From the mirror-like salt flats of Uyuni to the steamy Amazon basin, Bolivia enthralls budget travelers with its raw landscapes, rich cultures, and wallet-friendly adventures.
I wandered its markets alongside bowler-hatted cholitas, trekked through ancient ruins, and feasted on salteñas in bustling plazas – all without breaking the bank.
This comprehensive guide will take you through Bolivia’s cultural, natural, historical, and culinary highlights, seasoned with personal anecdotes and practical tips to help you plan your own Bolivian backpacking odyssey.
Why Visit Bolivia on a Budget?
Bolivia remains one of South America’s best values for backpackers, offering off-the-beaten-path experiences at a fraction of the cost of its neighbors. It’s actually the most indigenous country in the Americas, with a majority of the population of Native American ancestry.
This means travelers can immerse in living indigenous cultures – from Aymara markets in the highlands to Quechua festivals in rural towns – in a way that feels authentic and uncommercialized. Unlike tourist-saturated Peru or Chile, Bolivia’s trails are less trodden, so every trek or bus ride can feel like a genuine adventure.
Budget travelers also appreciate that everything is affordable here. You can get by on as little as $25–30 per day and still enjoy comfortable hostel beds, market meals, and guided tours. During my trip, I often scored hostel dorms for under $10, savored market lunches for $2, and booked full-day tours (like biking the famed Death Road) for under $50. Bolivia’s bargain prices mean your travel funds stretch further – perfect for long-term travelers or anyone after big adventures on a small budget.
Adventurous spirits will find plenty to love. Whether it’s summiting a 6,000m Andean peak, mountain-biking down jungle roads, or navigating the world’s largest salt flat in a 4x4, Bolivia delivers heart-pounding thrills. And for culture lovers, the country’s colonial cities, mystical indigenous rituals, and vibrant street life provide endless fascination. In short, Bolivia offers high rewards for intrepid budget explorers willing to venture into its thin air and wild terrain.
When to Visit: Climate and Best Times
Choosing when to travel to Bolivia can make a big difference in your experience, given the extreme range of climates from Andean peaks to Amazon lowlands. Generally, May to October is the most pleasant period – Bolivia’s winter and dry season.
During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures in most regions, ideal for trekking and outdoor adventures. I visited in July and was greeted with crisp blue skies in La Paz and chilly nights on the Uyuni salt flats. Keep in mind winter nights at high altitudes can be freezing, so pack warm layers.
November to March is the rainy season, when heavy downpours can wash out roads and delay trips. In the Amazon basin (e.g., Rurrenabaque), expect hot, humid weather and daily rains. In the highlands, rain can cause landslides or muddy trails. I learned the hard way that a sudden landslide can turn an 8-hour bus ride into a 15-hour epic – patience is essential in the wet season.
The upside of traveling now is fewer tourists and, if you hit Uyuni’s salt flats during the rains (especially January–March), parts of the Salar flood into a giant mirror, reflecting the sky in jaw-dropping perfection. On my tour, I witnessed a sunset where the ground disappeared and the whole world felt like sky – a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Despite some rain, March can be a lovely time to visit – the tail end of the wet season sees blooming landscapes, and by then most roads are open (thebrokebackpacker.com).
There really isn’t a “bad” time – just different experiences.
Tip: If the Salt Flats are a priority, decide if you prefer the dry season’s classic white desert (great for fun perspective photos) or the wet season’s reflective wonderland. Either way, tours don’t run on Christmas or New Year’s, so plan around the holidays.
Bolivia also has festivals worth planning for. The Oruro Carnaval (late February or early March) is one of Latin America’s biggest Carnival events – a multi-day extravaganza of costumes and dancing in Oruro. Just book accommodation well in advance if you aim to go, as the small city fills up.
Another unique event is the Aymara New Year on June 21, celebrated at the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku with dawn rituals, music, and bonfires to welcome the sun – an unforgettable cultural experience. And like elsewhere in the region, Todos Santos (Nov 1–2) brings Day of the Dead traditions, with families honoring ancestors at candlelit cemeteries. Aligning your visit with a festival can add a rich layer to your trip (just be ready for crowds and higher prices during Carnaval).
