Bolivia might just beSouth America‘s newest hit wonder. This magnificent country features everything from thelargest salt flatsin theworldto thehighest city in the worldto thebiggest navigable lakein the… well, world!
Tourism here is only just burgeoning, but with everything this charming country has to offer, Bolivia will inevitably become a massive tourist hotspot in the coming years.
That meansnowis the perfect time to visit. The tourism industry is at a sweet spot; enough infrastructure to make it easy to get around, but not so much that it becomes overcrowded and expensive.
While exploring Bolivia last month, I met dozens of other travelers, each with different but equally fascinating routes. By listening to their stories and adventures, I discovered the most efficient and fun way to explore the countryin just 8 days– all while capturing the spirit and ethos of the local culture. This is perfect for those with just one week to travel to Bolivia from almost anywhere in the world.
Another awesome 8-day itinerary:Croatia in 2023: The Ultimate 8 Day Road Trip ItinerarySummary of the 8-Day Bolivia Itinerary
There’s no better way to maximize your trip to Bolivia than this:
Day 1: Arrive in Bolivia, then soak in the beauty ofSucreafter a short domestic flight
Day 2: Explore a historical mine in Potosi, then stay in a uniqueSalt Hotelin Uyuni
Day 3: Start an epic adventure across thelargest salt flatsin the world (Salar de Uyuni)
Day 4: Visit protected flamingo-filled lagunas, massive geysers, and enjoy the sunset fromhot springs
Day 5: Savor the beautiful desert traversing endless sandstone forests and admiringancient volcanos, then hop on a luxury night bus to La Paz
Day 6: Negotiate the diverse, enchanting neighborhoods and markets of La Paz on walking tour, watchtraditional Cholitaswrestle, and ride cable cars around the whole city
Day 7: An incredible day trip to the world’slargest navigable lake– Titicaca. Take a speedboat to Isla del Sol, an Inca legend, and enjoy the magic of the island.
Day 8: Partake in an exhilarating downhill bike tour of Bolivia’s famous “Death Road” before taking your redeye flight home
Plan to book your departing flight from La Paz/El Alto for 3-4AM on Day 9.
Flying into Bolivia
For this trip, you can fly either into:
- VVI– Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- LPB– La Paz/El Alto International
We recommend you fly into VVI and fly out of LPB, if possible. You will read why below.
Flying into and out of Santa Cruz/Viru Viru(VVI) from Europe
From Europe, there is adirect flight from MAD to VVIon Air Europa arriving at 545AM, and some days on BOA (Aviation BoliviaAirlines) arriving at 4AM.
There are also connecting flights via LIM, GRU, BOG, PTY, and MIA. Some of these involve booking 2 separate flights, so I recommend using Google Flights to find the best itineraries. Most, if not all connecting flights arrive in the late night or early morning.
For Europeans, you may also consider returning on the direct Air Europa flight from VVI-MAD on Day 9 (departs around 1250PM) as long as you find a flight from LPB-VVI early enough in the morning that day.
That being said, it is possible to fly into La Paz/El Alto (LPB) on day 1 if you can find a connecting domestic flight onwards to Sucre (SRE) on your arrival date (as early as possible to maximize your time in Sucre).
Flying into Santa Cruz/Viru Viru(VVI) from the US
From the US, you can flydirectfrom Miamiarriving at 6AM. Alternately, there are connecting flights via LIM, GRU, BOG, and PTY. Most, if not all connecting flights arrive in the late night or early morning.
We recommend starting your trip in VVI. This is because most days, you’ll have more flight optionsfromVVI into the rest of the country, which simplifies this itinerary. It’s also at a lower altitude than La Paz (LPB), thus offsetting somepressureof acclimatizing to high altitude.
That being said, it is possible to fly into La Paz/El Alto (LPB) on day 1 if you can find a connecting domestic flight onwards to Sucre (SRE) on your arrival date (as early as possible to maximize your time in Sucre).
