, if you don’t mind the odd connection.

Flying from the US & Canada

From the USA you can fly out from Miami to La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

There is also an option to fly from different cities in the US via connections.

Most flights are likely to connect in Miami. And then in Miami, you will make the connection to Bolivia.

When flying from Canada you will also have to first fly to the US and then make your connection.

Of course, if you’re already visiting the neighbouring countries in South America you have a much wider selection of flight connections.

Examples of quick routes include those originating in Sao Paulo (Brazil), Lima (Peru) and Buenos Aires (Argentina).

The main airports in Bolivia are in the two capitals: La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

The airplane tickets are on the expensive side, ranging from USD$800-1100.

Flying from United Kingdom & Ireland

Unfortunately there are no direct flights departing from the UK or Ireland.

The quickest route is to fly to Madrid, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires or Miami from one of the daily flights from London. From there you will connect to Bolivia.

The cost of a round trip ticket is approximately USD$1,500.

Flying from Australia & New Zealand

From Australia and its neighbouring countries, the quickest route is to fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina. You can do this most easily with Qantas or Aerolineas Argentina via Auckland or Sydney.

The cost of the round trip is around USD$1,500.

From Buenos Aires flights to Bolivia will be approximately USD$300-500.

Of course, there is always the option to fly to the USA first and then connect from Miami to Bolivia.

Traveling Overland From The Bordering Countries

The only alternative to flying to Bolivia is to make your way through South America and travel to Bolivia overland by bus, train or automobile.

You can reach Bolivia by bus from all five neighbouring countries: Chile, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

Take the bus from Puno and enter Bolivia either through the Kasani border or Desaguadero.

The ride is around 4 hours away from La Paz.

The main entry point is Quijarro in Bolivia which is close to the Corumbá, Brazil.

From Quijarro you can make your way to Santa Cruz by train. But be warned that it’s a 13-18 hour long train ride!

From Brazil, you can also enter Bolivia at San Matías. This will be a whole day of bus travel from San Ignacio, Chiquitania.

Another way of travelling to Bolivia is from Amazonia. There are several entry points (Brasiléia, Cobija, Guajarámerim, Guayaramerin).

There are three main routes of travelling to Bolivia from Chile.

• Take the bus departing from Arica to La Paz
• Take the train from Calama to Uyunivia Avaroa
• You can also go on a jeep ride from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni
• La Quiaca to Villazón (road and rail connections to Uyuni, Oruro and Tupiza)
• Pcitos to Yacuiba (road and rail connections to Santa Cruz and Tarija)

If you are travelling to Peru from Paraguay it will be a whole day of bus travel from Asunción to Santa Cruz.

Visa Requirements for Bolivia

If you want to travel to Bolivia you must know whether or not a visa is required to enter the country.

All US citizens are required to purchase an entry visa (USD$160).

For citizens of other countries, the Bolivian government has divided countries into three groups.

• 1 st group: Countries that do not require the visa
• 2 nd group: Countries that require a tourist visa
• 3 rd group: Countries that require a visa with authorization from Bolivia

If you wish to see into which group your country falls in, click here

5 Interesting Facts About Bolivia

Bolivia is full of interesting people, places, history and culture. Here are a few interesting facts to help you plan to travel to Bolivia.

• In about 99% of the country tap water is NOT safe for consumption.
• People dress up as Zebras in La Paz! They help children cross the street and educate drivers and pedestrians about safety measures.
• Camino de las Yungas is known as the “World’s Most Dangerous Road”. Every year the number of casualties ranges from 200 to 300.
• Reflect at the world’s largest mirror – Salar de Uyuni. It is the world’s largest salt flat at 10,582 sq. km.
• Bolivia has 37 official languages! Pick the one you are best at speaking and enjoy your travel in Bolivia!

Best Time to Travel to Bolivia

Bolivia is in the southern hemisphere. For this reason, the best time to travel to Bolivia is during its summer (December – February).

From May to October, the highlands are cold and temperatures in the desert at night are below freezing. This is especially true during the months of June and July.

But temperatures will also vary depending on which region of Bolivia you travel.

For example, the Salar de Uyuni is located in the high desert where even summertime temperatures can range greatly.

Also, when visiting the Amazonian regions of Bolivia the temperatures can remain hot and humid year-round.

The beginning of the dry season is from April to May. The country begins to come alive during these months after all of the rainfall.

If you travel to Bolivia during this time you will benefit from lower prices and fewer tourists.

Bolivia Travel Itineraries

Here’s a typical rundown of places to visit and for how long to help you plan your itinerary.

Lake Titicaca (1 – 2 Days)

If you enter Bolivia from Peru you will reach the town of Copacabana.

You don’t have to spend a night in Copacabana. But it is worth it if anything to relax and take in the sights of the lake.

The first day is to be spent at the lake and go canoeing. Or take a tour out to visit the floating reed cities.

On the second day, explore Copacabana and hike to the top of Cerro Calvario.

La Paz (2 – 3 Days)

Capital city of Bolivia has many attractions worth exploring.

You can go for a ride on the iconic teleferico and enjoy the stunning views of La Paz beneath you.

Or visit the witches market and shop for spells.

You could also spend days at a time trying to visit any of the many impressive museums in the city.

La Paz is also notorious for its nightlife.

If this interests you, head out in the evening and get a taste of it for yourself!

While in La Paz if you’re searching for an adrenaline high cycle down the Camino de las Yungas!

But do be careful as it is known as the “World’s Most Dangerous Road.”

Salar de Uyuni (2 – 3 Days)

The Salar de Uyuni is one of the main reasons that people all over the world travel to Bolivia!

Even if you don’t have a lot of time it is definitely worth booking a three-day trip.

There are many opportunities to travel across the salt flats in any number of tours originating in the town of Uyuni.

Of course, after spending a few days trekking across the surreal landscapes, stay for a night in the town of Uyuni to get some rest.

Sucre (1 – 2 Days)

Sucre is a colonial, picturesque town.

This is a town that’s renowned for having some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in all of South America.

Spend some time enjoying the laid back atmosphere in the town.

And make sure to indulge yourself in the local food and drink while you explore the ancient town.

Budget for Travelling Bolivia

Bolivia is known for being a cheap place to travel in South America, but even then it’s easy to spend up big if you want to.

Here’s our general budget guide.

Backpacker – $20 per day

The cheapest accommodations when travelling in Bolivia is definitely camping or staying in budget dorm rooms in hostels.

If you have your own tent it would cost you around USD$5, if you do not find a place to wild camp (be very careful about safety while wild camping though)

But you can also rent tents relatively cheaply as well (around USD$11).

Dorm rooms can cost anywhere from USD$5 to $10 a night.

Food is very cheap in Bolivia. It is almost worth purchasing already prepared meals rather than shopping at grocery stores and preparing your own meals.

If you’re on a really tight budget then head to the markets or street vendors where you can buy fresh fruit salads and hot meals for as low as USD$1.

If you see anywhere that says “almuerzo” that means full lunch. This is a great deal as you will get a soup, main dish and dessert for about USD$1.50!

As for transportation costs as you travel in Bolivia, you also don’t have to worry.

If you take a cab within the city centre limits will cost you around USD$0.60 per person.

While buses offer even lower prices. One way tickets are around USD$0.30.

If you have to take a long bus ride then the price should be around USD$2/per hour.

Make sure you check out our complete guide to backpacking in Bolivia .

Couples/Mid-Range – $60-100 per day

If you are travelling as a couple or have a slightly higher budget, you can live very comfortably in Bolivia.

You can find private rooms for around $20 a night, and if you’re willing to spend between $30-50 a night, you’ll get something very nice in good hotels.

With that kind of budget you’ll also be able to eat in many restaurants, enjoy a tasty coffee if you’d like and head out for a few beers in the evenings.

Luxury – $150 per day

You can live quite well when travelling in Bolivia on USD$100-150 per day.

Four stars hotel like Radisson Hotel in La Paz are about USD$80 per night.

The more expensive restaurants offer meals at around USD$20-30

And most of the museums offer free admission or have very low priced tickets around USD$2-4.

You could also plan to book a good quality 3-day Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats tour for around USD$270 per person . This would include all meals and accommodations.

Even if you wanted to rent a car to tour the country on your own, car rental prices are reasonably set around USD$40 per day.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Bolivia

• La Paz . This capital city is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers everything from haute cuisine to lively nightlife.
• Salar de Uyuni. People all over the world travel to Bolivia specifically to witness this natural phenomenon, vast white salt flats stretching into the horizon.
• Reserva Eduardo Avaroa. This is one of the best national parks in the country and can be visited when you are doing your 3-day tour of Salar de Uyuni. Experience hot springs in which you can bathe and enjoy the views, geysers, deserts and several differently coloured lagoons!
• Sucre (White City). The official capital of Bolivia. Sucre is a charming town that is also on UNESCO’s list for its impeccably preserved colonial architecture!
• Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This town is part of Bolivia’s tropical Amazonian area and is the jumping-off point for trips to visit the Amazon. The city also boasts of having the best nightlife in all of Bolivia. For a wild night, you must visit the Monseñor Rivero Street.

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Bolivia

• The Pampas tour . This is one of two ways in which you can experience the Amazon jungle from Bolivia. Get up close and personal with the Amazons notorious wildlife and landscapes.
• The World’s Most Dangerous Road. This is a must for every thrill-seeker! But be cautioned that it has its name for a reason. Every year hundreds of people die while travelling on the road, including tourists.
• Salar de Uyuni. You cannot miss the world’s largest salt flat! The landscapes surrounding you will take your breath away! Plus you can have all sorts of fun taking photos on the white vastness of the salt flats.
• Madidi National Park. This park is one of the most biodiverse national parks in the world. There are jaguars, rare fauna and over 1,000 species of birds.
• Oruro Carnival. This town comes alive with folk dances, colourful and flamboyant costumes, live music and 20 hours of constant partying. And these are just some of the reasons why this carnival attracts around 400,000 people annually.

Transportation While Travelling in Bolivia

Travelling in Bolivia is both easy and affordable. You will find that it is possible to travel by bus, plane or train to almost any part of the country.

The bus is by far the easiest and cheapest way to travel in Bolivia.

The bus network is very well developed so all the buses are pretty frequent and reliable. You can travel by bus both within and between most cities and towns in Bolivia.

The prices are very low at around USD$0.30 one way. And if you’re going on a longer trip then it’s around USD$2/per hour.

If you’re going on a long bus journey, you should know that there are no meals included in the price.

So prepare some snacks for the trip or buy a hot meal from one of the street vendors that work on one of the stops on your trip.

There are two types of buses for short journeys: micros and trufis.

Micros are minibuses that have an already set route. They leave at any time when the bus is full.

Micros will stop wherever the passenger wants to get off or on. Just let the driver know where you are going and remind them to stop for you.

All tickets cost approximately the same, which is around USD$0.15 one way.

The trufi is a van or a cab that, like the micro, has an already predetermined route. You are typically sharing the ride with a handful of people.

Trufis do not have set schedules either. They only leave when they are full.

They are cheaper than regular taxis because you are carpooling with other passengers.

One way trip would cost about USD$0.40 to most places within a city or town.

Unlike many other places in the world, the taxi is regarded as one of the safest ways to travel in Bolivia.

You can call a cab at any time and anywhere. And they are so numerous that hailing a taxi from the side of the road is quite easy.

There are two types of taxis available: radio taxis and regular taxis.

Radio Taxis

Radio taxis are dispatched based on calls that they receive from private clients like hotels or restaurants.

These taxis drive to the passenger’s location and take them to their desired destination.

This is a safer, but the more expensive, option that would cost you around USD$1 -6.

Regular Taxis

Regular taxis operate throughout most cities and larger towns in Bolivia. These are the standard cabs that you would expect to see in any city in the world.

Taxis are reliable forms of transportation. You can often negotiate fares with taxi drivers.

But note that fares are already quite inexpensive so haggling with a driver is only going to take change out of his or her pocket.

If you are looking for a unique way to travel in Bolivia be sure to check out the cable car.

The teleferico operates at 4000 m in elevation making it the highest cable car in the world.

Riding the cable car will connect you from La Paz to El Alto.

Not only is it able to provide transportation to 3,000 passengers per hour between La Paz and El Alto – but also the duration of the ride is just 10 minutes!

The price of the ride is quite reasonable, at approximately USD$0.50. There are also various discounts for seniors, students and the disabled.

Accommodation in Bolivia

When travelling in Bolivia you can find accommodation for very good prices. But know, of course, that the standards of accommodation vary.

In more urban areas you will find budget hostels for as little as USD$2-3 to high-end hotels that charge USD$100 per night.

In smaller towns, you won’t have that much luck in booking an upper scale accommodation. But there is always a lot of variety when it comes to budget places.

Rates are highest from July to August and in areas that are popular with tourists.

Also, make sure to book in advance if you plan to visit during a major festival.

Many places in Bolivia do not differentiate between a hostel and a hotel. So if you are looking for one or the other, you’ll likely find them to be the same in most places.

Even small basic places will refer to themselves as a hotel. Keep your eye out for other names, such as hostales, residenciales or alojamientos.

These are all different names for basically the same thing.

They offer very simple rooms with shared bathrooms.

There is no real rating system for hotels in Bolivia. So the best way to tell if you should stay at the hotel is to explore a bit.

Usually, the hotel staff will agree to bargain with the price of stay – especially if you notice that the hotel is half empty.

Hostels are slowly popping up all around Bolivia. Most of them are connected to Hostelling International .

But very few hostels have dorms or communal kitchens, which seem standard in most places in the world.

Instead, they offer cheap rooms with a choice of opting out for a private or shared bathroom.

