Bolivia By Air: How Long Does The Journey Take?

Bolivia is a wonderland of breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, with rich history and exciting cities. It is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure and unique experiences. When planning a trip to Bolivia, it is important to consider the time of year, means of transportation, and the different regions you wish to explore. Here is an introduction to help you plan your journey and decide how long you need to fly to reach this captivating country.

Flight Duration and Transportation

The flight time to Bolivia can vary depending on your departure location. On average, a non-stop flight from the United States to Bolivia takes around 7 to 17 hours. The most popular route is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of about 7 hours.

When travelling within Bolivia, it is worth noting that the country has limited infrastructure. To maximize your time, consider flying between destinations like La Paz and Uyuni. Alternatively, you can opt for bus or taxi services, although these may be time-consuming for longer distances.

Best Time to Visit

March and April are ideal months to visit Bolivia, especially if you want to witness the famous mirror effect at the Uyuni Salt Flats. These months offer favourable conditions for exploring the country and provide a good balance between tourist crowds and prices.

Popular Destinations in Bolivia

La Paz, one of Bolivia's capitals, is a must-see destination. It boasts stunning views from Mirador Monticulo, the rich history of Calle Jaén, and the unique Witch's Market. You should plan to spend a couple of days exploring this vibrant city.

The Uyuni Salt Flats, located in southwestern Bolivia, are a highlight for many travellers. To access this region, most people join tours departing from the town of Uyuni, which can be reached by an overnight bus ride from La Paz. The tours typically last between 1 to 4 days and offer a chance to experience the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

Other popular destinations in Bolivia include Lake Titicaca, the Amazon Rainforest, the cities of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Potosí, and Sucre. The diverse natural wonders and cultural attractions of Bolivia will leave you wanting to explore more.

Practical Information

Bolivia is known for its affordable prices, with most travellers spending between 50 to 150 USD per person per day. The local currency is the Boliviano, and it is recommended to carry cash as some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards.

Communication in Bolivia can be a challenge due to slow internet speeds, but mobile connections have improved in recent years, and Bolivia SIM cards are easily accessible.

When entering Bolivia, citizens of certain countries, including the US, will need to obtain a visa. This visa can be purchased at border points, such as Lake Titicaca, and is valid for 10 years.

On average, it takes 9 hours and 8 minutes to fly from the US to Bolivia

Flying to Bolivia? Here's what you need to know

Whether you're planning a trip to Bolivia or dreaming of travelling there one day, it's useful to know how long the journey will take. The flight time will vary depending on where you fly from, but on average, it takes 9 hours and 8 minutes to fly from the US to Bolivia.

The distance between the US and Bolivia is around 4,317 miles or 6,947 kilometres. This distance is based on a straight line from the US to Bolivia – in reality, the flight path is usually longer.

Several airlines operate flights to Bolivia, including United Airlines, Avianca, LATAM Airlines, Copa Airlines, Boliviana De Aviacion (commonly referred to as BoA), GOL, and JetBlue.

Where can I fly to in Bolivia?

The most popular airports in Bolivia include:

• Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz
• El Alto International Airport in La Paz
• Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba
• Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport in Sucre
• El Trompillo Airport in Santa Cruz
• Capitan Oriel Lea Plaza Airport in Tarija
• Teniente Jorge Henrich Arauz Airport in Trinidad
• Yacuiba Airport

Flight prices to Bolivia vary depending on the time of year, where you fly from, and the airline. Generally, you can find flights between $225 and $2,761 for a one-way ticket, and between $313 and $1,211 for a return trip.

Any tips for finding cheap flights to Bolivia?

To find cheap flights to Bolivia, try to book well in advance and travel during the low season (February is usually the cheapest month to fly). You can also use price comparison websites and set up price alerts to notify you when prices drop.

If you're travelling to Bolivia from the US, you will need to obtain a visa. This can be done by crossing the land border at Lake Titicaca, and the visa is valid for 10 years.

Bolivia is full of exciting cities and natural wonders to explore. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Immerse yourself in the history of colonial Calle Jaén in La Paz
• Visit Plaza Murillo, home to La Paz Cathedral and the Bolivian Presidential Palace
• Take in the amazing views from Mirador Monticulo in La Paz
• Explore the Witch's Market in La Paz
• Discover the Uyuni Salt Flats in the southwestern region of Bolivia
• Visit Lake Titicaca
• Descend into the Amazon Rainforest
• Explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of Sucre and Potosí

March and April are the best months to visit Bolivia, especially if you want to see the Salar de Uyuni at its most resplendent

The average nonstop flight from the United States to Bolivia takes 16 hours and 59 minutes, covering a distance of 4194 miles. The most popular route is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of 6 hours and 50 minutes.