Flying into and out of La Paz/El Alto (LPB)
Because of its high altitude (El Alto is actually the5th highest commercial airport in the world), there are no direct flights from the US or Europe.
You can find connecting flights via LIM and BOG from both the US and Europe.
This 8-day Bolivia itinerary ends in La Paz/El Alto (LPB), so we recommend youbook your exit flightfrom Bolivia from LPB. Plan to fly out from La Paz/El Alto at 3-4AM on Day 9, with connecting flights arriving the same day relatively early in the US.
However, feel free to fly out of VVI if you can find an early enough flight from LPB-VVI on day 9.
That brings me to my next point – domestic flights.
Related:Traveling To The Galapagos in 2023: The Ultimate GuideBooking Domestic Flights in Bolivia
In Bolivia, internal/domestic flights are served by three airlines, notably:
- Bolivian Aviation(Boeing 737s)
- Amazon(Embraer E190s)
- Ecojet(Avro RJ95s)
Typically, these fares will not show up on tradition search websites.
It’s best to book directly on the websites. In my experience over several flights, the airlines in Bolivia are punctual, offer good service, and do not charge extras unless your bag is over 20kg (again, in general). Most importantly, they meet high safety standards (and I’m saying thatas a US based airline pilot!)
The Ultimate 8-Day Bolivia Itinerary – Expanded
Day 1: The Bolivia Adventure Begins
- Arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (VVI – Viru Viru International), most likely very early
- Discover the center of Santa Cruz, the largest city in Bolivia, in the morning
- Hop on a domestic flight to Sucre around noon and explore this incredible city in the afternoon
Arrival into Viru Viru International – time for a nap and a walk!
On arrival, Americans can expect to pay about $160 for a Visa on Arrival in Bolivia. At the time of writing, Europeans did not need to pay this fee for tourism. Find out more foryour particular case here.
Chances are you’ll arrive very early in the morning. This is the perfect opportunity to head to the hotel and get a nap before catching adomestic flight to Sucre (SRE)in the late morning/early afternoon.
At the time of writing, there is a flight on BOA departing at 1345, and an Amaszonas flight departing at 11AM. Make sure to book one of those.
If you arrive early, we highly recommend heading to theTRYP by Wyndhamfor a nap. This brand new hotel features great guest ratings, an available airport transfer, a very convenient location, and excellent pricing.
If you have time before your domestic flight, why not join a walking tour? Make sure not to miss theCathedral Metropolitanaor thePlazeula Blacuttin the center of town.
Keep in mind that travel time by taxi to the airport (VVI) is 35-60 minutes. For domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive an hour and a half before departure. BOA and Amaszonas both offer online checkin to expedite the process.
Sucre: Bolivia’s most picturesque city (plus: a dinosaur footprint!)
Welcome to Bolivia’s most picturesque city, Sucre. With a colonial history dating back to the 1400s and thebestclimate in all of Bolivia, Sucre is a highly popular city – for both tourists and locals!
In fact, it’s known as the ‘de facto’ capital of Bolivia – even over the much larger La Paz.
There’s so much to do and see here. To make the most of your time, I highly recommend you join an exclusive half-dayprivate walking tourto see about as much in 2 and a half hours as you could ever imagine. They can even arrange pickup from the airport!
While in the quintessential colonial and magnificent city of Sucre, you should test out your bargaining skills at the artsyMercado Farmer, visit the stupefyingly beautifulGeneral Cemetery, climb to the top ofSan Felipe de Neri Convent, and treat yourself with ice cream fromSucré Artisan Ice Cream Shopin the Central Square (Plaza de Armas). This is all covered in the walking tour, and more!
After you’re done with all that exploring, why not try out your cooking skills with a Bolivian cooking class atThe Mouth of the Toad? It’s a fantastic way to finish your day – and fully immerse yourself in Bolivian culture.
