Highlights
The Salar de Uyuni is the unmissable wonder — the world's largest salt flat, a blinding white expanse that becomes a perfect mirror of the sky when flooded, explored on multi-day 4x4 tours that also take in flamingo-filled lagoons, steaming geysers, bizarre rock formations and the coloured Laguna Colorada. It's one of the planet's most surreal journeys.
La Paz, the world's highest administrative capital, sprawls dramatically up a canyon at over 3,600 metres — ride the futuristic cable-car network (Mi Teleférico) for staggering views, browse the Witches' Market, and use it as a base for the mountains. Nearby Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake, shimmers deep blue, with the sacred Isla del Sol reached by boat from the pretty town of Copacabana.
Add the white colonial city of Sucre (the constitutional capital), the eerie silver-mining depths of Potosí, the death-defying 'Death Road' mountain-bike descent from La Paz to the Yungas, and Amazon wildlife trips from Rurrenabaque for a country of astonishing extremes and depth.
When to go
May to October (the dry season, and winter) is the best time — clear skies ideal for the Altiplano, the salt flats and the mountains, though nights are very cold at altitude.
The wet season (November to March) can flood the Salar de Uyuni, creating the spectacular mirror effect (best around January-March) but complicating other travel and making some roads impassable. The Amazon lowlands are hot and humid year-round. Bolivia's high-altitude regions are cold whenever you visit — pack serious layers. For the classic Altiplano circuit, aim for the dry season; for the Uyuni mirror, come in the rains.
Visa & entry
Entry rules vary significantly by nationality: many (including the EU, UK, Canada, Australia) can enter Bolivia visa-free for tourist stays (commonly up to 30-90 days), while some (notably US citizens) require a visa, obtainable in advance or on arrival with specific documents (passport photos, proof of funds, itinerary, yellow-fever certificate). A passport valid six months and a yellow-fever certificate (for jungle regions) are commonly required.
Confirm the current, nationality-specific requirements carefully with a Bolivian consulate or official sources well before you travel.
Health & safety
Bolivia rewards travellers but demands preparation. The foremost issue is altitude — La Paz, Uyuni, Titicaca and Potosí are extremely high, so acclimatise gradually, ascend slowly, and be alert to altitude sickness. Petty theft and some scams (fake police, dubious taxis) occur in La Paz and tourist areas, so use radio/app taxis, keep valuables secure, and stay alert in crowds and on overnight buses.
Roads can be rough and dangerous (the famous 'Death Road' is for guided cycling only), so choose reputable operators and avoid the cheapest overnight buses. Occasional strikes and roadblocks disrupt travel. Drink bottled water. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure.
Getting around
Long-distance buses connect the main cities affordably, but quality varies hugely — choose reputable companies with 'cama' (bed) seats for comfort and safety, and be aware roads can be rough and journeys long. Domestic flights (from La Paz to Uyuni, Sucre, Santa Cruz, Rurrenabaque) save enormous time and are worth the cost given the distances and altitude.
The Salar de Uyuni and the wild south-west are explored on organised multi-day 4x4 tours with a driver — the standard, sensible way. La Paz's cable-car network is a joy for getting around the city. Use app-based or radio taxis rather than hailing on the street.
Money
The Boliviano is the local currency and Bolivia is very much a cash economy — carry plenty of bolivianos, especially outside the main cities, as card acceptance is limited to upmarket hotels, restaurants and agencies in La Paz and Santa Cruz. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can be unreliable, so withdraw when you can and keep small notes for markets, taxis, tips and rural areas.
US dollars can be exchanged (bring clean, newer notes). Bolivia is one of South America's cheapest destinations. Tipping is modest — round up or leave around 10% for good restaurant service, and small tips for guides and drivers, especially on multi-day tours.
Bolivia