If you wish to explore the wilderness then camping is the perfect choice for you.

Outside of the city and town limits you can usually camp anywhere and almost always for free!

But be advised that in the highlands it gets very cold at night. Meanwhile, in the lowlands, you will have a problem with the mosquitoes.

Attacks on campers are rare but you should still be careful. Use standard safety measures when deciding where to camp.

Never camp by yourself. And women shouldn’t go camping unless they’re accompanied by men.

In national parks and protected areas you can find albergues or refugios.

Those are rustic shelters where you can stay for a very small fee.

Cooking facilities and running water are often available in the national parks.

Food in Bolivia

• Sanduíche de Chola (pork sandwich): This sandwich is a warm bun with slow-cooked ham, pickle of onions and topped with ahi chilli.
• Cuñapé (cheesy bread): Enjoy a bun made out of yucca flour that has cheese cooked inside of them.
• Humintas (baked tamales): These are sweet corn tomales with grated cinnamon (or raisin and sugar) and cheese in the middle. It’s all deliciously packed within a corn husk and then grilled or steamed!
• Chuflay (traditional mixed drink): Sip on ginger ale and singani (a native spirit made from Muscat de Alejandría grapes). It is fruity and spicy at the same time.
• Sonso de yucca (kind of like mashed potatoes, Bolivian style): These are yucas cooked and mashed with cheese.

Safety in Bolivia

Like many South American countries, Bolivia isn’t exactly the safest place to travel through.

Be aware of your surroundings because pickpocketing is on the rise – especially in tourist dense areas, such as Cochabamba, Oruro, Copacabana, Santa Cruz and La Paz.

Avoid withdrawing money from the ATMs at night or isolated locations – that’s usually when thefts are done.

There are also a lot more violent crimes happening, such as kidnapping.

Many times the criminals will target foreigners/tourists, take them hostage and drive them to an ATM where they’re supposed to withdraw money to pay for their own ransom.

Again this is most likely to occur in La Paz.

And, while not common, it is more likely to happen if you take a taxi when the driver is in on the theft.

This is why we encourage you to use only reputable and reliable cab companies.

Like with many countries, Bolivia also isn’t safe for roaming around after dark.

It might be tempting with its famous nightlife but be sure to travel in groups, remain in well-lit areas and call a radio taxi to pick you up if you find that you need a ride somewhere after dark.

Make sure you always get travel insurance wherever you travel. We recommend World Nomads.

Medical System in Bolivia

Because the medical system in Bolivia follows a socialist model, everyone is entitled to some basic care.

It is great that you can get treated for a variety of illnesses for free. But the only thing that’s a bit inconvenient is that the system is under a lot of strain.

They have way too many patients, not enough staff and funding.

So if you have to go to a clinic you will have to get there very early in the morning and be prepared to wait for the whole day.

Also, their public hospitals are notorious for having poor hygiene and being overcrowded.

If possible avoid public hospitals and opt out for private clinics instead.

Packing List for Bolivia

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of sweatpants
• 1 pair of hiking pants
• 3 pairs of shorts
• Fleece jacket
• 2 long-sleeved shirts
• 1 rain jacket
• 3 tank tops
• 1 pair of comfortable sneakers
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of hiking shoes

Miscellaneous Items

• Microfiber towel
• Pair of gloves and scarf
• World plug adapter

Travel Tips for Bolivia

These are our top travel tips for Bolivia. Use common travel sense when travelling in Bolivia the same as you would in any part of the world.

But note the following in particular:

• Water is not safe for consumption. Make sure to carry a bottle with a filter and/or purchase bottled water as necessary. Make sure the bottled water caps are not already open when you purchase them.
• Certain areas in La Paz and other touristy places are very dangerous. Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
• Make copies of all your important travel documents and plane tickets. If making friends while enjoying the nightlife in Bolivia be sure to keep your documents secure.
• Bring a travel lock and always lock your luggage when you are not around it. Keep an eye on people near your possessions when on public transportation as pickpocketing is a common crime.

Check Out Our Bolivia Blog Posts

The ultimate backpacking in bolivia guide, 11 amazing things to do in la paz, bolivia (2024 edition).

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Bolivia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Bolivia.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Bolivia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Bolivia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Bolivia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Bolivia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Bolivia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Bolivia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Bolivia, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Bolivia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, east of the Andes Mountains: the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation and any areas not listed above, including the cities of La Paz (administrative capital) and Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital).

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Bolivia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Bolivia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Bolivia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Bolivia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Bolivia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Bolivia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Bolivia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Bolivia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Bolivia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Find cheap flights to Bolivia from $209

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Good to know

Faqs - booking bolivia flights, what are the passport and visa requirements for flying to bolivia.

US citizens visiting Bolivia will need a valid passport and visa to be allowed into Bolivia. The passport should have at least six months of validity, and you'll be required to show proof of a round-trip ticket on a tourist visa. Travelers with a tourist visa can stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days, and you can get a visa on arrival once you land at the Bolivian airports. You can purchase the Bolivian tourist visa for around $160 at all border points.

What are my best options for flights to Bolivia from the Southeast U.S.?

If you’re flying to Bolivia from the Southeast, you’ll find flights from different departure airports, including Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Tampa International Airport (TPA). There is a direct flight from MIA to VVI operated by Boliviana de Aviación (BoA). You’ll also find one-stop flights from MIA and MCO operated by Avianca Airlines, Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines, and GOL Airlines.

Are there nonstop flights from the US to Bolivia?

Yes. There are direct flights from the US to Bolivia. All nonstop flights from the US to Bolivia are from Miami to Santa Cruz. Miami International Airport operates two daily flights to Viru Viru International Airport. The flights are operated by Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), the national carrier of Bolivia, and the flights take about 7 hours.

Which airport is closest to Sorata?

If you want to hike in the Cordillera Real mountains in Sorata and explore the sleepy town, the best airport to fly into is LPB. It is the closest airport to Sorata, about 93.2 miles from the city. You can take a bus or taxi from the airport to Sorata, a 3 to 4 hours trip depending on the transportation mode.

What are the most common layover cities for flights to Bolivia?

Other than the nonstop flights from Miami, all other flights from the US to Bolivia have at least one layover en route. The layover cities are different depending on the city of departure. If you are flying from New York (JFK), Panama City, Bogota, and Lima are the most common layover cities. If you're flying to Bolivia from Los Angeles (LAX), the most common layover cities are Lima and Panama City. Chicago (ORD) is a major central US airport, and if you're coming in from ORD, the most common layover cities are Miami, Sao Paulo, and Panama City.

What is the best airport to fly into if I plan to visit Palacio Portales?

The best airport to fly into to explore the Palacio Portales cultural center is Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB). Palacio Portales is approximately 2.8 miles from the airport. You can take a taxi or private car from the airport to the cultural center, a 10-15 minute drive. Multiple airlines offer flights from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and MIA to CBB with one or more stops. Since flights to CBB are seasonal, you can fly to Viru Viru International Airport or El Alto International Airport and take a connecting flight to CBB.

Which American carriers offer flights to Bolivia?

United Airlines is the only American carrier that offers flights to Bolivia. United Airlines offer a couple of daily flights from the two airports with the most flights to Bolivia, Miami International Airport, and New York Airport (JFK). There are several double-layover flights offered by United Airlines to Bolivia, but single-layover flights are only from JFK and MIA. These flights have a layover in Panama City and head only to Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz.

Which airlines offer Business Class flights to Bolivia?

Different airlines offer Business Class travel to Bolivia through their connecting flights, including Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines, and Avianca Airlines. You’ll access benefits like priority check-in and boarding, comfortable seats, in-flight entertainment, and improved dining options.

Which is the best airport to fly to in Bolivia?

If you want to explore Bolivia, the best airport to fly to is Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz. It is the largest airport in Bolivia and is centrally located in Bolivia. VVI handles most of the domestic and international flights in Bolivia. Its central location gives you a good base for exploring Bolivia and connecting to other cities in Bolivia. Another good alternative is Jorge Wilsterman International Airport in Cochabamba. It is a less busy airport than the ones in La Paz and Santa Cruz.

What public transportation options are available to Santa Cruz city center from Viru Viru International Airport?

Since you are most likely to land in VVI from different departure points in the U.S., you can access different public transportation options to Santa Cruz city center, approximately 10.6 miles from the airport. Popular transportation options include buses, car rentals in the international arrivals areas, and taxis in the ground transportation area.

Where should I fly to visit the pink Laguna Colorada?

If you are planning to visit the pink lake and view some of the unique flamingo species, the best airport to fly to is Uyuni Airport. Uyuni town in Potosi is just a short drive away from Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, home to Laguna Colorada. There are daily flights from Miami to CBB, and from CBB, you can take a connecting flight to Uyuni Airport.

How do I get to Potosi from the United States?

You’ll need to take a connecting flight to Viru Viru International Airport or El Alto International Airport, where you can take a domestic flight to Potosi. You can also take a private car or bus to Potosi from the arrival airports or nearby cities.

If I want to travel to the southern part of Bolivia, what is the best way to get there from the United States?

Yacuiba Airport is the airport located nearest to the southern regions of Bolivia. If you are traveling from the United States, you can book a two-stop trip through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with Aeromexico Airlines or American Airlines. On landing at Yacuiba Airport, board a one-stop flight from BoA Airlines to your destination.

What is the most efficient method to fly from the United States to Bolivia if I want to attend the Alasitas Festival there?

If you want to attend the Alasitas Festival, Copa Airlines offers flights to El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, from several American departure airports. On arrival, you can take a taxi to downtown La Paz, located 8.7 miles from the airport. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes via a taxi. Remember that La Paz can get quite congested at this time, and reservations for flights and accommodations are essential.

How do I get to Madidi National Park in Bolivia from the United States?

Madidi National Park is a must-see for Americans visiting Bolivia. Book a JetBlue Airlines that flies from DFW Airport to El Alto (LPB) in Bolivia. Fly to Rurrenabaque Airport, then take a taxi from the airport to the shores of Beni River in Buenaventura and take a ferry to Madidi National Park.

How can I visit Tiwanaku in Bolivia from the United States?

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make this trip is by flying from JFK in New York to El Alto International Airport (LPB) in Bolivia. Finding a taxi to take you to Tiwanaku, a breathtaking tourist attraction located 41.2 miles from the airport, won't be difficult once you land at this airport. You will need to take a taxi for about 60 minutes to travel that distance.

How long is the flight to Bolivia?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Bolivia takes 16h 27m, covering a distance of 4054 miles. The most popular route is Miami - Santa Cruz de la Sierra with an average flight time of 6h 50m.

What is the cheapest flight to Bolivia?

The cheapest ticket to Bolivia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $254 one-way, and $504 round-trip. The most popular route is from Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $504.

Which airlines fly to Bolivia?

BoA flies the most frequently from the United States to Bolivia.

What are the most popular destinations in Bolivia?

The next most popular destinations are La Paz (37%) and Cochabamba (5%). Searches for flights to Sucre (0.5%), to Uyuni (0.4%) and to Trinidad (0.4%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bolivia

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Bolivia flight deals.
• Bolivia has three major international airports. Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz is the busiest and receives direct flights from Miami. El Alto International Airport (LPB) is the second busiest, while Jorge Wilsterman International Airport is a great alternative to the two.
• If you wish to fly to Bolivia from Boston, you’ll find one-stop flights to Santa Cruz Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) departing from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Airlines offering one-stop flights to Bolivia from BOS include Copa Airlines, JetBlue, Boliviana de Aviación Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and LATAM Airlines.
• Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz is the hub for Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), the national carrier of Bolivia. If you are connecting to several cities in Bolivia, consider booking your flight with BoA airlines, as they have many connections from VVI.
• Travelers planning to visit the resort town of Copa Cabana in Bolivia should fly into El Alto International Airport (LPB), around 3 to 4 hours away by road. Alternatively, you can fly to Juliaca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) in neighboring Peru, approximately 2 to 3 hours away by road. You can take a bus, private car, or taxi to Copa Cabana.
• If you're flying to Bolivia from the West Coast, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) operates most flights from the US to Bolivia, with San Francisco International (SFO) only operating a handful. Consider booking your flight from LAX over SFO.
• For a place to relax after a long flight to Miami, you can check into one of the lounges at VVI, including Santa Cruz De La Sierra and The Lounge VIP Domestic. They have comfortable spaces and serve different cuisines.
• El Alto International Airport (LPB) is the best airport to fly into if you're flying to Eastern Bolivia. LPB airport is in one of Bolivia's capitals, La Paz, and is the biggest airport in Eastern Bolivia, serving flights from the US.
• Bolivia's second capital Sucre is served by Sucre Alcantari International Airport (SRE). Daily domestic flights from VVI serve the airport, so if you're heading to Sucre, consider first flying into VVI and then connecting to SRE.
• If you plan to visit the famous Lake Titicaca and the ancient Inca civilizations in southern Bolivia, the best airport to fly into is Jorge Wilsterman International Airport; CBB operates several nonstop flights to Uyuni Airport, a short drive from the lake.
• If you plan to tour Bolivia, the country, and not a particular city, consider booking open jaw tickets over a round-trip ticket from a particular Bolivia airport. Open-jaw tickets will save you time and money, allowing you to get back to the US from a different airport other than your arrival airport.
• Those who wish to fly nonstop from the eastern United States to Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Bolivia can do so by booking a ticket with either Copa Airlines or American Airlines that departs from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and arrives at VVI.
• JFK is the most common point of departure for passengers flying to El Alto International Airport (LPB) in Bolivia from the East Coast of the United States. Passengers from this airport can fly with just one stop with Avianca Airlines via Bogota or two stops in Punta Cana and Bogota via JetBlue.
• The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a popular choice for vacationers who reside in the central part of the United States and who have travel plans, including a stop at El Alto International Airport (LPB) in Bolivia. Travelers with United Airlines and JetBlue Airlines who depart from DFW have various nonstop flight options to select from to get to their final destinations.
• If you are flying to Bolivia from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on a one-stop flight through Miami International Airport (MIA), you can enjoy a variety of foods and drinks at the American Airlines flagship lounge while waiting to catch your flight to Viru Viru International Airport (VVI).
• VVI, which is conveniently located in central Bolivia, acts as an ideal airport choice if you are traveling to cities around Bolivia. Travelers residing in Chicago can take a one-stop flight from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). If you fly using Copa Airlines, your layover will be at Panama City, while choosing BoA Airlines will mean you stop in Miami.
• You can take a one-stop or two-stop flight from LaGuardia Airport (LGA), operated by BoA Airlines or American Airlines, and land at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) if you plan to travel to the northern region of Bolivia from New York. After that, a BoA or Amaszonas Airlines direct flight will take you to Guayaramerin airport.
• If you intend to leave the northwest United States for Bolivia, you could take three-stop flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to El Alto International Airport (LPB) on BoA Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Copa Airlines.