Our recommended hotel is theParador Santa Maria La Real, the BEST Hotel in Sucre (and relatively inexpensive!)
I stayed at the Parador Santa Maria La Real in January and loved its boutique feel, warm reception, rooftop bar/restaurant with epic views, and super comfortable rooms with all the amenities. And importantly, fast wifi!
Day 2: An epic mining tour before heading to the world’s largest salt flats
- 2.5 hour early (6AM) bus to Potosi to arrive by 9
- Epic half-day tour inside the mines of the world’s highest city
- Take a bus to Uyuni as late as 2100 if you wish to stay and explore Potosi, the world’s highest city
- Stay at a wonderful Salt hotel (literally built out of salt)
After an eventful first day, it’s time for an early start for a more relaxed, but equally ravishing day.
You’ll take a Trans Emperador bus departing at 6AM from Sucre arriving in Potosi at 9AM, for an epic tour deep into the historic mines ofrich hill. Here, you’ll learn about the conditions and listen to the fascinating stories from the miners that work here day in and day out.
In the afternoon, you can explore Potosi, the world’shighestinhabited city, and visit one of the world’s first coin mints, preserved colonial buildings likeTower of the Company of Jesus, hot springs, and try amazing local Bolivian dishes such as Cazuela or Aji de Pataskha.
Sometime in the late afternoon, you’ll take another bus to Uyuni – the hometown of the largest Salt Flats in the world. The last bus departs at 9PM.
Once in Uyuni, you should stay in the epicSalt House Hotel– a hotel builtentirelyout of Salt. Everything from the walls to the bed to the couches are made out of salt. Luckily, the mattresses arenot.
Day 3: The Largest & Most Epic Salt Flats in the World
- Start a 3 day tour around 10-11AM
- Explore the largest Salt Flats in the world, an island of ancient cacti, and the local train cemetary
- If you’re lucky and it’s dry, you can bike across the Salt Flats around the “Dakar Rally 2020” area
After catching some beauty sleep and enjoying complimentary breakfast from the top floor of Casa de Sal (hopefully the food isnottoo salty!), you’ll start your Salt Flats adventure around 11AM.
The Place Where Trains Come to their Final Stop
The first stop is theTrain Cemetery, a place where both passenger and cargo trains have come to their final stop. The history dates back to when this area was a gem for mining, and the reason why Uyuni itself exists here in the middle of nowhere.
Next, you’ll head deep into theUyuni Salt Flats(Salar de Uyuni), until all you can see is just pure white. Here, if you’re lucky and it’s dry, you’ll grab some bikes and explore the endlessness of this magical place. And if you’re lucky and it’s wet, you’ll get to take ‘infinity pool’ style infinite reflection pictures – the kind you’d see onNational Geographic.
Whether you bike there or not, the next stop is the home of theDakar Rally 2020– a race across the desert that was supposed to take place here in Bolivia – and did back in 2014 – but was cancelled this time. There’s still a massive gathering area dedicated to the race that never happened.
Here is where you’ll be served fresh, delicious lunch under the shade of umbrellas, still gawking at this place that feels like it’s not supposed to exist.
Ancient Cacti and Bolivian Wine
The late afternoon entails more exploring, taking hilarious pictures and videos for instagram (perfect reel opportunity!), and exploring an island of ancient cacti.
This island, named ‘Incawassi’ (home of the Inca), features 400-600 year old cacti that grow at only 1 centimeter per year! It’s a surreal feeling being in this mysterious place jutting out of nowhere surrounded by these ancient beings.
And lastly, it’s time to enjoy the sunset with ‘high tea’ – some local red wine (yes it exists!) and Bolivian snacks. Amazing.
