Everything you need to know before you visit Bolivia

04.11.2023 - 08:07 / lonelyplanet.com / Lake Titicaca

In the heart of South America, Bolivia is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent. From pristine rainforests and high-altitude salt flats to cities rich with cultural diversity, there’s an incredible amount to see, do, and experience here.

As an added plus, accommodation, eating out, and transportation are all budget friendly, but there are a few things every traveler should know before setting off for Bolivia. Here are our top tips for making the most of your trip.

There's plenty to think about before you board your flight to Bolivia.

Bolivia is often described as an Andean country, and many of its top attractions – including Lake Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats – are packed into its mountainous west, an area known as the altiplano (highlands).

But the country is remarkably diverse and you’ll have a much more rewarding experience if you combine Andean adventures with trips to explore some of Bolivia's other fascinating landscapes. As well as the mountains, make time for the tropical Gran Chiquitania region, the arid wilderness of the Chaco, and the Amazon Basin – which covers roughly a third of the country.

Time your trip to Bolivia to fit in with the weather. It's generally sunny across Bolivia during the high season from May to October, but winter temperatures can drop sharply in the altiplano, so pack warm layers. This is a good time for trekking and other adventure sports, but demand and prices for tours and accommodation are higher than at other times of the year – it’s sensible to book ahead.

The shoulder season from October to November is a particularly good time to visit the Salar de Uyuni, as the spring brings warmer temperatures, while rain remains scarce. The low season (November to April) is hot and rainy, disrupting transport and making many outdoor activities difficult or unappealing, especially in the lowlands.

Many visitors don’t need a tourist visa to travel to Bolivia – including citizens of the UK, most EU and EEA countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most nations in South America. But some other travelers – including US citizens – can't visit without a visa. Contact your local Bolivian embassy or consulate to check the latest regulations. 

Transport delays are common in Bolivia, thanks partly to bloqueos, roadblocks linked to protests that can sometimes last for several days. Allow some leeway in your travel plans, check the news, and ask around locally for the latest info.

Flooding during the wet season from November to April can also cause severe transport disruption, particularly in the southeast, so plan accordingly.

English is spoken quite widely in touristy areas such as Sucre, Uyuni, and Rurrenabaque in the Amazon