Overview of Bolivia
Known as the 'Tibet of the Americas', Bolivia is the highest and most remote country in South America. The landlocked destination includes the East Andes Mountain Range and the Altiplano Highland Plateau, where most of its people live.
Bolivia's history spans the ancient Aymara, who lived on Lake Titicaca, the Altiplano's Inca Empire and the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Visitors can still see traces of these civilisations in the country's ruins, museums and colonial cities.
Culture lovers should note that Bolivia has one of the continent's most concentrated indigenous populations who, for the most part, have retained their traditional way of life. Visitors will encounter authentic houses, age-old agricultural methods and ancient weaving techniques. Haunting panpipe melodies ride the Altiplano's crisp mountain air, while livelier tunes fire up the warmer lowlands.
Thrill seekers will relish the country's dramatic geography. Explorers can track wildlife in the Amazonian Basin or drive the Salar de Uyuni's surreal landscape. They can also venture to the world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca, scramble through muddy shafts in the silver mines of Potosi and hike in the magnificent Andes.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Though Spanish is an official language, only 60 to 70 percent of the people actually speak it, often as a second language. Many indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Aymara, are also official.
- Passport/Visa:
-
All visitors travelling by air should have return tickets and all required documents for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds to see them through their stay. All travellers arriving from yellow fever risk areas must show valid yellow fever vaccination certificates on entry to Bolivia. Those who qualify for visas on arrival need to carry all the required documentation translated into Spanish and should confirm these requirements in advance. Travellers who do not have the required fee, documents and photographs for a visa to be issued will be denied entry.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB), which is divided into 100 cents (centavos). Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change in the main centres, at banks and hotels - banks are generally considered the best places to exchange currency. Main centres accept USD, but travellers will need cash when they journey to more remote areas.
Banking facilities are good in the main cities and ATMs cater for Visa and MasterCard. Major credit cards such as MasterCard, Dinersclub, Visa, and American Express are accepted in shops, restaurants and the bigger hotels.
- Electricity:
- 220-230 volts, and 50-60Hz. US flat-bladed, two-pin plugs and two-pin plugs with round grounding are used.
Travel to Bolivia
Overview
Home to ancient indigenous tribes and spellbinding biodiversity, Bolivia offers the thrill of the unbeaten track. Adventurous travellers will come alive in the country's wilderness, which has something for every bent. Indeed, visitors can brave the Amazon Basin's sticky heat, explore parched desert, or scale rugged mountains, packing coca leaves to remedy altitude sickness.
Lake Titicaca is a must for nature lovers. So too is the breath-taking Salar de Uyuni: the world's largest salt flat. The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is full of otherworldly landscapes.
History buffs will enjoy the Spanish colonial town of Sucre, and exposure to the country's tribes, who still live as they have for centuries. The terror-inducing Yungus Road is another of the destination's gems, and is known as the world's most dangerous road.
On a cautionary note, travellers should plan their itineraries with Bolivia's lack of infrastructure in mind. Tourists generally have a richer experience by visiting one or two interesting regions, instead of trying to see more in a single trip.
Climate in Bolivia
Due to the altitude, Bolivia's climate is one of extremes, with warm days and cold, sometimes freezing nights. Rain is heavy over the summer months (November to March), and Bolivia can be become very humid (especially at lower altitudes). The climate varies drastically between regions, so weather should be checked for each destination.
The dry winter season (May to October) is the high season for tourism, and generally the best time to visit. That said, tourists should check the best time to visit for the particular region and activity they are planning, as the country has many different climatic zones.
Health Notes when travelling to Bolivia
Altitude sickness is the most common complaint in Bolivia, with much of the country lying above 10,000 feet (3,050m). This is particularly relevant to diabetics and those with heart complaints or chest problems, who should seek advice before travelling to Bolivia. Travellers should take Acetazolamide (Diamox) or drink coca tea to alleviate symptoms.
The usual list of health precautions goes for Bolivia. Yellow fever vaccination is advised, as outbreaks do occur, particularly after flooding, and it is a requirement for those entering from infected areas. Malaria is prevalent in some parts of the country, and dengue fever is on the increase. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and a vaccination for typhoid should be considered if travelling to rural areas.
Additionally, sanitation and hygiene are poor in some areas, so travellers should be wary of what is eaten. It's best to avoid under-cooked meat and unpeeled fruit and vegetables, and to only drink bottled water. Comprehensive medical insurance is strongly recommended as medical facilities are generally not of a high standard in Bolivia.
