Money and payments
Cards and cash
Using ATMs is the most convenient but dumbest way of getting cash in Bolivia.
Tipping
No tipping necessary for taxi drivers.
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Americas · South AmericaOutline guideCountry in South America
Photo: Albert Backer, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bolivia is a beautiful, geographically rich, and multiethnic country in the heart of South America, visited for its stunning mountain landscapes and vibrant indigenous culture.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Bolivia.
Cards and cash
Using ATMs is the most convenient but dumbest way of getting cash in Bolivia.
Tipping
No tipping necessary for taxi drivers.
Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish
Bolivia has 37 official languages, of which Spanish (often called Castellano), Quechua, and Aymara are the main ones.
If you are staying for a while, consider buying SIM cards for your cellphones.
Mobile networks
One should not drink tap water.
Some parts of Bolivia like La Paz (3,650 m), Potosí (4,010 m), Oruro (3,950 m) and the Lake Titicaca region (3,400 m) are high altitude, so adequate precautions against "sorojchi" altitude sickness should be taken.
Bolivians, like their counterparts on the continent, have a casual view of time. For example, you can expect your Bolivian counterparts to be a few minutes late for an appointment. This is completely normal.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
The administrative capital and seat of the government. Gateway to the highest climbable mountains in Bolivia, Lake Titicaca and the Death Road.
The country's third-largest city, with a pleasant, moderate climate.
Famous for its carnival and a good jumping-off if you intend to head towards Sajama National Park.
A high-altitude mining town, once one of the wealthiest cities in the world due to its silver mines. Popular for its mining tours.
Raunchy and friendly but sleepy mountain village surrounded by high mountains of the Cordillera Quimsa Cruz, with mines, waterfalls, native cloud forest and 31 Aimara indigenous communities.
The second-largest and most affluent city of Bolivia.
Go there for some of the best climbs (Illampu, Ancohuma) and mountain hikes. Similar to Quime but more vibrant and alive with vast hiking opportunities, ranging from 1-day Laguna to 12-day villages hikes.
The constitutional capital and seat of judiciary. Also, a popular tourist magnet with lots to see and do including hiking, partying and seeing dinosaur footprints.
Chacaltaya is in the La Paz Department of Bolivia. This mountain, at an elevation of 5,486 m (17,999 ft), has beautiful views and what was once the world's highest ski area.
Isla del Sol ("Island of the Sun") is the largest island on Lake Titicaca, and part of Bolivian territory. An ancient holy site of the Inca, it's easily reachable from Copacabana.
The Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Chiquitania region of Bolivia's department of Santa Cruz.
Madidi National Park is in the northwest of the La Paz Department of Bolivia.
Noel Kempff Mercado is in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. It's inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Sajama National Park is in Oruro departement of Bolivia.
Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world and one of the most amazing natural attractions of Bolivia. Whether you're walking on the seemingly endless white, desolate surface of the dry flats, or admiring the simply perfect reflection of the clouds and blue sky above when there's water — all travellers agree the Salar de Uyuni offers an out-of-this-world experience.
Tiwanaku is an archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site in the La Paz Department of Bolivia.
Places in Bolivia on the World Heritage List.
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Listed 2000
El Fuerte de Samaipata
Listed 1998
Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos
Listed 1990
Historic City of Sucre
Listed 1991
Historic Center of Sucre
Listed 1991
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The Bolivian Altiplano is the area of the Andes above about 3,500 m in Bolivia. The altiplano stretches into neighbouring Peru and Argentina.
Public transport and paid services in Bolivia.
By bus
Bus transportation in Bolivia is a nice cheap way to get to see the beautiful scenery while traveling to your destination. Unfortunately the buses often travel solely at night.
By train
On some routes, the roads are in such a dire condition that the train becomes the alternative of choice. Trains are more comfortable than one would expect, having for example reclinable seats.
By plane
Flying within Bolivia is quick and fairly economical. BoA connects most major cities.
By taxi
For longer trips between towns and cities that aren't served by bus, shared taxis are common. Shared taxis are not safe for tourists, especially if you are solo female traveller.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Bolivia.
Finding apps for Bolivia…
Other ways to travel:On foot and navigation
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
La Paz / El Alto · International · LPB
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Sucre
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 30° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 31° | 34° | 36° | 34° | 32° | 30° |
| Avg. low | 23° | 23° | 23° | 22° | 20° | 19° | 19° | 20° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 23° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 281 | 269 | 202 | 145 | 92 | 53 | 42 | 38 | 68 | 133 | 175 | 236 |
| Humidity | 86% | 87% | 87% | 86% | 83% | 79% | 69% | 58% | 56% | 68% | 77% | 84% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$115
Per person, per day
Luxury
$305
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $65 | $180 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $55 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $45 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Bolivia due to crime, unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist spots. Stay aware of your surroundings. Unrest Large demonstrations can happen with little warning. Demonstrations may block transportation and other essential services. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province due to a higher incidence of crimes connected to narcotrafficking. U.S. government employees working in Bolivia are encouraged to pay extra attention to their surroundings in El Alto because of petty crime. U.S. citizens in Bolivia are advised to take the same precautions. Do Not Travel to Chapare Province due to crime.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chapare region of Cochabamba Department including Villa Tunari and highway routes 4 and 24 that pass through Chapare. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. State of Emergency A State of Emergency has been declared in Bolivia, giving police and armed forces powers to remove roadblocks, disrupt protests and detain those not complying with the new measures for up to 8 hours without charge. Follow the advice of local authorities, be wary of unverified or unofficial information, stay alert and keep away from protests and roadblocks. Protests and roadblocks Do not try to cross roadblocks. The situation has the potential to deteriorate without warning. Allow extra time to reach your destination and make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed. Any British national who requires urgent consular assistance, should contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7008 5000, selecting the option: ‘Consular services for British nationals’. If you are in Bolivia and using a phone with a local SIM, please call 2-2010020. Travel by Road Check road status updates from the Bolivian road authority (available inside Bolivia only) to see which roads are blocked. If you purchase a bus ticket ‘condicionado’ it means the bus company may not be able to guarantee arrival to your destination. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Bolivia.
Nature & adventureBolivia has spectacular natural scenery and astounding biodiversity, both of which are protected in its national parks, monuments, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Chiquitania region of Bolivia's department of Santa Cruz.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesEl Choro Trek is a 57-km trekking route in the La Paz department of Bolivia.
Wikivoyage
Food & drinkColourful and diverse, street food is an experience you can find in cities and towns all around the world. It's generally convenient and cheap, but its appeal goes far beyond that.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyBefore Europeans arrived in South America, the continent was home to a variety of flourishing civilizations and cultures. Some of these cultures remain today; others have left incredible ruins.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureHiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails.
Wikivoyage
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