Bolivia

High-altitude cities, Andean culture, and dramatic salt flats at some of the continent's lowest prices.

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Traveler Snapshot: Bolivia

A quick reference for planning your trip: visas, weather, health, and the essentials.

Visa & Entry

For US passport holders

Visa-free up to 90 days for UK, EU, Canada, Australia; US travelers need a visa (fee applies).

Weather & Climate

Cold thin air on the Altiplano, warm humid lowlands; dry winter, wetter summer.

Best Time to Visit

May to October for the dry season and the salt flats.

Health & Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Yellow fever vaccine for jungle regions; discuss altitude care.

Safety

Generally safe. Main risks are altitude sickness and rough roads; use registered taxis.

Fast Facts

Capital: La Paz (seat of government), Sucre (constitutional)
Currency: Bolivian boliviano (BOB)
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara (limited English)
Time zone: BOT (UTC-4) year-round
Power: Type A/C plugs, 230V
Emergency: 110 (police), 118 (ambulance)

Visa and entry notes here are written for US passport holders on typical short-stay tourism. Requirements vary by nationality, so if you hold a different passport your rules may differ. Guidance can change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or a licensed travel-health provider before you travel.

Top Destinations in Bolivia

3 featured cities to explore

Cochabamba

Bolivia’s eternal spring, with big-city convenience and mountain views

1-bed rent from $350/mo

Cochabamba is famous for its spring-like weather year round, with warm sunny days and cool evenings. The dry season is generally clearer and more comfortable, while the rainy season, roughly from November to March, brings greener scenery and afternoon showers.

Safety: Exercise Caution

Explore Cochabamba

La Paz

The world's highest capital, hung across a canyon in the Andes

1-bed rent from $210/mo

Alpine subtropical highland, cool and dry with strong sun, a wet season from December to March

Safety: Use Normal Caution

Explore La Paz

Sucre

Bolivia's white city of colonial grandeur and Andean highland charm.

1-bed rent from $150/mo

Subtropical highland (2,810 m); warm sunny days, cool nights year-round.

Safety: Generally Safe

Explore Sucre

Scenic Routes

Iconic drives in Bolivia

Legendary road trips worth building a trip around, with tolls, timing, and the stops that make them special.

All scenic routes

South America

Challenging

Salar de Uyuni Route

A three-day 4x4 expedition across Bolivia's altiplano from Uyuni through the world's largest salt flat, past coloured lagoons, steaming geysers, flamingo colonies and surreal rock formations to the Chilean border.

311 mi3 daysToll-free

View route guide

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