Bolivia Travel Guide - Best Destinations And Things To Do In Bolivia
BOLIVIA TRAVEL GUIDE
In our Bolivia Travel Guide, we’ll show you the best sides of this beautiful country. After traveling through Vicky’s home country, Peru, we decided to explore Bolivia. At first, we were a bit skeptical, and Vicky wasn’t completely convinced. She had heard that there was often an unpleasant smell in the air. However, we were ultimately impressed by the country and are excited to share it with you step by step.
OUR BOLIVIA HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT TO FIND HERE
OUR BOLIVIA TRAVEL GUIDE
WHY TO TRAVEL TO BOLIVIA
As you probably already know, we’re always on the lookout for adventure, cool tours, variety, and, ideally, all of this for a low cost. If you search these words on Google, Bolivia should definitely come up. It’s a country with a rich history, home to the stunning Salar de Uyuni—one of the most beautiful places in the world—and, for example, La Paz, the highest capital city in the world.
After our adventure in Peru, we set off on our journey to La Paz and landed in this incredible city. The airport sits at an altitude of 4,000 meters, and you immediately notice how difficult it is to breathe. That’s why it’s so important to start slow and give your body time to adjust to the high altitude.
WHERE TO GO IN BOLIVIA
We spent two weeks in Bolivia, but we also worked in that time. Our journey started in La Paz, a city that is a must-visit! The cable cars alone are worth the trip. It was amazing to see the city from above. Once we had acclimated to the altitude, we began our Uyuni tour. Afterward, we returned to La Paz and did more sightseeing there. We also joined a day trip to Lake Titicaca. Later, we took a domestic flight to Santa Cruz, a more modern city with a beautiful park.
We do have one small remark to make, though. As you know, we love to try new foods, but unfortunately, Bolivia was a bit disappointing in this regard. But as they say, you can’t have it all!
GOOD TO KNOW
You can check the Visa regulations here.
Once you’ve cleared customs, you’ll need to get from the airport to the heart of La Paz, which is about a 30-minute drive (depending on traffic). There are several options to choose from:
Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. A taxi ride from El Alto to La Paz typically costs between 40 to 50 BOB (Bolivian Bolivianos), which is around 6-7 USD. Make sure to agree on the price before you leave or ensure the meter is running. Alternatively, apps like Uber or Bolt also operate in La Paz, offering an easy and more secure way to get to your accommodation.Airport Shuttle (Minibus)
If you’re on a budget, you can take the shared airport shuttle service that runs from the airport to various points in La Paz. The cost is much lower, around 2 to 3 USD per person. However, this option may take longer, as it stops at multiple locations in the city.Private Transfer
For a more comfortable and hassle-free arrival, you can book a private transfer in advance. Many hotels in La Paz offer airport pick-up services, which are convenient if you’re carrying luggage or simply prefer a smoother experience. Expect to pay around 30-40 USD for a private transfer.Cable Car (Mi Teleférico)
For a truly unique experience, you can take advantage of La Paz’s famous cable car system, Mi Teleférico. While not directly connecting to the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle to the nearest cable car station, which will take you across the city. The cable cars offer stunning panoramic views of La Paz, making the ride itself an unforgettable part of your journey.
The currency in Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). While US Dollars are widely accepted in major cities, it’s best to carry cash, especially in smaller towns. ATMs are common in urban areas, but credit cards are not always accepted in rural locations.
Spanish is the most widely spoken language, though Quechua and Aymara are also common, particularly in the highlands. English is limited outside tourist areas, so learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be very helpful.
April to October: This is the dry season, and generally the best time to visit Bolivia. The weather is sunny and pleasant, especially in the highlands like La Paz and Uyuni. This is also the ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, the Salar de Uyuni tour, and exploring Lake Titicaca.
November to March: This is the rainy season in Bolivia. While it’s not a bad time to visit, rain can disrupt travel plans, particularly in the Amazon Basin and lower-altitude areas like Santa Cruz. However, the rain brings lush greenery, making it a great time for visiting the Yungas or Madidi National Park.
In Bolivia, the electrical plugs and sockets are typically of Type A, C, and F. Here’s what you need to know:
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins (same as in the U.S. and Canada).
- Type C: Two round pins (common in Europe, especially in countries like France and Spain).
- Type F: Two round pins with two earth clips on the side (commonly used in Europe, particularly in Germany).
In Bolivia, it’s generally not recommended to drink tap water directly, especially in rural or less-developed areas. While the water may be treated in some places, it’s often not filtered to the standards that are safe for travelers, particularly if your body isn’t used to it.