Top 5 airlines flying to Bolivia

Copa performed as expected for the amount of money I was willing to spend for the flight; it wasn’t exceptional but it was not bad in any way either. The crew was good; friendly and straightforward. The food was airplane food, so no expectations there and the entertainment was lacking but that was my fault for owning an IPhone with a charging port that’s not compatible with the rest of the world. I’d fly Copa again.

Left my bags in origin city on a business class ticket , spent about 2-3 days in the same clothes plus the flight .

the planes are not modern there are no phone chargers

As usual, the flight with normal legroom was not very comfortable, but the second flight was much better because we had paid for extra legroom. It was very nice to check our bags without an extra fee.

LOCKED MY BAG WITHOUT CONSENT. Had to have my zippers cut upon arrival in Costa Rica.

I didn't realize they didn't have bathrooms on the plane. Almost had a very bad situation.

Everything was as you would expect in coach - fine. Flight was close to on time.

No air in the middle rows. Had a hard time breathing. Was dying of heat.

Horrific checkin procedure with neither Delta nor Latam figuring out how to check me in. 4 hrs on customer support with both and both airlines pointing to each other who should do checking. I was not checked in until morning of flight, which for international flight is concerning.

Flight from Lima to São Paulo didn’t have USB plug to charge the cellphone.

It was ok for the most part, it is missing something

It was a good experience, the flight was a little too long & the food was ok

Awful, horrible customer service. Flight got delayed and had to spend y the night in Bogota as a result. Very poor

the flight from Boston to Curitiba was on time actually 30 minutes earlier. latam was not able to unload the luggage for custom checkup in Sao Paulo ii took two and half hours . i missed the flight to Curitiba spend the night in hotel and then flying in the morning to Curitiba

Tough flight with turbulence… I was told by a fellow passenger that it is common. Nonetheless, very stressful. Cordial staff.

No water for a 5 hour flight entertainment not working seats with little room for knees when person in front of me reclined kept bumping my knees.

I don't think anyone actually reads these comments, so I won't spend much time on this submission. If you want to talk, you know how to reach me. The D/FW manager of Avianca (self-identified), Juan Calderon, insisted I buy an onward ticket from San Salvador even though I have diplomatic status in El Salvador and live here. It cost me $1,393 and Mr Calderon would not let me make the ticked flexible so I could get a refund. He went out of his way to be rude to me. He gave me seat 32K -- windowless window seat in the last row and did not offer to let me upgrade even though there were plenty of seats. I have flown well over a million miles in my life and this is the worst experience I have ever had. I would like a refund on the ticket I was forced to buy. Just awful!

This is the Spirit of Latino travel. And don’t even get me started on customer service.

Awful. I checked in online and there was no option to pay for baggage, at the airport when I checked in my baggage was received and Iwas not charged. When I got to LA during the boarding process I was told I didn't pay for baggage, the crew resolved I was let in the plane. When I got to my final destination my baggage was not there. It took me two days to receive my baggage. Bad service ever!

There was no food or drink service, couldn’t even get a glass of water for free. It was a long and expensive flight to not offer food or beverage on the plane.

It is better at the jfk than my home country. It was very easy and everything was on time.

There is no food. There is no in-inflight entertainment. The seats are cardboard. The airline is a living hellscape.

My experience was amazing! They helped my elderly mother board on early through a wheelchair and were accommodating to have us sit together since our seats were in different locations. When landing at the airport in GUA they were very helpful with full of hospitality.

No complimentary snacks food, beverage (not even water), pillow and blanket on a 6 hours long flight (including economy comfort). A low form of nickeling an diming. Lost a recurring passanger over a soda. Avianca never again.

Flight departure late. Got late in Colombia making us take a different flight next day. Avianca airport crew messed up my ticket so when a I got in Brazil I didn’t have a ticket for my destination. Had to buy a new ticket out of my pocket.

Due to one crew member not showing up to work, our flight was significantly delayed causing us to miss our connecting flight in Houston to Mississippi causing us to be delayed by more than 6 hours and missing our event all together. Very disappointing. All because ONE crew member called in sick. United did grant us a $15 meal voucher, which was a small but appreciated concession that I wasn’t able to use because I ordered my lunch and paid for it before applying the concession, and the staff said it was too late to use it. Ugh! We also had a TWO delay coming back from Mississippi, but that was on American Airlines and it was due to weather, so not their fault. Anyway, not at all impressed with United’s handling of our flight and the HUGE disappointment of missing our important family event for our 90 year old mother. All that money and all that stress and emotions for nothing. Having to wait the hour to bring an employee from LAX seemed like something that should not have happened. Why don’t you have a local back-up? Santa Ana is not a little airport in a rural area.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

I just wrote a text which was supposed to be for the flight from Denver to spokane not Frankfurt to Denver.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

Hated every minute of it. This flight should have only taken 1.5hrs but was delayed over 10hours. Now I am being told I cannot be compensated or refunded my ticket price or extra leg room, which I purchased but did not receive, because the airline is throwing the blame on the 3rd party I purchased tickets through and 3rd party putting the blame on airline. No one wants to help. They received their money and that's all they care about. Im going on 3 days of still trying to get to my final destination, had to cancel car rental, car insurance and hotel. Currently staying in airport until hotels open up. Thank you Lufthansa, Kayak, Underpricer and United for making this trip the worst ever.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

the flight from Tampa departed with a delay. The food on board was poor, usually on international airlines alcoholic beverages are offered free of charge , but here it was for a fee, the cutlery was wooden, there were no hot drinks (tea, coffee). Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the portions of food, but it wouldn't have been enough for a child either.And in the future, I will try not to use the services of this airline

This airline and their crew is so professional and kind, the trip was short and easy.

It was a very smooth process. Everything about the Airline like a well oiled machine.

Muy horrible experiencia, cambiaron dos veces la hora del vuelo resultando en una espera exagerada. No dan información oportuna. Abordadnos el avión retrasado el vuelo y esperamos dentro del avión por 35’ más mientras subían como 6 carros de cajas al avión. Muy mala logística y servicio.

6 horas de retraso en el vuelo sin ninguna explicación por parte de la aerolínea.

Always late, the service is a sandwich, no comfort at all…

They had a problem with their air conditioning system and we almost had heat strokes because they blasted HEATED AIR for almost 40 minutes and there was literally no air. This is the worst airline in Bolivia. Can't believe we have no other options sometimes.

BOA is truly the worst airline in Bolivia. It's a shame we sometimes need to use it cause we have no more options.

BOA airplanes are so old and dirty, the bathroom was so nasty, it smelled so bad and had tape all over the cabinets. My chair wouldn't recline, we had no entertainment, the flight was super cold. The only positive thing about this flight is that I feel it's so old that they even serve food, like in the past! I travel a lot and nowadays the companies only serve some snacks or sometimes offer something to eat if you pay. Not the case with this flight. Never again flying with BOA. They are definetly the worst.

This airline is always THE WORST. They seem to have flights moving to other times (late) 90% of the time. The airplanes are old, and the landing (i really don't know why) is 90% of the time shaky. I actually never buy tickets from BOA, I prefer other airlines by far.

This is one of the oldest airplanes I've ever been in. No tv, no entertainment at all, seats are SO UNCOMFORTABLE and the whole flight was so cold. It's the worst flight ever. Avoid it.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Bolivia travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 19, 2024 11:06 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, bolivia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the continuing political and social tensions and frequent illegal roadblocks throughout the country.

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Roadblocks are common, may be erected suddenly, and can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. They have stranded travellers for several days. The following are particularly vulnerable to blockades:

• all roads in border areas, especially along the Bolivia–Peru border
• roads leading to international airports
• main roads leading to large cities

Before departure, check with your airline to determine if there are delays or changes in flight schedules.

If you plan to take a road trip:

• review your travel plans to determine if they will be affected by demonstrations or civil unrest
• take personal security measures
• monitor local media

Once a roadblock is in place, local authorities, officials and vendors will not be able to enter or exit the city to provide supplies to stranded travellers. As a precaution, you should take extra:

• warm clothing

Don't cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended. This may aggravate the situation and lead to physical harm. Instead, consider:

• taking an alternative safer route
• returning to your place of departure

Road closures and blockages – Bolivian Highway Administrator (in Spanish)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and labour strikes occur frequently, often with little or no notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Protesters often use dynamite during protests.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in large cities, including La Paz and Santa Cruz. Thieves target tourist areas and public transport.

Criminals often operate in organized groups. They will distract victims while an accomplice steals from them. Strategies include:

• staging a fight
• starting a conversation or offering help
• blocking a sidewalk
• throwing an object or liquid on the victims, then offering to help clean up
• posing as a victim of crime
• posing as a law enforcement officer
• using a young child to lure a tourist to a separate location

To avoid becoming a victim of theft:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• don't travel alone, especially at night
• be cautious of strangers approaching you
• remain alert to your surroundings at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence
• avoid carrying large sums of money
• keep cellphones, cameras and other electronic equipment out of sight

Violent and drug-related crime

Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but does occur. Foreigners have been victims of armed robberies and assaults at tourist destinations.

Violent crime, carjacking and civil unrest, mainly associated with drug trafficking, pose risks in:

• the Chapare area between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba
• the Yungas region, northeast of La Paz
• all borders with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Peru

You should avoid visits to prisons offered by unscrupulous guides, as prison guards cannot guarantee your security.

Express kidnapping

Express kidnappings have occurred at tourist destinations. Criminals ask for small, immediate ransoms. The kidnappers usually force their victims to withdraw funds from an ATM or to arrange for family or friends to pay the ransom. This ploy is often used by criminal taxi drivers, who pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates. These kidnappings are committed by organized gangs and occur throughout the country.

• Use only reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps
• Avoid hailing taxis on the street
• If armed criminals threaten you, cooperate and don't resist

Vehicle and auto-parts theft, as well as theft from vehicles, are a problem throughout Bolivia.

• Keep valuables in the trunk, and only when necessary
• Park your car in a supervised lot
• Keep windows and doors locked at all times

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• Pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Fraudulent police officers

Criminals often pose as police officers and ask to examine the traveller's belongings or ask the traveller to accompany them to a bogus police station, sometimes in collusion with a criminal posing as a taxi driver or another passenger.

Under Bolivian law, there's no obligation to go with an officer to a police station unless they have a formal written request from a judge with your name on it. Any search or seizure must occur at a genuine police station in the presence of the prosecutor.

If you're stopped while travelling by someone claiming to be a local authority, ask to see their official identification.

Medical scams

Canadians visiting Bolivia for surgical procedures have reported falling victim to scams by medical companies that insist on retaining passports as collateral. Once the procedure is complete, the company attempts to extort more money from the patient before returning their passport.

If your passport is inaccessible due to such a situation, you may not be able to receive full passport services. You may also be subject to investigation by Passport Canada.

• Carefully research medical clinics if you plan to travel to Bolivia for medical services
• Never hand over your passport to anyone

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Sexual assaults occur periodically, including at clubs and hostels.

• Be cautious when dealing with strangers and new acquaintances
• Lock your room when you return to your hotel/hostel.

Advice for women travellers

Water activities

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

If you take a boat tour:

• make sure the vessel you are boarding is carrying appropriate safety equipment and that life jackets are provided for all passengers and accessible at all times
• don't board vessels that appear overloaded or unsafe
• verify the safety standards of ferries with your tour operator

If in doubt about the safety of the facilities or equipment, don't use them.

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

There are no official minimum safety standards for tour operators.

Only participate in tours in Uyuni, jungle expeditions, boat trips, mountain biking and other adventure activities with well-established companies. Ensure that your travel insurance covers your recreational activities.

Hiking and trekking

Be vigilant when hiking or trekking:

• in the areas surrounding La Paz, such as the Muela del Diablo
• near Rurrenabaque
• the Bolivian Andes
• in the Yungas region
• on the Inca trail

Criminals have targeted tourists in these areas.

If you intend to hike or trek:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you're properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• stay away from stray dogs, which can be aggressive and carry rabies
• obtain detailed information on hiking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Spiritual cleansing ceremonies

Spiritual cleansing ceremonies involving hallucinogenic substances (ayahuasca, peyote, San Pedro, etc.) have led to serious illness, injury, assault and even the deaths of several tourists.

Ceremonies involve consuming substances that can cause medical complications and severely impair cognitive and physical abilities. They often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health facilities or resources. Often, there is no access to communications with local authorities. Facilities generally lack basic first aid or emergency plans to help those suffering from physical or psychological illness during these ceremonies.

Spiritual cleansing ceremonies are not regulated and individuals offering them are not licensed. There is no way to assess the safety of any of the services or the operators.

