Bolivia On A Budget: Flight Costs And Tips

Bolivia is a country in South America, landlocked and bordering Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Chile. It is the 28th largest country in the world, with almost twice as much land space as Texas. The country boasts a varied landscape, with the Andes and lush rainforests as its natural crown jewels. The country's capital, La Paz, is the highest capital city in the world, sitting between 3300 and 4100 meters above sea level.

Flights to Bolivia can be found for as little as $199 for a one-way trip. The price of flights varies depending on the origin and destination airports, as well as the time of booking, with February being the cheapest month to book a flight to Bolivia.

One-way flights to Bolivia can be as cheap as $199

Cheapflights also offers one-way flights to Bolivia starting at $269. This price was found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 10/8. Again, fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates.

In comparison, Expedia's prices for one-way flights to Bolivia start at $225.

When searching for cheap flights to Bolivia, it's worth considering different providers and comparing prices. Websites like KAYAK, Skyscanner, and Cheapflights allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and booking sites, increasing your chances of finding a good deal.

Bolivia has several international airports, and the best one for you will depend on your intended destination within the country. Here are some of the most popular airports in Bolivia and their locations:

• Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz: This is the busiest airport in Bolivia and is centrally located. It handles most of the international and domestic flights in the country.
• El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz: This airport is located near the capital city of La Paz and is the second busiest airport in Bolivia.
• Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) in Cochabamba: This airport is a great alternative to the ones in La Paz and Santa Cruz. It's less busy and offers nonstop flights to several destinations.
• Sucre Alcantari International Airport (SRE) in Sucre: This airport serves the city of Sucre, Bolivia's second capital. You can reach Sucre by booking a domestic flight from VVI or other airports in the country.

When planning your trip to Bolivia, keep in mind that the country has a varied climate due to its high altitude. The highlands are cold, the valleys are temperate, and the lowlands stay warm. Winter lasts from June to September, and the rainy season typically goes from December to March.

April through October is the peak season for flights to Bolivia, as it is the dry season and ideal for trekking. If you're looking for cheaper flights, consider traveling during the off-peak months from November through March. Keep in mind that trekking may not be possible during this time due to the rainy weather.

The cheapest return flights to Bolivia are around $431

Flights to Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country in the middle of South America, with Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Chile as its neighbours. The country boasts breathtaking landscapes and a moderate climate, making it a popular tourist destination.

Flight Prices

Bolivia has 13 airports, with Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz being the busiest and most popular for international flights. The price of flights to Bolivia varies depending on the origin, destination, season, and other factors.

One-way flights can also be found for as low as $199, although prices can go up to $269 or more, depending on the origin and destination.

Best Time to Fly

The peak season for flights to Bolivia is from April to October, during the dry winter season. This is the best time for trekking and outdoor activities.

Off-peak months are from November to March, when trekking may not be possible due to weather conditions. However, flight prices may be lower during these months.

Airlines

Several airlines offer flights to Bolivia, including:

• Avianca
• Copa Airlines
• LATAM Airlines
• United Airlines
• Boliviana de Aviación (BoA)

Layovers and Stops

Nonstop flights to Bolivia are available from some US cities, such as Miami and New York. However, many flights have at least one layover, with common layover cities including Panama City, Bogota, and Lima.

When booking flights, it is important to consider the number of layovers and the duration of the journey, as these can impact the overall travel experience and cost.

The most popular route is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra: Everything You Need to Know

The most popular route from the United States to Bolivia is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This guide will cover everything you need to know about making this journey, including the cheapest times to fly, the best airlines, and local attractions in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

When to Fly

The best time to find cheap flights is 3 weeks in advance of your departure date. The cheapest month to fly from Miami is typically August, with prices ranging from $385 to $590. In contrast, December is the most expensive month, with prices spiking to $950.

Choosing an Airline

Several airlines offer competitive prices for this route, including:

• Avianca: The cheapest round-trip deal recently found on Google Flights was with Avianca, at $373. The best one-way deal was also with Avianca, at $163.
• Copa Airlines: Copa Airlines offers one-way flights from Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra for as little as $234.
• BoA: You can find one-way flights with BoA for $255.

