Why Visit Bolivia?
One of the most diverse countries in South America, Bolivia does not just offer the unique Andean culture for history buffs, but also an unmatched level of wilderness and nature like nothing you have seen anywhere in the world, waiting for you to explore. For collectors and shoppers, Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in South America, and if you are looking to buy any souvenirs back home, Bolivia is the place to do it!
When to Visit Bolivia?
May to October offers a better chance of having good, clear weather, but as for my personal preference, the shoulder season (which is around November to February) is the perfect time for me.
Also, if you want to get the best experience out of Salar de Uyuni, come to Bolivia in February during the rainy season. And if you are lucky, you might be able to see the largest mirror in the world at the salt flat, as the water accumulates and reflects the blue sky, creating infinite possibilities for perspective photography.
How to Get to Bolivia?
The best way to get here is to fly if you are coming from abroad. I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to La Paz. If you are already in Peru, the cheapest way to travel to Bolivia is to take a bus from Lima to Puno and from Puno to La Paz.
How To Get Around Bolivia?
In cities like La Paz, where it is plagued by crazy traffic jams, taxis are the easiest and most comfortable way to move around. Since La Paz is hilly, navigating the city by public transport may be impossible when you first arrive, especially if you do not speak Spanish. So, taking a taxi is the way to go. The good thing is, that taxis are very cheap in Bolivia.
For intercity routes, buses are the cheapest way to get around. The quality of buses can range from acceptable to fully reclining bed comfortable. When you book a bus, just make sure you book either the semi-cama or cama seats.
I prefer El Dorado as my choice of bus company because it is one of the most well-known, and the bus quality is very acceptable.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Bolivia?
Internet access in the La Paz and Potosi city areas is widely acceptable. With a SIM card from Entel, you can get 3 GB for only 140 Bs (20 USD)! That is really cheap! However, do not expect any internet access while you are in the Salar de Uyuni salt flat throughout the entire 3 days.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Daily Budget
This location is less expensive than most countries, but it's not exceedingly cheap. Expect to spend around $30 - $50 USD per day per person, which includes both accommodation and meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Bolivia?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Bolivia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
