- Altitude is the big challenge, so plan a slow start and a few easy days in La Paz or Sucre
- The Salar de Uyuni is best seen on a three-day tour that continues to the lagoons of the far south-west
- Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America
- Road blockades and protests can disrupt travel at short notice
- Airports
- La Paz El Alto (LPB), Santa Cruz Viru Viru (VVI)
- Flight time
- about 17-20h from London to La Paz, usually with one or two stops
- Best time to go
- May-October (dry season); January-March for the mirror effect on the Salar de Uyuni
- Currency
- Bolivian boliviano (Bs)
Bolivia is South America at its most dramatic and least polished. High on the Altiplano, the blinding white Salar de Uyuni stretches to the horizon, flamingos feed in red and green lagoons, and the capital La Paz spills down a canyon beneath snow-capped Illimani, linked by the world's highest urban cable-car network. Lower down are the colonial gems of Sucre and Potosí, and in the far north the Amazon rainforest and pampas around Rurrenabaque.
It is a long way from the UK, with no direct flights, and much of the country sits above 3,500 metres, so it rewards travellers who take things slowly. Bolivia is four hours behind the UK (five during British Summer Time), traffic drives on the right and plugs are mostly the two-pin European or US type at 230 volts, though some places in La Paz use 115 volts. This South America guide covers where to go, when to visit and what it costs.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit Bolivia visa-free for up to 30 days on arrival, which can typically be extended to a total of 90 days in a calendar year at the immigration office. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for some lowland areas and may be checked if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Protests and road blockades are common and can close main routes, including to the airport, for days. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni and the south-west
The world's largest salt flat is the reason many people come. Most visitors take a three-day 4x4 tour from Uyuni through the Salar, Isla Incahuasi with its giant cacti, and the high Andean lagoons such as Laguna Colorada, ending at the Chilean border near San Pedro de Atacama or looping back to Uyuni.
La Paz
The seat of government is chaotic, fascinating and very high. Ride the Mi Teleférico cable cars for views, browse the Witches' Market, take a day trip to the Valle de la Luna or the ruins of Tiwanaku, and, if you are brave, cycle the so-called Death Road.
Lake Titicaca
The lakeside town of Copacabana is the base for boats to Isla del Sol, an island of Inca ruins and terraced hillsides with no cars. It is about three to four hours by road from La Paz.
Sucre and Potosí
Sucre, the constitutional capital, is a relaxed white colonial city at a gentler 2,800 metres and a popular place to learn Spanish. Potosí, once one of the richest cities in the world thanks to silver, has a sobering mine tour and a fine colonial mint.
The Amazon and Santa Cruz
Fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque for jungle lodges in Madidi National Park or pampas tours to see caiman, capybara and pink river dolphins. Santa Cruz, in the warm lowlands, is the country's largest city and main international gateway.
Best time to visit Bolivia
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (May-October) | Clear skies and sunny days, best for trekking and tours; nights are freezing on the Altiplano, especially June-August |
| Wet season (November-April) | Rain and some road closures; January-March can flood the Salar for the famous mirror reflections |
| Amazon lowlands | Hot and humid all year; driest from about May to October |
Getting there from the UK
There are no direct flights. Common routes connect via Madrid to Santa Cruz (Air Europa and Boliviana de Aviación have both flown this route), or via Lima, Bogotá, São Paulo or Miami to La Paz or Santa Cruz. Expect 17-20 hours in total from London. Arriving in Santa Cruz and flying up to La Paz is one way to ease into the altitude.
Don't fly straight from sea level to Uyuni. Spend two or three nights in Sucre or La Paz first, drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Getting around
Domestic flights with Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and EcoJet link La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Uyuni and Rurrenabaque and save many hours on rough roads. Long-distance buses are cheap; pay a little more for reputable companies with fully reclining seats, and avoid night buses on mountain roads where you can. In La Paz the Teleférico is the easiest way to get about. Self-driving is not recommended for most visitors.
Money and costs
Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America. Budget travellers can manage on about Bs 250-400 (roughly £25-45) per person per day, while a mid-range trip with good hotels and private tours is more like £70-120. A three-day Uyuni tour varies widely in price and quality, so choose an operator with good recent reviews. Cash is essential outside the main cities, and ATMs can be scarce in Uyuni and Rurrenabaque. Tip around 10% in restaurants and give tour guides and drivers something at the end.
Frequently asked questions
How bad is altitude sickness in Bolivia?
Most people feel breathless and tired at first, and some get headaches or nausea. Ascend gradually, rest for the first day or two and seek advice from a doctor before travel, especially if you have heart or lung conditions.
When can I see the Uyuni salt flat mirror effect?
Usually from about January to March, after rain leaves a thin layer of water on the salt. Heavy flooding can restrict where tours go.
How many days do you need in Bolivia?
Two weeks covers La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Sucre and the Uyuni tour. Add four or five days for the Amazon.
Can I combine Bolivia with Peru or Chile?
Yes. Buses link La Paz and Copacabana with Puno and Cusco in Peru, and Uyuni tours often finish at San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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