Getting There and Visa Requirements
Most travelers enter Bolivia by flying into La Paz (El Alto International Airport) or Santa Cruz (Viru Viru Airport). If you’re already in South America, overland crossings are common – I personally arrived by bus from Puno, Peru, which included a scenic boat crossing of Lake Titicaca en route to Copacabana. International flights from outside South America often connect via Lima, Bogotá, or other hubs.
Visa requirements for Bolivia vary by nationality, divided into three groups:
- Group 1: Visa-exempt countries – Many nationalities (including most of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others) do not need a visa and get a free entry stamp on arrival for stays up to 30 days (usually extendable to 90 days per year). Always double-check current rules, but as of now, UK, EU, and many others can visit Bolivia visa-free as tourists.
- Group 2: Visa-on-arrival or prior visa countries – This includes the United States and many developing countries. Travelers in this group must have a tourist visa, but you can obtain it either in advance at a Bolivian consulate or on arrival at the border/airport. I’m from the U.S., which falls in Group 2, and can attest that the Bolivian visa is among the priciest – $160 USD for Americans. The visa is valid 30 days per entry (up to 90 days/year). I chose to get mine on arrival in La Paz; it was straightforward but be sure to have cash (USD) and required documents (passport photos, proof of onward travel and accommodation) to smooth the process. Other Group 2 nationals pay lower fees (for many countries it’s around $30 or even free, so check your country’s specifics).
- Group 3: Special authorization required – A small number of nationalities (mostly in Africa and the Middle East) must obtain a visa in advance with special approval and cannot get it on arrival. If you happen to be in this category, start the visa process early.
No matter your nationality, always verify the latest visa policy before your trip, as regulations can change. Also note that Bolivia requires an International Certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever, or if you plan to travel into the Bolivian Amazon regions. Immigration authorities may ask to see your Yellow Fever card, especially if you’ve been in parts of Peru/Brazil or are heading to places like Rurrenabaque. I got my yellow fever shot before traveling as a precaution – better safe than sorry.
Proof of onward travel (like a return or onward ticket) and proof of lodging (or an invitation letter if staying with a friend) are also often asked for at entry. In my case, the officer did ask how long I planned to stay and through which country I’d exit. Having a print-out of a bus reservation to Chile satisfied him. Make sure to get an entry stamp in your passport; if you somehow enter without one, you could face complications when leaving.
Getting Around Bolivia
Traveling around Bolivia is an adventure in itself, thanks to its dramatic geography. Expect long, winding journeys through mountains and altiplano plains – scenic but time-consuming. The good news for backpackers: buses are ubiquitous and very cheap.
- Long-distance buses: Bolivia’s bus network reaches almost every town and city. Buses range from basic coaches to semi-cama or full-cama buses with reclining seats for overnight trips. The quality can be hit or miss – some are modern and comfortable, others… not so much (think older vehicles, bumpy rides, and questionable bathrooms). Still, it’s the backbone of budget travel. A typical example: the bus from La Paz to Uyuni (gateway to the salt flats) takes around 9 hours overnight and costs roughly $25–30. I took a night bus on this route, saved on a night’s accommodation, and woke up to sunrise over the high plains. For a huge distance like Santa Cruz to La Paz (almost 18 hours across the mountains), you might pay about $30–40 – but be prepared for a marathon ride. Pro tip: Buses in Bolivia often leave in the early afternoon or evening for long routes, arriving the next day. Opt for “Todo Servicio” or buses with heating for overnight high-altitude routes, as it can get very cold in transit.
- Booking buses: You can buy tickets at bus terminals (haggling is not common, but always verify you’re getting the service you want). Increasingly, you can also book tickets online through services like TicketsBolivia or Busbud, which I found convenient to secure a seat in advance. It’s wise to print your ticket or have a clear screenshot, as occasionally station staff want a physical copy. Major tourist routes, like La Paz–Copacabana or Uyuni–Sucre, may have multiple companies per day. If flexibility allows, arrive by day – not only are the views great, but navigating upon arrival is easier in daylight.
