Planung · Kapitel 1
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
The highest country in South America — with the white Uyuni desert, the sacred Lake Titicaca, and a vibrant indigenous culture.
Why Bolivia?
Bolivia is one of the most extraordinary travel destinations in South America — authentic, spectacular, and without mass tourism:
- Salar de Uyuni — the largest salt flat in the world (over 10,000 km²). A vast mirror during the rainy season, a snow-white desert with cactus islands during the dry season
- Lake Titicaca — at 3,812 m the highest navigable lake in the world, partly Bolivian, partly Peruvian. Spiritual center of the Aymara and Quechua peoples
- La Paz — seat of government at 3,500-4,100 m, the highest large city in the world; spectacularly located in a canyon, with a cable car network as public transport
- Sucre — UNESCO World Heritage, official capital of Bolivia, whitewashed colonial architecture
- Potosí — UNESCO World Heritage, once one of the richest cities in the world due to silver mining; today a window into colonial history
- Amazon Lowlands — in the north and east: Pantanal-like wetlands in Madidi National Park with high biodiversity
- Yungas Death Road — the legendary descent from La Paz to Coroico by mountain bike (3,500 m altitude difference)
- Indigenous Culture — over 60% indigenous, mainly Aymara and Quechua; Bolivia is the most indigenous state in Latin America
Important to know: Bolivia is one of the poorer countries in South America — infrastructure is sometimes basic, travel takes time. However, it is very affordable and offers experiences found nowhere else.
Bolivia at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Plurinational State of Bolivia (Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia) |
| Area | 1,098,581 km² (about 3× Germany) |
| Population | approx. 12 million |
| Official Capital | Sucre |
| Seat of Government | La Paz (highest large city in the world) |
| Official Languages | Spanish + 36 indigenous languages (including Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní) |
| Currency | Boliviano (BOB) — 1 EUR ≈ 7-8 BOB |
| Time Zone | UTC-4 (year-round, no daylight saving time) |
| Electricity | 220/230 V / 50 Hz, mostly Type A+C sockets (adapter needed) |
| Emergency Numbers | 110 (Police); Fire/Rescue depending on the region 118/119 |
| Telephone Code | +591 |
Best Travel Time
Due to its extreme topography (from lowlands at ~200 m to highlands at 4,000+ m), Bolivia has multiple climate zones simultaneously.
Dry Season: May–October (classic travel time)
For most destinations, the best choice: clear skies, little rain, good road conditions in the highlands. Nights in the highlands can become bitterly cold (below 0 °C on the Salar de Uyuni). Daytime 15-22 °C in La Paz, pleasantly warmer in the lowlands.
Rainy Season: November–April
In the highlands, afternoon thunderstorms, roads can become impassable. However: The Salar de Uyuni becomes a vast mirror — the famous reflection photos are only possible during this time (January-March). Lowlands/Amazon very humid at this time, mosquitoes.
By Region
- Salar de Uyuni Mirror Effect: January to March (rainy season)
- Salar de Uyuni Desert + Freezing Starry Sky: May to October
- La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Potosí, Sucre: May to October
- Amazon (Madidi, Rurrenabaque): May to September (drier, fewer mosquitoes)
- Eastern Bolivia (Santa Cruz): April to October
Arrival & Altitude Sickness
Arrival
There are no direct flights from Germany. Typical connections: via Madrid, Amsterdam, Miami, or Lima/Bogotá to La Paz (LPB, El Alto Airport) or Santa Cruz (VVI). Total flight time: 16-22 hours including layovers.
El Alto Airport is located at 4,061 m — you feel the altitude immediately upon disembarking. Santa Cruz is only at 416 m and is therefore easier as an entry point for South America newcomers.
Visa
For German, Austrian, Swiss citizens, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Altitude Sickness (Soroche) — Important!
Upon rapid arrival at 3,500-4,000 m, many react with headaches, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath — in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Tips:
- Slow acclimatization: first 2-3 days take it easy, no alcohol, plenty of water, light meals
- Coca tea (Mate de coca) — traditional and helps with mild symptoms
- Medication Acetazolamide (Diamox) — get a prescription in advance, take 24-48 h before arrival
- For severe symptoms (chest pain, confusion, severe cough): immediately descend to a lower altitude, seek medical help
- Alternative: fly in via Santa Cruz (lowlands) and gradually ascend
Achtung
Acute altitude sickness is serious. Those new to high altitudes should NOT plan anything strenuous on the first day — no hiking, not much walking around.
Budget & Travel Costs
Bolivia is one of the cheapest travel destinations in South America.
Daily Budget per Person
- Backpacker: 25-40 € (Hostel, local restaurants, bus)
- Mid-range: 50-90 € (Boutique hotel, restaurants, private excursions)
- Comfort: 120-200 € (upscale hotels, all-inclusive Salar jeep tour)
Typical Prices
- Menú del día (local lunch menu): 15-30 BOB (2-4 €)
- Bottle of beer in a restaurant: 15-25 BOB
- Hostel bed: 50-80 BOB (7-12 €)
- Mid-range hotel: 200-400 BOB (25-55 €)
- Long-distance bus La Paz - Uyuni: approx. 70-120 BOB
- Entrance to Potosí silver mine: 80-120 BOB (tour price, approx. 15 €)
- Salar-Uyuni 3-day jeep tour: 180-280 USD per person (quality varies — DO NOT book with the cheapest provider!)
Money
- Currency: Boliviano (BOB)
- ATMs only in larger cities. Always carry cash in the highlands
- USD are accepted in tourist areas (only clean, undamaged bills!)
- Card payment in some hotels/better restaurants, cash dominates daily life
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