Things To Do
in Bolivia
Bolivia is a diverse South American country known for its stunning geography, which ranges from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Basin rainforest. The nation is rich in cultural heritage, with a mix of Spanish and indigenous cultures, reflected in its music, festivals, and cuisine.
Bolivia also boasts significant mineral wealth, including vast reserves of lithium, and is home to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat.
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a visit to the Witches' Market, where you can find unique herbs and souvenirs. Stroll through the vibrant streets of La Paz, soaking in the local culture.
Head to the Valley of the Moon to admire the surreal rock formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature’s beauty.
Return to La Paz for a traditional Bolivian dinner at a local restaurant. Take a leisurely walk through the city, enjoying the vibrant night lights.
Take an early trip to the ancient Tiwanaku ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the fascinating stone structures and learn about the pre-Columbian history.
Visit the onsite museum for deeper insight into the artifacts discovered at the site. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery featuring local dishes.
Return to La Paz and unwind at a café with a great view of the city. Reflect on the day’s exploration over a cup of traditional Bolivian coffee.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse indigenous communities
- Stunning natural landscapes including the Andes, Amazon rainforest, and salt flats such as Salar de Uyuni
- Affordable cost of living and travel
- Unique wildlife and biodiversity in protected areas
- Political stability in recent years compared to historical volatility
- Infrastructure challenges, especially in rural areas
- Limited access to healthcare and education in some regions
- High altitude can pose health risks for visitors
- Economic dependency on natural resources makes the economy vulnerable
- Political tensions and social unrest can occur intermittently
Best Activities in Bolivia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning Andes mountain range through various hiking trails, including the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Ride through the lush Yungas region, known for its tropical forests and diverse wildlife, on exciting mountain biking trails.
Visit the world's largest salt flat and witness the otherworldly landscapes, unique wildlife, and stunning salt formations.
Embark on guided tours through the Bolivian Amazon to encounter diverse flora and fauna, indigenous communities, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bolivia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bolivia
Visit one of these nice places.
The world's largest salt flat, where the reflective surface creates stunning mirror-like effects, especially after rainfall.
The highest navigable lake in the world, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains and the serene blue waters.
A lunar-like landscape with unique rock formations and impressive sunset views, located near La Paz.
A picturesque town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, providing beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills.
A stunning mountain range in the Andes, offering opportunities for scenic hikes and panoramic mountain views.
Food in Bolivia
Bolivia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Salteñas are savory pastries filled with a sweet and slightly spicy stew of meat, potatoes, peas, and other ingredients. They are a must-try street food in Bolivia, available at bakeries and street vendors throughout the country.
Must-Try!
Silpancho is a typical Bolivian dish consisting of a thin, breaded, and fried beef or veal cutlet, served with rice, boiled potatoes, and fried eggs. It can be found at local eateries and traditional Bolivian restaurants.
Sopa de Mani is a creamy peanut soup, often featuring beef and vegetables, providing a unique and delicious flavor. This hearty soup is a staple in many Bolivian households and restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bolivia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in La Paz, Mercado Rodriguez is a bustling market offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, and local street food. Visitors can sample delicacies such as anticuchos (grilled skewered meats) and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
This iconic market in La Paz not only sells traditional textiles and folk remedies but also features street vendors offering local snacks like tucumanas (stuffed pastries) and api (a warm, sweet corn-based drink).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bolivia, it is customary to greet others with a handshake, and it is important to address people with their titles and last names as a sign of respect.
Respect for personal space is important in Bolivian culture, so it's best to avoid standing too close to others, especially during conversations.
Bolivians often use indirect communication and prefer to avoid confrontation. It's important to remain polite and patient in conversations, and it's best to avoid raising one's voice or using aggressive language.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bolivia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bolivia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bolivia, tipping is not widely practiced or expected. However, in some upscale restaurants or hotels, a 5-10% tip may be appreciated if the service charge is not included in the bill.
Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Bolivia, and credit/debit cards are not as widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It is important to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bolivia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Bolivia with clear skies and cooler temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring natural attractions.
Expect heavy rainfall and lush landscapes, suitable for witnessing the beauty of the rainforests and enjoying water-based activities.
Bolivia at Night
Hiking in Bolivia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for its dinosaur footprints and stunning canyons, Torotoro offers various hiking trails through unique landscapes.
Home to Bolivia's highest peak, Nevado Sajama, this park provides a range of hiking opportunities amidst the Andean scenery.
A biodiversity hotspot, Madidi offers guided hiking trails through lush rainforests and rivers, showcasing its rich wildlife.
A popular trekking destination near La Paz, El Illimani features challenging hikes with breathtaking views of the Bolivian Andes.
Located on Lake Titicaca, this sacred island offers scenic hikes with panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bolivia through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Bolivia by plane.
Located in São Paulo, Brazil, this is the largest airport in Latin America and serves as a major hub for international flights.
Located in La Paz, Bolivia, this is one of the highest international airports in the world and serves as the main gateway to Bolivia.
Located in Lima, Peru, it is the main international airport in Peru and serves as a key hub for flights to and from Bolivia.
Located in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, it provides access to the Iguazu Falls and serves international flights to and from Brazil and Argentina.
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this is the main international airport in Argentina and serves as a major hub for many international flights.
Located near Campinas, Brazil, this airport serves both domestic and international destinations and is an important cargo hub.
Located in Asunción, Paraguay, this is the main international airport in Paraguay and serves as a gateway for flights around the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A demographic group that comprises people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, making up the largest portion of Bolivia's population.
Includes various ethnic groups such as the Quechua, Aymara, Guarani, and others, who are the original inhabitants of Bolivia.
A smaller demographic group consisting of Afro-Bolivians and individuals of African descent in Bolivia.
Composed mainly of descendants of Spanish colonizers and other European immigrants.
Includes various small communities of immigrants from Asia and the Middle East, along with other cultural groups.
The Soul of Bolivia
Discover the essence of Bolivia through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Bolivia, football has a massive following and the country has a professional league with several clubs.
Cycling is a popular recreational and competitive activity in Bolivia, with various events and races held throughout the year.
Basketball has a growing popularity in Bolivia, especially among youth, with various leagues and tournaments taking place.
Volleyball is played widely throughout the country, both indoors and on the beach, and is a common sport in schools.
Track and field events are popular in Bolivia, with various competitions encouraging participation at the grassroots and elite levels.
Motorsports, including rally racing and motorcycle events, attract substantial interest, particularly in rural areas.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Bolivian cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants and markets offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as quinoa-based dishes, vegetable stews, and fresh salads. In tourist areas and major cities, it's relatively easy to find restaurants that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Traditional Bolivian cuisine includes a variety of naturally gluten-free dishes, including soups, grilled meats, and rice-based meals. Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy local favorites like Sopa de Mani and Silpancho by checking with the chefs or street vendors for gluten-free preparations.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bolivia.