Bolivia

1. What are the best places to visit in Bolivia?
The Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is a must-see, especially during the rainy season (December–March) when it turns into a mirror. La Paz offers the Witches’ Market and a cable car ride with views of the Andes. Lake Titicaca, shared with Peru, features the Isla del Sol with ancient Inca ruins. Sucre, the constitutional capital, is known for its whitewashed colonial architecture and the Cal Orck’o dinosaur footprints. Potosí has the historic Cerro Rico mines, a UNESCO site. The Amazon Basin in Rurrenabaque is perfect for jungle tours to spot pink dolphins. Visit the Jesuit Missions in the Chiquitania region for cultural history.

2. Is it safe to travel to Bolivia?
As of March 2025, Bolivia is generally safe for tourists, but caution is needed. Petty theft is common in La Paz and Santa Cruz, especially in markets and bus terminals—keep valuables secure. Altitude sickness is a risk in La Paz (3,640m) and Uyuni (3,670m)—acclimatize slowly and stay hydrated. Protests and road blockades can disrupt travel, particularly in La Paz—monitor local news. Tap water isn’t safe; use bottled water. Medical facilities are basic outside major cities, so bring medications and travel insurance. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are risks in the Amazon—use repellent. Check advisories for political unrest.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Bolivia?
Citizens of the EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for 6 months. U.S. citizens need a tourist visa ($160), obtainable on arrival or at a Bolivian embassy, valid for 30 days per trip (up to 90 days per year). A yellow fever certificate is required if visiting high-risk areas like the Amazon. All travelers need proof of onward travel and accommodation. Extensions are possible at Immigration Offices in La Paz or Santa Cruz ($30–$50). Confirm requirements before travel, as policies can change, especially for U.S. citizens.

4. What is the best time to visit Bolivia?
The dry season (May–October) is best for most regions, with clear skies and temperatures of 10°C–20°C (50°F–68°F) in the highlands, ideal for visiting Salar de Uyuni or hiking in the Andes. The rainy season (November–April) brings lush greenery to the Amazon and a mirror effect at Uyuni, but roads can be muddy and travel to remote areas like Potosí is harder. La Paz and Sucre are pleasant year-round, though nights can drop to 0°C (32°F) in winter (June–August). The shoulder months (April and November) offer fewer crowds and milder weather. Festivals like Carnival in Oruro (February) are best during the rainy season.

5. How do I get to Bolivia?
Fly into El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz or Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz. Flights from the U.S. (Miami) take 6–8 hours ($500–$1,200 round trip) with Boliviana de Aviación or LATAM, often via Lima or Bogotá. From Europe (Madrid, Paris), flights take 14–16 hours ($800–$1,500) with connections. Domestic flights with Boliviana de Aviación connect La Paz to Uyuni or Sucre ($50–$100 one-way, 1 hour). Long-distance buses like Trans Copacabana travel between La Paz and Sucre (12 hours, $15–$30). Taxis in La Paz cost $2–$5 per ride, or use shared minibuses for $0.50. Road conditions can be rough, so plan extra time.

6. What are traditional Bolivian foods to try?
Try salteñas, savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, or pork, best in Sucre. Pique macho, a hearty dish of beef, sausage, fries, and spicy sauce, is popular in Cochabamba. Sopa de maní, a peanut soup, is a La Paz staple. Silpancho, a breaded beef cutlet with rice, potatoes, and a fried egg, hails from Cochabamba. For a snack, grab anticuchos, grilled beef heart skewers, at street stalls. Quinoa, grown in the Andes, is often in soups or salads. Drink chicha, a fermented corn drink, in rural areas, or api, a warm purple corn drink, in the highlands. Coca tea helps with altitude sickness.

7. What are the best cultural experiences in Bolivia?
Attend the Carnival in Oruro (February), a UNESCO-listed festival with the Diablada dance. Visit the Witches’ Market in La Paz to see traditional Aymara remedies and talismans. Join a community festival in Tarabuco (March) near Sucre for weaving displays and Yampara dances. Explore Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca for Inca history and a sacred pilgrimage. Witness a tinku ritual fight in rural Potosí (May), a traditional Aymara practice. Take a guided tour of the Cerro Rico mines in Potosí to learn about colonial history ($15–$20). In La Paz, attend a cholita wrestling match, a unique cultural event featuring indigenous women ($10/ticket).

8. What are the best outdoor activities in Bolivia?
Take a 4x4 tour of Salar de Uyuni to see salt flats, geysers, and flamingo-filled lagoons ($150–$200 for 3 days). Bike the Death Road from La Paz to Coroico, a thrilling 3,600m descent ($50–$80/tour). Trek the Cordillera Real, like the Huayna Potosí climb (6,088m, $150–$200 with a guide). Boat on Lake Titicaca to visit floating Uros Islands ($20–$40/tour). Jungle trek in Madidi National Park from Rurrenabaque to spot jaguars and macaws ($100–$150 for 3 days). Hike the El Choro Inca Trail near La Paz, a 3-day pre-Inca route ($50 with a guide). Sandboard in the Lomas de Arena near Santa Cruz ($30/tour).

9. What should I know about Bolivian culture before visiting?
Bolivians are warm but reserved—greet with a handshake and “Buenos días.” Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are spoken; English is rare outside tourist areas. Indigenous traditions are strong—respect rituals like coca leaf offerings. Dress modestly in rural areas; layers are key for varying altitudes. Meals are hearty and often include potatoes or quinoa. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Festivals are vibrant—expect music and dance. Be patient with transportation delays, as infrastructure is basic. Coca leaves are legal and widely used for altitude sickness, but don’t take them out of the country. Avoid discussing politics, as tensions can be high.

10. What are the accommodation options in Bolivia?
In La Paz, stay at the Atix Hotel ($100–$150/night) for luxury or Hostal Naira ($30–$50/night) for budget travelers. In Uyuni, the Palacio de Sal ($120–$200/night), made of salt, is unique, or try Hotel Jardines de Uyuni ($40–$80/night). Sucre offers the Parador Santa María La Real ($60–$100/night) or Hostal Sucre ($20–$40/night). In Rurrenabaque, ecolodges like Chalalán ($150–$250/night, meals included) are ideal for Amazon tours, or stay at Hotel Santa Anita ($25–$50/night). Lake Titicaca has homestays on Isla del Sol ($15–$30/night). Book early for Uyuni during peak season, as options are limited, and Wi-Fi can be unreliable.