Check latest Covid information and travel restrictions here first before planning any Backpacking Bolivia
Backpacking Bolivia will challenge and test you, it can feel mentally draining at times and it definitely tests your lung capacity.
This isn’t your usual type of guide to budget backpacking Bolivia. This overview doesn’t tell you how to plan your itinerary, cover ‘top 10 things to see and do’, what to pack, or offer a dollar by dollar account on what to spend.
However, in this post we do cover and provide you some useful tips, and advice, things to be wary of, and practical information for everyday life while backpacking Bolivia.
Bolivia is one of cheapest South American countries due to it being one of the poorest in the region.
As with all Central and South American countries, the landscape and terrain are breathtaking but there will be long arduous and bumpy journeys to cope with along with the altitude. (Some are the worlds most dangerous roads). Altitude will slap you in the face and if you’re not used to it; altitude can be a weird experience and a stomach churner. And the WiFi? Well, let’s just say that first dial-up internet you had was quicker. You really will be going back to bare basics whilst backpacking Bolivia.
Bolivia likes to test backpackers, it wants to know what you’re made of; because if you can cope with what it throws at you then Bolivia will open its arms and show you it’s natural beauty. Your reward for passing the test and you’ll be experiencing bliss on Lake Titicaca in Copacabana (Complete contrast to what you see from Peru).
- It will reward you for passing the test by letting you feel the bliss on lake Titicaca
- Offer the cheapest way into the Amazon rainforest.
- It can pump your adrenaline with mountain biking down the world’s most dangerous cliff side road.
- While Peru’s crown jewel is Machu Picchu, Bolivia has a natural phenomenon – The Salt flats in Uyuni!
So, if you can put up with this countries raw and ruggedness, you are in for a treat.
Budget backpacking bolivia
In this country overview we are going to dive into and cover things you will need to know for everyday backpacking life:
- Basic information for backpacking Bolivia
- Visa options for backpacking Bolivia
- Practical tips
- Things to be wary about
- Budgeting information for backpacking Bolivia
- Local and national transport information
- Accommodation options
- My personal experience of backpacking Bolivia
- Interactive map of Bolivia
Basic things to know before backpacking Bolivia
- Language spoken: Spanish
- Is English spoken: Very little.
- Currency: Bolivian Boliviano
- Cost of Backpacking Bolivia is – Very cheap
- To check live rates click here XE.com
Visa options for backpacking Bolivia
- No visa needed for British tourists for a stay of up to 30 days but can be extended for a further 60 days. Check GOV.UK for more information.
- Keep hold of these cards as you will need them when leaving the country. If you lose the card you will get fined when leaving the country (It’s a big dent in your budget when you have to pay a fine)
Check if your nationality needs a visa for Bolivia here.
Practical tips for backpacking Bolivia
- If you find yourself suffering from Altitude sickness chew coca leaves. (Yes they are the leaves cocaine comes from but they will help)
- Copacabana is a great place to just chill out and recharge your batteries. (Especially if you’ve come in from Peru)
- There are some great hikes and trails around Copacabana for amazing views of Lake Titicaca
- Book tours as close to the destination of the activity for it to be cheaper. I.E don’t book a salt flats tour in La Paz, do it in Sucre or Uyuni
- Be prepared for the Altitude to hit you in La Paz
- Bolivian long distance buses don’t provide meals, bring your own snacks and plenty of water
- Be prepared for bumpy arduous journeys
- Always look locally for hostels and tour companies and haggle prices
- You don’t want to miss out on the Uyuni Salt flats
- Bolivia is the cheapest way to experience the Amazon Rainforest
- You can get to the Amazon Rain-forest from Rurrenabaque
- However do check beforehand when tours are running – There are two options to get there from La Paz, a back-breaking bus journey or a carrier flight (however there is only one plane, and only runs on certain times.)
- If you like your adrenaline jacked up, experience the thrill of Death road. The road is now closed to the public, it’s only used for tourists to mountain bike down
- The Uyuni salt flats are something special, especially if you’ve never seen salt flats before
- If you have time and looking to head to Chile do the three day trip from Uyuni through the Atacama desert into Chile
- If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of La Paz, Sucre in a nice quaint town nestled within the Bolivian mountains
- Backpacking Bolivia will test you
Things to be wary of for backpacking Bolivia
- Some Bolivian roads can be very dangerous, be careful of what transport type you chose
- Local transport is less reliable than private transport (Both options are cheap in Bolivia)
- Bolivia is not dangerous but as in all countries don’t flaunt that you are a tourist or you will be targeted especially in touristy areas
- However in saying that do be careful in bigger cities like La Paz
- Only get into registered taxi’s – There is some unofficial taxi who will try to scam you.