Safety Notes when travelling to Bolivia
Bolivia is generally a safe destination, though visitors should be vigilant at all times. Pick-pocketing takes place on buses and in crowded areas, as it does in Europe. Female tourists should avoid taking jungle and pampas tours on their own and should always avoid unlicensed guides. Travellers should stay away from political demonstrations. Most crimes in Bolivia are non-confrontational.
Otherwise, months of heavy rainfall are usually responsible for flooding and mudslides throughout the country, which can severely affect transport.
Customs in Bolivia
In conversation, rural Bolivians should be referred to as campesinos (subsistence farmers) rather than Indians. 'Machismo' is very much alive and husband and wife roles within the family are very traditional. Homosexuality is frowned upon, particularly in the Altiplano.
Duty Free in Bolivia
Travellers to Bolivia over the age of 18 years can bring the following items into the country without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 500 grams of tobacco, 3 litres of alcohol and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
Newly purchased goods to the value of $1,000 per person are also duty free. Travellers departing from the country should note that it is illegal to leave with the following items without prior written permission from the appropriate local authority: pre-Colombian artefacts, historical paintings, items of Spanish colonial architecture and history, and native textiles.
Doing Business in Bolivia
Relationship building is important is Bolivia, so getting down to business might take some time. Foreigners should remember not to rush things. Negotiations are generally quite slow, and face-to-face communication is preferred over phone calls or written communications. For these reasons, foreigners should be prepared to make many trips before reaching an agreement. Punctuality is expected, even if the meeting doesn't start on time, and schedules are often just a guideline. Consequently, meetings are fairly unstructured and deadlines are often unimportant.
Business people are expected to wear suits. Meetings begin and end with handshakes, with custom demanding that men wait for women to extend a hand first. It's important to include a person's professional title in the greeting if applicable. Otherwise, it's polite to use Señor (Mr) or Señora (Mrs) with a surname. Business cards should also include any academic qualifications, and should have one side translated into Spanish.
Unfortunately, women are generally considered subordinate in the workplace and visiting businesswomen should emphasise their qualifications and work experience. Office hours are generally 8:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, with a long break over lunch.
Communication in Bolivia
The international access code for Bolivia is +591. The outgoing code depends on what network is used (e.g. 0010 for Entel, or 0013 for Boliviatel), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for La Paz is 2, but the access code to make a call within the country from another area also depends on what network is used.
Mobile phones operate on a GSM network.
Tipping in Bolivia
A service charge is typically added to restaurant and hotel bills in Bolivia, but it is customary to add a five to 10 percent tip for good service over and above this charge. Porters at hotels expect small tips and drivers are only tipped if hired for a full day.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors travelling by air should have return tickets and all required documents for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds to see them through their stay. All travellers arriving from yellow fever risk areas must show valid yellow fever vaccination certificates on entry to Bolivia. Those who qualify for visas on arrival need to carry all the required documentation translated into Spanish and should confirm these requirements in advance. Travellers who do not have the required fee, documents and photographs for a visa to be issued will be denied entry.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US nationals must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Bolivia. A visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee payable in cash only, with an invitation letter Bolivian Immigration Authorities (DIGEMIG), a printed hotel reservation, a printed return/onward ticket, and a printed itinerary. The visa is valid for a stay of no more than 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadians require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
UK nationals holding valid passports do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australians need a valid passport, but do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals need a valid passport, but do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealanders need a valid passport, but do not require a visa for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South Africans require a valid passport on arrival and a visa to enter Bolivia. Visas can be issued on arrival for a fee in cash only, with an invitation letter Bolivian Immigration Authorities (DIGEMIG), a printed hotel reservation, a printed return/onward ticket, and a printed itinerary. Visas can also be obtained at http://www.rree.gob.bo/formvisas/. The visa is valid for a stay of no more than 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, La Paz: +591 2 2200910 or http://www.minculturas.gob.bo/
Bolivia Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Bolivian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 483 4410.
- In Canada:
-
Bolivian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 5730.
- In the United Kingdom:
-
Bolivian Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7235 4255.
- In Australia:
-
Bolivian Consulate, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 9247 4235.
- In South Africa:
-
Honorary Consulate of Bolivia, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 11 646 1408.
Foreign Embassies in Bolivia
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, La Paz: +591 2 216 8000.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, La Paz: +591 2 241 5141.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, La Paz: +591 2 243 3424.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Consulate, La Paz: +591 2 2115655
- Irish Embassy
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Consulate of Ireland, La Paz: +591 2 242 1408.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Lima, Peru (responsible for Bolivia): +511 612 4848.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Bolivia
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Bolivia, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Bolivia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Malaria | When traveling in Bolivia, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Bolivia, see malaria in Bolivia. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Bolivia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Bolivia
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Bolivia, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. Country entry requirement: The government of Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Bolivia. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Bolivia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Bolivia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
When traveling in Bolivia, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Bolivia, see malaria in Bolivia.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Bolivia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Bolivia
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Bolivia, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.
