Mid-Range Travel Guide: Bolivia

Eat the set almuerzo lunch at local market comedores every day. This single course of soup followed by a main plate with a drink typically costs a fraction of what the same calories cost at a tourist restaurant, and the food tends to be fresher and more Bolivian.

Use public micro minibuses and trufi shared taxis within cities rather than private taxis. Fares are a small fraction of a private ride, and in La Paz the Teleferico cable car covers much of the city quickly and cheaply while giving you sweeping views over the snow-capped Illimani in the distance.

Book Salar de Uyuni tours directly through operators in Uyuni or Tupiza rather than through agencies in La Paz or online platforms, which typically add a meaningful markup for the same vehicles and identical itineraries.

Travel overnight on long-distance buses between major cities to cover ground while you sleep, effectively saving a night of accommodation costs. Bolivia's intercity bus network is well-developed, and overnight flat-cama seats tend to cost less than a hostel dorm bed in most cities.

Withdraw local currency in larger amounts from city center ATMs to reduce per-withdrawal fees, and carry smaller Boliviano notes since market vendors and micro drivers often cannot break large bills.

Prioritize the open-air markets and historic plazas where the most vivid local life happens without any entry fee, and visit state-run museums on days when entrance is waived, which many Bolivian institutions observe on Sundays or national holidays.

Enter Bolivia overland from a neighboring country rather than flying in if your itinerary allows, as international airfares into La Paz can add a disproportionate cost to an otherwise very affordable trip while border crossings from Peru and Chile are straightforward and inexpensive.