Bolivia
Lose yourself in a surreal world of shimmering salt flats and ancient soul.
Perched high in the Bolivian Andes, the city of La Paz is the booming epicentre of the country. Grand relics of the Spanish colonial era grace the city’s main plazas, while bustling traditional markets sell indigenous remedies and folkloric charms. These historic monuments are complemented by exuberant nightlife, stylish cocktail bars, and a modern, innovative cuisine. Just outside the city lie the sublime waters of Lake Titicaca, the mysterious pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanaku, and the unusual rocky spires of the Valley of the Moon.
A must-see are the astonishing Uyuni salt flats. Nestled among snow-capped peaks and arid plains, the Salar – recently used as a Star Wars filming location – is truly otherworldly. When dry, the salt cracks into patterns resembling a giant honeycomb; when wet, the ground becomes a colossal mirror, reflecting stars in the clear skies. Elsewhere on the altiplano, lovers of the outdoors can pass by volcanoes, geothermal pools, colourful lagoons, surreal rock formations, and traditional towns of herders and miners preserving an ancient way of life.
Beyond La Paz and the Salt Flats, Bolivia offers colonial charm in the historic city of Sucre, nestled between Potosí and Santa Cruz. Nicknamed the ‘White City’ for its whitewashed buildings, Sucre houses many historical treasures – quaint churches, a museum of precious stones, and the Casa de la Libertad, where Bolivia’s declaration of independence was signed in 1825. Outside the city, visit the dinosaur park, where ancient footprints are preserved in a quarry ravine. For lovers of tropical climes, Bolivia’s most cosmopolitan city, Santa Cruz, and its nearby Jesuit missions await.
Covering over two-thirds of the country, Bolivia’s Amazonian departments are rich in biodiversity. The Madidi and Amboró National Parks are home to jaguars, pumas, and spectacled bears. See monkeys and sloths near the Yungas’ coffee plantations and herds of camelids on the Altiplano. For lovers of nature on a grand scale, Bolivia is an enchanting destination.
- Currency
- Time Zone
- Language
- CAPITAL CITY
- NATIONAL DISH
- PEAK TIME
Key Experiences
- Wildlife
In parks like Madidi and Amboró, and regions like the Yungas, Bolivia teems with wildlife like jaguars, monkeys, sloths
- Natural Wonders
Bolivia’s landscapes are breathtaking, from the mirror-like Uyuni Salt Flats to the otherworldly rock formations of the Valley of the Moon and the colorful lagoons of the altiplano.
- Culture
La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz offer a rich mix of colonial history, traditional markets, and sacred sites like the Casa de la Libertad and Jesuit missions.
Key Locations
When to Visit Bolivia
Bolivia is a year-round destination, due to its varied altitudes and climates that ensure there is always a region in its best season to visit.
BEST WEATHER IN Bolivia
- Best
- Good
- Average
Sample Itineraries
Our Bolivia
The Humboldt team’s Bolivia highlights
A flavour I’ll never forget…
“Dining at Gustu in La Paz is a must. Co-founded by Claus Meyer, the menu celebrates Bolivian ingredients in ways I’d never imagined and every bite felt like a discovery.
From earthy potatoes to vibrant Andean grains, the flavors are bold but balanced. I loved discussing about each dish, and just soaking up the energy of the kitchen and the restaurant around me.”
FOUNDER, TRAVEL DESIGNER
FAQs
Bolivia is a country of striking contrasts, from the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats to the high-altitude cities of La Paz and Sucre, and the biodiverse Amazon Basin. If you are short on time, a week allows you to experience highlights such as La Paz and a multi-day salt flats tour. For a deeper journey that balances culture, nature, and landscapes, we recommend 10 days to two weeks. This gives you the flexibility to include Lake Titicaca, colonial cities, and perhaps an Amazon lodge experience. Given the country’s altitude and slower travel infrastructure, it’s important to factor in extra time for acclimatisation and travel between regions.
Bolivia pairs beautifully with Peru, especially if you want to combine Machu Picchu and Cusco with Lake Titicaca and La Paz. The route across the Altiplano makes for a natural overland journey. Chile is another popular combination, with many travellers linking the Uyuni Salt Flats to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Argentina can also be combined via the northwest, particularly around Salta and Jujuy, offering a mix of high Andean landscapes and vibrant culture.
Visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on your nationality. Travellers from the UK, EU, New Zealand, and several other countries do not currently require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Visitors from the USA, Canada, and Australia may require a visa, often obtainable on arrival or in advance, though this can change. We recommend checking the latest entry requirements with your nearest Bolivian consulate before booking your trip.
Bolivia does not require vaccinations for all travellers, but if you plan to visit the Amazon Basin or lowland areas, a yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended and sometimes required for entry. Routine vaccinations such as MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A, and typhoid should be up to date. For those venturing into more remote areas, hepatitis B and rabies may also be advised. It is best to consult a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure for tailored medical advice.
Bolivia is generally safe for visitors, especially in popular tourist destinations like La Paz, Sucre, Uyuni, and Lake Titicaca. That said, travellers should take normal precautions such as being aware of petty theft in crowded areas and avoiding isolated places at night. Booking with reputable guides and tour operators helps ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.
Much of Bolivia sits at high elevation — La Paz is at 3,650m, and Uyuni is over 3,600m — so altitude sickness can affect visitors. It’s important to take it slowly upon arrival, stay hydrated, and allow time for acclimatisation before undertaking more strenuous activities. Many travellers find it helpful to begin their trip in lower-altitude destinations like Sucre before heading to La Paz or Uyuni.
Most travellers do a multi-day 4×4 tour from Uyuni, which includes the salt flats and the surrounding landscapes of coloured lagoons, geysers, and desert scenery. Tours can also begin in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, and end in Uyuni (or vice versa). While one-day tours cover the salt flats themselves, multi-day tours offer a richer and more varied experience.
Why Travel with Us
A truly personalised service
We offer a truly personalised service providing a more authentic, caring experience. As a family-run business, we like to treat our guests like an extended part of our family rather than just clients.
Tried and tested expert knowledge
Our team have visited and experienced every region we sell. We design your holiday using this first-hand knowledge, ensuring you have the benefit of our specialist’s depth of experience.
Luxury travel with a conscience
We believe that luxury travel can be a force for good, creating transformative experiences that give back; enriching lives, uplifting local economies, and preserving the planet’s most precious places.
Don’t just take our word for it
At Humboldt we go the extra mile and pay attention to the smaller details so that your trip is individually crafted with care.
Independent Service Rating based on 296 verified reviews.
Chat to us to start planning your adventure
Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.