Things to Do in Bolivia

About Bolivia

Bolivia has the world's highest capital city and a salt flat so vast it looks like the sky fell to earth. Flamingos wade through its blinding white surface while indigenous markets sell textiles in colors you won't find anywhere else. The air changes everywhere you go. In La Paz, it is thin and sharp, and cholitas in bowler hats climb steep cobblestone streets like it is nothing. Drop into the Amazon lowlands and the air turns thick with jungle heat. Time works differently here. The spiritual bleeds into the everyday—not as a tourist attraction but as ordinary life. You'll see it in the markets, on the mountain paths, in the way people move through their days. The Salar de Uyuni alone justifies the trip. It is a mirror when wet, a lunar surface when dry, and surreal either way. Worth the long bus ride. Bolivia didn't modernize the way its neighbors did. That is partly why it remains one of South America's most unfiltered experiences—rough around the edges, authentic to its core, and utterly unlike anywhere else on the continent.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book domestic flights with Boliviana de Aviación 2-3 weeks ahead—La Paz to Santa Cruz costs 400-600 bolivianos ($58-$87). Use radio taxis in cities for safety; La Paz to Zona Sur costs 25-40 bolivianos ($3.62-$5.80). Avoid night bus travel on mountain routes due to safety concerns.

Money: Exchange US dollars at casas de cambio for rates around 6.9 bolivianos per dollar—banks offer slightly lower rates. ATMs work in major cities but charge 15-25 bolivianos ($2.17-$3.62) fees. Budget 80-150 bolivianos ($11.59-$21.74) daily for meals and local transport.

Cultural Respect: Learn basic Spanish and some Quechua phrases like 'sumak kausay' (good living). Dress warmly in highlands as temperatures drop significantly at night. Ask permission before photographing indigenous people, especially at markets.

Food: Try salteñas (meat pastries) for breakfast at local bakeries costing 8-12 bolivianos ($1.16-$1.74) each. Sample llama meat at traditional restaurants for 45-70 bolivianos ($6.52-$10.14) per dish. Drink mate de coca tea for altitude sickness—it's legal and costs 5-8 bolivianos ($0.72-$1.16) per cup.

When to Visit

Bolivia's dramatic geography creates distinct seasonal patterns across its regions. The dry season (May-October) offers the best overall conditions, with clear skies, minimal rainfall (less than 10mm monthly), and temperatures ranging from 15-25°C in valleys to -10°C in highlands. This peak season sees 40-60% higher prices for accommodations and tours, especially June-August. The Salar de Uyuni transforms into a perfect mirror during rainy season (December-March), when temperatures rise to 20-30°C but daily downpours (100-200mm monthly) can strand travelers. Adventure seekers should visit May-September for trekking and climbing, while wildlife ensoiasts prefer September-November when animals are most active. Key festivals include Carnaval de Oruro (February/March), Alasitas Fair (January 24), and Inti Raymi (June 21). Shoulder seasons (April and November) offer 20-30% savings with decent weather. Budget travelers benefit from rainy season discounts up to 50%, but expect transportation delays. High-altitude destinations like La Paz and Potosí are coldest June-August (nighttime temperatures to -15°C), while eastern lowlands remain warm year-round. Book Salar de Uyuni tours months ahead regardless of season—this otherworldly destination remains Bolivia's crown jewel in any weather.