Country entry requirement: The government of Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Bolivia. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Bolivia, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Bolivia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in Bolivia. For more information, see Zika Virus in Bolivia.
Hide If your travel plans in Bolivia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Bolivia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Bolivia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Bolivia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Bolivia may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Bolivia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Bolivia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Bolivia. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
- Zika Virus in Bolivia August 29, 2017 Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB), which is divided into 100 cents (centavos). Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change in the main centres, at banks and hotels - banks are generally considered the best places to exchange currency. Main centres accept USD, but travellers will need cash when they journey to more remote areas.
Banking facilities are good in the main cities and ATMs cater for Visa and MasterCard. Major credit cards such as MasterCard, Dinersclub, Visa, and American Express are accepted in shops, restaurants and the bigger hotels.
|
Exchange rate for 1 BOB - Bolivian Boliviano
|
0.15 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
0.13 EUR
Euro
|
0.15 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.10 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
15.87 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
0.19 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.14 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.20 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
3.66 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
49.23 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
219.51 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.10 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
15.73 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.06 OMR
Omani Rial
|
0.53 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
0.20 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
1.21 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
0.97 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
1.45 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
6.68 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
0.98 HRK
Croatian Kuna
|
2.72 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
85.47 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
0.46 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
0.15 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
0.31 FJD
Fiji Dollar
|
3.30 HNL
Honduran Lempira
|
16.11 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
173.66 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
1.63 BWP
Botswana Pula
|
0.49 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
101.10 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
69.69 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
3.52 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
2.91 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
18.12 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
428.39 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
0.56 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.10 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.04 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
4.57 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
5.18 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
4.16 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
1.22 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
0.57 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
0.55 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
21.29 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
5.19 THB
Thai Baht
|
0.54 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
0.52 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
0.59 RON
Romanian New Leu
|
1.13 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
85.66 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
|
3,276.20 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
2.03 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
0.39 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
|
1.14 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
1.42 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.05 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
0.15 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
|
0.22 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
|
454.49 COP
Colombian Peso
|
9.96 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
|
40.78 HUF
Hungarian Forint
|
1.15 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
|
1,994.62 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
|
1.29 EGP
Egyptian Pound
|
173.63 KRW
South Korean Won
|
826.45 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
|
0.61 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
|
78.53 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
|
0.21 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
|
15.27 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
|
9.74 RUB
Russian Rouble
|
2.27 ZAR
South African Rand
|
0.31 TND
Tunisian Dinar
|
0.29 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
|
0.26 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
|
0.43 TRY
Turkish Lira
|
6.80 PHP
Philippine Peso
|
4.75 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
|
28.64 NGN
Nigerian Naira
|
15.62 XPF
CFP Franc
|
0.57 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
|
18.21 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
|
0.26 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
|
0.20 BND
Brunei Dollar
|
16.12 RSD
Serbian Dinar
|
0.96 CNY
Chinese Yuan
|
2,900.66 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
|
0.97 DKK
Danish Krone
|
0.50 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
|
9.80 INR
Indian Rupee
|
|
|
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Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Bolivian Boliviano
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U.K. Pound Sterling to Bolivian Boliviano
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Australian Dollar to Bolivian Boliviano
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La Paz Airport (LPB)
El Alto International Airport
http://www.sabsa.aero/aeropuerto-el-alto/default.aspx
Location: La Paz El Alto International Airport is situated 11 miles (18km) south west of La Paz.
Time: GMT -4.
Contacts:
Getting to the city:
The Airport Coach leaves for La Paz every five minutes, and there are bus ($1), and taxi services ($10) available.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a bank, bars, restaurant and duty-free shops, as well as access for those with disabilities.
Parking:
Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport (VVI)
Santa Cruz Viru Viru International Airport
Location: Santa Cruz de la Sierra Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Time: GMT -4.
Getting to the city:
There is a bus service to Santa Cruz from the airport, and rail connections available from the city.
Car rental:
There are car rental facilities at Viru Viru airport such as Europcar.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
The terminal contains a restaurant, snack bar, bank and currency exchange, and an information desk.
Parking:
There is long and short-term parking available at the airport, both covered and uncovered.
Overview of the Attractions in Bolivia
Home to ancient indigenous tribes and spellbinding biodiversity, Bolivia offers the thrill of the unbeaten track. Adventurous travellers will come alive in the country's wilderness, which has something for every bent. Indeed, visitors can brave the Amazon Basin's sticky heat, explore parched desert, or scale rugged mountains, packing coca leaves to remedy altitude sickness.
