A beginner’s guide to Bolivia

With its vertiginous Andean altitude, remote Amazon rainforest and robust indigenous culture, Bolivia is an endlessly engaging country to explore. Diverse landscapes dazzle with high-altitude salt flats, legendary Lake Titicaca, soaring Andean peaks and tropical lowland rainforest. Meanwhile, its cities and towns are alive with music, markets, and folk festivals celebrated in full technicolour. In this Bolivia travel guide, we explore how to make the most of a first-time trip to this South American gem.

An introduction to Bolivia

First things first, where is Bolivia in South America? Landlocked, but surrounded by a full cohort of neighbours, Bolivia sits in central South America between Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay. In a continent of giants, it is one of the more diminutive countries, but it’s still around three times the size of Germany. A comparatively tiny population of just 12 million means that outside of its towns and cities, there are vast stretches of uninhabited land. These wild places are a big part of what makes Bolivia such a thrilling country for adventuring.

Top cities and cultural experiences in Bolivia

The word ‘colourful’ might be overused in travel descriptions, but when it comes to Bolivia, it is 100% warranted. Bolivian textiles are as vibrant as they come, and they are used everywhere. Whether in a shawl wrapped around the shoulders of a cholita (Bolivian woman), tied at the corners to carry vegetables to market or spilling from the shelves of a stall, these bright, woven designs bring flamboyant colour pops to every scene.

Indigenous dress is the norm in Bolivia and changes subtly from region to region. But if everyday dress is colourful, then Bolivia’s festivals take things to a whole new, hyper level. Visit Bolivia during Mardi Gras in February or Urkupiña in August to experience a whirlwind of colour-drenched parades and exuberant festivities.

Bolivia’s administrative capital is high-flying La Paz, set in the Andes altiplano at 3,500 m above sea level. Visiting it can be dizzying with its eye-opening witches’ markets and a confusion of buildings seemingly jostling for space. The great sweeping bowl of the lower city is best observed from the teleferico cable car that whisks you from downtown streets to the heights of the Alto neighbourhood high above.

Other cities and towns of note include the mellower Sucre, with its gentle climate and handsome plazas, and Potosi, another high-altitude urban experience; it’s famous for its colonial past and the wealth of silver plundered from its surrounding mountains. Santa Cruz, in the eastern lowlands, has more of a tropical feel with some fine colonial architecture and palm trees lining its wide plazas, providing perfect shade for siestas.

The best sights in Bolivia for nature lovers

With two of South America’s most emblematic landscapes converging here, the Amazon rainforest and the Andean Cordillera, the natural world takes centre-stage. There’s so much to experience that those travelling in Bolivia must choose their must-sees carefully or stay a while.

Up on high, the mesmerising salt flats and deserts of the Salar de Uyuni beckon with surreal sights of powder-white plains under piercing blue skies and multi-hued lakes dotted with pink flamingos. Staying high, ancient Andean volcanoes and peaks paint many-layered vistas as travellers wind their way along lonely roads towards Lake Titicaca – one of the highest lakes in the world, marking Bolivia’s border with Peru.

In the steamy lowlands, tropical forests harbour Amazon wildlife in the Madidi and Amboro National Parks. The forested mountains and sub-tropical valleys of the Yungas supply Bolivia’s markets with tropical fruits, coffee and coca, while providing fertile ground for challenging hiking routes and adventure activities.

How to explore Bolivia off the beaten track

In Bolivia, travel is part and parcel of the whole experience. As you move through its wild places you’ll be swept up in the thrill of discovery. So much of this sparsely-populated land feels off the beaten track, and although you’ll come across plenty of other visitors on your travels, you’ll likely never feel hemmed in. Travelling in Bolivia takes dedication and the capacity to handle some discomfort. Those intent to explore will brave extremes of heat, cold and altitude, and travel rough roads through harsh landscapes.

To really get out there, opt for some more adventurous journeys such as hiking in the mountains of the Cordillera Real or horseback riding through Bolivia’s southern canyons near Tupiza. For a historical pilgrimage, touring the Jesuit missions of remote Chiquitania offers fascinating insight into a little-known facet of Bolivian history. Dating back to the 1700s, these Amazon settlements combine European architectural influences with Bolivian artistry and are UNESCO-protected.

Unique activities and experiences to try in Bolivia

So much about travel in Bolivia is unique and intriguing, and a seemingly endless wealth of experiences is on hand to be enjoyed – from setting your sights on otherworldly landscapes to meeting local communities on floating reed islands, or cheering on your favourite at a cholita wrestling match in La Paz.

Spice things up with a coffee and coca tour in the Yungas or soak in hot spring pools in Chiquitania. Dance the night away at a folk festival sipping chicha, or barter over trinkets at a witches market. Bolivia is a brilliantly eccentric place, where the simple details of everyday life feel unique.

Practical travel tips to plan your trip

Health and safety concerns: is Bolivia safe?

For those who visit Bolivia, one of the biggest health concerns is altitude sickness. The best approach is to start low and take your time to acclimatise. Don’t try to do too much, stay hydrated, eat light meals and avoid alcohol. Everyone will experience altitude differently, so be mindful of how you feel. Bolivians often chew on coca or sip tea brewed from the leaves to relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness.

To be on the safe side, avoid tap water and ice (especially in the lower regions). Use plenty of sunblock and wear sunglasses and a hat, especially for high-altitude activities where the weather can often feel deceivingly cool.

Crime against tourists is uncommon and Bolivia’s crime rates are amongst the lowest in South America – but as when travelling to any other part of the world, you’ll want to keep your wits about you and be mindful of petty crime in busy areas.

Entry and visa requirements for Bolivia

Most nationalities can visit Bolivia visa-free for up to 90 days a year; on occasion, proof of your onward journey is required. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from certain countries, so double-check before setting off.

Transport tips: getting to and around Bolivia

Unless you have plenty of time and an adventurous spirit, you’ll likely arrive in Bolivia by plane. Getting around the country takes time and with a limited rail network, most journeys are made along rough, unpaved roads. With few car hire companies and challenging driving conditions, buses, taxis and organised tours are the most convenient modes of transport when you visit Bolivia.

Tips for an eco-conscious trip to Bolivia

When travelling in Bolivia, moving between destinations takes time, so it can be tempting to hop on several internal flights. Consider limiting these and instead opting to take things more slowly, staying in one area for longer. When it is time to move on, do so by road where possible. Minimise single-use plastics where you can by taking reusable shopping bags and refill bottles with water-purifying tablets.

Make it happen

Has our Bolivia travel guide inspired you to start planning your first trip? Chat with one of our local experts and start getting excited!