Day 4: Flamingo watching at theEduardo Abaroa Reserve& totally clear-sky stargazing from a hot spring
- Witness 3 different species of flamingos across massive lagoons at altitudes as high as 4600m
- Visit theStone Treeat over 16,000 feet
- Walk around the active geysers ofmorning sun
- Stargaze from the middle of the desert with no light pollution
The day starts with breakfast at the hotel and a gorgeous sunrise greeting you over ancient volcanos. On the journey today through theSalvador Dali Desert, you’ll stop by local Bolivian llama farms and quinoa plantations, and learn about the dozens of species of quinoa and just how significant they are to the local population.
Lagunas in every color
The first of three flamingo-filled lagunas you’ll visit today is theCanapa Lagoon, an insanely gorgeous and delightfully deep blue laguna covered by pink and white. This pink and white consists of not one, but three species of flamingos painted by the carotenoids in the algae and shrimp they eat.
Lunch is served next to ‘Stinky Lake’, which thankfully isn’t half as bad as the name implies. The stickiness supposedly comes from the algae, which is a good thing! This same algae attracts flocks and flocks of flamingos, and this lake is probably the closest you can get to these majestic creatures.
Next up at over 16,000 feet is the ‘Stone Tree’, an area of windswept giant rocks carved out by nature over millennia. Shortly thereafter, you’ll visit the nicest laguna of all: theRed Lagoon. It’s in the protected area of the Eduardo Abaroa Reserve, and you’ll see why when you get here.
The beauty of volcanic activity: hot springs and hotter springs
And of course, you can’t miss the active geysers ofmorning sun,which are constantly throwing up sulfur-filled steam as high as 50m/150ft! This is the best place in the whole area to get up close and personal with 300C/600F sulfuric bubble baths –notrecommended to swim.
To top off a day full of adventure, you’ll stay in a hostel located right off hot springs! After dinner, grab your swimsuit and head to the water with some wine and watch the sunset from the warmth and comfort of this natural hot pool. As it gets dark, you’ll be able to appreciate the Milky Way right above your head, and truly absorb the remarkable beauty of this place.
Day 5: Hares, Laguna Verde and Licancabur Volcano
- Explore magnificent a green lagoon next to an ancient volcano
- Admire the incredible sandstone rock forest around the Laguna Negra
- Finish in Uyuni in the evening, take the night bus directly to La Paz
After an epic fun night at the hot springs, it’s time to start making your way back to Uyuni. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to end here.
The first stop is the wonderful green lagoon, next to an ancient 19000ft volcano, theLicancabur. This is the place where others will depart to San Pedro in Chile.
The road back to Uyuni is a long one (7-8 hours), but it’s wonderful sights all along. You’ll stop at a giant sandstone forest next toBlack Lagoon. I can’t emphasize enough that this is a magical place, a sanctuary of canyons and valleys and lakes and wildlife. Here is where you’ll witness hares interacting with endemic birds and llamas. It’s a fascinating place for a walk.
When you get back to Uyuni, you’ll have time for a shower ($5 at most hotels) before taking a luxurious, sleeper-style night bus up to La Paz.
Day 6: Walking tour of La Paz, Bolivia’s Political Capital
- Learn about the llama fetuses sold at the Witches Market
- Spend the afternoon exploring the city by Cable Car
- Watch cholitas (traditional Bolivian women) wresting in El Alto
When you arrive in La Paz, try to arrange for early check-in at your hotel. After trying out several hotels in La Paz, we recommend staying atHotel The Museumfor its excellent location, great customer service, awesome rooms, and budget-friendly prices.
After a short nap and delicious breakfast, it’s time to explore this riveting city. At over 3650m above sea level, be prepared for a bit of a wind chill. But the cold isn’t going to be the most shocking thing today.
Exploring La Paz in a Day
From fascinating markets (like the witch market with itsllama fetusesfor sale) to colonial churches and cathedrals, incredible viewpoints, beautiful plazas, and great restaurants, there’s so much to do and see in La Paz. It’s a great way to get a taste Bolivia in its true essence.