Avoid participating in spiritual cleansing ceremonies using hallucinogenic substances.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Accidents and fatalities are common.

Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season.

Although improved highways connect Cochabamba, La Paz, Santa Cruz and Sucre, many roads in Bolivia are unpaved. The old Yungas road is considered one of the world's most dangerous roads.

Many vehicles are poorly maintained.

Outside major cities, four-wheel-drive vehicles are necessary, especially in mountainous areas.

Common road hazards include:

• narrow, winding roads
• lack of guardrails on mountain roads
• inadequate or non-existent street lighting
• lack of signage
• poorly marked construction sites
• unpaved roads and potholes
• unfavourable weather conditions, sometimes causing landslides

Many drivers lack formal training and don't respect traffic laws. They may drive:

• aggressively and recklessly
• at high speeds
• while intoxicated
• without lights turned on at night

Public transportation

Public transportation, including buses, trains, shared and unlicensed taxis, and mini-buses, is unsafe. The level of crime is high in vehicles and at transportation hubs. Accidents are common due to:

• poor maintenance of vehicles
• lack of safety standards
• poor road conditions

Local and intercity buses are frequently involved in traffic accidents, especially overnight buses. Accidents involving less reputable, poorly maintained tourist buses have caused injuries and fatalities among tourists.

Use only tour buses operated by well-known, reputable companies for trips. If you have any doubt about the safety of a bus or its driver, use another company.

If you choose to travel by intercity bus, exercise caution in:

• La Paz bus terminals, including the main bus terminal on Peru Avenue in Zona Norte, the terminal near the La Paz cemetery, and the Minasa terminal in Zona Villa Fatima, due to petty crime
• the Santa Cruz bus/train terminal, where violent crimes against foreigners have occurred
• Coronilla Hill, adjacent to the main bus terminal in Cochabamba, due to assaults

Many taxis are poorly maintained and may not have functional seatbelts.

Avoid hailing taxis on the street. Instead, call radio taxi companies that are registered with authorities from a landline or from a hotel. Radio taxis are identifiable by the telephone number and name of the taxi company on the vehicle's roof.

• Take note of the taxi's registration and telephone numbers before you depart
• Pay special attention when taking taxis to and from airports, particularly in Santa Cruz and La Paz, where bandits are known to rob tourists
• Decline transportation from people offering cheaper fares
• Never share a taxi with strangers
• Avoid taking motorcycle taxis
• Negotiate the fare with the driver before departure, as taxis are not equipped with meters

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Bolivian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Bolivia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days Business visa: required  Student visa: required Volunteer work visa: required

Registration

All foreign residents and tourists must register their home or accommodation address online, using the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG). This can be done prior to arrival in Bolivia.

If you have not completed the electronic registration prior to arriving in Bolivia, immigration inspectors at the port of entry will register you and give you further instructions. Your registration must include lodging information for your entire stay. If you fail to comply, you will be subject to fines upon leaving the country.

Address registration – General Directorate of Migration (in Spanish)

Extensions of stay

If you’re a tourist wishing to stay for more than 30 days, you must apply at the General Directorate of Migration to obtain a tourist visa for another 30 days before the end of the first 30-day period. This extension can be obtained twice, at no extra cost and to a maximum of 90 days during one calendar year.

If you have overstayed the 90-day period without proper authorization, you may be fined upon departure.

General Directorate of Migration - Government of Bolivia

Other entry and exit requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Immigration officials will give you an immigration card when you arrive. Make sure to keep it, as they will ask for it when you leave the country.

When arriving by land, ensure your passport receives an exit stamp from the country you’re leaving and an entry stamp from Bolivia. If you fail to do so, you’ll be fined upon departure. Avoid travelling at night, when border officials and police may not be present.

Children and travel

Bolivia has strict requirements for the entry and exit of persons under the age of 18, including special documentation.

Parents of children travelling alone, with 1 parent or with another individual are strongly encouraged to contact the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate before departure to ensure that the latest entry and exit requirements, which may change without notice, are met.

• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Quality of health care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is available only in private hospitals in larger cities. Public medical services and facilities don’t meet Canadian standards. There’s limited access to health care facilities in rural areas, and very limited ambulance service throughout Bolivia. Evacuation by air ambulance can be difficult. Some air ambulance providers are unable to fly into locations at higher altitudes, such as La Paz.

Many clinics and hospitals accept payment in cash only. They may require upfront payment or refuse to allow you to leave their premises until you’ve paid for services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive. You may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

If you take prescription medications, it’s your responsibility to determine their legality in Bolivia.

• Bring sufficient quantities with you
• Always keep them in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Some prescription medications are considered as narcotics in Bolivia. Consult the list of controlled substances to avoid trouble.

Bolivia’s list of controlled substances  – Vice Ministry of Social Defence and Controlled Substances (in Spanish)

Altitude sickness

Some parts of Bolivia, including La Paz, Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca, are located at high altitudes. Some travellers may develop altitude sickness, which can be fatal. Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms.

Travel to High Altitudes – U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Bolivian drug laws include a zero tolerance policy. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Travellers have fallen victim to scams in which illegal drugs are hidden inside objects or luggage that an acquaintance has asked them to bring to or take away from Bolivia. Dating websites are reportedly a source of such scams.

• Pack your own luggage
• Never transport luggage or packages on behalf of another person

Unlicensed bars

Unlicensed bars in Bolivia are illegal. They are known to sell drugs and should be avoided. Police may detain and question you if they raid the establishment, even if you’re not consuming any illegal substances.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It’s illegal to export any item that the Bolivian government considers a national treasure ( patrimonio cultural ) without formal written permission from the Ministry of Culture, including:

• pre-Columbian artifacts
• historical paintings
• items of Spanish colonial architecture and history
• native textiles
• flora, fauna and fossils

Any type of excavation for fossils or collection of fossils without prior written authorization is illegal.

Identification

Police and immigration officials occasionally conduct identification checks. Carry copies of the identification and Bolivian entry stamp pages of your passport when you’re out.

Photography

Locals may find the presence of photographers intrusive, particularly in remote areas.

• Be careful when travelling with cameras and communications devices
• Ask for permission before you photograph people, especially children

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Bolivian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Homosexuality is increasingly socially accepted, but much of Bolivian society remains conservative. 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Bolivia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Bolivia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

Military service

Military service is compulsory in Bolivia. Males aged 18 or over who are dual citizens must undertake military service upon arrival in the country.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Bolivia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Bolivia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Bolivia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must carry an international driving permit to rent or drive a vehicle.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%. If the police suspect you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot and apply heavy fines and jail sentences.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident, remain at the scene until local police arrive. Attempting to leave the scene violates Bolivian law.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Bolivia is the boliviano (BOB).

Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted outside urban centres. Carry small bank notes to facilitate daily transactions such as:

• street food

U.S. dollars are widely accepted. There is a shortage of U.S. dollars. Banks and ATMs are currently not dispensing U.S. dollars.

It’s difficult to exchange Canadian dollars in Bolivia. Bring U.S. dollars if you need to exchange cash.

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to March.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Heavy rains may contribute to dangerous landslides. In particular, the Uyuni Salt Flats become dangerous to visit in the rainy season.

If you decide to travel to Bolivia during the rainy season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

There is a risk of forest fires during the dry season, from July to October. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a significant fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• follow the advice of local authorities

Latest alerts – Vice Ministry of Civil Defence

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• firefighters: 119
• gender-based violence: 800-14-0348
• ambulance service in La Paz: 165
• tourist police in La Paz: +591-2-222-5016

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Bolivia (Program Office), in La Paz, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Bolivia Tours & Vacations

Bold and brash, Bolivia lifts travelers to its dizzying heights with stunning scenery, legendary landmarks and a rich, indigenous heritage.

Bolivia is an energetic, enigmatic piece of South American sorcery – alive with passion, awash with color, connected to the past but living very much in the present. Soak in thermal baths surrounded by erupting geysers and desert; marvel at ruins on Lake Titicaca’s Island of the Sun (the mythical birthplace of Inca civilization); saddle up and tour Old Sucre’s monastic buildings and, of course, check out the mega salt-lick of the Salar de Uyuni – it’s like being on a snowfield…but with flamingos!

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Bolivia at a glance

Capital city.

Sucre (constitutional, population 290,891); La Paz (administrative, population 1,908,000)

12.08 million

Bolivian boliviano (BOB)

Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani

(GMT-04:00) La Paz

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin)

Learn more about Bolivia

Culture and customs.

Bolivia is a highly stratified nation where lifestyle and wealth vary greatly with geography. Cities tend to be wealthy and enjoy modern luxuries like art, theatre and international cuisine. Conversely, life in the rural highlands is tough. Many live without running water, heat and electricity. The highland population is almost entirely indigenous (the Quechua and the Aymara are the two largest groups) and most earn a living through farming.  

What unifies many Bolivians is a love of family, soccer and religion. About 80% are Catholic, and practice with a mixture of indigenous customs and beliefs. This is how a place like the Witches Market, which sells tokens and trinkets meant to appease the Aymara gods, can coexist right next to the historic Church of San Francisco in La Paz. In fact, the church itself features carvings of masked figures, snakes, dragons and other indigenous symbols.

Regardless of wealth or socioeconomic status, Bolivians are taught to be well-mannered and to respect their elders. Visitors should remember to mind their p’s and q’s – say ‘por favor’ (please), ‘gracias’ (thank you) and remember to call anyone older than you ‘senor’ or ‘senora’. Just don’t expect a local to be punctual for an appointment – the nation as a whole is almost always fashionably late.

Food and drink

Bolivian cuisine varies with altitude. Spicy, carb-heavy Aymaran cuisine featuring potatoes, rice, quinoa and meat dominate the highlands, whereas lowland dishes are typically lighter, milder and focus more on yucca, fruit, vegetables and seafood.

Things to try in Bolivia

1. Saltenas

These baked hand-held pies are filled with meat, vegetables, eggs and olives. A popular breakfast choice, you’ll see vendors selling them on almost every corner in the morning. For a midday snack, opt for a tucumanas instead, which is similar to a saltenas but deep-fried instead of baked.

2. Sandwich de chola

This sandwich stuffed with roast pork, pickled vegetables and salsa is a food stall favourite in La Paz. Wash it down with a refreshing beer for the perfect cheap meal.

3. Anticuchos

Skewers of grilled cow heart, lathered in spicy peanut sauce and accompanied by a potato is the late-night snack of choice for most Bolivians.

Tea made from coca leaves (mate de coca) is a popular drink that doubles as an antidote to altitude sickness. Bolivians also drink a lot of trimate tea, a fragrant combination of chamomile, coca and anise

Geography and environment

This landlocked South American nation shares its border with Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The Andes Mountain range, containing dormant volcanoes and snow-capped peaks, occupy the western half of the country. A wide range of landscapes can be found within the high plains of these mountains, where flamingos, llamas, and vicunas wander deserts dotted with lakes.

Dried-up ancient lakes have produced several salt flats – including Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, containing 10 billion tonnes of salt. Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water, is located at the border with Peru, and the country’s largest city, La Paz, is nestled here at 11,500ft (3,500 m) above sea level. Mountains give way to rolling hills, narrow valleys, and numerous rivers in the east. Fertile, semitropical valleys characterize the northeast, whereas semi-arid plains cover the southern region.

Traditional handicrafts are the primary goods on offer in Bolivia. Weavers from Sucre produce quality textiles in red and black designs. Artisans in Cochabamba are known for producing ceramics, whereas the lowlands around Santa Cruz, Trinidad, and the Amazon Basin excel at crafts in tropical woods. Prices are generally cheaper at the point of original production, but in the absence of that, visit Calle Sagarnaga in La Paz for all your shopping needs. You’ll find thousands of stores here selling everything from alpaca sweaters to leather bags to good-luck charms. Or visit the Sunday market in Tarabuco – located about an hour outside of Sucre, it’s considered one of the best markets in Bolivia.

Keep in mind that bargaining is not part of the Bolivian culture, so prices are usually fixed, and most markets and vendors deal only with cash. When possible, try to carry small bills and coins as many vendors have difficulty making change for bills larger than BOB 10, especially in smaller towns.

Festivals and events

Copacabana festival de la virgen de candelaria.

This normally sleepy town on Lake Titicaca celebrates its patron saint (also known as the Dark Virgin of the Lake) with a big and boisterous bash each February. Parades, colorful costumes, music, traditional Aymara dancing and a whole lot of drinking and celebrating are part of this three-day affair.

Tarabuco Pujllay Festival

Each March, Tarabuco hosts a two-day fiesta to celebrate Bolivia’s 1816 victory over the Spanish. Whether you choose to take in the parade of musicians and dancers in colorful traditional costumes, shop the town’s famous Sunday market, or take a swig from the shared chicha gourd – there’s a lot going on at this important annual event.

Fiesta del Gran Poder (Festival of Great Power)

Part act of religious devotion, part riotous party, this massive annual event is all Aymaran. Each May or June, thousands of dancers decked in elaborate embroidered costumes dance and drink their way through the city to commemorate El Senor del Gran Poder (also known as Jesus Christ).

Oruro Carnival

Take all of the spectacle of Brazil’s famous carnival, add the dizzying heights of the Altiplano plains, and you have Oruro’s Carnival – Bolivia’s biggest cultural event and the best carnival party in the country.

Further reading

Bolivia travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to visit Bolivia?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Bolivia?

While tipping isn’t mandatory in Bolivia, it is customary to add spare change to restaurant bills. Many bars and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill.

What is the internet access like in Bolivia?

Internet can be accessed at hotels and internet cafes in large cities and tourist areas, but is limited in rural and remote areas. Internet is not accessible traveling through the Uyuni desert.