Flight Times

The fastest nonstop flight from Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra takes 6 hours and 50 minutes. There are direct flights on this route every day, operated by BoA. If you don't mind a layover, other airlines such as Copa Airlines and LATAM Airlines can get you to your destination in 9 to 19 hours.

Layover Locations

Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra flights usually include a layover in Panama City. If you find yourself with some time to spare, consider visiting attractions such as Amador Causeway, Panama Old Cathedral, and Panama Canal. These sites are located 14.7 miles, 13.2 miles, and 15.1 miles, respectively, from Panama City Tocumen International Airport.

Local Attractions in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is an all-year-round destination, with the most popular months being December and January due to the warm tropical weather. The city also hosts several annual events, including:

• Carnaval: A festival featuring elaborate costumes, dancing, music, and food, usually held in February or March.
• Festival de Música Misiones de Chiquitos: A celebration of American Renaissance and baroque music, held in April or May.
• Independence Day: Marked by festivities on September 24.

With its year-round warm weather and vibrant cultural offerings, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a popular destination for travellers to Bolivia. By choosing the right airline and booking in advance, you can find excellent deals on flights from Miami, making your trip even more enjoyable.

The best time to find cheap flights is on a Thursday

Cheap Flights to Bolivia

Flights to Bolivia can vary in price depending on the time of year and where you fly from. Here is a look at some sample prices for flights to Bolivia:

• $199 for a one-way flight from the United States
• $225 for a one-way flight from Miami
• $497 for a round trip from Miami
• $429 for a round trip to Santa Cruz de la Sierra
• $589 for a round trip to Cochabamba
• $697 for a round trip to Trinidad

While there is no single day of the week that is best for booking cheap flights, Thursdays and Fridays are good options. This is because Mondays and Fridays are more expensive, mainly due to business travellers avoiding mid-week flights. Tuesdays are also a good option, with average airfares around 12% lower than peak Sunday prices.

For international flights, Wednesdays and Saturdays are usually the cheapest days to depart.

It is also important to book in advance. For domestic flights, book one to three months ahead, and for international flights, book two to eight months ahead. This will increase your chances of finding a good deal.

Last-minute deals are not common, and you risk the flight selling out. However, if you are booking at the last minute, make sure to do so at least 21 days before departure, as prices tend to increase after this point.

In addition, consider being flexible with your destination, airport, and dates, as this can also help you find cheaper flights.

The worst time to find cheap flights is on a Sunday

The cost of a flight to Bolivia varies depending on the origin and destination airports. Flights from the United States to Bolivia can be as cheap as $199 for a one-way ticket and $431 for a round-trip. The price of flights to Bolivia from the United States ranges from $497 to $581 for a round trip within seven days of travel.

Now, when it comes to the worst time to find cheap flights, contrary to popular belief, there isn't just one specific day of the week that guarantees the lowest prices. The idea that Tuesdays are the best day to book flights is a myth. Flight prices fluctuate constantly and are adjusted by airlines in real-time to match demand.

However, according to a study by Upgraded Points, Sunday is the worst day to book a flight if you're looking for cheap options. The study analyzed Google Flights data for some of the busiest domestic routes over four weeks and found that waiting until the end of the week to book flights resulted in a 13% premium. The average ticket cost for flights booked on Sundays was $241.61, making it the most expensive day, followed by Fridays, with an average ticket cost of $238.47.

Mondays and Tuesdays are generally better days to score cheaper flights, with average ticket prices dropping to $213.44 and $213.31, respectively.

So, if you're looking to book a flight to Bolivia or any other destination, it's best to avoid Sundays and Fridays if you want to find the lowest prices. Keep in mind that the day of the week isn't the only factor affecting flight prices, and it's always a good idea to be flexible with your travel dates and compare prices across different days to get the best deal.

Frequently asked questions