- “Bolivia Hop” and tourist shuttles: For those who want a bit more comfort and safety, services like Bolivia Hop (run by the Peru Hop folks) offer hop-on, hop-off bus passes on the Gringo Trail (e.g., La Paz–Copacabana–Cuzco). They cost more than local transport but include guides and hotel drop-offs. I met travelers who loved the convenience and social aspect. However, if you’re truly pinching pennies, public buses are far cheaper and perfectly doable.
- Domestic flights: Bolivia is big and mountainous, so sometimes flying is worth it. Local airlines like BOA and Amazonas connect major cities (La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba) and tourist hubs like Uyuni and Rurrenabaque. Fares can be as low as $60–$100 if booked ahead, not bad for shaving a 20-hour bus down to a 1-hour flight. I decided to fly back from Rurrenabaque to La Paz after a jungle trip – a 45-minute flight saved me an arduous 18-hour bus on rough roads. Keep in mind La Paz’s El Alto airport sits at 4,000m altitude (pack a jacket, it’s chilly up there!) and is about 30–40 minutes from the city center. Sucre’s airport is similarly far out, so add in transit time and costs (taxis or shuttles) when planning.
- Local transport: Within cities, micros (minibuses) and trufis (shared taxis) are extremely cheap (a few Bolivianos per ride). La Paz famously has the Mi Teleférico cable car system – an awe-inspiring way to get around while soaring above the city. For example, from El Alto down to central La Paz you can ride a cable car for about 3 BOB (less than $0.50) and enjoy sweeping views of the city bowl. In smaller towns, you can often walk everywhere. Taxis are also affordable; just be sure to negotiate the fare before the ride if there’s no meter.
- On foot and altitude: Remember that many Bolivian cities (La Paz, Potosí, Uyuni, etc.) are at high elevation (3,000–4,000+ meters). Just walking up a steep street can leave you breathless until you acclimate. Take it slow on your first days and stay hydrated. Which brings us to…
High-Altitude Adventures: La Paz and Lake Titicaca
Stepping into La Paz for the first time is literally breathtaking – partly due to the thin air at 3,650 m (11,975 ft) and partly due to the sheer spectacle of the city sprawled across a canyon. The city’s buildings cling to the hillsides and spill into every crevice, with snow-capped Illimani mountain painting the horizon. I’ll never forget hopping in a taxi from El Alto airport in the early morning and descending into a bowl of twinkling city lights beneath a pastel sunrise. “Bienvenidos a La Paz,” the driver said, grinning as he noticed my stunned expression.
La Paz is a city of contrasts. In the center, you’ll find bustling plazas, government buildings, and churches from the Spanish colonial era. Just a few blocks away is the Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas), where Aymara vendors sell potions, medicinal herbs, and famously, dried llama fetuses used as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) en.wikipedia.org.
It’s a sensory overload – the smell of incense and herbs, the sight of strange talismans and amulets, and the constant chatter in Spanish and Aymara. I chatted with a yatiri (witch doctor) who explained that locals bury llama fetuses under new constructions for blessings and protection. As eccentric as it seems, this tradition offers a peek into Bolivia’s blend of indigenous spirituality and daily life.
La Paz is also the launching pad for some thrilling excursions. One popular activity for backpackers is mountain biking the Death Road (El Camino de la Muerte) – a winding road that descends from the high Andes into the Yungas cloud forest.
Despite its menacing name, reputable tour companies (like Gravity Assisted) run it safely with good bikes and guides. Imagine a 64 km (40 mile) downhill ride where you start amidst icy peaks and end in humid jungle, with waterfalls and sheer drop-offs beside you – adrenaline rush guaranteed. If biking isn’t your thing, you can take day trips to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) just outside the city for a short hike amid bizarre eroded rock formations, or ride a cable car to El Alto for panoramic viewpoints.