Can I use my cell phone while in Bolivia?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Bolivia’s urban areas, but may not be available in more remote and mountainous areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Bolivia?

Bolivia has a mix of both Western-style flushable toilets and squat toilets. In some cases you may be asked for a small fee to use public toilets, which is used to pay cleaners. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are not always provided.

What will it cost for a...?

City bus fare = 1.50 BOB Cup of coffee in a cafe = 10 BOB Bottle or can of beer = 10 BOB Simple lunch = 20-25 BOB Dinner in a restaurant = 80 BOB

Can I drink the tap water in Bolivia?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Bolivia. Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Ask your leader or the hotel where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Bolivia?

Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers, and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors and family-run restaurants and market stalls. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Bolivia?

ATMs are widely available in larger cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas. ATMs are not accessible traveling through the Uyuni desert.

What public holidays are celebrated in Bolivia?

• 1 Jan: New Year’s Day
• 4 Mar: Carnival*
• 19 Apr: Good Friday*
• 1 May: Labor Day
• 20 Jun: Corpus Christi*
• 6 Aug: Independence Day
• 12 Oct: Columbus Day
• 2 Nov: All Saint’s Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas

*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Bolivia please go to the World Travel Guide Website

Will I experience altitude sickness in Bolivia?

Most people can start to feel the effects of altitude at over 2000 m (6561 ft) regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of traveling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. It’s important to take it easy, drink plenty of water, and speak to your group leader at once if you feel unwell.

We recommend seeing your doctor if you have any health concerns before undertaking the trip. Particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take any medication.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Bolivia?

Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Many South and Central America countries pose a risk (including Argentina, Brazil and Colombia), so if you are planning on visiting other nearby nations, you may be required to get this vaccine. Please note that your home country may also require proof of yellow fever vaccination on return from Bolivia. Consult your nearest embassy for more information. 

Visit your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date advice and make sure to schedule your vaccination 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some may require time to become effective. No other vaccines are required in order to enter Bolivia but some are recommended for protection against disease.

Is Bolivia a safe destination for LGBTQI-travelers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travelers in Bolivia. Same-sex unions are illegal and homosexuality is not widely accepted, although an underground gay scene can be found in larger cities, particularly Santa Cruz and La Paz.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex  or ILGA before you travel.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Bolivia Travel Guide [2024] – Everything to Know

Covid-Related Travel Update Jan 2024: Bolivia is now open to international travelers. As far as I have researched, Bolivia doesn’t seem to have any travel restrictions. Please do consult your local Bolivian embassy for precise information at the time of travel.

When I think of Bolivia, I remember stout, brick-red mountains. Women adorning traditional Bolivian clothes mending potatoes in fluorescent open fields. Bolivian men with wrinkled faces driving taxi up the steep streets and roads.

Potato and cheese empanadas being sold in kiosks on the streets in Bolivia. Bolivian soaps running on the television in local food courts.

People marching against the democratic government and Chile. Golden sunshine beaming in through the blue sky.

Enormous graffitis watching us from the walls of the big city of La Paz. The charismatic Uyuni salt flats and the blue lagoons sprinkled with pink flamingoes spread in the midst of the driest desert of the world. Tiny villages bustling with international tourists who went there looking for a simpler life from around the world.

The gorgeous high lake Titicaca where the indigenous Bolivian people first established themselves but now only a couple of thousand Bolivians live on the legendary islands on the lake. Sky trolleys flying people from their homes to run their chores in the administrative capital of La Paz. And the clingy high altitude that never leaves you oxygenated while you are traveling in Bolivia.

When I visited Bolivia from Peru , a year and a half ago, I didn’t know what to expect. Though I had been backpacking South America alone (Peru and Chile) by that time for around 7–8 months, I had understood that the continent was prepared to surprise me every day. I am sure that South America amazed the travelers from developed countries, such as the US, Canada, Europe, UK, and Australia, much more than it could ever surprise me; Not because I was half-Latino and half-Indian, though that would have been great but don’t tell my parents, but because I am used to the nuisances and problems of developing countries. And though the Bolivians have tried many governments, Bolivia has been one of the poorest and politically unstable states since its independence in 1825.

There was an undercurrent of a throttled economy that was too strong to ignore. The country’s finance runs mostly on agriculture, tourism, mining, oil, and gas. Bolivian people have to work hard to make a living which they mostly did by working in fields, cooking and selling foods in restaurants, running some part of the tourism industry, and the rest worked in mining industries, or with oil and gas corporations.

Due to the lack of jobs, you will see many Bolivians strolling around the central plaza or the square during the day and in the evenings. There was no London or New York or Mumbai like rush amongst Bolivians, except maybe in La Paz, and even there the speed of a Bolivian man or woman was one-tenth of a regular London worker speeding to the tube to get the earliest one and save 2–3 minutes.

I love the idea of a slow pace, but it would have been nicer if it wasn’t due to the lack of opportunities.

After traveling in Bolivia for about a month, I feel that this country is unique. I have mentioned some interesting facts about Bolivia above that make the country distinctive, but mainly I call Bolivia special as this country is an intriguing blend of raw nature, that is mostly undisturbed as not many people still visit Bolivia, and tough citizens who have made mountains their home and climb vertical streets as soon as they get out of the comfort of their places.

I loved my time in Bolivia. Let me take you through this Bolivia travel guide, and you will understand why, if I haven’t made it clear enough, yet.

Also Read: Best Experiences from my nine-months-long  solo South-America Trip

What does this Bolivia travel guide contain?

Where is bolivia, how is the landscape and geography of bolivia.

• How to handle the altitude in Bolivia? And how the altitude could be related to cocaine consumption and production?

Is it safe to travel to Bolivia?

• History of Bolivia.

What type of government does Bolivia have?

What is the population of bolivia, what language is spoken in bolivia, how are the bolivian people, what is the best time to visit bolivia.

• El Salar de Uyuni, or Salt Flats Uyuni and Uyuni
• Copacabana and Isla del Sol
• Parque Nacional Toro-Toro

How to get a Bolivian tourist visa?

How to travel to bolivia, how to travel within bolivia, is bolivia expensive on a traveler’s budget, how should you carry money on your bolivia travel, what to pack for bolivia what to wear in bolivia, do you need a yellow fever vaccination for bolivia, how is bolivian food.

Bolivia is a landlocked country located in the center of the South-American continent where it shares borders with Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile, clockwise in that order. The country shares the Atacama desert with Chile and the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, with Peru.

Bolivian geography ranges from the Atacama desert to the high altiplano or the highlands and hills of the Andes mountains to the Amazon basin, which the country shares with other South-American countries.

I found the Bolivian landscape to be pretty surreal. The capital La Paz, one of the three big cities in Bolivia, is situated on the top of the Altiplano Andes, and you can see the Mt. Illimani in the background when the weather is clear. One day I was in the capital staring at a graffiti while high rainbow-colored mountains surrounded me from all directions, and Bolivians went about their days in sky trolleys as if everything was normal. Then the next day, I was wandering in quaint villages banked by an azure lake where life was much slower, and island towns where hippies roamed around selling handmade silver jewelry and bead bracelets.

I didn’t visit the Amazon in Bolivia, for I had already been to the Peruvian Amazon . But the landscape is flat there. Otherwise while traveling in Bolivia, you will find yourself struggling with its high altitude. So eat a lot and think of the roads as treadmills with an incline.

Suggested Read: Best things to do in Peru – With some of my secret places in Peru

How to handle the altitude in Bolivia? How the altitude could be related to cocaine consumption and production? 

When I was researching the production of cocaine in Bolivia for this article, the first link that Google gave me was of an online seller of Bolivian cocaine.

Due to my non-existent curiosity in researching a country before I go there, I didn’t know that Bolivia would be so high (no pun intended). I have had a fair share of experience with the high altitude in Peru, but in Bolivia, even the densely inhabited cities could throw you out of your energy irrespective of the number of banana shakes you had with your breakfast. I felt I was trekking throughout, except when I was in the eastern part of Bolivia, that is Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Samaipata .

How do people deal with the altitude? Bolivians chew raw leaves of coca, a cash crop, and drink coca tea and ask you to do the same. For the Bolivian people, the coca leaves are so important to relieve fatigue and enhance physical stamina, that the president Evo Morales chewed the leaves at a UN meeting to get their domestic consumption legalized. He said how could I have eaten them if they were drugs, and the UN agreed.

The country is the third-largest grower of coca leaves after Peru and Colombia and sells a high amount of those coca leaves to Peru, who then processes them and sells them to Brazil for producing cocaine.

There is an illegal underground cocaine bar in La Paz , and many travelers I met had been there. I don’t feel comfortable visiting such places for I don’t have any interest in cocaine. As an observer and a writer, I would have liked to go, but then the risks were too many. You just ask a taxi, and the driver will bring you to the bar.

All harms aside, drinking coca tea and chewing coca leaves are part of the culture. So when you ask at your hotel or a tour guide while going dizzy, they will give you a bag of those leaves. You can also buy them in the local market.

For your information and use, just stick to coca leaves. And remember that cocaine is illegal in Bolivia, and up to 50 grams of cocaine is decriminalized but still illegal. In your first days in the altitude, take it easy, eat and sleep well, and let your body adjust to the height.

Now let me deal head-on with the question that all travelers ponder over when they think about going to Bolivia.

I felt pretty safe in Bolivia.

During the one month that I was backpacking Bolivia, I had no incident of pickpocketing or ATM kidnapping or anything that you might find on the internet. Neither did any of my travel friends faced any safety threat.

Of course, we followed the usual protocols that travelers always take care of in a foreign land. Don’t venture out late at night alone, keep your wallets and phone safely, don’t ask for directions from strangers who could have easily been part of mafia gangs, be vigilant if you go out to drink at night, and stay away from people who might cause trouble or try to sell drugs, which happen a lot in every country these days, even in India.

You know, common sense.

I heard pickpocketing stories about El Alto though. So if you go there, keep your hands in your pockets while moving around or use a money pouch/fanny pack. I bought one from San Pedro, Chile and used it a few times in Bolivia.

I also heard a lot of traveler traveling in Bolivia that La Paz taxi drivers were notorious for taking the tourist to an ATM at gunpoint and then asking her to withdraw cash. But while traveling Bolivia I didn’t worry about the taxi drivers, not because I am a Ninja fighter, but I hadn’t read that the drivers were nasty. I met some of the nicest taxi drivers who brought me where I was supposed to go after driving around the sinewy lanes for a dog year’s time and in spite of the directions that sometimes read straight out of Harry Potter books. Another time the driver helped me find the embassy of India which was hidden in a residential apartment without any sign on the front door. In yet another case, a driver called my hostel at five in the morning to have us two traveler girls get inside while we were freezing outside the hostel which was neither picking up the phone nor was opening their gate.

Having said that, I was recently watching news of Delhi where an Uber taxi driver stopped his car on an empty highway, called his friends who threatened the family he was driving to give their valuables at gunpoint, and ran away. So maybe I was lucky on my Bolivia trip, or on most of my travels.

Don’t take the chance and ask your hotel to call for a registered taxi which they trust and that can be tracked.

I only heard about one incident of fraud when my Dutch friend booked a ticket to Brazil from Santa Cruz, boarded the bus, but when he arrived at the border, the bus driver told him that he had to get down. My friend said that he had booked a ticket until Pantanal, but the driver said that he was only booked until the border, and they couldn’t help him. So he was at the Bolivia-Brazil border, with almost zero bolivianos, no phone, and no easy commute to any humanity closeby.

Long story short, he arrived at Pantanal forty-three hours later with hunger hitting his stomach hard and fatigue shutting down his eyes.

But we have to be careful with bus companies and tour bookings always. Regular buses are notorious in Bolivia for petty thefts and delayed runs, so many people would advise you to take tourist buses such as Todo Turismo. I didn’t know that the regular buses might be dangerous, so I just took whatever bus fit in my time and budget. Once I had to make a trip back from San Pedro, Chile, to Uyuni to La Paz back to back in buses, and then from La Paz to Chile again as fast as I could (due to a visa fiasco whose tragic story is too long for me to rant here), I just went on with the bus that was ready to take me.

The overnight notorious bus from Uyuni to La Paz and vice-versa turned out to be safe, and we had no incidents. The overnight buses rarely stop, giving you plenty of time to sleep and relax. Buy tickets for the “bus cama” or sleeping bed type of seat type of buses in which you can sleep. The cheaper options might not be that comfortable.

Also remember, if a bus company promises to take you where you have asked them to, always make sure that you have a ticket to the destination, and not to a place that comes before, take a photo of your ticket, also do keep some local currency for emergencies, and try to board buses that arrive during day time.

Don’t carry your valuables when you go out and take soft copies of your visa and passport and not the actual ones.

The internet says a lot of bad things about Bolivia, which is expected since Bolivia is a poor South-American country. But Bolivia is safe to travel if you take the regular precautions.

Also Read: The day I was  mugged in Santiago, Chile

Now as we have moved on from the biggest concern of safety, let us talk about other things.

History of Bolivia

I wouldn’t have talked about Bolivian history if I didn’t find an excellent education website that explains the history in laymen’s terms.

Let us see if I will be able to make the most boring subject, mainly because of a monotonous teacher, into an interesting one.

After the fall of the mighty Tiwanaku empire who was located in the South of Lake Titicaca thousands of years ago, Incas invaded Bolivia in the 15th century and made it their home. But soon Spanish conquistadores, who overshadowed South America like an egoistic dark cloud who didn’t want to move, entered Bolivia and took control in 1525. Bolivians were ruled by the Spanish for around 300 years when under the guidance of Simon Bolivar, on whom the country is named after, overthrew the Spanish in 1809 to declare independence.

