Things To Do
in Bolivia
Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America known for its dramatic landscapes, from the high-altitude Altiplano to the Amazon Basin. It boasts a rich indigenous heritage, with Aymara and Quechua cultures shaping its traditions and festivals. The nation’s diverse ecosystems include the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats, lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, and snow-capped peaks in the Andes.
Despite economic challenges, Bolivia offers affordable travel, authentic cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at El Alto Airport. Collect baggage, transfer to hotel in city center. Acclimatize and rest.
Explore Plaza Murillo, visit Presidential Palace and Cathedral. Walk along Sagarnaga street, check cafes and shops. Enjoy panoramic views from Killi Killi viewpoint.
Sample Bolivian cuisine at a local restaurant serving Salteñas and quinoa soup. Watch city lights shimmer in the valley. Rest early to adjust to altitude.
Wander through the Witches' Market. Learn about traditional herbs and rituals. Chat with local vendors.
Visit Valle de la Luna with its lunar landscape. Hike the winding trails among eroded rock formations. Capture dramatic photos.
Ride the Teleférico lines as the sun sets over the city. Sip coca tea at a rooftop bar. Admire the city skyline twinkling at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $20-35 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.80-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse landscapes from salt flats to rainforests
- Rich indigenous culture and historic sites
- Very affordable travel costs
- High altitude can cause sickness
- Limited infrastructure in remote areas
- Language barrier outside major cities
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Bolivia
Visit one of these nice places.
World’s largest salt flat—visit at sunrise for endless reflections and hexagonal salt textures.
Red-hued lake in Eduardo Avaroa Reserve frequented by flamingos and framed by volcanic landscapes.
Eroded clay formations near La Paz resembling a lunar surface—best under golden-hour light.
Pre-Incan monolithic gateways and pyramids offering a glimpse into ancient Andean civilization.
Food in Bolivia
Bolivia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Juicy baked empanadas filled with meat, potatoes, peas, and a slightly sweet, spicy sauce—best found at morning stalls in La Paz.
Must-Try!
A mountain of sliced beef or sausage over fries, topped with boiled eggs, peppers, and onions—popular in Cochabamba taverns.
Breaded beef cutlet served over rice and fried potatoes, with a fresh salsa garnish—classic Cochabamba comfort food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market offering everything from llama steaks to fresh produce and colorful pinchos (meat skewers). Must-try: anticuchos de corazón (grilled beef heart).
Historic plaza market serving soups, tamales, and local cheeses. Sample jugo de frutas freshly squeezed at roadside stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are customary. Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) unless invited otherwise.
Always greet older people first and show deference in conversation and seating.
Be patient with locals’ slower pace in the highlands and understand altitude affects everyone differently.
Safety
Tipping in Bolivia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave 5–10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and tip guides separately.
Carry cash in Bolivianos for markets and rural areas. Major restaurants and hotels accept cards; U.S. dollars are widely exchanged too.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Rainy season in the highlands—afternoons often see heavy downpours. Lower regions remain warm and humid.
Transitional weather with clearing skies in the altiplano. Ideal for trekking and fewer crowds.
Dry season in the mountains with crisp, sunny days and very cold nights. Amazon basin stays hot but drier.
Warming temperatures and blossoming flora at lower altitudes. Occasional rains begin late November.
Bolivia at Night
Hiking in Bolivia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Two-day trek from Zongo Valley offering acclimatization hikes and stunning glacier views.
Challenging multi-day loop around La Paz’s iconic mountain through remote villages and lakes.
Day hike in the “Valley of the Moon” region near Cochabamba, featuring colorful sedimentary rock formations.
Airports
How to reach Bolivia by plane.
Serves La Paz at 4,061 m altitude; shuttle buses connect to downtown via the Teleférico network.
Main international gateway at Santa Cruz; taxis and buses reach the city center in 20 minutes.
Located in Cochabamba; frequent domestic flights and shuttle services to the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous group concentrated around Lake Titicaca and La Paz region, strong cultural traditions and language.
Majority indigenous group in the highlands and valleys, descendants of Inca populations.
Mixed European and indigenous heritage, making up a significant portion of urban populations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport—attend a match at Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz for a raucous atmosphere.
Locals train at high elevation; races like the La Paz Half Marathon draw international athletes.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes center on quinoa, potatoes, and legumes. Seek out vegetarian-friendly restaurants in major cities and ask for dishes without meat broth.
Growing vegan scene in La Paz and Santa Cruz. Look for plant-based cafés and request no cheese or eggs in traditional dishes.
Corn- and quinoa-based foods are widely available. Clarify no wheat flour in empanadas or sauces when ordering.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bolivia.