Lake Titicaca is a must for nature lovers. So too is the breath-taking Salar de Uyuni: the world's largest salt flat. The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is full of otherworldly landscapes.
History buffs will enjoy the Spanish colonial town of Sucre, and exposure to the country's tribes, who still live as they have for centuries. The terror-inducing Yungus Road is another of the destination's gems, and is known as the world's most dangerous road.
On a cautionary note, travellers should plan their itineraries with Bolivia's lack of infrastructure in mind. Tourists generally have a richer experience by visiting one or two interesting regions, instead of trying to see more in a single trip.
Iglesia de San Francisco
La Paz
People congregate in this imposing church's plaza, which is a mixture of neo-classical Spanish and mestizo architecture. Construction began in 1549 and only finished in the mid-18th century. Oftentimes, travellers will see colourful Quecha or Aymara wedding processions on Saturday mornings, leading to and from the church. The plaza is a wonderful place to pass the time and watch Bolivian life unfold on any day of the week. Visitors should climb the atmospheric stairway to the fabulous rooftop and enjoy the great views of the city.
The Witches’ Market (Mercado de Brujas)
La Paz
Mercado de Brujas (the Witches' Market) offers tourists a truly Bolivian experience. Situated in a maze of narrow alleys in La Paz, it stocks an unusual collection of merchandise, including charms, potions, and herbs used in Aymara traditions. The traditional market scene stretches around it, selling a huge a variety of everyday goods, as well as Andean art and handicrafts. Visitors can expect to see yatiri (witch doctors), who wear dark hats and carry pouches of coca for fortune telling.
Museo de Coca (Coca Museum)
La Paz
The museum covers the role of coca in Bolivia's culture and traditions. Visitors will learn about the leaf's healing properties, its use in Andean religious ceremonies, its chemical breakdown and different species. They will also canvas its use by soft-drink and pharmaceutical companies, and how it is turned into cocaine. Actually, one of the institution's missions in to counter the plant's cocaine-related stigma. Among other things, guests will leave knowing how to correctly chew coca leaves, which will allow them to feel its stimulating effects.
Address: Linares 906, La Paz Zona 1, Bolivia
Telephone: +591 2 2311998
Website: http://www.cocamuseum.com
Cooperative Mines of Cerro Rico
Potosi
Entering the mines is like stepping back in time, given that current mining conditions remain untouched by modern advances. Indeed, they're much the same as when the Spanish used Andean peasants as slave labourers to extract the rich silver deposit. The experience involves guided tours leading groups along the narrow tunnels and up rickety ladders, stopping along the way to chat to working miners. Visitors won't struggle to find a tour operator offering trips out of Potosi, and the best guides tend to be former miners. Travellers should also consider that these trips, though fascinating, are potentially dangerous. For ethical reasons, tourists should perhaps remember that many people in contemporary Bolivia have no choice but to accept this hazardous life.
Museo de la Casa de la Moneda
Potosi
Opening time: 9am-12pm; 2.30pm-6.30pm - Tuesday to Sunday(closed on Mondays).
Spanish colonists used the Casa de la Moneda as their Royal Mint House, where they turned the silver they mined into coins destined for Spain. The institution is one of Bolivia's best museums, and covers the history of silver production in the country. Visitors will encounter coins and coin stamps, and assemblies of mule-driven wooden cogs that would beat silver into the right width for coining. They will also see a fascinating collection of religious paintings from the Potosi school (Baroque artwork).
Address: Ayacucho S/N, Villa Imperial de Potosí, Bolivia
Telephone: +591 2 6222777
Website: http://www.casanacionaldemoneda.org.bo
Salar de Uyuni
Potosi
Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, which exists courtesy of a prehistoric lake that went dry. This region is one of Bolivia's most spectacular natural attractions, and is a photographer's delight. Its surreal landscape combines salt pans, wandering llamas and wind-eroded rock formations. A landmass covered in towering cacti called, Isla de Pescadores (the Pescadores Islands), lies in the middle. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde are other isolated marvels in Salar de Uyuni. One is a fiery-red lake; the other is a deep blue. Both are inhabited by flamingos and surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Nearby Sol de Manana reeks of sulphurous gases from geysers, fumaroles and bubbling mud-pools. The village of Uyuni is located to the southeast of the Salar, and is the best base from which to explore the area. Travellers can arrange tours from there. 'Salt Hotels' around the periphery of Salar are a unique form of accommodation, where everything (walls, furniture, etc.) is
made from salt blocks cut from the flats.
