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Travel in Bolivia

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

There is no other place like Bolivia. Dubbed a country of extremes, that goes from sweltering Amazon lowlands to frozen cold mountain peaks, you can experience all kinds of climate in one country!

I spent a month traveling around this incredible country, discovering its rich culture and unbelievable natural beauty. Some of my favorite experiences in Bolivia are cycling the World’s Deadliest Road in La Paz and taking a 4-day 4×4 tour to the incredible Uyuni Salt Flats. Bolivia is affordable, with beautiful natural landscapes, and it’s no wonder that many people consider it their favorite South American destination!

PICK A DESTINATION

DEATH ROAD

LA PAZ

UYUNI SALT FLATS

HIGHLIGHT

BEST

TIME

TO

Travel

May to November is the country’s dry season, making it the most popular time to travel to Bolivia. With clear skies and a lack of rain, it’s perfect conditions to tackle the country’s beautiful hiking trails. The only downside is that temperatures drop to well below freezing in the evenings. You’ll want to pack your warmest layers, especially if you’re going to be in the highlands as most hotels don’t have heating.

While the rains in December and April can mess up travel plans and close down the more remote airports, it also creates an incredible mirror effect of the Salar de Uyuni! Do your research before traveling for the best experience.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Language: Bolivia has one of the highest numbers of official languages in the world with 39 recognized by the Bolivian constitution. The most widely spoken is Spanish, as well as indigenous languages like Aymara and Quechua.

Currency: The currency in Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano.

Credit Cards and ATMs: Most major restaurants and hotels will accept credit cards in Bolivia, but it’s always a good idea to have cash on you as a backup. Not all ATMs in the country accept foreign bank accounts, and it’s a good rule of thumb to only withdraw from one in a secure area (like next to bank) in case anything happens.

Plugs: The plugs in Bolivia are types A and C. The standard voltage is between 115-230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: If you’re traveling to Bolivia as a solo female traveler, you’ll need to take a few extra precautions. You should avoid traveling after dark, keep an eye out for petty crime, and only use reputable cab companies.