On Thursdays and Sundays, don’t miss cholita wrestling – an only-in-Bolivia spectacle where Indigenous Aymara women in traditional skirts and bowler hats wrestle in a ring, mixing acrobatics and comedy. It’s like lucha libre Mexican wrestling, but with “cholitas” flipping each other to the cheers of locals and tourists. It’s kitschy, empowering, and highly entertaining.
After the chaos of La Paz, a great next stop is Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake (about 3,800 m elevation) and a deeply sacred place for local people. A few hours by bus from La Paz brings you to Copacabana, a mellow lakeside town that serves as the gateway to Titicaca’s Bolivian side. Here I found a much-needed slower pace.
You can hike up Cerro Calvario for sunset to watch the sky turn gold over the immense blue lake, alongside pilgrims who climb this hill to leave offerings. The town’s whitewashed Basilica and daily markets are worth a look, but the real highlight is venturing to Isla del Sol.
A rickety boat ride (about 1.5 hours) from Copacabana took me to Isla del Sol, a peaceful island of terraced hills, grazing llamas, and Inca ruins. There are no cars or paved roads – just stone paths connecting small villages. According to legend, this island is the birthplace of the sun in Inca mythology, and indeed it felt like stepping into a myth.
I spent two days trekking the length of the island, passing by the fountain of the Inca, the labyrinthine Chincana ruins, and enjoying simple hospitality in a family-run guesthouse. At night, the stars over Titicaca were so bright it felt like you could pluck them from the sky. If you have time, Isla del Sol is a must for its tranquility and historical mystique – the Incas left their imprint here, and you can almost sense the ancient energy as you walk the trails.
Salar de Uyuni and the Southwest Circuit
No trip to Bolivia is complete without witnessing the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on Earth. Getting there is half the adventure. I hopped on an overnight bus from La Paz, which rolled into the dusty town of Uyuni at dawn.
Uyuni town itself isn’t much to look at – a grid of low buildings with tour agencies on every corner – but it’s the launching point for the famous salt flats tours. Budget travelers can easily join a 1-day or multi-day tour by shopping around Uyuni’s agencies (ask fellow backpackers for recommendations and always choose a reputable operator, as you’ll be riding in a 4x4 through remote areas).
I opted for the 3-day 2-night tour, which is slightly more expensive (around $150–180 per person, all-inclusive) but so worth it. In our jeep, we packed six travelers, a guide/driver, and supplies, then drove out to the blinding white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni.
Nothing prepares you for the scale – 10,000 square kilometers of pure white salt stretching to the horizon. We visited the quirky Train Cemetery just outside Uyuni where rusted steam locomotives from a bygone mining era lie in the desert, then zoomed across the flats, our vehicle leaving ephemeral tire tracks on the crusted salt.
At Incahuasi Island (Inkawasi), a rocky outcrop covered in giant cacti, we hiked to a viewpoint that made our figures tiny against the endless flats. This is where everyone gets creative with perspective photos – since the landscape is so featureless, you can play with depth to take funny shots (our group posed with toy dinosaurs and did handstands on pringles cans in our photos). We laughed like kids as we orchestrated silly scenes.
At night, we stayed in a basic salt-brick hostel at the edge of the salar. Stepping outside, I was greeted by a sky brimming with stars and the Milky Way casting a ribbon of light. With no light pollution for miles, the Uyuni area is a stargazer’s dream. I even saw the Southern Cross constellation clearly for the first time.
The tour continued south into the Altiplano on day 2 and 3, entering a Mars-like wilderness of southwestern Bolivia. We passed through the Siloli Desert (aptly nicknamed the Dali Desert for its surreal landscapes) where wind-sculpted boulders sit on an arid plain, and lagoons colored red, green, and blue by minerals and algae.
At Laguna Colorada, a shallow red lake, hundreds of pink flamingos waded – a splash of life against the rusty water. Our final morning, we awoke before dawn to soak in natural hot springs under a freezing sunrise, then visited bubbling mud pots and geysers at Sol de Mañana.