Tupiza
Potosi
Located in Potosi Department, Tupiza mining town serves as a popular base for tours of nearby San Vicente, which is the region's major drawcard. San Vicente's 'Wild West' history features Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: two of the world's most famous outlaws. Both of them died in Tupiza after fleeing the US in 1901. They were gunned down by the Bolivian army. Organised tours from Tupiza lead tourists along the 'death trail' of Butch and Sundance, giving visitors the chance to follow the outlaws' last days. The trail leads all the way to their supposed final resting place.
Rurrenabaque
Rurrenabaque is one of the main starting points for eco-tours to the Amazonian jungle and pampas. Perched between the surrounding jungle and the River Beni, this little frontier settlement is the loveliest of Bolivia's lowland villages. Many holidaymakers come to explore the nearby Madidi National Park and Pampas, which are home to caimans, macaws, monkeys, turtles, piranhas, pink dolphins, anacondas and capybaras (the world's largest rodents). Visitors can also take dugout canoes down the river or simply enjoy the rainforest's immense biodiversity. The terrain varies from mountain cloud forest to savannah.
Yungas Road
La Paz
Yungas Road is not an attraction for the faint of heart. Dubbed the 'El Camino de la Muerte' (Road of Death), it stretches between La Paz and Coroica and claimed 200 to 300 lives every year until 1994. Paraguayan prisoners built the road during the 1930s Chaco War, and it has extreme drops of up to 2,000 feet (609m). The Yungas Road has since become a popular tourist destination among thrill seekers, particularly mountain bikers. It remains dangerous, though, and trucks have serious problems passing each other. Crosses dot the road and mark where cars have plunged off the steep cliff. Drivers on Yungas Road must obey a strict set of rules, as rain and fog often reduce visibility and there are no guard rails. Contrary to normal Bolivian driving rules, drivers keep to the left, and uphill vehicles always have the right of way. Yungas Road has been upgraded with many new safety measures in the last decade, but the original route, now called North Yungas Road, is still in use
by tourists.
Huayna Potosi
La Paz
Located in the Cordellera Real range, Huayna Potosi is a tremendous stop for adventurous travellers. The mountain is a mere 15 miles (24km) north of La Paz and only around 1,000 people a year make it to the summit. Many of those who attempt the climb turn back due to cold temperatures and the high altitude. The climb can be done in two daily stages and several difficult snow and ice routes go up the face. Those who make it to the summit will be rewarded with breath-taking views over the Cordillera Real range, Lake Titicaca and La Paz.
Coroico
La Paz
Coroico is a relaxing, low-altitude spot where visitors can escape frigid highland nights. The trip from La Paz traverses the Yungas Road, which makes for a photogenic and adrenalin-charged entrance into this laid-back resort town. Perched atop the peak of Cerro Uchumachi, Coroico offers gorgeous views of orchards, forested canyons, cloud-covered mountain tops, and the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. Coroico is a good base for some interesting hikes into the jungle and for mountain-biking trips into the local area, including guided descents of the precipitous highway.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The Jesuit Church sent missionaries to a number of Bolivia's rural areas in the 16th century, with instructions to 'civilise' and convert indigenous tribes. Today, travellers can visit the churches they built and cultivated. Many vibrant villages lie around these beautiful colonial structures, which were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The six historic missions that remain intact are San Miguel, San Jose, Santa Ana, Concepcion, San Rafael, and San Francisco Javier. All of them are in the Chiquitania region near Santa Cruz. Many local tour operators offer packages that include visits to several villages, all within easy reach of the city.
Samaipata
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The tiny village of Samaipata lies two hours' drive southwest of Santa Cruz. Its home to an array of local tribes and some beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors will encounter several important attractions, including El Fuerte, which is a set of pre-Incan ruins designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Las Cuevas Waterfalls. Condor Mountain and the stunning Amboro National Park are also nearby. Travellers should note that Samaipata is the start and end point of the Che Guevara Trail, which visits sites of interest.
Amboro National Park
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Amboro National Park is a nature reserve in central Bolivia. Its wildlife population includes more than 800 species of birds, and many endangered animals such as the puma, jaguar and spectacled bear. Hikers will encounter a diverse terrain, which covers the northern Chaco, Andes foothills, and Amazon Basin. The region's spectacular scenery features canyons, forests, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Visitors can pass the time birdwatching at La Chonta outlook, sunning themselves on the beaches of the Surutu River, or hiking the Yungas Mountains. Getting to the park is relatively easy, given that it's only around 93 miles (150km) northwest of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. A number of tour operators offer outings to Amboro and a range of activities in the park.
Public Holidays in Bolivia
