Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always use bottled water or a reliable filtration system to avoid severe stomach issues.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Basic Spanish is essential outside of the main tourist hubs in La Paz and Uyuni. Carry a phrasebook or use an offline translation app.

Bolivia in Three Weeks: A Complete Cross-Country Itinerary

To see Bolivia’s highlights in three weeks, follow a loop starting in La Paz, heading south to the salt flats, and finishing with the Amazon basin. Focus on acclimatization in the first four days to manage the high altitude effectively.

Acclimate in La Paz. Do not rush. Spend your first 48 hours resting and drinking coca tea. La Paz is at 3,640 meters; pushing yourself early will cause altitude sickness.
Book your Uyuni tour in person. Wait until you reach Uyuni or La Paz to book the 3-day Salt Flats tour. It is cheaper and gives you a chance to vet the operator’s vehicle maintenance record.
Use buses for long distances. Use 'cama' (full-recline) night buses for journeys longer than 8 hours to save on a night of accommodation and gain time.
Pack for extremes. You will experience freezing nights in the desert and humid, sweltering heat in the jungle. Bring layers rather than one heavy jacket.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Always use bottled water or a reliable filtration system to avoid severe stomach issues.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: Basic Spanish is essential outside of the main tourist hubs in La Paz and Uyuni. Carry a phrasebook or use an offline translation app.