Is altitude sickness a real concern?

Yes. La Paz is at 3,500m and you'll go higher at Lake Titicaca (3,800m) and Uyuni (3,700m). Arrive early, drink coca tea, avoid alcohol the first few days, and consider altitude medication if you're sensitive.

Can I do Uyuni as a day trip?

No. The salt flats are massive and the best parts (colored lagoons, flamingos) are 6+ hours drive from Uyuni town. The standard 3-day/2-night tour is the minimum to see the highlights.

How much Spanish do I need?

Basic Spanish helps a lot. Many Bolivians speak Quechua or Aymara as first languages. Download Google Translate offline and learn key phrases. Tourist areas have some English speakers.

Is Bolivia safe for solo travelers?

Generally yes with normal precautions. Stick to main tourist areas, don't flash valuables, and trust your instincts. Political demonstrations in La Paz can disrupt travel - stay aware of local news.

How to spend 2 weeks in Bolivia

Two weeks gives you time to see Bolivia's highlights: the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, and colonial Sucre. Plan 4-5 days for the salt flats tour, 3-4 days in La Paz, 2-3 days at Lake Titicaca, and 3-4 days in Sucre with travel time between cities.

Plan your route. Bolivia is big and transport is slow. The classic route is La Paz → Lake Titicaca → Uyuni Salt Flats → Sucre. This minimizes backtracking and follows the natural flow of most travelers. Book internal flights between Uyuni and Sucre if your budget allows - the bus takes 12+ hours.
Book Uyuni tours early. The 3-day/2-night Uyuni salt flats tour books up, especially May through October. Reserve with a reputable agency like Red Planet or Colque Tours at least 2 weeks ahead. Tours cost $150-200 and include transport, meals, and basic accommodation.
Acclimatize in La Paz first. La Paz sits at 3,500m (11,500ft). Arrive 2-3 days before doing anything strenuous. Drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, and take it easy. This prevents altitude sickness for the rest of your trip.
Plan around weather. Dry season (May-October) is peak time - clear skies but cold nights at Uyuni. Wet season (November-April) creates mirror effects on the salt flats but can cancel tours. Choose based on what you want to see.
Book accommodation in advance. La Paz and Uyuni town have limited good options. Book places like Wild Rover Hostel in La Paz or Tonito Hotel in Uyuni at least a week ahead during peak season.

Is altitude sickness a real concern?: Yes. La Paz is at 3,500m and you'll go higher at Lake Titicaca (3,800m) and Uyuni (3,700m). Arrive early, drink coca tea, avoid alcohol the first few days, and consider altitude medication if you're sensitive.
Can I do Uyuni as a day trip?: No. The salt flats are massive and the best parts (colored lagoons, flamingos) are 6+ hours drive from Uyuni town. The standard 3-day/2-night tour is the minimum to see the highlights.
How much Spanish do I need?: Basic Spanish helps a lot. Many Bolivians speak Quechua or Aymara as first languages. Download Google Translate offline and learn key phrases. Tourist areas have some English speakers.
Is Bolivia safe for solo travelers?: Generally yes with normal precautions. Stick to main tourist areas, don't flash valuables, and trust your instincts. Political demonstrations in La Paz can disrupt travel - stay aware of local news.