In the afternoon, head to the nearest cable car station (Teleferico) for astounding views over the entire city. At only 11 bolivianos (like $1.50), it’s a deal that’s too good to pass up on. You can literally ride around theentirecity with incredible views. You’ll appreciate views on the nearby Valle de la Luna, the snowcapped 21000+ft Mt. Illimani, and of course all the vast areas the city reaches.
At the top of the ridge, you reachThe tall(near where the airport is). Up here, there are more incredible markets to visit and even a little local tradition: acholitawrestling ceremony! (Cholitas are Bolivian women that self-identify as indigenous and celebrate their heritage)
After an incredible day getting to know the ins-and-outs of La Paz, head to one of the top-rated restaurants in town. I particularly lovedYATI restaurant, but Cafe del Mundo was also very good. Nearby, there’s Bolivian Popular Food, but it wasn’t open on the days I was there.
Day 7: Day Trip to Lake Titicaca and Isla Del Sol
- Ride on a BoliviaHop bus directly to the incredible city of Copacabana
- Includes a ferry ride to Isla Del Sol for a true Inca experience
- Return to La Paz for the night
I did this whole excursion to Lake Titicaca from La Paz on my own, without a tour. But when I added up all the costs (taxis, microbus, bus, crossings, boat ride), I actuallydidn’tend up saving any money over theBoliviaHop tour.
That’s why I’m recommending them for this amazing day trip.
You’ll see the most picturesque city in Bolivia:Copacabana– the closest thing I’ve ever seen to Positano in South America.
Inca del Sol: An Inca Legend
From Copacabana, you take a speedboat to Isla del Sol, known as the home of some Inca legends. Here you can join a historic walking tour of the sun templePillsand the coast ofYumani.
It’s also possible to spend more time and fully explore the island by spending the night here at a homestay with locals – a true Inca experience. Only if you’re willing to extend your trip by a day or skip tomorrow’s incredible Death Road downhill biking tour.
Otherwise, enjoy the thrilling ride back to La Paz. It’s filled with nonstop wonderful views and a super fun river crossing (across the Strait of Tiquina). This is where you get to watch your multi-ton bus bus cross on a homemade raft. Quite an adventure!
Day 8: Bolivia’s Death Road
- Downhill biking through some of Bolivia’s most enchanting scenery
- Learn about the tragic history of this road and why it’s no longer deadly
- Finish with delicious local food and a shower before heading back to La Paz for a redeye flight back home
Welcome to the most dangerous road on the planet, as covered by the BBC, Discovery, Reuters, and more: the North Yungas Road – otherwise known as “Death Road”. Until a new, safer road was built in the early 2000s, it was known to kill 200-300 peopleeachyear – since its inception over 50 years prior.
Now, it’s become Bolivia’s most sensational tourist attraction. Rent some mountain bikes, head up to the summit at 4,700 m (15,420 feet) out of the city of La Paz, and start your way down over 60 kilometers of paved and dirt road.
Why the Death Road tour makes the entire trip to Bolivia worth it
The views along the way are mind-blowing. Hugging the road alongside hundred-meter drops beside the road, you’ll have incredibly diverse views in just 4-5 hours of biking. Starting from high mountain sparse vegetation (and usually in the clouds), you’ll make your way to increasingly lush, green, and eventually even tropical vegetation. Along the way, make sure not to get too distracted by the sweeping vistas of magnificent snow-topped Andean mountains.
Inevitably, you’ll pass under several waterfalls – probably my favorite part of the trip. Refreshing, fun, and just plain awesome.
It’s exhilarating, it’s exciting, and it’s wondrous.
You finish the day at a wonderful Eco-Resort for a much-needed meal, maybe some beers, and of course a shower. This is the best way I could think of to finish up your epic 8-day Bolivia adventure before heading back to La Paz for your redeye flight home.
Enjoy your epic trip to Bolivia! Stay tuned for a special opportunity.
