Things to Do in Bolivia in December

December is wet season in Bolivia's lowlands and Amazon, with frequent afternoon rain, but it's dry and pleasant in the highlands around La Paz and the Altiplano, good for visiting Uyuni Salt Flats when the mirror effect starts forming. You'll find fewer crowds than peak months, lower hotel prices (outside Christmas week), and comfortable daytime temperatures of 15-20°C in the mountains. The rainy season means lush green landscapes in Yungas and Chapare, though some jungle lodges may have reduced access.

Weather varies dramatically by altitude: La Paz and Sucre see daytime highs around 17-19°C with cool nights dropping to 3-5°C, while Santa Cruz in the lowlands hits 28-32°C with high humidity and daily thunderstorms. The Uyuni Salt Flats get warm sunny days (18-22°C) and freezing nights, with early rains creating the famous reflective surface. Rain typically comes as heavy afternoon showers in the lowlands rather than all-day drizzle, so mornings are usually clear for sightseeing.

Early December can be ideal, you'll catch the start of the rainy season when shallow water creates the mirror effect for impressive photos. But roads are still passable. By late December, heavier rains may make 4x4 tours more challenging or force route changes, though the reflections get even better. Tours run year-round, but operators sometimes charge slightly more (around 850-1,100 BOB per day) during wet season for the added difficulty.

You'll need layers for extreme temperature swings: thermal underwear and a down jacket for freezing Altiplano nights. But also shorts and t-shirts for lowland cities like Santa Cruz. Bring waterproof gear (jacket, backpack cover, and quick-dry clothes) since afternoon rain is common below 3,000m, plus serious sun protection, UV is intense at altitude even when it's cold. If visiting Uyuni, pack sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and a warm sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C.

Alasitas Fair kicks off late December in La Paz (continues into January), where locals buy miniature versions of things they hope to acquire in the coming year, houses, cars, diplomas, and have them blessed. Christmas is widely celebrated with midnight Mass on December 24th and elaborate nativity scenes (pesebres) in churches across the country. New Year's Eve sees fireworks displays in major cities, with the biggest celebrations in La Paz's Plaza San Francisco and Santa Cruz's main square.

December is moderately busy, busier than shoulder months but not peak-season packed, except for December 20-January 5 when domestic tourism surges for summer holidays. Popular spots like Uyuni, La Paz, and Copacabana see more visitors, around Christmas and New Year's, so book salt flat tours and Lake Titicaca boats a few days ahead. You'll share Machu Picchu-bound buses and trains with more travelers. But nothing like the July-August crush.

Trekking conditions are excellent in the Cordillera Real near La Paz, trails like Huayna Potosí and Choro Trek have stable weather with minimal snow. Mountain biking the Death Road (Yungas route) is thrilling with lush green scenery, though trails get muddier after rain. The Amazon basin around Rurrenabaque is accessible but expect wet conditions. Pampas tours for wildlife spotting (caimans, capybaras, pink river dolphins) still run daily, just bring rubber boots.

Budget travelers can get by on $30-40/day (hostels 60-100 BOB, street meals 15-25 BOB, local buses), while mid-range travelers spend $60-80/day for nicer hotels and restaurant meals. A 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour costs 700-1,100 BOB depending on group size and quality, domestic flights La Paz-Santa Cruz run 400-800 BOB, and popular treks like Huayna Potosí cost around 1,200-1,800 BOB with a guide. Prices jump 20-30% during the Christmas-New Year's week, for hotels in La Paz and Uyuni.

Yes, but it's wet season, so expect daily rain, muddy trails, and occasional flooding that may limit access to some lodges deep in the jungle. Wildlife is still abundant, easier to spot along riverbanks as animals gather near water, and the forest looks lively and green. Most Rurrenabaque-based tours (pampas and jungle) operate normally. Just budget extra time in case flights from La Paz get delayed by weather, and bring waterproof bags for your gear.