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Travel Guide
Visiting Bolivia
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Exercise Caution
UK FCDO: Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Updated 2026-02-28
Discover
Top Attractions in Bolivia
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Salar de Uyuni
Stretching across 10,582 square kilometres of the Bolivian Altiplano at around 3,600 metres elevation, Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, formed from an ancient inland lake that evaporated under the Andean sun. During the dry season its blinding white crust extends to a perfectly flat horizon dotted with cactus-covered islands such as Incahuasi, while the wet season transforms the surface into a vast mirror reflecting the sky above. The surrounding area also encompasses the rust-red Laguna Colorada, geothermal Sol de Mañana geysers, and a photogenic cemetery of abandoned locomotives.
UNESCO World Heritage
Tiwanaku
Located roughly 70 kilometres west of La Paz near the southern shore of Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as the spiritual and political centre of the pre-Columbian Tiwanaku civilisation, which reached its height between 500 and 900 AD. Monumental stone structures including the Kalasasaya temple compound, the Akapana pyramid, and the iconic Gate of the Sun with its carved solar deity attest to a sophisticated urban culture that once dominated a wide swathe of the southern Andes. The on-site museum houses ceramics, textiles, and stone carvings that bring the civilisation's scale and artistry into focus.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Bolivia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Bolivia.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 118 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Public healthcare in Bolivia can be inconsistent in response times and quality of service throughout the country. In remote areas the provision of emergency medical assistance is limited.
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police110
Ambulance118
Fire119
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bolivia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Bolivia page at Yoogo.
Bolivia's currency is the boliviano (BOB), and US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. Card payments are becoming more common in cities such as La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, but cash remains essential in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas, so it is advisable to carry a supply of bolivianos.
Bolivia is generally a rewarding destination for travellers who take sensible precautions, with the majority of visits passing without incident. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in busy markets and city centres, and some regions see periodic political demonstrations that can disrupt transport. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure for the most up-to-date information.
Bolivia has an extensive network of long-distance buses connecting major cities, and domestic flights between La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Cochabamba save considerable time on long routes. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps such as InDriver are widely used, while cable cars (teleferico) provide a useful and scenic alternative in La Paz.
The dry season from May to October is generally the most popular time to visit, offering clear skies, stable road conditions, and the best conditions for trekking, visiting the salt flats, and exploring Lake Titicaca. The wet season from November to March brings lush landscapes and the famous mirror-effect on the Salar de Uyuni but can make remote roads impassable, particularly in the Amazon lowlands.
Spanish is the dominant language spoken by around 84 per cent of the population and is the most useful language for travellers. Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken across the Andean highlands, and you will frequently hear them alongside Spanish in markets and rural communities. English is limited outside upmarket hotels and specialist tour operators, so a working knowledge of basic Spanish makes a significant practical difference.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers aged one year and older entering Bolivia, particularly if visiting lowland areas below approximately 2,300 metres east of the Andes. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunisations are also widely recommended, and malaria prophylaxis is advised for travel to Amazonian lowland regions. The high altitude of the Andean cities, including La Paz at over 3,500 metres, means that acclimatisation time and awareness of altitude sickness symptoms are important considerations, so consult a travel health specialist well before departure.