- Don’t take pictures of voodoo shops in La Paz (Locals do not like this)
- Altitude can make you feel drowsy and sick
- Temperatures can drop dramatically at night so prepared for that
- Tour operators will try to over-charge you at first, play the game, haggle and shop around
- All Forms of narcotics will be offered to you in bars and clubs
- You will be thoroughly checked for drugs if you’re flying out – Don’t be stupid and think you can get away with it
If you feel like you need Travel insurance for Backpacking Bolivia, get a quote from World Nomads one of the worlds best travel insurance companies for backpackers.
Budget information for backpacking Bolivia
Bolivia is one of those countries that will let your wallet breath, unlike in other countries like Peru where you need to watch every penny you spend, Bolivia is a great place to balance your budget if you’re traveling through other South American countries.
However in saying that, if you take your eye off the ball too much you might end up overspending, so still keep an eye on your budget but you can be more relaxed than in other countries. And, there are still the usual, constant expenses you will need to keep in mind.
Food and drinks are so cheap, while in certain countries you have to live off the basic of foods in Bolivia you can have a big meal for next to nothing.
Enjoying the post so far?
LET’S MAKE THIS EASIER
GET NEW BLOG POSTS STRAIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL
EXCLUSIVE SOLO & BUDGET TRAVEL INSIGHTS
A MONTHLY ROUNDUP NEWSLETTER
AND MUCH MORE…
THERE’S A FREEBIE WAITING JUST FOR YOU!
Activities/excursions/tours
Activities and tours will be the costs that stand out, as they are generally priced in US dollars and will try to overcharge tourists. You should always try to shop around and be confident to haggle and you will be surprised at how much the prices will drop.
Travelers are often tempted to book tours and activities online or from bigger cities but you’re better off booking as locally as you can. I.E the Uyuni salt flat tours will be much cheaper booking from Sucre or Uyuni rather than from La Paz.
If you’re dead set on doing organised tours but feel haggling is too daunting for you with local operators. You can get an idea of prices or pre booked tours and excursions through reputable companies like Contiki and Intrepid travel – Or find specific trips through Get your guide. The banners below will take you directly to their sites.
With prices changing all the time, it would be unfair to try and give you specific prices or tell you how much you should budget for. However if you want to check out some live prices these two sites will give you a better idea: numbeo and expatisan.
Transport options for backpacking Bolivia
With Bolivia being one of the poorest countries in South America it shouldn’t surprise you to know transport options are not the greatest or most comfortable. Although most of the major highways are decent, the smaller and rural roads are treacherous which makes long journeys extremely difficult especially when it’s been raining. Do not be shocked to be riding along the edge of mountain cliffs, sometimes with traffic coming head-on at you.
Getting around locally
- Buses – Public transport is available but can be unreliable
- Trufis– Shorter buses that wait until they’re full and drive and around the designated route
- Micros – Mini-vans that drive from designated routes (very cheap)
- Taxis – Safest way to travel locally but more expensive
Getting around nationally
- Buses – Private buses with three options: Cama premium (include fully reclining seats) Cama – Mid-range, And semi-Cama, cheapest option
- Trains – The least popular mode of transport
- Flights – There are domestic flights available between certain cities, also you will need to fly to get to Rurrenabaque for the Amazon Rain-forest unless you are prepared for the ‘journey from hell’ bus ride
Accommodation option for backpacking Bolivia
Although Bolivia isn’t the most lavish of countries, it still attracts a fair amount of backpackers. There are a growing amount of hostels and accommodation options available especially in more touristy hotspots.
Hostels and accommodation, in general, will not make a dent in your budget, I was able to stay in a couple of hotels for the same price as a dorm room in other countries. Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodation options for you.