March and April: The Best Months to Visit Bolivia

Bolivia's wet season, from December to March, is the perfect time to visit the famous Uyuni Salt Flats. The rainy season transforms the flats into a mirror-like landscape, the phenomenon that draws tourists to the site. The rains are strongest from March to April, but the crowds are smaller, making it ideal for those who want to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy Bolivia at a relaxed pace. The temperatures during these months average between 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 70°F).

The wet season is also a great time for cultural exploration. In December, Christmas festivities spill over into New Year parties across the country. La Paz hosts Alasitas, one of its biggest festivals, in January. February in Oruro is dominated by the Carnaval celebrations, and March is harvest season in Tarija, Bolivia's main wine-growing region.

April is considered a shoulder month to visit Bolivia. The rains start to subside, leaving behind a lush, green countryside.

Salar de Uyuni

The Salar de Uyuni is one of the most stunning and unique landscapes on Earth. It is a huge expanse of salt flats stretching for miles and miles, providing a fantastic backdrop for playing with perspective and reflection in photographs.

The best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats depends on each traveller's preferences. The rainy season, from December to April, is the most popular time, as rainwater creates the famous mirror-like effect across the flats. The dry season, from May to November, offers colder temperatures but transforms the landscape into a stunning, completely white expanse.

Practical Information

US citizens need a valid passport and visa to enter Bolivia. The passport should have at least six months of validity, and proof of a round-trip ticket is required on a tourist visa. Travellers with a tourist visa can stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days and can be purchased at border points for around $160.

There are direct flights from Miami to Santa Cruz, operated by Boliviana de Aviación, the national carrier of Bolivia. These flights take about 7 hours.

Airlines that fly to Bolivia include BoA, Avianca, GOL, Copa, United, LATAM, and Boliviana De Aviacion

The length of your flight to Bolivia will depend on where you are flying from. The average non-stop flight time from the US to Bolivia is 16 hours and 59 minutes, with a distance of 4,194 miles covered. The most popular route is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of 6 hours and 50 minutes.

There are several airlines that offer flights to Bolivia, including:

• Boliviana de Aviación (BoA): The national carrier of Bolivia, BoA offers direct flights from Miami to Santa Cruz, as well as an extensive domestic network and international routes in South America. They provide comfortable seats and complimentary hot meals on long-haul flights.
• Avianca: Avianca offers one-stop flights from Miami and Orlando to Bolivia, with connections in Bogota. They also provide Business Class services with priority check-in and boarding, comfortable seats, and in-flight entertainment.
• GOL: GOL operates one-stop flights from Miami and Orlando, with connections in Sao Paulo. They have a premium economy cabin on their 737 MAX flights, offering blocked middle seats and a range of in-flight services.
• Copa: Copa Airlines provides non-stop and one-stop flights to Bolivia, mainly connecting through Panama City. They offer Business Class services with benefits such as priority check-in and comfortable seats.
• United: United Airlines is the only American carrier offering flights to Bolivia, with daily flights from Miami and New York. They provide a range of double and single-layover flight options.
• LATAM: LATAM offers one-stop flights from Miami and Orlando, with connections in Lima, Bogota, and Panama City. They also provide Business Class services, including priority check-in and improved dining options.
• Boliviana De Aviacion: This airline operates flights within South America and has a hub at Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba. They offer Economy and Business Class services, with the latter featuring a dedicated menu and wide, reclinable seats.

The most popular airports to fly into in Bolivia include Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), El Alto International Airport (LPB), and Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB)

The flight time from the United States to Bolivia is approximately 9 hours, though the average nonstop flight time is closer to 7 hours. The most popular route is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of 6 hours and 50 minutes.

In the last seven days, plane tickets to Bolivia have cost between $497 and $581

The length of a flight to Bolivia depends on where you are flying from. An average nonstop flight from the United States to Bolivia takes 16 hours and 59 minutes, covering a distance of 4,194 miles. The most popular route is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of 6 hours and 50 minutes.

Frequently asked questions