We will soon be announcing our premier group trip opportunity to Bolivia. You can expect this incredible 8-day itinerary, with every detail taken care of – so you can just sit back, relax, and have a whole lot of fun. No stressing worrying about booking domestic flights, hotels, tours, aligning the schedules. All you gotta do is show up.
I am an affiliate with several companies linked in this article, and as a result may receive a commission for transactions. This is how I keep the website running – so I can make your travel experience a little bit better. Thanks for reading!
Related
FAQs
How many days is enough for Bolivia? ›
Planning Your Trip to Bolivia
Ten days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Bolivia. It will allow you to link tours of the capital of La Paz with other regions, like the highlands around Lake Titicaca, the national parks of the Bolivian Amazon, and the southern Uyuni Salt Flats.
However, 10-14 days is ideal to fit in a trip to the Amazon and Lake Titicaca and give yourself a bit of extra time in each place so you aren't rushing. Three weeks is the perfect amount of time in Bolivia to tick off the highlights whilst giving yourself a little extra time in each city and without having to rush.
Is it safe to travel to Bolivia right now? ›Bolivia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest.
How many days do I need in La Paz Bolivia? ›HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN LA PAZ? 3 days is the perfect amount of time in La Paz. You can see most of the inner city in one day, including the witches' market and the historical centre, especially if you're whizzing around on the popular cable cars.
What is the best month to visit Bolivia? ›Like most of its South American neighbors, Bolivia's climate varies based on altitude and season, making it a great destination throughout the whole year. However, most agree that the best time to visit Bolivia is during its dry season between May and October, with a tourism spike around August (so book early!).
What month is best for Bolivia? ›The best time for travel to Bolivia is between the months of May to October when the weather is dry. Bolivia receives the most amount of tourists in July and August. Traveling in the rainy season can be challenging as many of the roads are difficult to navigate. Some parts of Bolivia can be visited throughout the year.
How long can Americans stay in Bolivia? ›With a visitor visa, you may stay 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year. A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
What is the cheapest time of year to go to Bolivia? ›If you are looking for cheap flights to Bolivia, Skyscanner is a great resource. The off-season months for traveling to Bolivia are April, May, October, and November.
How much money do you need per day in Bolivia? ›Budget-Friendly Travel Planning. How much money will you need for your trip to Bolivia? You should plan to spend around $b362 ($52) per day on your vacation in Bolivia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
What vaccinations are needed for Bolivia? ›The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bolivia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.
Do US citizens need visa for Bolivia? ›
All U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. A visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighboring country. In addition, a tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border.
Do I need a Covid test to enter Bolivia? ›Present a negative COVID-19 nasal antigen test (for persons older than 5 years) no more than 48 hours prior to embarkation.
Do they speak English in La Paz Bolivia? ›Language Spoken in la Paz, Bolivia
Like much of South America, Bolivians speak Spanish. You wouldn't find many people conversing in English in Bolivia. Even locals who know English speak amongst themselves in Spanish.
Casual clothes are going to work best here. Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with light layers such as a t-shirt or camisoles for the summer, and warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and sweater in the winter.
Why is Bolivia worth visiting? ›Bolivia is a great year-round destination
Bolivia has a varied topography, ranging from the high Andean plateau to the lowlands of the Amazon basin, resulting in a diverse range of climates and microclimates across the country. The dry season, which runs from May to October, is the most popular time to visit Bolivia.
Cost of living in Bolivia is, on average, 58.5% lower than in United States. Rent in Bolivia is, on average, 82.4% lower than in United States.
Is Bolivia a cheap place to visit? ›With lower living costs compared to Argentina, Brazil and Chile, you can travel longer, eat more heartily and sleep for less money than in nearly every one of Bolivia's South American neighbors.
What are 3 important dates in Bolivia? ›- 1959-04-19 Uprising in La Paz Bolivia, fails.
- 1967-02-02 Bolivia adopts its constitution.
- 1967-04-20 French author Régis Debray caught in Bolivia.