Finally, as a grand finale, we returned to the Salar de Uyuni for one more look (some tours do this in reverse, ending with the salt flats, which can be anti-climactic if you saw them first – I recommend doing the loop ending with Uyuni if possible).
By the time we returned to Uyuni town, I was dusty, windburned, and completely exhilarated. The Southwest Circuit tour is easily one of the top experiences in all of South America – I’d rank it up with Machu Picchu or Patagonia treks.
And amazingly, it’s very affordable for what’s included (transport, guide, lodging, meals). Just ensure you bring warm clothes (nights at 4,000m altitude are below freezing even in summer), a good camera or phone for photos, and sunscreen – the sun and salt reflection can roast you.
Sucre and Potosí: Bolivian History and Heritage
After roughing it in jeeps and high altitude, you might crave a dose of civilization. Enter Sucre, Bolivia’s official capital and a delightful colonial city known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) for its whitewashed buildings. Arriving in Sucre felt like stepping into a different country – the altitude is a more comfortable 2,800m, the climate warmer, and the vibe more relaxed and tranquilo.
Sucre’s downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage site, full of beautifully preserved 16th-century architecture, pretty churches, and shaded plazas. It’s a place that invites you to slow down. I spent days wandering Sucre’s streets, visiting the textile museum (learning about Indigenous weaving traditions), and sipping coffee on balconies overlooking the central square.
One of Sucre’s quirkier attractions is a glimpse of Bolivia’s prehistory: at Parque Cretácico, just outside the city, you can see one of the largest collections of dinosaur footprints in the world, fossilized on a huge vertical mudstone wall. The site (nicknamed “Bolivia’s Jurassic Park”) even has life-sized dino replicas. It’s quite surreal to see hundreds of ancient footprints crisscrossing what used to be a lake bed. If you’re a geology or dino nerd, it’s a must-see; if not, it’s still a fun half-day trip.
Sucre is also famous among backpackers as the best place to learn Spanish in South America. The city has numerous Spanish language schools and private tutors offering lessons at very low rates (several hours of one-on-one instruction for the price of a nice meal).
Bolivian Spanish is known to be clear and slow, with a relatively neutral accent – ideal for learners. I took a week of classes and lived with a local host family, which not only helped my budget (homestays often include meals) but deeply enriched my cultural understanding. If you have a week or more, consider staying in Sucre to take classes and recharge during your journey.
A few hours away lies Potosí, another historic jewel – albeit a more somber one. At over 4,000m elevation, Potosí is one of the highest cities in the world. It was once fabulously wealthy as the site of Cerro Rico, the “Rich Hill” that produced vast silver for the Spanish empire starting in the 1500s.
Today, Potosí’s grand cathedrals and ornate colonial architecture stand as testament to its boom times, even as the city is much quieter. Many backpackers come to Potosí to take the silver mine tour. This is a raw, eye-opening experience: you don coveralls and a helmet, buy some gifts like coca leaves or dynamite for the miners, and descend into a working mine tunnel to see the harsh conditions miners endure.
It’s not a tour for the claustrophobic or faint of heart – I remember crawling through dusty passages barely wider than my shoulders, feeling the mountain’s weight around me, and meeting miners as young as 18 who chew coca to stave off hunger and fatigue during their long shifts. It was humbling and gave real insight into Bolivia’s historical and present struggles. If you do it, go with a reputable guide focused on education (and safety).
Beyond the mines, Potosí’s Casa Nacional de Moneda (Old Mint) is an excellent museum showcasing coins and history of the Spanish colonial mint. Even if you’re not a history buff, Potosí’s story is deeply entwined with Bolivia’s identity – it’s worth a short stop on your way through the south.
Into the Jungle: The Bolivian Amazon and Pampas
Bolivia isn’t all highlands and dry plains – roughly a third of the country lies in the lush Amazon basin. For backpackers, the easiest access to the Amazon is via the town of Rurrenabaque. After finishing the cool altiplano circuit, I craved some tropical heat and wildlife, so I made my way to “Rurre.”
