Bolivia Quick Guide

Bolivia Travel Guide is a compilation of travelogues by David Lebovitz that will help you get the full experience of Bolivia. Bolivia is a South American country in the central region of South America, lying between Uruguay and Argentina. At over 3,500 meters, its capital, La Paz, lies on the Andes foothills with snow-caped Mt. Illimani in the backdrop. Its location makes it an ideal destination for expeditions to Latin America.

The country's pristine coastlines and mountain-stepped fertile valleys are an incredible attraction. The beautiful Bolivian countryside is dotted with picturesque farmhouses, rustic cabins, ancient ruins and modern-day amenities. Bolivia travel guide features five unforgettable tours to explore the land. These are:

Bolivia's Machu Picchu This is one of the most popular attractions in Bolivia. The incredible mystery of this ancient Indian temple is enough to enchant any traveler to this South American country. It is located near the town of Pisac's where a trail leads directly to the ruins. Among the best things to do around the ruins are enjoying lunch on a picnic, trekking up the Inca Trail or even taking a ride on a white horse. This is also a great place to scout for Inca relics and other amazing sites.

The Adventure of Santa Cruz This is another of the best things to do in Bolivia. With its adventurous tours to Machu Picchu, this hub of adventure activities offers visitors the chance to get a glimpse of the history of this Inca citadel. You can start your adventure tour at the Virgen de Pueblo Historic Site, which features a tramway that takes you to the top of the mountain. From there, you will have the opportunity to take a walk down to the ruins of the lost city of Santa Cruz. This tour is accompanied by a llama via a cable way.

3-Day Salt Flats Tour This is another of the must-visit places in Bolivia. The lush mountain slopes of Bolivia offer visitors a natural playground filled with wildlife. The 3-day salt flats tour offers visitors the opportunity to view rare species of birds, hike along the incredible hiking trails and explore the stunning surroundings. A wide array of activities is offered such as camping, snorkeling, kayaking, rafting, jeeping and more.

* Three Day Road Trip This tour allows visitors to explore some of the best places in Bolivia. The route starts from the southern town of Morro and finishes in the historic center of La Conch Mountain. The route includes exciting trips to Sucre and Maraca. You can opt for an easy bike ride in Sucre, a leisurely road trip through Maraca and the breathtaking views of the Andean ranges in La Conch. Or perhaps you can organize to go on a 3-day road trip through the high altitudes of Bolivia.

* Ideal Time June to October is the best time to travel boliviating Bolivia. This is the dry and rainy season in this country. You will be able to find a wide variety of wildlife during this period including deer, mountain goats, capibaras and quail. Moreover, you will also have the best time to observe the seasonal changes as the weather conditions are quite milder. The ideal time to visit also lies in between May and September.

* Three-Day Country Tours If you want to have an adventurous trip, then you should consider going on a 3-day country tour. These tours include a journey through three provinces of Bolivia and include visiting the remote indigenous village of Popayan, and the salt pans of Sucre and Maraca. You will also have the chance to enjoy the colorful ceremonies and cultural activities that take place in these regions. On the third day, you can return to your hotel. This type of Bolivia Travel Guide can be very useful for those who want to experience the Bolivian countryside.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Bolivia are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

May-Oct is the best time to visit Bolivia, as the dry weather brings sapphire skies and less travel disruption. This is the Bolivian winter, though, so the highlands will be cold – and well below freezing in the desert at night, particularly in June-July.

Do I need a Visa?

British nationals don't need a visa to visit Bolivia. The length of stay permitted on entering Bolivia is initially 30 days. This can be extended for a further 60 days, at no extra charge, as long as you apply before the end of the 30 day period at one of the Department of Immigration offices throughout the country.

See which forms you may need for entry into Bolivia.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Bolivia you can grab amazing Bolivian Boliviano deals via Wise.com (GBP to BOB).

What about the wildlife?

Giant otter, jaguar, alpaca, maned wolf, Andean flamingo, spectacled bear, capybara, Andean condor and Amazon river dolphin

What is the traditional food?

Spanish food? Salteñas is the name of the national dish of Bolivia consisting of crescent-shaped, filled pockets of dough.

What Languages are spoken?

Spanish: Is spoken by 84% of the population. Aymara: Is spoken by 18% of the population and is one of the oldest Latin American pre-Colombian languages. You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to Bolivia and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (Bolivia is not a tipping culture, but expect to pay for small favors and "help" everywhere. In restaurants, a tip of 5% to 10% is in order if you are happy with the service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless you hire them for the day, in which case 10% is appropriate.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 118
  • Fire: 119
  • UK Embassy: +591 2 2433424

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is -5 hours

Travel Apps

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Learn Spanish

Learn some Spanish before your trip to Bolivia


Bolivia Guidebook

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