- 1967-10-08 Guerrilla leader Che Guevara and his men are captured in Bolivia.
- 1967-11-17 French author Régis Debray sentenced to 30 years in Bolivia.
- Day 1: Arrival in La Paz.
- Day 2: Valle de la Luna and Valle de las Animas.
- Day 3: Death Road and Paragliding.
- Day 4: Salar de Uyuni Tour 3 Days.
- Day 5: Salar de Uyuni Tour.
- Day 6: Salar de Uyuni Tour.
- Day 7: Tiwanaku.
- Day 8-9: Lake Titicaca.
The best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia is between December and April when the wet season creates a vast mirror effect. The dry season, between May and November, is best for seeing the stunning crystallised salt patterns.
Can a US citizen live in Bolivia? ›
Residence And Tourist Visas In Bolivia
For those interested in settling in the country you'll have to apply to what's known as a Visa de Objecto Determinado, or Specific Purpose Visa.
Living in Bolivia as an expat
The population of expats in Bolivia is small and most foreigners can be found either in one of the capital cities, Sucre and La Paz, or other major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba. Most expats are employed by NGOs or are volunteering for a brief period.
Bolivia is a South American country on the rise, working to better its infrastructure. The low cost of living may be enough to convince you that Bolivia is the right country for you to retire in. However, life for a U.S. expat is probably most compatible with Bolivia's most populated cities.
What is the most famous food in Bolivia? ›The salteña is the national dish of Bolivia. It refers to a baked Bolivian empanada made with beef or chicken mixed with olives, potatoes, vegetables, hard-boiled egg, raisins, and spices in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce. Salteñas are so juicy that you can think of them as a type of stew served inside a pastry.
What is the best way to visit 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.
A single person could live on $600 to $800. And that low-cost lifestyle is not one of minimalistic denial. Sucre is a hub of tourism and as such has varied restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues.
Are US dollars accepted in Bolivia? ›Money. The local currency is the Boliviano. US dollars are accepted in some larger cities and stores, although you will need the local currency in more remote regions. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted by banks, hotels and restaurants in the main cities, and ATMs can also be found here.
How much is $100 in Bolivia? ›| USD | BOB |
|---|---|
| 10 USD | 68.48 BOB |
| 25 USD | 171.21 BOB |
| 50 USD | 342.42 BOB |
| 100 USD | 684.85 BOB |
Banking facilities are good in all main Bolivian cities. ATMs accept Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard. In smaller tourist destinations, cash is needed.
Do I need malaria pills for Bolivia? ›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.
Is there a way to enter the US without being vaccinated? ›
All non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States.
Can you go to America without being vaccinated? ›Entry and borders
As of 12 May 2023, there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travel to the United States.
| Visa type | Cost (in USDs) |
|---|---|
| Bolivia visa on arrival cost | Can vary, up to $95 |
| 60-day student visa | $50 |
| 180-day student visa | $50 |
| Temporary residence visa | $200-$250 |
Visa Questionnaire
The government of Bolivia has instituted an online visa application form. This electronic process is extremely complicated and has portions that are only available in Spanish. CIBTvisas will complete the entire process on your behalf.
Passport holders from any of these countries NEED to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is FREE OF CHARGE, however if you opt to get your visa at the border, a $95 USD fee will apply.
Do I have to wear a mask in Bolivia? ›Do I need to wear a face mask in Bolivia? It is required to wear a face mask in public places.
Do you need a negative COVID-19 test to enter the USA? ›Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.
Do you still need a negative Covid test to travel back to the US? ›As of June 12, 2022, the requirement for presenting proof of a negative viral test result before entering the U.S is suspended.
Are people in Bolivia friendly? ›Bolivian Culture
Bolivians tend to be relaxed about everything, especially time and punctuality. They are open, friendly, welcoming, and affectionate.