Even travelers need to read about a country’s history and government for when you know a state’s political philosophy, you understand a lot more about the country, and your expectations are also in place.

So, on I go.

Bolivia has had an unstable political condition for almost two centuries now. After independence, Bolivia lost many wars with her neighbors, and one of the most significant ones was against Chile in which Bolivia lost the Pacific coast and became land-locked. Though the war happened more than a hundred years ago, Bolivian citizens hold a long march against Chile on March 23 every year, and I witnessed the 2017th one in La Paz.

But apart from the wars, the country has had internal government issues and irrespective of the regime the people believed in, whether democratic or military, the political situation and the economy haven’t improved. Currently, the country has a presidential-represented democratic republic headed by Evo Morales since 2006.

Due to the unstable politics, Bolivia is constantly hit by too many strikes.

Update 2020: Evo Morales was forced to step down as the president and is now exiled in Argentina. The country is temporarily under control of the right-wing Jeanine Anez and the military.

Update October 2020: Current political information about La Paz: Bolivia’s year-long interregnum has finally ended , and Luis Acre formed the government in October 2020. The political unrests and the street protests should have ended now.

Don’t you want to know how many Bolivians you can expect to be surrounded by while walking on a road?

In 2018, the population was almost eleven(11) mn. Though India is only three times the size of Bolivia, our population is 122 times that of the Bolivian population.

An emphasis on the population to size skewness is essential because Latinos asked me about India’s population almost a hundred times, and when they heard that we are more than a billion, as if they didn’t know it already, they were shocked beyond measures.

Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are the three official languages of Bolivia. Not all the people can speak all the three, but about one-third of people speak Spanish. And most of the people who were born and brought up in Bolivia speak at least one of the native languages, which is Quechua and Aymara. Even though I spoke fluent Spanish by the time I was backpacking Bolivia, I understood neither a word of Quechua nor of Aymara. You are free to try your luck.

Bolivia is a favorite of travelers to learn Spanish. Many of my friends went to Sucre to learn in a Spanish school. They took one-on-one classes and felt happy about the pace of the course and the ability of their teachers.

Also Read:   Common Spanish phrases every traveler needs to know and my 25 tested and successful tips on teaching yourself a new language

Many travelers who had visited Bolivia told me that the Bolivian people are rude. I disagree. Though Bolivians are not so forthcoming as some other Latin American people, I will not call them rude. Service was always with a straight face, and I blame that to the lack of hospitality training.

As compared to the Chileans and Peruvians, Bolivian people asked me fewer questions about India. Not only the Bolivians were less excited about the tourists, overall, I even felt a hint of resentment, on some incidents. Though Bolivian’s cold behavior made me conscious at that moment, I don’t blame them in hindsight. For a country with such dire financial and political problems, citizens become frustrated.

Bolivian families pray to nature gods, which is much like many other Latin American countries and India. Women wear fluffy skirts, braid their hair in long buns hastened at the end with ribbons, and put on a bowler hat. These traditionally-dressed women are known as Cholitas, and their dressing style is trending now. Of course, when the president would celebrate his win in traditional attire, then that dress code is bound to get more eyeballs.

Traditional Bolivian men wear cotton trousers, bright ponchos, and woolen caps called chullas .

Identifying Bolivians wasn’t easy as some of them had features that are peculiar to people who live in the mountains, such as the people from the Himalayan belt in India, but a lot of Bolivian men and women resembled Europeans, too. And why wouldn’t they? Europeans constitute twelve(12) percent of the Bolivian population, and thirty percent(30) of the Bolivians are of a mixed race. Many Dutch hostel owners who have married Bolivian men and women and have settled in Samaipata(a Bolivian village) told me that they traveled to Bolivia years ago and could never leave.

Aymara and Quechua, the indigenous people, constitutes about forty-seven percent of the population.

Also Read:   13 Chilean cultural conventions that will surprise you

Now let us answer your specific questions about traveling in Bolivia.

I was traveling in Bolivia in March and April, which is when the summer ends as the Bolivian sun is the strongest from November to March. Though the country receives rainfall during summers, I don’t remember being thrashed by the rains even once. Now the scantiness of rain might mean that it was a dry summer or that I am getting more forgetful with age.

May to September are the coldest and driest months. And then comes along spring when it is not too cold, with a little rainfall, and more sunshine and this gay weather lasts until November.

Spring and early summer would be the best time to visit Bolivia for the pleasant climate, golden sunshine, and less rain.

What are the best places to visit in Bolivia?

During the one month that I traveled in Bolivia, I saw some gorgeous landscapes of Bolivia. Let me summarize those places here, for I have detailed posts coming up on most of them soon. Stay tuned. 

1. El Salar de Uyuni, or Salt Flats Uyuni and Uyuni 

The Salt Flats are the favorite of travelers and a quintessential place to experience when you travel to Bolivia. And why shouldn’t they be?

Uyuni salt flats are a vast, planar area that is covered with endless salt hexagons that fit together like a crossword puzzle. As per an Aymara legend, a love triangle between the surrounding mountains Kusina, Kusku, and Tunupa caused the formation of the salar. Kusku betrayed his wife Tunupa for the love of Kusina, and the sad Tunupa cried so much that she filled the area between the mountains with her tears.

And the scientific version narrates that the salt flats were formed when the growling Andean sun evaporated the water that had collected from the surrounding Andean peaks in the plane. Now the area which was a lake once holds ten(10) billion tonnes of salt that contains enormous lithium deposits underneath.

When it rains, the water collects to form natural reflective surface on the salt planes. Hence the salt flats are famous for reflection photographs, and also for trick photography as the salt is so ubiquitous that you can pretend anything to be anywhere.

A lot of travelers believe that they should book a tour to the salt flats before going to Uyuni. Though you might think that pre-booking the tour is essential, I suggest you go to the town of Uyuni and book the tour there. Most of the agencies always have availability, and they club the tourists together if they don’t have exactly 6 people, which is the average jeep size, so there is no point being particular about the company.

I arrived in Uyuni a night before the tour. In the morning, we went to many tour groups near the plaza and asked for the prices and availability. The company we traveled with had 4 Columbian women and were happy to add two of us to maximize the potential of the jeep and thus their profits. But the women resented us throughout the trip, and even smiling at us seem to have cost them a few flamingoes.

The town Uyuni doesn’t have much to see so you can either skip it or if you are forced to spend a day there get a hotel room, eat pizza, drink beer, and watch Netflix, which is what I did.

Where to stay — Many small hotels and hostels are located around the Uyuni plaza, and you can get a private or shared room for cheap. The accommodations are basic so don’t expect much. Or book a hotel with good ratings on booking.com which is what I do if I want to be sure. The tour provides you accommodation for three nights in the salt flats, and one of those nights you will stay at a hotel which is made out of salt, completely.

What to eat — All kinds of multi-cuisine restaurants sit on Uyuni’s main plaza or the central square. Hop onto any one of these places and try the versatile menu. I spent a day eating pizza and drinking juice at one of those eateries, and it even served hookah though I wasn’t in the mood to fill my lungs with flavored smoke. And if you walk away from the square, you will find small eating joints that serve local people. You will get delicious food on the tour, so for three days, you will be the king.

Also Read: My guide to the Salt Flats Tour in Uyuni, Bolivia

2. Copacabana and Isla del Sol

Copacabana is set on the shores of the pristine Lake Titicaca, which is one of the highest, largest, and deepest lakes in the world and looks like an ocean. Though the Bolivians are depressed about losing the war for the Pacific coast against Chile, this majestic water body should bring some peace to the Bolivians.

I went to Copacabana from Cusco with another friend and spent a few days there. The small town felt very cozy even though it was flooded with tourists who wanted to go to Isla del Sol, a popular island on the lake. Copacabana had the regular tourist vibe, a small market with souvenir shops and fruit stands, a lane of restaurants that runs like a red carpet to the bank of the lake, lakeside food stalls run by the cholitas who prepare fresh fish in many mouthwatering forms, multiple bus agencies, and a green countryside which is good for hiking. So while you are there pick a hill and go to the summit. I assure you brilliant views.

Isla del Sol is a quaint island on the Lake Titicaca. The Incas believed that the sun god was born on the lush island, which is surrounded by crystal clear water and is inhabited by indigenous people. We even saw beautiful hairy donkeys at the shore of the island, and I wouldn’t say that I didn’t fall in love, almost, with one of those solemn animals.

So go to the peaceful island, dive deep into the beliefs of Incas, hike around in nature, and watch the molten sun go down the gorgeous sapphire lake with a cup of mate in your hands.

Where to stay in Copacabana — We stayed at Casa del Sol which was a few lanes away from the center but offered spacious rooms with private bathrooms, a kitchen, an open sunlit courtyard, and the company of a furry dog. I highly recommend this place for its friendly owners and the comfortable stay.

Where to stay in Isla Del Sol — Take a boat from Copacabana to the South of the Isla del Sol. As you get off the boat, the locals will demand tourist tax to visit the island. Once you have paid them, you will meet a row of homestay owners who want to take you to their homes and rent you a room with a shared or private toilet at a budget price. We stayed at a small house with basic facilities near the shore. And when we took a boat from the Yumani in the South to go to Ch’allapampa in the North, we found a simple hotel in the hills by walking up the stairs.

What to eat — In Copacabana, I bought fresh vegetables and quinoa and cooked myriad meals which were a hit in the hostel. When I was feeling too fancy to cook or wanted to taste the local preparations, I walked to the lake and ate fish at one of the lady’s stall. In Isla del Sol, we ate at local restaurants, but I didn’t like much of the food that I ate there, and service was slower than the rest of Bolivia, which isn’t famous for fast service anyhow.

Important Note — The island is undergoing some conflict regarding revenue and free connectivity between the North and the South, and tourists can only go to the South for the boats are not allowed to go to the North. So visit the South but don’t be disappointed if you can’t hike to the North. And please let me know if you go there and find that the conflict has resolved.

If you plan to visit Copacabana, read my story of the town and  the things to do in Copacabana Bolivia.

3. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is in eastern Bolivia and out of the typical backpacking route. Santa Cruz is by and for the rich of Bolivia, and a lot of industries are based out of there which explains the presence of riches.

Though I didn’t find the town as exciting as the other parts of Bolivia, I didn’t dislike it. It has three national parks in its vicinity, the center of South America is located here, the city is the gateway to Brazil, a botanical gardens with the options of seeing wildlife and the dunes of Parque Lomas de Arena are both an hour away, the central plaza adorns a cathedral which you can climb to the top of to get a good view and spot hawks atop antennas and great options for local and international food in restaurants and on streets.

I am also guilty of relaxing in the green park in front of my hostel, watching men play football, which is a craze in Bolivia, or sitting at the plaza and drinking coffee while the local life went on.

Even though the city is crowded with malls, which is unlike all the other Bolivian places we went to, it is an excellent place to slow down. And when I got bored of Santa Cruz, I went to Samaipata, a village which is a few hours away from Santa Cruz by bus.

Where to stay — I stayed at the comfortable Jodanga hostel and paid almost 80 bolivianos or 12 USD for a bed in an 8-bed mixed dormitory. The hostel is always busy with travelers. They have a big swimming pool, a pool table, a kitchen, a bar, a common room with television, multiple shared bathrooms, and is walkable from the central plaza. You will have a comfortable and fun stay here.

What to eat — when you go around the city, you will find a lot of street vendors and local markets to eat at. While walking back to the hostel one day, I stumbled into two brothers from the middle east who were selling delicious kebabs on the road. We chatted, and I ate a chicken kebab roll there.

Then another day we found a tiny restaurant that sold grilled black-pepper chicken which was so juicy that when I think of it, I curse myself for quitting non-vegetarian food. I even went all in and ate at the Indian restaurant called Taj Mahal ( the internet says it is closed now) which served a rich chicken curry and gulab jamun and fixed my cravings. The rest of the meals were at the tiny stalls, or in the hostel kitchen when I cooked quinoa with fresh vegetables.

If you are visiting Santa Cruz, my experiential guide about the city will help you. Read it here:   The Best things to do in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

4. Samaipata   

This tiny peaceful village is my favorite place in Bolivia. I will publish a complete article on Samaipata in a day, but for now, I can say that the more I stayed in the quaint village, the more I fell in love with it. It is a sort of place that slows you down while reminding you about the important things in life. If you are backpacking Bolivia, definitely visit this beauty for a few days.

While you are there, you can hike in the Parque Amboro, go to the Inca ruins of El Fuerte, visit a few gorgeous waterfalls, laze around in an animal rescue center with monkeys, eat empanadas and yuca sticks along with a mate, and relax and soak in the serene vibe.

Where to Stay — Go to Jaguar Azul, take a treehouse, and see how beautiful life could be. Though the place scores average on cleanliness and a great shower or clean toilet is a dream there, as soon as you climb up to the treehouse you would be feeling too good to care about any of those things. And if you want a cleaner and a comfortable place, go to hostel Serena. I know the Dutch owner Bert who invited us home when we befriended his father who drank coffee at the plaza every day. I guarantee you will have a great stay there. And do say hello from me.

Where to eat — Jaguar Azul didn’t give breakfast, so we usually walked to the nearby empanadas and yuca sticks stall. At the plaza, there are many cool places, and one of my favorite for coffee is cafe 1900. Then there was an upcoming place for falafel called La Chakana which was gaining popularity. The bar La Boheme which is right at the square is a fun place for some drinks and conversation.

We ate many meals at Isa’s roadside restaurant which was a few streets away from the plaza. She took our order by peaking out of her window. Then we waited for our food while watching the kites gliding in the sky and losing ourselves in the sweetness of the caramelizing onion wafting out of her window. Ask for Isa and wayfarers will tell you the way.

