Things To Do
in Bolivia
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America known for its diverse geography, including the Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest. The country has a rich indigenous culture, with vibrant traditional festivals and colorful markets. Bolivia's economy is heavily reliant on natural resources such as minerals and gas. Meanwhile, Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean with a tumultuous history, known for its communist government, vintage cars, and vibrant music and dance scene.
Cuba is also famous for its cigars and rum, and its beautiful colonial architecture in cities like Havana.
- "¿Qué bolá?" - What's up?
- "Asere" - Friend
- "¡Dímelo!" - Tell me!
- "Una vuelta" - A tour or a spin
- "No hay problema" - No problem
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Salar de Uyuni. Explore the salt flats and capture breathtaking photos as the sun rises over the white landscape.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the salt flat and then head to the Train Graveyard nearby. Witness the relics of old locomotives under the vast Bolivian sky.
Return to Uyuni town and enjoy a traditional Bolivian dinner. Relax at your accommodation and share stories about the day's adventures.
Take a guided tour of La Paz, starting with the Witches’ Market. Discover local herbs, potions, and traditional crafts while interacting with local vendors.
Visit the Moon Valley for a unique geological experience. Hike the trails to appreciate the unusual rock formations and stunning views of the city.
Dine at a local restaurant and try some Bolivian dishes like salteñas. Spend the evening strolling through the vibrant streets of La Paz.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Diverse landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and beaches.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries.
- Strong sense of community and local traditions.
- Emerging tourist destination with unique attractions.
- Political instability and government challenges.
- Limited access to healthcare and education in rural areas.
- Infrastructure issues, such as poor road conditions.
- Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
- Economic challenges and high levels of poverty.
Best Activities in Bolivia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems while trekking through the majestic Andes mountains in Bolivia, including popular routes such as the Inca Trail and the Apolobamba range.
Explore the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, in Bolivia, and discover its stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and the reflection of the sky on the salt crust.
Visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and enjoy activities such as boating, visiting the floating islands of Uros, and engaging with the local indigenous communities.
Experience vibrant marine life while scuba diving or snorkeling in the clear waters of Varadero Beach, Cuba's premier beach destination known for its coral reefs.
Discover the scenic landscapes of Viñales Valley, Cuba, with its impressive limestone mogotes and tobacco farms, perfect for hiking and horseback riding.
Explore the biodiversity of the Zapata Swamp, Cuba's largest wetland, by canoe, and enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
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, famous for its reflective surface that creates stunning mirror images during the rainy season.
A unique landscape near La Paz with unusual rock formations that resemble the surface of the moon, providing surreal photo opportunities.
An iconic peak in the Cordillera Real mountain range, offering breathtaking views and ideal spots for photography.
A stunning red lagoon inhabited by flamingos, with vibrant colors that create excellent photo opportunities.
The largest lake in South America, known for its beautiful scenery and the unique floating islands of Uros, perfect for photography.
A famous square in Havana, Cuba, offering grand views of notable monuments and ideal for capturing the essence of Cuban culture.
A scenic boulevard in Havana that offers stunning views of the ocean and city skyline, perfect for sunset photography.
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lush tobacco fields and karst landscape, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for nature photography.
A beautifully preserved colonial town with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, providing a charming backdrop for photos.
Known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, it's one of Cuba's most popular beaches with stunning views of the sunset.
Food in Bolivia
Bolivia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, a popular street food
Must-Try!
Breaded and fried beef served with rice, potatoes, and fried eggs
Shredded beef dish
Flavorful combination of black beans and rice
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bolivia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide variety of street food, from traditional snacks to local delicacies.
A vibrant market where visitors can sample a range of Cuban street food, including empanadas and Cubano sandwiches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In both Bolivia and Cuba, personal space is valued, although social warmth is common. Maintain a comfortable distance in interactions, especially with strangers, and be aware that standing too close may be perceived as intrusive.
Always greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días/tardes/noches' upon meeting. In Bolivia, a handshake is common, while in Cuba, a kiss on the cheek may be appropriate among friends. It’s a sign of respect and warmth.
