Bolivia is a growing destination for Country Catchers of all sorts. Despite being landlocked, Bolivia has a wealth of natural wonders including the world famous salt flats as well as the Amazon rainforest. The historic cities of La Paz, Sucre and Santa Cruz are charming and interesting to visit for a few days as well. You can also explore Lake Titicaca from Copacabana in Bolivia as well as Puno on the Peruvian side.
Community Tips For Bolivia
Salt flat tours can be booked online but better do when you get there as there is normally plenty of availability.
To get to the salts flats, you can fly from La Paz or get an overnight bus from La Paz or you can also start from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The border is easy to cross. All directions lead to Uyuni.
Have a loose plan but be prepared for things to change as your accommodation might not be available even if pre booked. Less pressure if things go wrong if you don’t have a rigid plan.
Bring USD cash to exchange on the black market and there are many people who will change outside souvenir shops etc. You have to use Bolivianos in cash to pay for things.
Explore Bolivia
La Paz
There are three different regions: old town for the main tourist areas and markets; gentrified area called Sopocachi where it is really nice to stay and San Pedro which is between the two.
Airbnbs are the same price as hostels. If you are not solo best to stay there.
The public transport is all by cable cars called Teleférico. You can buy a ticket and pay per line and is only 3 Bolivianos per line.
In the Old Town, there are loads of cafés but also real cheap fine dining. There is a place called Bolivian Popular Food in La Paz which is traditional and gives you a 3 course taster menu of Bolivian food (Katie.)
Uyuni
You have to do an organised trip. There are no obvious roads so a guide is essential.
Typical tours are 3 days and 2 nights. A day trip is possible but you won’t go to the rock formations or the lakes. 6 people in each car (4×4) and there is a lot of driving.
Timings are all quite relaxed so a lot of companies will wait for you in case your overnight bus arrives late.
Drivers provide food and you stay in simple private accommodation. But bring snacks as the food is often not enough (Ethan.)
Sucre
Slightly lower than La Paz so less altitude issues in Sucre.
Sucre is one of the most relaxed and charming cities in the whole of South America. Take some time to relax and enjoy in areas such as the Simon Bolivar park.
There is much to be explored in the surrounding nature. You can go hiking or climbing but take a guide to ensure you don’t get lost and experience it in the best way.
Enjoy a salteña which is like an empanada in one of the local restaurants. There are many options to try.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Much better flight access to Europe and the rest of the world from Santa Cruz.
Go to the Casa del Camba for traditional camba food including a food court with Peruvian fusion, and traditional dishes.
Just off Plaza 24 de Septiembre there’s an artisan market with stalls selling crafts from all over Bolivia.
There are amazing day trips you can do into the Amazon rainforest and beyond. Book a guide and go for the day or longer.