Recommended Read: My fun travel guide to Samaipata, Bolivia

5.  La Paz

I have never seen another capital like this one. While the mornings brought the crowd to the streets, by the evening, they were going back to their homes in those sky trolleys I have already mentioned a few times in this post, or my mind at least. Though the capital is of the busiest cities in Bolivia, it has maintained, if not promoted, the Bolivian culture; and almost no other cosmopolitan cities or capitals can claim that they secured their country’s culture.

I hung out in La Paz for a week, on two trips, and visited local markets such as Mercado 16 de Julio, flew in teleféricos , ate stomach full of salteñas and baked chocolate eclairs, went to the witches market which I found to be overhyped and had nothing much to do with witches, visited the Chile consulate to and fro (more on this in a separate article about fighting for Chile visa), and wondered if I should bike down the death road, which I didn’t. You can also climb to the top of Hyuna Potosi if you are a close friend of adrenaline.

Where to Stay — I stayed at Hostel House Wonderful which had both dorms and private rooms. The breakfast was minimal, but the stay was comfortable and the hostel staff attended carefully.

Hotel House Wonderful is permanently closed now. Browse hotels and hostels in La Paz below on Booking.

Where to eat — You have a lot of options from fine-dining restaurants to food courts to malls to streetside tiny stalls and kiosks to local markets.

I flew to this white city from Santa Cruz to see a friend and am glad that I went there to meet her.

Sucre has become a hub for travelers who aspire to learn Spanish as many Spanish schools have sprung up in the city over the past few years. I didn’t take a Spanish course for I could speak Spanish by then and instead spent my time on the streets, visited the white-washed cathedrals, shopped from the Tarabuco market, basked in sunshine at the plaza, clicked pictures of the white colonial buildings with red-tiled rooftops and wooden balconies, and ate chocolates, for there are some great places for coffee and chocolate.

Where to stay — I stayed at the hostel Wasi Masi, but I wouldn’t recommend it to you. For even though my friend stayed there for two weeks, and because of her a few other travelers, including me, boarded in the hostel, they fought with her the day we checked out. My friend had informed the reception that we would check out late for we were packing and saying goodbye to our friends. But for a pre-informed delay of two hours, Wasi Masi made us pay for the full day. When I refused to pay and said that they were being unprofessional, the lady at the reception told me she would inform the police, the immigration, and then followed us out of the hostel until we paid. Update October 2020 – Wasi Masi seem to have shut down.

Where to eat — Great coffee places all around the plaza and the city. The cafe Condor at the square has empanadas as big as the size of a sheep, crisp coffee, internet, and you can sit there for hours. Local food shops offer a set menu and are plenty. You can also indulge yourselves in sinful wine bars. Doesn’t the town sound like a dream?

7. Parque Nacional Toro-toro

I didn’t go here but my friends who visited told me that the park has billion-year-old footprints of dinosaurs and surreal landscapes. You can go to the Torotoro canyon, wander through the limestone caves of Umajallanta, and fill-in the dinosaur footprints that bring thousands of tourists to this part of Bolivia. You can go to Torotoro from Cochabamba via bus which usually takes about six hours.

Where to stay — Stay in the Torotoro village which has a basic market, a few restaurants, and limited accommodations.

Where to eat — Don’t expect much but there are ample local options to choose from.

Though Bolivia gives a paid visa on arrival to most western countries (excluding the USA), other South-American countries, and India, I got a visa for Bolivia in Cusco, Peru. You only get the visa on arrival if you land at the La Paz and Santa Cruz airports, and I was crossing into Bolivia via land. Also, I have heard from some people who tried getting a visa on arrival that the authorities at Santa Cruz weren’t the best to deal with, and they took hours to issue a visa. So confirm before you go.

The visa application process at the Bolivian consulate in Cusco was smooth, and I got a 30-day validity visa in an hour. I could enter and exit Bolivia only once on that visa. My guide to Bolivia Visa for Indians which also includes the visa extension Process in Bolivia will tell you all.

You can cross into Bolivia from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, and from Peru. But if you are flying to Bolivia, you can take a direct flight to Santa Cruz, Sucre, or La Paz, the main cities in Bolivia.

I don’t miss any chance of overland travel, so how could Bolivia be any different? I boarded a bus from Cusco to Copacabana, the nearest Bolivian town. At the Peru-Bolivia border, all us travelers got down in Peru, got our passports stamped, and then walked through the border. Then we showed our passports to the immigration officer of Bolivia, who sealed it and let us in.

The bus driver was supposed to pick us up on the Bolivian border side, but he strolled to us and said that he was only supposed to bring us to the border.

As all the passengers of the bus had bought bus tickets to Copacabana, a group of Chilean travelers fought with the Peruvian bus driver until he paid us for our journey to Copacabana, for we didn’t have any bolivianos on us, and also, for the principle involved. Unhappy with the three bolivianos he had given us for a journey that cost four, we narrated our story to the Peru immigration officer, who then asked the driver to pay us or the driver’s license was to be banned. Giving up in front of our setting-things-right attitude, the furious driver drove us to Copacabana, but only after we had crossed the border multiple times in the process.

When in South America, make sure the driver takes you to the destination you have paid for. Keep the ticket safe, click its photo, and speak up when you think the drivers or guides are ditching you at a no man’s land because you are a tourist and can’t speak their language.

Also Read: My journey of learning Spanish in Chile

Bolivia is enormous, and journeys are long. So consider flying even though you don’t do that usually, like me. While traveling in Bolivia, I took two flights; one was from Santa Cruz to Sucre, and the second one with Boliviana de Aviacion was from La Paz to Santa Cruz for 523 bolivianos or 75 USD. I took this flight a day before I had to fly and was surprised to find that it wasn’t liquidating my assets.

Leave that overlanding pride and go on a flight for they aren’t that expensive. You might also save your ass hours of jumping on a rough seat of a promising bus, while its blocked toilets tease your bladder that we are there, but you can’t go. And these beautiful memories bring me to the option of traveling by bus.

I have written a lot about the Bolivian buses in the “Is it safe to travel in Bolivia?” section. But to summarize my day-long journeys in rickety Bolivian buses, I can say that I never had a theft nor did I feel unsafe, unlike the general opinion on the internet.

Also, I was stuck at Uyuni and La Paz, for a day each, as the buses to another destination, which was eight or more hours away, only ran at night. So irrespective of how urgently you have to leave, which I guess wouldn’t be your case as you are a travel junkie, you cannot go until the evening dawns upon you.

Just walk to a bus terminal or take a taxi to one, ask for the prices and the timings, and then buy a ticket. If you have a smirk on your face right now and you think that I will book online, let me tell you that the online booking system in Bolivia was much worse than Indian government websites which at least work sometimes. Now wipe off that smirk and get to work, my friend.

I never felt that Bolivia was expensive. And I will tell you why.

For accommodation — In a comfortable hostel of a prosperous city, a single bed in a mixed dorm cost me 80 bolivianos or 12 USD which felt expensive at that time for I was used to paying much less. A shared room with a private bathroom in Copacabana costs 10 USD per head in a good homestay.

While traveling in Bolivia, on average, I didn’t pay more than 10 USD per night for the month, which included private rooms, beds in a mixed dorm, and treehouses. Only once I remember spending a bit more when I took a single room in La Paz when I was exhausted, sick, and a visa emergency had decided to surprise me. Prices are affordable if you aren’t going for anything fancy.

For food — Depends on you. I ate a full meal or a set menu that includes a soup and a main course for 4–5 bolivianos sometimes, while at other times I even paid 30 bolivianos for a meal. The difference was mostly if the place was a shabby stall on a dusty road or if it was a cozy restaurant with a proud chandelier in the center.

If the hotel wasn’t benevolent enough to provide breakfast, I gorged on roadside empanadas and salteñas while walking on the streets and asked the vendors to fill my bottle with manzanilla(chamomile) mate. You can even buy groceries and cook for Bolivia has a lavish spread of organic vegetables and fruits. I went wild, almost, while shopping from the local markets which felt as if a Color God had brightened the carrots, tomatoes, and eggplants to lure you into buying them.

For commute — Buses, flights, and taxis were cheap. The purchasing and spending power of Bolivia is low, so you cannot expect soar prices. That being said, the standard rules apply, like if you are taking a flight the next day, expect to pay a bit more than you thought.

For shopping — I never shop much. But if food, transport, and stay aren’t expensive then why would shopping be? Buy yourself some local weavings from the Tarabuco market in Sucre; they say that this market got the two best weavings of South America.

While traveling around South America, I withdrew money with my atm debit card. Take out enough cash for a week so that you don’t have to pay the taxes every time you withdraw with your international card. Of course, these taxes work differently for each country.

Never carry all the cash when you go out in Bolivia. Just carry double of what you think you need so that if you lose it, you don’t end up missing much. As most of the places in Bolivia didn’t accept a card, I didn’t even carry it except for the times I ran out of cash. So any taxi mafia could not even ask me to withdraw all my money at an ATM.

The rest is easy.

Bolivia is a cold and windy country for most of the year. The summers go up to a maximum of thirty degrees on average. So make sure you have enough warm jackets, full-length leggings, jeans, robust walking shoes, rain jacket, sunblock, and altitude sickness pills.

I never saw any Bolivians in short clothing, which could be due to the culture or because of the strong winds. Only in the rich town of Santa Cruz and the hippie Samaipata, I found people with shorter clothes most of which were of cotton. And why not? The sun was shining brightly upon our heads when I went to those two towns at the end of March.

Here are some of the essential things that you should bring to Bolivia.

• A couple of  dresses for women – Some long and short dresses can be worn anywhere in Bolivia. 
• Short for women  and  shorts for men – For everyday travel.
• A  good pair of jeans – Even though I am not a big fan of wearing jeans and love many other more comfortable bottoms, sturdy jeans will keep you warm in Bolivian Andes and the surrounding countries. I wore mine frequently.
• Swimwear for women  and  swimwear for men – If not anywhere else, you would need them in the hot geysers of your Uyuni tour.
• good hiking shoes for women  and  good hiking shoes for men  – A must-have in South America.
• a rain jacket – Always carry one in the Latin-American countries for you never know when it might rain.
• warm jackets  for men  and  for women  – You might even need these on a rainy day in the summer.
• warm and waterproof gloves  – essential for hiking and the outdoors.
• woolen socks  for women  and  for men – For hiking and to survive the chilly winds of Bolivia.
• a  woolen sweater – You can also buy gorgeous and warm woolen jumpers in Bolivia at affordable prices. But I like Peruvians’ sweaters better.
• a scarf  for women  and  for men . 
• a pair of warm leggings or thermals  for women  and  for men  (I wore them under my dresses to stay warm.)
• yoga pants  for women  and  for men – suitable for long buses, which you will take many in Bolivia.
• A  fanny pack to carry your passports and money. 
• Also, bring a  strong backpack  as you would travel in weird weather and on rough routes – I have been using a North Face backpack for about four years now and have no complaints.
• A  travel towel  – Carry a light travel towel like this one for it will save you a lot of space.
• Lifestraw water bottle – Comes with an inbuilt filter, and you can fill it anywhere. A filter water bottle is essential for you cannot drink tap water everywhere in Bolivia.
• Memory foam travel pillow  for a good sleep while traveling
• A good camera –  Nikon D3400 is a very good choice for the price. I use Nikon for all my photography now (the pictures in the article though have been clicked with my phone for I have been using Nikon only for the past nine months). This camera comes with two lenses, and the one with the higher resolution is perfect for bird photography if you are interested.
• A  first-aid kit – Always carry one while traveling. Carry essential medicines as in the remote islands of Titicaca and while hiking in the Andes, you would not find any medicine shops.
• Strong sunscreen – Andean mountains can be pretty sunny, and you would burn in a minute
• Mosquito repellant – Much needed for Bolivian Amazon and other national parks.
• Altitude sickness pills – remember most of the Peruvian places are above sea level and sometimes as high as 4000 to 5000 meters.

This is my list of basic things to bring to Bolivia.

Needless to say, you should carry a printout of my list of important Spanish travel phrases that will save you in South America (printable link in the guide).

The internet says that if you are traveling to Bolivia from a country with a risk of yellow fever you need a yellow fever vaccination. You would be at a yellow fever risk if you are coming from the Amazon near Iquitos, the dense and more-humid jungle of Peru, or some other yellow-fever prone area and going into the Amazon in Bolivia, the tropical, yellow-fever prone part. But as I hadn’t been to Iquitos and wasn’t going to the Amazon of Bolivia, the consul of Bolivia didn’t request a yellow-fever card while issuing my travel visa.

There are mixed reviews about the need of a yellow-fever vaccination while entering Iquitos. Some of the posts I read and the people I met told me that the vaccination wasn’t mandatory and many survived without getting one. A few got the shots in a precautionary manner. But if you are going to the Bolivian Amazon, I would suggest you get vaccinated. Also, remember that you need to get the shots ten days before your Bolivia trip for that is how long it takes for the medicines to work against the mosquitoes. And when you get vaccinated, you get terrible side effects such as dizziness, fever, and more. So don’t get vaccinated while traveling Bolivia even though getting the shots there might be cheaper.

I speak with some authority on the mosquito issue as I have had dengue twice — take those shots if there is even a chance of getting the disease.

I have kept the best for the last.

I won’t delve on this much as I have already written a lot about Bolivian food, but I will say that don’t worry about food if you are going to Bolivia and you can eat animals. If you are a vegetarian then you might have a difficult time as I found that almost all the courses of a meal had at least one type of meat in them.