You can endure a bumpy 18-20 hour bus ride from La Paz (cheapest option), or do as I did and catch a quick flight. Landing in Rurrenabaque, you immediately feel the thick, humid air and see the green carpet of jungle around you. It’s a bona fide backpacker hub, with cozy guesthouses, fun bars, and tour agencies lining the few main streets.
From Rurre, travelers typically choose between a jungle trek or a pampas tour, or do both. Jungle treks take you into the Madidi National Park, a biodiversity hotspot, where you’ll hike amidst towering trees, camp out, and maybe spot monkeys, macaws, or if you’re lucky (or unlucky), a jaguar. It’s more about immersing in the rainforest environment – learning about medicinal plants, survival skills, and trying to spot wildlife through dense foliage. I opted instead for the Pampas tour, which is a wetlands safari experience.
Over three days, our group traveled by motorized canoe along the reed-filled rivers of the Yacuma Pampas. This was wildlife heaven: we saw caimans lounging on the banks, capybaras (the world’s largest rodents) grazing, turtles sunning on logs, and more birds than I could count – herons, storks, bright blue kingfishers zipping by.
The pink river dolphins were a highlight; one afternoon, we anchored and actually swam in the tea-colored water as dolphins popped up nearby (a bit unnerving knowing caimans were around, but the guides assured us it was safe in that spot!). We also had the novel chance to fish for piranhas. I managed to catch one – a tiny but ferocious little fish with razor teeth, which our guide cooked for dinner.
These Amazon basin tours are an awesome way to experience Bolivia’s wild side. They’re typically $80–$100 for a 3-day all-inclusive trip – an incredible deal for the memories you get. Just remember it’s hot, humid, and mosquito-infested. Bring strong repellent, long light clothing, and consider anti-malarial precautions.
Many tours provide rubber boots for the swampy hikes. And do check the ethical standards of the tour operator – responsible agencies should respect wildlife (no feeding or harassing animals, for instance).
One more tip: after returning to Rurrenabaque, treat yourself to a celebratory drink or meal at one of the chill waterfront restaurants. The vibe in Rurre after a tour – everyone swapping stories, sunburned and happy – was one of my favorite backpacker camaraderie moments in Bolivia.
Bolivian Cuisine: Eating Well for Less
If you’re traveling on a budget, Bolivian street food and market food will be your best friend – not only is it cheap, it’s delicious and a window into local culture. I often ate at markets where for just 10–15 BOB (about $1.50–$2) you get a hearty set lunch, called almuerzo, usually consisting of a soup followed by a plate of rice, potatoes, and meat or vegetables.
In La Paz’s Mercado Lanza, I savored a filling lunch of quinoa soup and grilled chicken with peanut sauce for 12 BOB, and it came with a smile from the cholita chef who was pleased I enjoyed it.
Bolivian cuisine is not as internationally famous as, say, Peruvian, but it has its own comforting flavors. Some must-try dishes and snacks for backpackers include:
- Salteñas – These are Bolivia’s version of empanadas: oven-baked pastries filled with a stewy mix of meat (beef or chicken), potatoes, egg, and olives in a sweet-spicy gravy. They’re usually a morning snack – shops sell out by midday. Be careful biting in; they’re juicy! Eating a salteña without spilling the sauce is considered an art. They are cheap, tasty, and absolutely addictive.
- Anticuchos – Street vendors set up grills in the evenings to cook these skewers of marinated grilled beef heart. Don’t be squeamish – anticuchos are tender and flavorful, especially with the spicy peanut sauce drizzled on top and a boiled potato at the end of the stick. You can get a few skewers for a dollar and they make a perfect post-beer snack.
