The Best Bolivian Souvenirs To Bring Back Home

Bolivia is a country of contrasts, with varying weather conditions and a range of activities and tours on offer. So, what should you pack for your trip?

Firstly, it's worth noting that travel is often more enjoyable when you pack light. You'll have more freedom on long bus journeys, and you're less likely to forget or lose items of value. A 30L backpack should be plenty, with a small day-pack for electronics and other items.

In terms of clothing, Bolivia is pretty easygoing. You'll fit in fine wearing everyday Western clothes. Just make sure to pack for different conditions, as the weather in Bolivia varies a lot. Bring layers, starting with breathable fabrics, and add fleece or wool for warmth. In the hot spots, wear long pants and sleeves to avoid bug bites.

Don't forget your vaccination card—you'll need proof of a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country. And don't forget your electronics either, as these can be expensive in Bolivia and may not be up to date.

Lastly, don't stress too much if you forget something. You'll be able to find most things you need in Bolivia, except in remote areas.

Clothing: Pack for varying weather conditions

When packing for Bolivia, it's important to keep in mind that the country's weather can vary significantly depending on the region and altitude. The diverse landscape includes temperate valleys, semi-arid highlands, humid jungles, and lakeside villages. So, what should you pack to be prepared for these varying weather conditions?

Firstly, it's essential to pack for both hot and cold temperatures. In many regions, days can be hot and humid, while nights can drop to freezing temperatures. Layers are key! Pack clothing that can be easily layered, such as lightweight shirts, sweaters, and jackets. This will allow you to adjust your outfit throughout the day as the temperature changes.

For the lowlands, such as Santa Cruz, Rurrenabaque, Cobija, and Trinidad, expect a humid tropical climate. The rainy season in this region extends from late September to May, so be sure to pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes. The dry season, from May to October, brings more comfortable temperatures and less humidity, but it's still a good idea to have a light layer for the cooler evenings.

When visiting the highlands, including Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Oruro, and Cochabamba, you'll encounter a range of climates from cool and humid to semi-arid. The average temperature is milder, ranging from 15 to 27°C, but it can get chilly at night, so a warmer layer is essential. The rainy season in the highlands occurs between December and March, so pack accordingly with a waterproof jacket and umbrella.

If you're planning to explore the Amazonian lowlands, such as Chulumani, Coroico, and Sorata, expect warm and humid weather with refreshing breezes. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or sweater may be needed. The rainy season in this region is typically between March and April, so waterproof gear is a must.

Sun protection is crucial in Bolivia, especially in the high-altitude areas. Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the strong solar rays. Don't forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the varying weather conditions.

Lastly, be mindful of the activities you plan to do and pack accordingly. If you're going to be hiking or trekking, make sure to bring durable and comfortable clothing and footwear. For city exploration, pack clothing that is comfortable and breathable.

Toiletries: Buy before you go if travelling off the beaten track

When travelling off the beaten track in Bolivia, it is a good idea to buy toiletries before you go. This is because, although you can buy toiletries in Bolivia, the quality may be lower than what you are used to and the range of products may be more limited.

Public toilets in Bolivia are not always well-equipped, so it is important to bring your own toilet paper, as it is not usually provided. You should also be aware that toilet paper is not flushed in Bolivia, so you will need to use the wastebasket.

If you are travelling to more remote areas, it is a good idea to bring a hanging toiletry bag that can easily be hung on the back of a door or from a hook. This will make it easier to access your toiletries when you are on the move.

Other useful items to bring from home include:

• A lightweight, travel medical kit for any cuts or more serious injuries.
• Compeed plasters to prevent and treat blisters.
• Hand sanitiser for when there are no hand-washing facilities available.
• Anti-diarrhoea pills—it is very likely that you will experience an upset stomach at some point during your trip due to poor food hygiene and unsafe drinking water.
• Insect repellent—the mosquitoes in South America are very keen to sample new blood, so make sure you bring a strong repellent that can be used in hot, tropical destinations.
• Sun protection, including sunglasses with a UV filter and mineral-based sunscreen.

Gadgets: Bring a voltage adapter to prevent your devices from frying

If you're travelling to Bolivia, it's important to know that the country uses two types of power plugs: Type A, which has two flat parallel pins, and Type C, which has two round pins. The standard voltage is 115/230V and the frequency is 50Hz.

If you're coming from the US, you will need to bring a power plug travel adapter for sockets Type A and C. A travel adapter will simply allow you to plug any electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. However, it's important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency. As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer in Bolivia.

Voltage converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously. All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS), so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.

