Is altitude sickness a real concern?

Yes. La Paz is at 3,500m and some areas reach 4,500m. Plan 2-3 rest days initially. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Descend if symptoms worsen. Consider altitude medication consultation with your doctor.

Can I do Uyuni independently without a tour?

Not practically. The salt flats cover 4,000 square miles with no roads or landmarks. Tours include 4WD vehicle, driver-guide, accommodation, and meals. Independent travel risks getting lost in dangerous conditions.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $500-800 USD cash. ATMs exist in La Paz but are limited elsewhere. Many places don't accept cards. Exchange rates are better for US dollars than other currencies. Keep small bills - change is often scarce.

Is it safe to travel Bolivia as a solo female?

Generally yes with normal precautions. Stick to established tourist routes, avoid walking alone after dark, and use registered tour companies. La Paz and tourist areas have good infrastructure. Rural areas require more caution.

What's the weather like during dry season?

Days are sunny and warm (15-20°C/59-68°F) but nights are cold, especially on salt flats (-10°C/14°F). Rain is rare May-October. Dry season means better road access but also more tourists and higher prices.

How to plan a 2-week Bolivia itinerary

Fly into La Paz and spend 2-3 days acclimatizing at altitude before heading to the Salar de Uyuni for 3-4 days. Return via Potosí for mining tours, then finish with 4-5 days around Lake Titicaca and La Paz. Book accommodation and transport 2-3 weeks ahead during dry season (May-October).

Choose your season and book flights. Visit May-October for dry weather and accessible roads to Uyuni. Book flights to La Paz (LPB) 6-8 weeks ahead. Expect $800-1200 from North America, $400-700 from South America. Avoid December-March when flooding makes many areas inaccessible.
Plan your altitude adjustment. La Paz sits at 3,500m (11,500ft). Arrive 2-3 days before any physical activities. Book accommodation near the city center or Zona Sur (lower altitude). Drink coca tea and avoid alcohol the first 48 hours. If flying from sea level, consider spending one night in a lower city first.
Book your Salar de Uyuni tour. Reserve 3-day/2-night Uyuni tour 2-3 weeks ahead through agencies in La Paz or Uyuni town. Expect $150-200 per person for standard tour, $250-350 for luxury. Choose ending point: return to Uyuni town or continue to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (requires Chilean visa for most).
Arrange internal transport. Book overnight buses through agencies or directly with companies like Trans Copacabana or Bolivar. La Paz to Uyuni costs $15-25 (10-12 hours). La Paz to Potosí costs $8-12 (6-8 hours). Always choose semi-cama or cama seats for overnight journeys.
Reserve accommodation strategically. Book 1-2 weeks ahead in La Paz, Copacabana, and Uyuni during high season. Budget hostels cost $8-15/night, mid-range hotels $25-45/night. In rural areas like Uyuni tours, accommodation is included. Near Lake Titicaca, homestays on Amantaní Island cost $20-30/night including meals.

Is altitude sickness a real concern?: Yes. La Paz is at 3,500m and some areas reach 4,500m. Plan 2-3 rest days initially. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Descend if symptoms worsen. Consider altitude medication consultation with your doctor.
Can I do Uyuni independently without a tour?: Not practically. The salt flats cover 4,000 square miles with no roads or landmarks. Tours include 4WD vehicle, driver-guide, accommodation, and meals. Independent travel risks getting lost in dangerous conditions.
How much cash should I bring?: Bring $500-800 USD cash. ATMs exist in La Paz but are limited elsewhere. Many places don't accept cards. Exchange rates are better for US dollars than other currencies. Keep small bills - change is often scarce.
Is it safe to travel Bolivia as a solo female?: Generally yes with normal precautions. Stick to established tourist routes, avoid walking alone after dark, and use registered tour companies. La Paz and tourist areas have good infrastructure. Rural areas require more caution.
What's the weather like during dry season?: Days are sunny and warm (15-20°C/59-68°F) but nights are cold, especially on salt flats (-10°C/14°F). Rain is rare May-October. Dry season means better road access but also more tourists and higher prices.