Bolivia trips & educational tours
Bolivia Trips: Otherworldly landscapes
Bolivia is a rugged, thrilling country that’s home to a wealth of exhilarating landscapes and people. Around half its population identifies as Indigenous, with Aymara and Quechua the leading ethnic groups. Its breathtaking scenery ranges from the mind-bending salt flats in Uyuni to the darkest corners of the Amazon jungle.
It’s a memorable destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with trekking in the Cordillera Real and biking down the notorious Death Road. For a cultural immersion, a homestay on Lake Titicaca would be an intriguing way of viewing the world through the lens of the local Uru people.
Bolivia trip information
What to know
Electricity: 230V and 50Hz.
Hygiene: It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in Bolivia as it could lead to sickness. Water in bottles is sold throughout the country but always check the seal before drinking. It’s also recommended to use hand sanitizer during the trip.
Toilets: Never flush toilet paper in Bolivia. Use the basket at the side of the toilet to dispose of toilet paper.
ATMs: There are ATMs throughout Bolivia but if you are travelling to rural areas, smaller towns, and villages ensure you have enough cash ahead of time.
Currency: The official currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano (BOB).
National holidays
Bolivia has 12 national holidays with Easter and Independence Day (Aug 6th) being the most high-profile. Aside from the official celebrations, each town and village has its own fiesta which might last for days. Carnival is also a big deal in Bolivia with several parades in cities like Santa Cruz and Cochabamba – but the biggest one is in Oruro. Carnival always falls in February or early March.
Best places to visit
La Paz: Bolivia’s de facto capital sits at a breathless 11,000ft above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding altiplano. Visitors are charmed by the winding, cobbled streets and labyrinthine markets selling everything from traditional handicrafts and textiles to dried frogs and llama fetuses.
Salar de Uyuni: One of Bolivia’s most unmissable sights is the shimmering salt flat in the harsh southern altiplano.
Lake Titicaca: At the world’s highest navigable lake you’ll get a unique insight into traditional Indigenous culture.
Getting There
The only direct flight to Bolivia from North America is from Miami to Santa Cruz which takes around 7 hours. If you want to start your trip in La Paz, then you’ll need to transfer from a South American city like Lima or Bogota.
Vaccinations
Bolivia does not require any COVID-19 certificates to be shown on arrival. It’s advisable to ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as MMR, diphtheria, and tetanus. Visit your local healthcare professional or travel clinic before any trip for specific recommendations regarding vaccinations for Bolivia, such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, and altitude-related medications if visiting higher altitude areas.
Food & drink
Salteña: Bolivia’s most treasured dish. This oven-baked empanada is filled with beef or chicken, olives and a hard-boiled egg.
Salchipapas: A street food special in Bolivia with french fries, chopped chorizo, and lots (and lots) of mayonnaise and tomato sauce!
Somó: A corn-based drink boiled with cinnamon and cloves.
Bolivia - good books
Marching Powder by Rusty Young: A fascinating memoir of a British drug dealer incarcerated in La Paz’s infamous San Pedro prison.
Lost in the Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Adventure and Survival by Yossi Ghinsberg: A thrilling tale of endurance in the Bolivian Amazon that was turned into a Daniel Radcliffe adventure movie.
The Bolivian Times by Tim Elliott: Engaging memoirs of an Australian journalist in Bolivia.
Sustainable hotels
Chalalán Albergue Ecológico: Indigenous-owned ecolodge in Rurrenabaque, the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon.
EcoLodge La Estancia: 15 charming eco-cottages on Lake Titicaca with a focus on community inclusivity.
Hummingbird Eco-Lodge & Camping: This sustainable glamping spot near La Paz offers small classes and workshops on a range of subjects.
Refugio Los Volcanes: This lowland getaway near Santa Cruz is powered on 100% renewable energy and works with organic, local produce.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Bolivia right now?
Bolivia is generally considered safe for tourists, with opportunistic theft being the main danger to tourists. You should always check ahead of time for political unrest or any other security issues. It is a good idea to buy travel insurance in case of sickness, accident, or theft.
As of January 2024, Bolivia was listed as Level 2 by the US travel advisory.
Do I need a visa to enter Bolivia?
Like most South American countries, you don’t need to apply for a visa ahead of time if you are a US citizen. You will automatically obtain a 90-day tourism visa upon arrival at the airport. You should check up-to-date visa requirements before your trip.
When is the best time to visit?
It’s best to visit Bolivia in the dry season (May to October) for outdoor activities, whereas the wet season (November to April) is the ideal time for cultural events like the Oruro carnival (Feb/Mar) and to visit the Salar de Uyuni for the best mirror-like views.
Is Bolivia a cheap country to travel?
Good news! Bolivia is one of the more affordable countries to visit in South America. Accommodation and transport (especially public buses) are extremely cheap compared to other countries in the region. In tourist hotspots like La Paz, Uyuni, and Lake Titicaca, expect to pay higher prices.
Will I get altitude sickness in Bolivia?
There is a good chance you’ll experience some form of altitude sickness in Bolivia, especially in the western altiplano which can up around 12,000 ft or more. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath. It is important to acclimatize before undertaking any strenuous activity – drink plenty of water, rest, and try a herbal remedy like coca tea. If symptoms persist, you may need to descend to a lower altitude or consult a doctor.
What's the weather like in Bolivia?
Bolivia’s weather mainly depends on altitude. In the Amazon basin, it’s hot and humid all year round and gets colder the more you ascend. In lower cities like Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, the weather is very agreeable, but in higher places like La Paz and Potosi, it can be warm to mild during the day and extremely cold at night.
What outdoor activities are there to do?
Bolivia has a wealth of natural riches and no shortage of sports and activities to do while enjoying them. Among the most popular are trekking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting.
Where is Bolivia?
Bolivia is a landlocked country located in the heart of South America. It shares borders with Brazil and Paraguay to the east, Peru and Chile to the north and west, and Argentina to the south.