- Hostels – There are plenty of options available for shared dorms and private rooms (not the best standard of hostels in the world but this is Bolivia)
- Budget hotels – Cheap and not so cheerful rooms available
- Hospedajes – Smaller and much more basic than hostels
- Volunteering – live and work with a family or local community to get another perspective of life in Bolivia
- Air BnB – Becoming popular in cities like La Paz and Sucre
- Hotels – This is a country you can treat yourself to a hotel; some hotels even cost the same amount as a private room in a hostel
Looking for hostels while backpacking Bolivia? Use the Hostelworld form below to find your best options
My overview of backpacking Bolivia
My experience of Bolivia really suffered, not because of it testing me but because I was burnt out from 6 years of continuous travel. I had reached a point traveling through South America where finally I just wanted to go home; Something I never thought I would happen.
The country itself tried to show me it’s beauty, it did offer me some highlights but It’s a shame I was so mentally drained that I just couldn’t really appreciate it. I had, other countries to backpack through but I cut my trip short and forced myself through the country while doing the bare minimum I could. All I had in mind was to finally go home.
However I did enjoy doing absolutely nothing while Copacabana, I spent my days by the lakeside and it was bliss, it wasn’t enough to recharge my batteries but it did get through the rest of the country.
The Uyuni salt flats were breathtaking, well worth it and it wasn’t an over-hyped tourist attraction is was really a natural phenomenon.
An interactive map of my route backpacking Bolivia
If you’re looking to go backpacking Mexico but not sure of the route to take, this map below shows my route, places I stopped, and will hopefully give you an idea of the best route for yourself.
BEFORE YOU GO
Amit's books
Weather you would like to get informed on long-term solo travel or love reading travel stories of adventure, discovery & despair Amit has you covered. Check out his latest books
GET YOUR FREE LONG TERM TRAVEL PLANNING EBOOK
STRAIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL TO READ AT YOUR OWN LEISURE & ALSO RECEIVE A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
DONT FORGET TO SHARE THIS GETTING STUCK WHILST TRAVELING POST AND PIN FOR LATER
GET IN TOUCH
Leave a comment below or email me directly
Need traveling advice: amit@foreverroamingtheworld.com
Work with me: partnerships@foreverroamingtheworld
General: hello@foreverormaingtheworld
31 Comments
Jake · June 16, 2020 at 9:46 am
I never imagined that Bolivia will be on the list of my dreams to visit, but after looking videos on Youtube and now reading your post I really want to try it out while I am still single.
Melanie · January 13, 2018 at 5:33 pm
Bolivia definitely seems like a challenge! I didn’t know chewing on cocoa leaves helped with altitude sickness. That’s very cool. So far, I haven’t found anything that helps my altitude sickness.
Ritika · December 18, 2017 at 9:44 am
i absolutely luv Bolivia…we did this 4 days trip across salt lake..i never knew we can do do Amazon rainforest hike from bolivia and that too on budget…looking at your blog looks like we missed a lot …will have to plan another trip..always luv reading ur blog,..u give so much detail that u dnt have to look for any other info
sumit walia · November 9, 2017 at 12:23 am
hi
first time i read abt bolivia and i can see tht it is a first hand authentic account , glad for the article
rgds
sumit
brian millar · October 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm
I love the idea of heading to Bolivia and checking out the sights in one go. I always get jealous when I see the creative pics people take at the salt flats or them cycling down the scary roads. It will deffo be on my ravel list for the next couple of years. Thanks for sharing the overview.
Patti · October 14, 2017 at 9:47 am
What a helpful guide! Visiting the Uyuni salt flats is at the top of my travel bucket list so I am hoping to plan a trip to Bolivia soon.
Charity Valenzuela Marces · October 11, 2017 at 5:25 am
This is a great help! I’m saving this link!
Rahat Arora · October 9, 2017 at 7:46 am
Backpacking in Bolivia sounds interesting, and at the same time challenging and thats what travel can do.
As a quote says: travel leaves us speechless or makes us educated.
Anyways nice tips shared.
brittany · October 5, 2017 at 10:41 pm
This was so helpful! I travel to South America often and desire to see Bolivia, but haven’t because of that $160 reciprocity fee and the yellow fever shot. It’s still on my list. I need to see those salt flats for sure. I will reference your post again as Im putting together my itinerary in the future.
carla · October 5, 2017 at 2:51 am
Bookmarked! Your details seem to valuable for any backpacker especially how to book the tour. I am planning to make 2018 my Peru/Bolivia year, (crossing fingers) You said Bolivia will test me, I do hope I pass! But really thankful for your tips.