How bad is altitude sickness really?

La Paz at 12,000 feet hits most people. Arrive, rest, hydrate, avoid alcohol first 48 hours. Diamox helps but isn't magic. If you get severe symptoms, descend immediately.

Can I do Uyuni independently?

No. You need a tour guide and 4WD vehicle. The salt flats are disorienting and dangerous alone. Tours include accommodation, meals, and transport between impossible-to-reach sights.

Barely. You'll see highlights but won't have time for off-beaten-path stuff like Samaipata or extensive Amazon time. Add a 4th week if you want breathing room.

Bolivia is generally safe for tourists but petty theft is common in La Paz. Don't flash valuables, use hotel safes, and avoid walking alone at night. Political demonstrations can shut down roads unexpectedly.

How to See Bolivia's Highlights in 3 Weeks

Bolivia needs 3 weeks minimum to see its main highlights without rushing. Start in La Paz, hit the Salar de Uyuni, explore colonial Sucre, and end with the Amazon in Rurrenabaque. Budget $50-80 per day and book internal flights early.

Fly into La Paz. Land at El Alto Airport (13,323 feet). Take 2-3 days to acclimatize before doing anything strenuous. Stay in Rosario or Witches Market area.
Explore La Paz (4 days). Take the cable car system, visit Witches Market, day trip to Moon Valley, and book your Uyuni tour. Don't skip the Cholita wrestling on Thursday or Sunday.
Uyuni Salt Flats (3 days). Take overnight bus to Uyuni town or fly to save time. Do 3-day tour including Train Cemetery, Incahuasi Island, and colored lagoons. Sunset and sunrise shots are mandatory.
Colonial Sucre (3 days). Fly from Uyuni or bus from La Paz. Walk the white colonial streets, visit Casa de la Libertad, and take a day trip to Tarabuco market (Sundays only).
Potosí day trip. Take day trip from Sucre to Cerro Rico mines. Book tour in advance - it's intense but essential Bolivian history. Return same day.
Amazon in Rurrenabaque (4 days). Fly from La Paz (45 minutes) or endure 20-hour bus ride. Do 3-day jungle and pampas tour combo. Book with Fluvial or Bala Tours.
Lake Titicaca (2 days). Base in Copacabana. Take boat to Isla del Sol, see floating islands if time permits. Cross to Peru here if continuing north.
Final La Paz prep. Return to La Paz for last-minute shopping at Mercado de las Brujas. Buy coca leaves legally here - you can't elsewhere.

How bad is altitude sickness really?: La Paz at 12,000 feet hits most people. Arrive, rest, hydrate, avoid alcohol first 48 hours. Diamox helps but isn't magic. If you get severe symptoms, descend immediately.
Can I do Uyuni independently?: No. You need a tour guide and 4WD vehicle. The salt flats are disorienting and dangerous alone. Tours include accommodation, meals, and transport between impossible-to-reach sights.
Is 3 weeks enough?: Barely. You'll see highlights but won't have time for off-beaten-path stuff like Samaipata or extensive Amazon time. Add a 4th week if you want breathing room.
What about safety?: Bolivia is generally safe for tourists but petty theft is common in La Paz. Don't flash valuables, use hotel safes, and avoid walking alone at night. Political demonstrations can shut down roads unexpectedly.