Things to Do in Bolivia

About Bolivia

Where the Andes cradle valleys of eternal spring and the altiplano stretches toward infinity, Bolivia exists as South America's beating heart—a land where indigenous cultures haven't just survived but flourished, shaping a nation unlike any other on the continent. This is a country that defies easy categorization, where dramatic elevation changes mirror equally dramatic contrasts in landscape, culture, and perspective. Bolivia doesn't accommodate travelers; it transforms them, offering an authenticity that has become increasingly rare in our interconnected world.

Travel Tips

• Altitude Acclimatization: Arrive in lower-altitude cities like Santa Cruz or Sucre first before heading to La Paz (3,640m) or the Uyuni Salt Flats, and drink plenty of coca tea to help prevent soreness (altitude sickness).

• Cash is King: Carry small boliviano bills as many local markets, street vendors, and rural businesses don't accept cards; exchange money at official casas de cambio rather than at the airport for better rates.

• Bus Travel Timing: Book overnight bus journeys with reputable companies like Bolivia Hop or Todo Turismo, as distances are vast and roads can be rough—this saves on accommodation and maximizes daylight hours at destinations.

• Border Crossing Stamps: If visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats with tours crossing into Chile, ensure you get proper exit stamps at the Bolivian border post in Hito Cajón, as missing stamps can cause serious problems when leaving South America.

When to Visit

Bolivia's ideal visiting window runs from May through October during the dry season, when daytime temperatures hover around 15-20°C in La Paz and the Altiplano, though nights can plummet to -10°C on the Uyuni Salt Flats, requiring serious cold-weather gear. June through August brings peak tourist season with flawless conditions for the salt flats' mirror effect (best immediately after rains end in April-May), but you'll pay premium prices and encounter crowds at major sites, while the famous Oruro Carnaval in February (typically 10 days before Lent) offers spectacular folkloric celebrations despite falling during the wet season when afternoon downpours are near-daily and highland roads can become impassable. The wet season from November through March brings 10-15°C temperatures with persistent rain and humidity in highland areas, making this period significantly cheaper and less crowded but frustrating for travelers attempting multi-day treks or visiting remote regions—though the Amazon basin remains accessible year-round with merely heavier rainfall. For budget travelers willing to brave unpredictable weather, late March through April offers an excellent compromise with lingering green landscapes, diminishing rains, moderate temperatures around 12-18°C, and shoulder-season pricing before the June-August rush, though you'll miss the dramatic post-rain salt flat reflections that disappear as the flats dry completely by mid-winter.