Though the tap water in some cities and towns is chlorinated, it's best to avoid drinking it entirely while in Bolivia. Bottled water, both mineral and purified, is sold throughout the country, though rarely consumed by Bolivians themselves: check the seals on all bottles are intact, as refilling is not unknown.
How do you say hello in Bolivia? ›
Meeting & Greeting
When meeting people will use the most appropriate greeting for the time of day - these are "buenos dias" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good day), or "buenas noches"(good evening). People with an informal relationship will be warmer and embrace or pat each other on the shoulder.
Attitudes to what constitutes appropriate clothing vary sharply between the highlands and the tropical lowlands. Bolivians everywhere are used to foreigners wearing shorts, but in the conservative highlands it's not the done thing to show off too much flesh. In remote villages in particular this can cause real offence.
Can you swim in the ocean in La Paz? ›La Paz has some of the best swimming beaches in Mexico with calm, clear waters. The Malecon has a beachfront, but you'll find the best beaches for swimming are a few minutes outside of town. Within 10-45 minutes' ride by bus or car you can reach several that have bars, restaurants, and lounge chairs for rent.
How do people in Bolivia dress? ›Those in urban areas tend to wear European-style clothing. The Aymara and Quechua people, who live in the “altiplano” region, have a distinctive way of dressing. Aymara women wear bright skirts called "Idquo polleras” and bowler hats. Aymara men often wear striped ponchos and hats with ear flaps called “chullos”.
Is it safe for Americans to travel in Bolivia? ›Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Bolivia? ›Arguably the most famous place in Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni is truly a spectacular and beautiful sight. Hop on a tour and experience the salt flat for yourself, as well as the surrounding lagunas and deserts. El Salar de Uyuni: the world's largest salt flat and Bolivia's top tourist attraction.
What to do before going to Bolivia? ›- Look beyond the Andes. ...
- Pick the right time to visit. ...
- Check whether you need a tourist visa for Bolivia. ...
- Give yourself a flexible itinerary. ...
- Learn a little Spanish. ...
- Don't forget to pack the essentials. ...
- Carry cash in Bolivia's backwaters. ...
- Learn some basic greetings.
How Many Days in the Bolivia Salt Flats Do you Need? We recommend the 3 or 4-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Although you can do a 1-day tour of the salt flats themselves you really do miss out on the other attractions that are covered in the 3 and 4-day tour. The longer tours are more popular for this reason.
How long do you need for Peru and Bolivia? ›The minimum amount of time I would recommend for travelling both Peru and Bolivia is 10 days. 10 days will allow you to see the highlights of both countries: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, La Paz and the Salt flats. However, you will feel rushed and may only be able to spend a day in each of these places.
Are the salt flats in Bolivia worth it? ›Should you visit the Salt Flats in Bolivia? Absolutely! The Salt Flats are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Bolivia. You can book tours to the Salt Flats from the city of Uyuni, La Paz, Tupiza, or even San Pedro de Atacama (in Chile.)
Are the salt flats worth it? ›
Even though visiting Bonneville Salt Flats as a Salt Lake City Day Trip is 3-4 hours of round trip driving, it's completely worth it – especially for an event.
What do I need to enter Bolivia from USA? ›All U.S. citizens visiting Bolivia are required to obtain a visa. A visa can be obtained at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighboring country. In addition, a tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border.
What are the entry requirements for Bolivia for US citizens? ›Entry requirements:
Valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity remaining. International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. With a visitor visa, you may stay 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year. A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival.
The best time to go to Bolivia and Peru is in the cooler but drier months of May to October – just be sure to pack plenty of alpaca sweaters! Read on to find out some of the top activities along the way, and get helpful travel advice from our South America experts.
What is Bolivia most beautiful city? ›Sucre. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia also referred to as “The White City”, and is the official Capital of Bolivia. Owing to the beauty and the incredible charm of a colonial Spanish town, it is one of those fascinating tourist attractions placed on the UNESCO list since 1991.