- Pique Macho – A gut-buster plate meant to challenge the “macho” in you. It’s a heaping mound of bite-sized pieces of beef and sausage, stirred up with fries, onions, peppers, and hard-boiled egg, often with some tomatoes and gravy. In Cochabamba, known as Bolivia’s culinary capital, I dared to tackle a pique macho with two friends; we couldn’t finish it! It’s great for sharing, especially to soak up some chuflay (a local cocktail of singani brandy and ginger ale).
- Picante de Pollo – “Spicy chicken” is a staple daily meal: essentially chicken cooked in a rich, red chili sauce, served with rice and potatoes. It’s not extremely spicy, more of a slow burn, and full of flavor. Every market lunch stall seems to have their own twist on picante de pollo.
- Buñuelos – These are yummy fried dough treats, kind of like beignets or fritters. Often served for breakfast or as street snacks, sometimes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of syrup. The ones with cheese inside (like a cheese fritter) were my favorite for a quick munch.
- Api and Pastel – If you’re up early (or late), look for ladies selling api morado, a hot purple corn drink spiced with cinnamon and cloves, traditionally served with a pastel (a flaky fried pastry with cheese, kind of like a lighter empanada). On a cold Altiplano morning, a cup of warm api and a sugary fried pastry hit the spot.
Vegetarians can manage in Bolivia, though options can be limited in local joints. Plenty of meatless dishes exist (like papas rellenas – stuffed potato balls, or llajwa salsa which is a spicy tomato sauce great with bread), but you might have to repeat a lot of eggs, rice, and potatoes. Bigger cities now have a few vegetarian/vegan cafes catering to tourists. If you have dietary restrictions, learn the Spanish phrases (e.g., “sin carne, por favor” for without meat).
Also, don’t miss sampling the fresh tropical fruits and juices. In the markets, you’ll find everything from giant avocados to sweet chirimoya. I often grabbed a cup of fresh-squeezed orange or mango juice for 5 BOB (~$0.70). Just ensure it’s purified water if you have a sensitive stomach, or stick to fruits you can peel.
One more essential: the ubiquitous coca tea. Coca leaves have been chewed and brewed in the Andes for millennia to help with altitude sickness and fatigue. Drinking coca tea (mate de coca) is completely legal in Bolivia and you’ll likely have it offered at hotels or treks.
I sipped coca tea every morning in La Paz; whether it was placebo or not, it did seem to help me acclimatize and gave a mild energy boost. (Note: coca is not cocaine – the raw leaf is a mild stimulant and part of traditional culture. However, do not attempt to take coca leaves out of the country or back home – it may be considered illegal narcotics importation.)
Safety and Travel Tips for Bolivia
Backpacking in Bolivia is generally safe and incredibly rewarding, but it pays to travel smart. Here are some tips and things I learned (sometimes the hard way):
- Altitude Awareness: Many parts of Bolivia are at extreme altitude. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even if you’re fit. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness – I experienced a mild bout in Potosí that eased after resting and hydrating. To minimize risk, ascend slowly if possible (for example, go La Paz (3,650m) after visiting lower areas like Santa Cruz or Sucre if you can). In La Paz or Uyuni, take it easy the first day: avoid heavy drinking or strenuous activity until you acclimate (smartraveller.gov.au).
- Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider prophylactics like acetazolamide (Diamox) if you have a history of altitude issues. If you feel very ill, descend to a lower altitude. Most travelers are fine after a day or two – just listen to your body.
- Crime and Scams: Like anywhere, tourists can be targets for petty crime. In crowded markets or bus stations, pickpocketing and bag snatching are the main issues. I always wore my daypack on my front in busy areas and used a money belt for spare cash and passport. Be cautious if a stranger tries to distract you (one common trick is squirting water or sauce on you and then an accomplice “helps” clean it off – meanwhile your bag disappears). Also, only use registered taxis or rides arranged by your hotel/restaurant, especially at night. There have been occasional “express kidnapping” scams where unlicensed taxi drivers in La Paz pick up tourists, then force them to withdraw money. I avoided hailing taxis off the street; apps like Uber or local services, or taxis from official stands, are safer.
