Bolivia Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Bolivia is one of South America’s most underrated countries—wildly diverse, high-altitude, colorful, and still very affordable. From the glassy mirror of the Salar de Uyuni and the lunar landscapes around La Paz to the whitewashed colonial streets of Sucre, jungle gateways like Rurrenabaque, and the lively lowland city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia gives you “real South America” energy. It is also a country where you will feel the Andean and Indigenous cultures every day—through markets, festivals, textiles, and food. Because the country sits mostly on the Altiplano, many destinations are above 3,500 m/11,500 ft, so good planning around altitude, money, and transport is essential. This guide is designed for first-time visitors who want up-to-date, practical information so they can plan smarter, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy Bolivia’s epic landscapes.

Cities, Towns & Attractions Popular with Tourists

La Paz & El Alto: High-altitude capital in a valley, famous for the Mi Teleférico cable cars, Valle de la Luna, witches’ market, and day trips to Tiwanaku and Lake Titicaca.
Salar de Uyuni: The world’s largest salt flat—sunrise, sunset, and rainy-season mirror effects; multi-day tours to lagoons, geysers, and the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Best organized through reputable Uyuni or La Paz agencies.
Sucre: Bolivia’s constitutional capital, a beautiful white colonial city, slower pace, good for Spanish classes.
Potosí: Historic mining city and UNESCO site; some travelers visit Cerro Rico mines with licensed guides.
Lake Titicaca (Copacabana & Isla del Sol): Sacred lake shared with Peru, relaxed town, hiking and island villages.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: Warmer lowland city, gateway to Amboró National Park and the Jesuit Missions.
Rurrenabaque & Bolivian Amazon: Access to Madidi National Park and Pampas tours.
Coroico & Yungas: Lush, semi-tropical area reached from La Paz; many come via the “Death Road” cycling tour.

Good to Know

Altitude is real: La Paz, Uyuni, Potosí, and Lake Titicaca are high—plan 1–2 easy days on arrival, drink water, avoid alcohol, and ask your doctor about altitude medication if needed.
Season & weather: May–Oct is drier and better for most overland travel. Dec–Mar is the rainy season—this is when Uyuni can become a mirror, but some routes may be muddy or closed.
Cash-friendly country: Cards are improving but cash still rules outside major cities.
Book tours carefully: For Uyuni, jungle, and mine tours, choose established agencies with good safety records.
Check local news: Bolivia can have strikes, roadblocks, or protests that disrupt transport—ask your hotel before long trips.

Currency & Budget

Currency: Boliviano (BOB).

Exchange rate: In 2025 the official rate has stayed close to about 6–7 BOB for 1 USD, but economic conditions have made access to foreign currency tighter and rates can fluctuate or differ between cards, banks, and money changers. Treat this as a guide, not an exact figure.

Average daily budget (approx.):

Backpacker: 30–45 USD/day – hostel or simple guesthouse, local menus, public buses, shared Uyuni tours.
Midrange: 55–100 USD/day – good hotels in La Paz or Sucre, domestic flights, private day tours, nicer restaurants.
Luxury: 140–300+ USD/day – boutique or historic hotels, private 4×4 Uyuni tours, flights, English-speaking guides.

Tipping: Not as mandatory as in neighboring countries, but 5–10% is appreciated in sit-down restaurants or on tours.

Credit cards & ATMs: Cards are widely accepted in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, some Uyuni agencies, and airports, but expect cash-only in markets, small towns, and on the Altiplano. ATMs from big banks (Banco Union, BNB, Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz) are the most reliable. Some machines have low withdrawal limits—use a no-fee card and take out the maximum. If ATMs run dry, change USD/EUR at official casas de cambio or trusted hotel/agency desks—avoid street changers.

Best way to get local cash: Bring a mix of debit/credit + some crisp USD notes as backup. Withdraw from bank ATMs in daylight, and store extra cash separately.

Language & Communication

Official languages: Spanish plus several Indigenous languages (notably Quechua and Aymara). Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in cities.
English: Spoken in some hotels, tour agencies, and by younger Bolivians in tourist areas, but not widely on the street—learn key Spanish phrases.
SIM cards & mobile data: The main providers are Entel, Tigo, and Viva. You can buy prepaid SIMs at airports (where available), official stores, and kiosks in city centers; bring your passport because registration is required. Tourist eSIMs for Bolivia or for South America can be purchased online before arrival for an easier setup.
Coverage: Good in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Sucre; weaker in Uyuni, remote Altiplano, jungle, or on long bus routes.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Voltage: 220V, 50 Hz.
Plugs: Most commonly Type A and C; some places use Type B. Older hotels/guesthouses can be mixed. Bring a universal adapter.

Getting Around

Domestic flights: Useful for La Paz–Uyuni, La Paz–Santa Cruz, and reaching Amazon/jungle gateways when road conditions are bad.
Buses: The main way to travel. They are inexpensive and go everywhere, but quality varies. For overnight or long mountain routes, choose reputable companies and bring warm clothes.
Tour 4x4s: In Uyuni and the southwest circuit you will travel by 4×4 with a driver/guide—this is normal.
In La Paz: The cable car network (Mi Teleférico) is fast, scenic, and safe. Minibuses and shared taxis cover the rest.
Taxis & ride-hailing: Always use radio taxis, hotel-arranged taxis, or trusted apps. Avoid unmarked cars stopped on the street.
Road safety: Mountain roads can be narrow and weather-affected; accidents do happen. Travel by day when possible.

Safety

General level: Most visits are trouble-free, but petty theft and bag snatching are common in La Paz, Santa Cruz, bus terminals, and markets.
What to do: Keep valuables out of sight, wear a crossbody bag, do not leave daypacks on bus overhead shelves, and split your cash.
Protests & roadblocks: These can happen with little warning and may close roads or airports—avoid demonstrations and follow local advice.
Adventure activities: For Death Road cycling, Amazon trips, and high-altitude hikes, pick licensed outfitters and check their equipment.

Common Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Fake police/immigration checks: Someone in plain clothes asks for your passport and money to “verify”—do not hand over documents on the street. Ask to go to the nearest police station.
Taxi overcharging or detours: Agree the fare before you get in or insist on the meter. Use hotel/tourist office recommendations.
Substandard Uyuni tours: Very cheap tours sometimes cut corners on vehicles, oxygen, or accommodation. Book with an established agency, especially in rainy season.
Bag distraction in bus terminals: One person distracts, another grabs your bag—keep it on you or locked.

Bolivia rewards patient, flexible travelers. Come for the Salar, stay for the markets, Andean culture, and value-for-money adventures.