How to plan a trip to Bolivia

Plan your trip to Bolivia by prioritizing altitude acclimatization in La Paz before heading to the Uyuni Salt Flats. You will need a minimum of 10 days to see the major highlights without rushing, and you should book domestic flights for longer distances to avoid 15-hour bus rides.

1. Get used to the altitude. Fly into La Paz and stay for at least 3 days at 3,600 meters. Drink coca tea and avoid heavy meals or alcohol to prevent acute mountain sickness.
2. Book your Uyuni tour in advance. Do not show up in Uyuni and hope for a spot. Book a reputable 3-day tour from La Paz or Uyuni at least 2 weeks before you arrive to ensure your driver speaks your language and has a well-maintained 4x4.
3. Use internal flights. Bolivia is geographically difficult. Use BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) to fly between La Paz and Santa Cruz or Sucre. It saves you an entire day of travel compared to bus travel.
4. Carry cash everywhere. Outside of high-end hotels in Santa Cruz or La Paz, cards are rarely accepted. Carry a mix of small denomination Bolivianos (Bs) for markets and entry fees.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always drink bottled or treated water to avoid severe stomach issues.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not expected in local eateries, but 10% is appreciated in upscale tourist-oriented restaurants.

Is Spanish essential?

Yes. Outside of the main tour operators in Uyuni, English is rarely spoken. Learning basic numbers and directions in Spanish will make your life much easier.