How serious is altitude sickness in Bolivia?

Very serious. La Paz airport is at 4,150m - higher than most mountains in Europe. Take it slow for 2-3 days, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol initially. Consider diamox if you're susceptible.

Is it safe to travel Bolivia as a backpacker?

Generally safe if you use common sense. Stick to main backpacker routes, don't flash valuables, and avoid political demonstrations. The biggest risks are altitude sickness and road conditions, not crime.

Can I do the Salar de Uyuni independently?

No. The salt flat is massive and remote with no public transport. You must join an organized tour. Book with established operators - cheap tours can leave you stranded.

How reliable is transport between cities?

Overnight buses are generally reliable on main routes. Day buses can be delayed by weather or road conditions. Always book direct with bus companies, not through hostels who add commission.

How to Plan a 3-Week Backpacker Route Through Bolivia

Start in La Paz for acclimatization, then head south through Sucre and Potosí to the Salar de Uyuni. Continue to Tupiza for desert landscapes, then north through Cochabamba to end at Lake Titicaca. This route covers Bolivia's highlights while managing altitude changes sensibly.

Map your altitude strategy. Plan around Bolivia's extreme altitudes. Start in La Paz (3,500m) for 3-4 days to acclimatize before going higher to Potosí (4,090m). Save lower-altitude destinations like Santa Cruz or the Amazon for mid-trip recovery if needed.
Book Salar de Uyuni tour in advance. Reserve your 3-day Salar tour from Uyuni at least 2 weeks ahead during peak season (May-October). Choose operators carefully - Red Planet and Oasis are reliable. Decide between ending in Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
Plan around rainy season timing. Avoid December-March for the Salar (flooded and tours cancelled) and mountain trekking. April-May and September-October offer the best weather. June-August is peak season with higher prices but guaranteed clear skies.
Map your transport connections. Book overnight buses between major cities - they're safer and more comfortable than day buses. La Paz to Sucre takes 12 hours, Sucre to Uyuni takes 8 hours. Keep cash for bus tickets as cards aren't always accepted.
Build in buffer days. Add 2-3 extra days to your itinerary. Altitude sickness, transport delays, and weather can derail tight schedules. Plan 4 days for Salar tours instead of 3 to account for potential delays.

How serious is altitude sickness in Bolivia?: Very serious. La Paz airport is at 4,150m - higher than most mountains in Europe. Take it slow for 2-3 days, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol initially. Consider diamox if you're susceptible.
Is it safe to travel Bolivia as a backpacker?: Generally safe if you use common sense. Stick to main backpacker routes, don't flash valuables, and avoid political demonstrations. The biggest risks are altitude sickness and road conditions, not crime.
Can I do the Salar de Uyuni independently?: No. The salt flat is massive and remote with no public transport. You must join an organized tour. Book with established operators - cheap tours can leave you stranded.
How reliable is transport between cities?: Overnight buses are generally reliable on main routes. Day buses can be delayed by weather or road conditions. Always book direct with bus companies, not through hostels who add commission.