Bolivia Trips & Educational Tours
Bolivia Trips: Otherworldly Landscapes
A spellbinding mix of other-wordly landscapes like the unique Salt Flats and diverse ethnic community groups (36 in total) make Bolivia an intriguing and memorable travel destination. It’s a rugged, thrilling country whose on-the-edge feel is embodied by the unpredictable bus journeys to bike trips down the “death road.”
For true cultural immersion head to Lake Titicaca and book a homestay with a local family, learning traditional ways of cooking, sacred beliefs and view the world through the lens of a Uru native community member.
Bolivia trip information
What to know
Electric voltage: 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Hygiene: We recommend using hand sanitizer during the trip. We advise you 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.
Toilets: Never flush toilet paper in Bolivia. Use the basket at the side of most toilets to dispose of toilet paper.
ATMs: There are ATMs throughout Bolivia but if you are travelling to smaller towns and villages ensure you have enough cash ahead of time.
Vaccinations: Please visit this page for information on vaccinations https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bolivia.
National holidays
Bolivia has a range of national holidays and like many South American countries celebrates Easter with a lot of gusto. Its independence day is August 6 and it also has a vibrant, colorful and endlessly fun carnival – Carnival of Oruro from February 13 to February 22.
Best places to visit
La Paz is breathtaking not just for the high altitude but the architecture and cobbled winding streets. Without doubt the most unique and spectacular places to visit are the Bolivian salt flats. Here you can take a 4×4 tour around this amazing expanse of salt that offers memorable photo opportunities.
For those who want to delve into traditional indigenous culture, head to Lake Titicaca – an array of floating islands where small villages are located.
Getting There
Bike the “Death Road” in La Paz
Take absurd photos with friends on the Uyuni Salt Flats
Watch a soccer match in La Paz
Take a boat ride in the Amazon rainforest
Learn traditional cooking with the Uru people on Lake Titicaca
Take a walking tour around Sucre – dubbed the “White City”
See pink flamingos at Laguna Colorada.
Currency
The official currency of Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB).
Food & drink
Salteña is Bolivia’s most treasured dish. This oven-baked empanada filled with beef or chicken, olives and an egg. If street food is your game try Salchipapas, a mis of french fries, chorizo and lot (and lots) of mayonnaise and tomato sauce.
For drinks, Bolivia has a range of delicous fruit juices and somó – a corn-based drink boiled with cinnamon and cloves.
Bolivia - good books
Marching Powder by Rusty Young
Lost in the Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Adventure and Survival by Yossi Ghinsberg
The Bolivian Times by Tim Elliott
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Bolivia right now?
Bolivia is generally considered safe for tourists, but you should always cheakl ahead of time for political unrest or any other security issues. As of June, 2023, 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?
This depends on the specific regions and activities you desire. Bolivia has a diverse climate due to its varying altitude and geographical features. Generally, the dry season, which runs from May to October, is considered the best time to visit most parts of Bolivia, including popular destinations like La Paz, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Lake Titicaca. During this period, the weather is relatively dry with clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
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-heavy destinations like La Paz, Uyuni and Lake Titicaca, expect to see higher prices for tourists compared to locals. Visit some markets and you will also expect to barter with the local sellers.
What vaccinations do I need?
Before traveling to Bolivia,you should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. 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.
Do I need a Covid vaccine to enter?
As of June 2023, Bolivia does not have a specific requirement for COVID-19 vaccination to enter. However, it is advisable to check the current regulations and travel advisories before any trip. Things change quickly as we have seen over the past few years!
Can I drink the tap water?
We do not recommend drinking tap water in Bolivia. It is safer to stick to bottled water or use water purification methods like boiling or using water purification tablets. Also be wary of drinks served with ice and take care when brushing your teeth.
Where is Bolivia?
Yes, this is pretty useful to know! Bolivia is a landlocked country located in the heart of South America. It shares borders with Brazil to the northeast, Peru to the northwest, Chile to the southwest, Paraguay to the southeast, and Argentina to the south.