- Protests and Strikes: Bolivia is known for its frequent demonstrations and road blockades (paros). These can spring up suddenly due to local grievances. While they’re usually peaceful, they can disrupt travel plans – buses might not run, roads may close. Keep an ear out for news (ask hostel staff or other travelers). When I was in Sucre, a strike closed the highway to Potosí for two days, forcing me to reroute. If you do encounter a roadblock, remain patient and don’t attempt to cross it without permission – locals take them seriously. It’s wise to have a buffer of a day or two in your schedule before any critical flights in case of delays.
- Health and Hygiene: Bolivian standards for food and water hygiene may be different from what your stomach is used to. Street food is tempting (and I ate plenty), but judge cleanliness: busy stalls with high turnover are generally safe, as ingredients don’t sit long. Always purify water or buy bottled. In the highlands, some tap water might be okay when boiled, but I didn’t risk it. A filtered water bottle or SteriPEN is a great gadget to reduce plastic waste and ensure clean drinking water. Also, carry a basic first aid kit – diarrhea remedies, ibuprofen (for altitude headaches), and any personal meds. Pharmacies are common in cities and even small towns, and you often can buy things over the counter by just describing the ailment (some Spanish helps here).
- Insurance: Given the adventurous nature of Bolivia (high altitude hiking, mountain biking, jungle expeditions), having travel insurance is highly recommended. Hospital care in major cities like La Paz or Santa Cruz is reasonably good, but anything serious may require evacuation. I had insurance which gave me peace of mind when I decided to climb Huayna Potosí (a popular 6,088m mountaineering trip from La Paz). Fortunately, I never needed it, but knowing I was covered for emergencies let me take on challenges with less worry.
- Respect Local Culture: Bolivians are generally reserved but friendly once you engage. A smile, a “buenos días” greeting, and basic courtesy go a long way. Always ask permission before photographing Indigenous people – many, especially older Aymara or Quechua folks, may not want their picture taken (or may ask for a small tip). When visiting churches or sacred sites, dress modestly (no shorts or tank tops inside, for instance). And try to learn a few phrases of Spanish (or Quechua/Aymara greetings if heading to rural areas) – it shows respect and often opens up interactions. I had a humbling experience sharing coca leaves with an older Quechua man on Isla del Sol; even though my Quechua was non-existent, and his Spanish was limited, the gesture of sharing and smiling transcended the language barrier.
- Sustainable Travel: Bolivia’s environments are pristine – let’s keep them that way. Carry out all trash (especially on the Salt Flats tour – sadly I saw some litter left behind by tourists, which is heartbreaking in such a unique landscape). Respect wildlife by not touching or feeding animals (those cute llamas might spit if annoyed anyway!). When trekking, stick to trails to avoid damaging fragile flora. If using a tour agency, support those with good eco-practices and fair treatment of guides.
Final Thoughts: Viva Bolivia!
Bolivia stole my heart with its bravery and beauty. It’s a country that doesn’t sugarcoat itself for tourists – and is all the better for it. One day you’re conquering a 5,000m mountain pass, the next you’re dancing with locals at a festival or bargaining for a poncho in Quechua.
Traveling here, especially on a shoestring, means embracing unpredictability and staying open to spontaneous moments. Some of my fondest memories are the simplest: watching the reflection of volcanic peaks in a quiet lagoon at sunrise, trading stories with fellow backpackers over a beer in La Paz’s hostel bar, or sharing a meal with a Bolivian family and laughing as I stumbled over my Spanish.
If you’re an adventurous soul who values rich culture, epic landscapes, and authentic experiences over luxury comforts, Bolivia will be your paradise. And you’ll appreciate how kind it is to your budget – allowing you to travel longer and further. Just come prepared (both with practical logistics and an open mind), and Bolivia will reward you with the journey of a lifetime.
So pack your backpack, grab that trusty filtered water bottle, and head off to explore the heart of South America. From the shimmering heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon, Bolivia awaits – mystical, wild, and absolutely unforgettable. Buen viaje!