You can determine whether you'll need to use a converter or transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. If your device is a dual voltage rated appliance, it will display 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer, but just a travel adapter, because Bolivia operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

If your appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country, i.e. 230V. If this is not the case, it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

It's important to understand that some travel adapters are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of travel adapters should only be used with double-insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol.

Therefore, to prevent your devices from frying, it is recommended that you check your appliances before embarking on your journey to Bolivia, to understand the requirements.

Food: Bring your favourite snacks to share

If you're looking to bring back some foodie treats from Bolivia, there are plenty of options to choose from. The country is rich in traditional dishes, with many recipes passed down through generations and often served by independent street vendors.

Salty and Savoury

First up, the anticucho, a prevalent dish in Bolivia of skewered beef or chicken hearts. This dish originated in the Andean mountain ranges back in the 16th century and is prepared similarly to a Mediterranean shish kebab. It can be enjoyed with potatoes and a peanut sauce.

Next, we have the cuñapé, a dish popular in Eastern Bolivia, especially in Santa Cruz and the country's Northeastern Regions. This is made using white cheese, egg, salt, milk, and yam flour formed into bread balls and served with a hot drink.

The empanada boliviana is another tasty treat. If you love empanadas, you will enjoy this Bolivian version with a cheesy centre. This is a typical dish throughout South America, often enjoyed for breakfast or at teatime.

Queso humacha is a thick and creamy soup made with corn, green beans, potatoes, milk, Altiplano cheese, and an Andean spice called wacatya.

Sajta de pollo is a traditional meal where chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, plain rice, and peanuts are accompanied by a traditional sauce (sajta). This is often served for lunch and on special occasions, such as Carnivals and All Saints’ Day.

Salteñas are a traditional Bolivian street food filled with a mix of sweet and savoury sauces, beef, pork, or chicken. Some restaurants serve vegetarian versions, and other variations include peas, eggs, potatoes, and olives.

Silpancho is a filling dish from the valleys of Cochabamba, consisting of layers of white rice, boiled and sliced tomatoes, and thinly pounded meat. It is sometimes prepared with onion, beets, parsley, and a fried egg.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

Tucumanas are a fried version of salteñas, stuffed with potatoes, carrots, olives, and peas. They are a typical mid-morning snack for locals and are enjoyed by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. There is also a version with beef, pork, and chicken for meat-eaters.

Yuca frita, or yuca fries, are thin slices of deep-fried root vegetables served as a snack or with grilled meats, burgers, and barbecue.

Zonzo is a pancake-like entrée made with cheese and yucca, traditionally wrapped around a stick and grilled. It can now also be found fried, baked, or grilled and is a popular snack in the afternoon.

Alfajores are mouth-watering cookies with a layer of Dulce de Leche in the centre.

Cocadas are a traditional Bolivian confection made with a combination of shredded coconut, eggs, and condensed milk.

Helado de Canela is a non-dairy frozen treat flavoured with natural cinnamon and lemon juice—the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Drinks

To accompany these delicious dishes, there are also some traditional Bolivian drinks to try.

Mocochinchi is a popular choice, as is singani.

Supay is a spicy alcoholic drink with strong hints of anise. The name comes from the god of death and ruler of the underworld, according to ancient Aymara, Incan, and Quechuan mythology.

Other Snacks

Bolivians love sweets, so any variety packs of American candy will be a hit.

Variety packs of Costco or bjs candy are cheap and plentiful.

Gifts: Small gifts from your home country for children or families

When it comes to gifts, it's always a good idea to bring small items from your home country to give to children or families you meet during your trip. Here are some suggestions for small gifts that would be appreciated in Bolivia:

• Local specialties or unique items: Think about what your hometown or region is known for and bring some small souvenirs or treats that showcase your culture. This could be anything from local crafts, artwork, or regional food items that are unique to your area.
• Stationery or school supplies: If you're visiting areas with children, consider bringing items like colouring books, crayons, pencils, stickers, or small notebooks. These can be fun and educational gifts for kids.
• Small toys or games: Simple toys, puzzles, or board games that are easy to pack and carry can be great gifts for children. Just make sure they are appropriate for the age range of the children you expect to meet.
• Clothing or accessories: If you know the sizes of the children or families you'll be meeting, you could bring items like T-shirts, hats, socks, or small accessories like hair clips or bracelets.
• Books: If you know a family who enjoys reading, consider bringing age-appropriate storybooks or picture books in your native language, especially if they are interested in learning about your culture.
• Sports items: If you know a family or child who is interested in sports, you could bring small items like a soccer ball, frisbee, or even trading cards featuring your local sports teams.

Remember to pack gifts that are lightweight and easy to transport, as you'll want to save room in your luggage for any souvenirs you might purchase during your trip to Bolivia!

Frequently asked questions