Dress modestly and appropriately for the occasion, especially in rural areas of Bolivia. In Cuba, while clothing can be colorful and expressive, it’s important to avoid overly casual attire when visiting religious sites or formal events.
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 compulsory but is appreciated, especially in restaurants, where a tip of around 10% of the bill is common. In rural areas and lower-end establishments, tipping is less common or may entail rounding up the bill. In Cuba, tipping is also customary, particularly in tourism sectors. It is generally expected to tip around 10-15% in restaurants and to service workers such as taxi drivers and hotel staff.
In Bolivia, cash is predominantly used for transactions, although credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments and urban areas. The local currency is the Bolivian boliviano (BOB). In Cuba, payment methods include cash (the Cuban peso and, for tourists, the Cuban convertible peso) and, in some tourist areas, cards issued by foreign banks. However, credit cards are often limited due to U.S. restrictions on financial transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bolivia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This period is characterized by dry weather and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for trekking and exploring the altiplano, including destinations like La Paz and the Salar de Uyuni. Expect sunny days, especially in the south, and fewer rainfall interruptions.
Rain is more common during these months, especially in the Amazon basin and the northern regions. While trekking in certain areas may be less favorable due to muddy trails, this season showcases lush landscapes and vibrant flora. Travelers can also enjoy fewer tourists.
This is the peak tourist season in Cuba. The weather is warm and pleasant, with minimal rain and lower humidity. It's a great time to explore the beaches, cities, and cultural events. Expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially during holidays.
This season features higher humidity and more frequent rains, particularly in the afternoons. While it can be sultry, it is also less crowded and more economical. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so be aware of travel advisories and weather forecasts.
Bolivia at Night
Hiking in Bolivia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A national park offering scenic hiking trails with views of the largest lake in the Caribbean, rich in biodiversity.
Features numerous trails through mountainous landscapes, ideal for hiking and experiencing local wildlife.
The highest peak in Cuba, providing challenging hiking routes with rewarding views at the summit.
Offers a variety of hiking paths through unique ecosystems and stunning coastal scenery.
A hiking spot that leads to fascinating cave formations and ancient rock drawings, perfect for adventure seekers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bolivia through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bolivia by plane.
The main international airport serving Havana, Cuba.
The main international airport located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
The international airport that serves La Paz, Bolivia.
Airport serving various international flights to and from Cuba.
International airport located on Cayo Coco, serving tourist destinations in Cuba.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mestizos, who are of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, are the largest demographic group in Bolivia, making up a significant portion of the population.
Indigenous groups, including the Quechua and Aymara, represent a substantial part of the Bolivian population, with rich cultural heritage and languages.
People of European descent, primarily from Spanish ancestry, constitute a smaller, yet historically influential group in Bolivia.
Afro-Bolivians are a small demographic group with roots in the African diaspora, primarily located in certain regions such as the Yungas.
Asian communities, including Chinese and Japanese descendants, are present in Bolivia but represent a minority demographic.
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 both Bolivia and Cuba, football has a massive following and is played at all levels, from amateur to professional.
Particularly popular in Cuba, volleyball is a widely played sport, with both men's and women's teams competing internationally.
Baseball is a national pastime in Cuba, with a strong cultural significance and a rich history of international success.
Basketball enjoys popularity in Bolivia, with various leagues and local competitions, along with a growing interest in the professional scene.
Cycling is a popular sport in Bolivia, with events ranging from mountain biking to road racing, especially in the mountainous regions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bolivia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in many restaurants, with dishes like vegetarian salteñas or plant-based variations of traditional dishes.
Though less common, some restaurants offer vegan options, such as vegetable-based stews and plantain dishes in Cuba and quinoa-based dishes in Bolivia.
Gluten-free options are available in some restaurants, with dishes like ceviche and grilled meats in Bolivia, and rice and bean dishes in Cuba.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bolivia with these cultural adventures.