And don’t ever forget to ask that which dish has meat, for even if you tell Bolivians that you don’t eat meat ( or in my case beef) they will serve you soup which will have floating pieces of a dead cow that might kill your appetite at the first glance. I don’t hold them accountable for the country don’t have much of a vegetarian crowd. I passed the soup with carne(meat) to my friends who eat animals casually and never say no to a full bowl of hearty soup. And then I had the main course for I was a non-vegetarian then who ate chicken and fish and goat.

On your lucky day, you might find quinoa soups to start your meal with. But in the traditional Bolivian food, the main course is generally fish or chicken or beef. So what do you do then?

Taste the vegetarian dishes, and then tell your heart to compromise and buy groceries and cook your own food for a majority of the hotels and hostels and homestays came with a fully-functional kitchen. Also, remember or write down the words for animals and meat and vegetarian and non-vegetarian on a piece of paper and show them to the waiter who serves you.

Do eat at chifa restaurants. They serve a fusion of Chinese and Bolivian, and I am drooling here thinking about the many meals that I relished in the Bolivian chifas. Let me end this article and cook now for the hunger pangs are hitting hard.

Also Read: My ultimate Guide to   Travel in Chile

I hope I have done justice to this Bolivia travel guide and to my month-long adventures in a country I never imagined I would visit. But if you have any more questions about Bolivia, please leave a comment. Hope this beautiful country can intrigue you as much as it impressed me.

Recommended Read: Your One-Stop South America Travel Guide

Have you traveled to Bolivia or are you planning to visit? Let me know what helped you or what could I have told you better.

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products I like; if you choose to click through and make a booking or purchase a product, I will earn a little bit at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

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29 thoughts on “Bolivia Travel Guide [2024] – Everything to Know”

Your article on this stunning country is truly comprehensive and commendable. A thousand congratulations on capturing its essence so vividly! Having visited Bolivia over 10 times myself, I feel compelled to share a valuable piece of advice with fellow travelers: always opt to cross the border during daylight hours, ideally before 2 pm.

For those who may not be fluent in Spanish, I highly recommend crossing at the Copacabana side. Here, you’ll find a larger number of fellow travelers making the crossing, which can be reassuring. Additionally, there are daily buses with English-speaking guides facilitating the border crossing, ensuring a smoother and more accessible experience for all.

Here’s to embracing every moment of your Bolivian adventure!

Enjoy Bolivia to the fullest!

I have not yet managed to get to this part of the world. It looks very tempting and beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Hi priyanka, I am from Jamaica and I really want to do the Salar de uyuni tour but I only have a week to do so it would be lovely if you could tell me the best possible way to execute this trip. Thank you!

Hey Jermani Earle. Thanks for writing to me. Do you have a week in Bolivia or in Salar de Uyuni? If you have a week in the salt flats, you have more than enough time. But if you have a week in Bolivia, you can also take a one or two day tour to the Uyuni flats than a four-days long one. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

You’re great, I will like to know you more. Thanks

haha. Thank you so much. I am not great, just listening to my heart and being honest with what I want to do.

Hi Priyanka Thanks for the post on Bolivia. I am to leave in 2 weeks for 3 days to La Paz and was wondering if on the food side, if you knew some book, perhaps also ranging to Peru or Chile (where also I plan to visit)? I am looking at the Inca crops and to understand their taste before eating them….their origins, stories etc. I plan to perhaps drop down with some sketching being an architect and I guess that’s all, since the things may not be as enticing as Europe aesthetically speaking!

Let me kniw should you something to share if you ever found out after your trip.

What would I say about this lovely post! It shows the passion in you. I salute that passion. I have never been to Bolivia and would love to. I learned many new things today from this article. Thanks and keep exploring and creating.

Awwww. That is a beautiful comment. Please visit as the country is beautiful. Let me know if you have any more questions. Would love to hear more from you 🙂

Hi!! Your blog is certainly going to help me in planing our upcoming trip to Peru & Bolivia. How do I connect with you? I have a few questions.

Hey. Thanks for stopping by. Please check the articles here – https://www.onmycanvas.com/south-america/ . There are a lot of guides on Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. If you have questions do leave on the blog post. That would help others find that information, too. If none of these methods work, please send an email to [email protected] . Thank you 🙂

I have never been to Bolivia even though I used to live relatively near. But thank you for the altitude note as I tend to get easily sick in high altitude places the first few days. but definitely would love to visit one day.

Thank you, Diana. You can take the first few days pretty easy, and then see how it goes. Plan a trip, and first go to east Bolivia, for that is relatively planar, and then increase your altitude slowly. Let me know if you have more questions.

What a thorough guide! I am so sad that I didn’t get to visit Bolivia and see the salt flats while I was in Peru. Also nice to hear that Bolivia is relatively inexpensive. Great post!

Thank you so much, Kelly. Bolivia is relatively inexpensive, and you should definitely go on your next trip 🙂

Holy moly, this is FANTASTIC! I’ve never really considered Bolivia before, but you’ve really sold it to me! Your photos are beautiful and this has SO much info! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂

Thank you so much, Clazz. I am glad I could sell Bolivia to you. You should definitely go. It is a beautiful place 🙂

Excellent post! In terms of the altitude, did you bring diamox? Or did you stick to the coca leaves? Were there any side effects?

I just stuck to coca leaves. I didn’t even know that Bolivia would be so high that you will feel as if you are above the rest of the world all the time. There were no side effects of coca. Feel free to just chew on a few leaves of it or have a coca tea after breakfast before heading out and then keep some in your bag. Thank you for stopping by 🙂

Great job- you’ve covered so much info! I was in Bolivia for a month or so this year and already miss it after reading this 🙂

Thank you so much, SJ. I miss Bolivia, too 🙂

Wow you have a lot of great information on your post! I spent only a week in Bolivia and just absolutely loved it! I can’t wait to go back!

Thank you so much, Queenie. I try to put down as much information as I can. I love Bolivia, too, and want to go back.

What a beautiful and interesting country. La Paz looks HUGE, I had no idea!

Thank you for reading, Leigh. La Paz was indeed huge. Planning to go to Bolivia soon?

This is such an amazing and informative guide! Loved reading your inputs!

Thanks for sharing

Thank you so much, Mayuri. This one took me a week to write. I am glad you found it useful 🙂 Would love to hear more from you.

This is such a great guide!! I love when a guide can be a one-stop shop for all the info you need <3 great job!

Thank you, Geena. I love those guides, too. I hope you keep reading and please stay connected 🙂

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🇧🇴 Winter 2023 Bolivia Expedition

La Paz, Bolivia

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About this trip

Travel with purpose to rural Bolivia and work together with the local people on a community-led project to reduce global poverty. Celebrate New Years in the Village with us! 

What’s included

• Accommodations All accommodations during the Expedition are included.
• Meals Meals during the Expedition are included.
• Local Transportation Transportation within country are included during the Expedition.
• In-Country Preparation All logistics and details provided by our in-country team of development professionals is included.
• Expedition Leaders Your leaders for the Expedition are Certified according to CHOICE's very high standards of safety, care, and sustainable development in order to provide the most fulfilling experience for you!
• Project Costs Your Expedition Fee will help cover the cost of the project we will work on and future sustainable CHOICE projects.

What’s not included

• Airfare Transportation to/from country are not included in your Expedition Fee.
• Additional Accommodation Extra hotel nights before or after the Expedition will not be covered by your Expedition Fee.
• Extra Food/Snacks You are welcome to bring/buy additional food/snacks outside of the food and snacks that will be provided.
• Visa Fees Fees for Bolivian Visa (required prior to entry) not included.

Available Packages

Available options, your organizer.

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11 of the best things to do in Bolivia with kids

Apr 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Experience the best of Bolivia as a family with this guide to traveling there with kids © Stephen Lux / Getty Images

From taking a bath in thermal rivers to a fascinating ride on a cable car,  Bolivia has plenty of safe and fun attractions for all ages.

Discover breathtaking sceneries and enjoy natural experiences on a family trip where no one is going to get bored. Here's everything you need to know about traveling in Bolivia with kids.

Is Bolivia good for kids?

Bolivia is an off-the-beaten-track country, which means tourist attractions are uncrowded making them ideal for moving around with a larger group. 

Formula, baby food and nappies are easy to find in the cities, and most of the hotels have family rooms or can add beds/cradles to the room.

Public facilities are generally limited, but you should find diaper changing stations in airports, some bus stations, and mid- to high-end restaurants.

Squares and public parks are generally accessible in all cities, but most of the streets are not walkable with a stroller. Bring one resistant enough to go cope with potholes and uneven paving, or consider using a baby carrier instead.

Public buses are uncomfortable and usually full, airports and bus stations don’t have a play area, and in small towns, formula and baby food are hard to find. Wherever you go, though, people are kid-friendly and will be willing to help if needed.

Ready to start planning your family trip? Here's our guide to the best time to visit

Where is best in Bolivia for kids?

Bolivia is full of wonderful natural sites that kids will enjoy. For all ages, Aguas Calientes hot springs in the east of Santa Cruz are a top attraction, and  Uyuni Salt Flats can be an incredible and memorable experience for kids, especially in the rainy season , when the sky is reflected in the water.

Best things to do in Bolivia with babies and toddlers

Soak in the hot springs in chiquitania.

Aguas Calientes is a small town located 436km (270 miles) east of  Santa Cruz . This wonderful spot has a thermal water river that is less than 75cm (2.5ft) deep with a temperature around 38ºC (100ºF).

Toddlers can safely explore tropical nature here while keeping an eye out for little fish. There are hotels with family facilities, such as high chairs, large rooms, and a small play area, and it's best to visit on weekdays when it's less crowded.

Relax in Bolivia's urban parks

Bolivia has several large parks that will keep the kids busy. Spend the day at the playground, take a nap under the shade of a tree or enjoy a family picnic.

Parque Los Mangales in Santa Cruz is one of the most-visited by families and Parque de la Familia in  Cochabamba is popular at night with its light shows and dancing waters.

Visit a farm and feed animals 

There are few things that little children love more than animals and Bolivia has a couple of farms that welcome families. Ranchito Feliz , a 15-minute drive away from the main plaza in Tarija , will give your kids a marvelous hands-on experience feeding chickens, sheep, rabbits and horses.

Entry costs US$1 should be booked at least one day before.

We can help you choose where to go in Bolivia with our guide to the top places to visit

Best things to do in Bolivia with kids

See life-size dinos at sucre's parque cretácico.

Parque Cretácico holds one of the world’s largest collections of fossilized dinosaur footprints and has life-size models of huge dinosaurs that will amaze. Located 5km (3 miles) away from  Sucre , hop on the shuttle bus service that runs from the main square every hour.

Explore space at Tarija's observatory

Tarija's  Observatorio Astronómico Nacional – the country’s first observatory – is an incredible place where kids get a hands-on learning experience about space exploration and the galaxy.

There’s a large telescope children can peek thorough and a fantastic planetarium. It’s best to call ahead before heading out.

Spend the day in nature at Biocentro Guembé near Santa Cruz

Spend an amazing day in nature at  Biocentro Güembé  without making a long trip. Approximately a 15-minute drive from the business zone of Santa Cruz, it includes a butterfly sanctuary, an aviary, lagoons and a swamp.

Take a tour with a biologist or roam the grounds at your own pace. End the day at any of the 13 pools on the property or opt for a meal with fresh produce from the surrounding gardens.

Ride the cable car in La Paz

Riding the world’s longest urban cable car network is a popular attraction for children during a visit to  La Paz . The thrilling views of the city and the snow-capped mountains in the distance won’t be forgotten.

Some stations have attractions nearby like Mother Earth Park, in Central Station of the Red Line, which has dancing waters and playgrounds, that will allow kids to run around before getting back into the cabin.

Getting around in Bolivia can be a challenge. Here are our top transportation tips

Best things to do in Bolivia with tweens and teenagers

Snap some photos on the uyuni salt flats.

Visit the famous Uyuni Salt Flats in the rainy season (December to February) to see the stunning sunset or the night sky reflecting into the water. 

Social-media crazed teenagers can spend hours taking Instagrammable photos and vidoes for all their friends. 

Local tip: If you have time, it’s a good idea to wait a few days to get acclimatized to the altitude before heading to Bolivia’s top tourist attraction .

Take a walk in Moon Valley near La Paz

Once in the city of La Paz, Valle de la Luna is a must-see attraction. This surreal geological formation similar to the craters of the moon can be explored in two trekking circuits, taking from 15 to 45 minutes, for amazing views. 

Located 10km (6 miles) from the center of La Paz, visit with a tour operator or by taking a taxi or bus.

Stay in the tropical wilderness of Amboró National Park  

A stay at the  Refugio de Los Volcanes , in Amboró National Park, is a fascinating experience for wilderness seekers.

This lodge is in the tropical forest, 68km (42 miles) from the city of Santa Cruz. It has several hiking trails at different levels of difficulty, as well as waterfalls and natural pools.

Go on a journey into the jungle

One on the bucket lists for more adventurous tweens and teens is getting into the heart of the  Amazon to admire the exotic species found there.

Departing from the town of Rurrenabaque, you can take a three-day wildlife safari by canoe, where you might spot several species of birds, monkeys, capybaras, snakes, caimans and pink dolphins. Prices vary but expect to pay around US$150 per person per night, including accommodation, food and transportation.

Planning tips

If traveling with children and only one of the parents in Bolivia, you need to carry a permit issued by an Ombudsman’s Office – you'll find at least one in every city, normally located in bus stations – where you have to present identification documents and fill out a form.

The permit is free and valid for multiple trips up to one to three months. It may not be required for all trips, but make sure you have it along with your other travel documents when traveling by plane, as you may not be authorized to board without it. A permit is not required for children traveling with both of their parents.

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