Bolivia Travel: Essential Know-How For Your Journey

Bolivia is a country of dramatic landscapes, from pristine rainforests and high-altitude salt flats to culturally rich cities. With budget-friendly accommodation, food and transportation, it's a great option for intrepid travellers. However, there are a few things to know before you go.

Firstly, while the Andes and its attractions like Lake Titicaca and Salar de Uyuni are a big draw, it's worth exploring beyond the mountains. The tropical Gran Chiquitania region, the arid Chaco wilderness and the Amazon Basin, which covers about a third of the country, are all well worth a visit.

Secondly, be flexible with your plans. Transport delays are common due to bloqueos (roadblocks linked to protests), and flooding during the wet season can also cause significant disruption.

Thirdly, be aware of potential health risks. Altitude sickness is a serious issue in western Bolivia, and anti-malarial medication is recommended if you're heading to the lowlands.

Finally, stay safe. Violent crime is uncommon but does occur, and there have been incidents of sexual assault against women travellers. Petty theft is common in large cities, and tourists are sometimes targeted by fake police officers or criminals posing as taxi drivers.

Transport: expect delays, and give yourself a flexible itinerary

Bolivia is known for transport delays, so it's important to be flexible with your travel plans and itinerary. Delays can be caused by bloqueos, or roadblocks, which are often linked to protests and can last for several days. It's a good idea to allow some leeway in your travel schedule, stay up to date with the news, and ask locals for the latest information.

The wet season from November to April can also cause severe disruptions to transport, especially in the southeast of the country, so it's important to plan accordingly and be prepared for delays. Flooding during this time can make roads impassable and damage bridges, so it's worth considering alternative routes if you're travelling during this period.

In addition, the country's road conditions and driving culture can be quite different from what you may be used to. Many roads in Bolivia are unpaved, and even the improved highways that connect major cities can be dangerous due to aggressive and reckless driving, insufficient lighting, and a lack of traffic signs. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also common in Bolivia, further increasing the risk of accidents.

When it comes to public transportation, buses are a popular and inexpensive option, but they can also be quite uncomfortable and unreliable. Overnight buses are usually the cheapest and most convenient way to travel between cities, but they may not always be on time or make rest stops as expected. It's important to book with reputable companies and be prepared for potential delays.

Taxis are another option, but it's important to only use reputable taxi companies or trusted ride-sharing apps. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, as criminals sometimes pose as taxi drivers. Radio taxis, which can be identified by a lighted sign on the roof and a radio to contact their dispatcher, are generally considered safer than independent taxis. However, it's still important to negotiate the fare in advance to avoid being overcharged.

Overall, when travelling in Bolivia, it's crucial to be flexible, stay informed, and expect delays. By planning ahead and allowing extra time in your itinerary, you can help ensure that transport delays don't ruin your trip.

Language: learn some basic Spanish phrases

The main language spoken in Bolivia is Spanish, although there are 37 official languages in the country. English is spoken quite widely in touristy areas, but you'll encounter fewer English speakers when you head off the beaten track. It's therefore worth learning some simple Spanish phrases – or taking some formal Spanish lessons – before you arrive.

• "Donde esta...?" ("Where is...?") will help you find your way around. For example, "donde esta el bano?" means "where is the bathroom?".
• "Sorochi" is the word for altitude sickness, which affects some travellers in Bolivia.
• "Bien pesadito" means "weigh something correctly". Useful for market shopping!
• "Gracias" means "thank you".
• "Estoy yesca" means "I'm not carrying any money".
• "Te invito" means "I invite you to drink". This is a typical Bolivian custom when drinking with a group.
• "Cuento es?" means "how much is it?".
• "Habla usted Ingles?" means "do you speak English?".
• "No entiendo" means "I don't understand".
• "Tiene una habitacion?" means "do you have a room?".

Other useful Spanish phrases include:

• "Buenos dias" (good morning), "buenos tardes" (good afternoon) or "buenos noches" (good night) are polite greetings.
• "Señor" or "señora" (Mr or Mrs) are used when addressing people, along with formal titles such as "doctor".
• "Amigo" and "amiga" are the male and female forms of "friend".
• "Por favor" means "please".
• "Buen provecho" means "enjoy your meal".

If you're feeling more adventurous, you could try out some Bolivian slang:

• "Chupar" means "to drink", especially alcohol.
• "Chaqui" means "hangover".
• "Estar quencha" means "to have bad luck".
• "Pirañear" means "to flirt".
• "Que chala!" means "awesome!".
• "Churro/churra" means "beautiful".

Remember, you don't need to speak Spanish perfectly in Bolivia. Bolivians find it charming when foreigners attempt to speak their language, and they love to show off and practice their English too. So don't stress about the language barrier – just give it a go and have fun!

Health: prepare for altitude sickness and get vaccinated

Health is an important consideration when travelling to Bolivia. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Prepare for Altitude Sickness

The cities of La Paz, Uyuni, Oruro, and Potosi, as well as the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, sit at elevations of over 3,600 metres above sea level. Altitude sickness can be a serious issue, even for those who are physically fit. Initial symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia, but it can lead to coma and death. Take time to acclimatise, rest, eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and overexertion. Some medications and local remedies can help reduce symptoms, but if you experience serious symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and descend to a lower altitude.

Get Vaccinated

It is recommended that you get vaccinated for yellow fever, hepatitis A, and tetanus before travelling to Bolivia. Vaccinations for hepatitis B, diphtheria, typhoid, and rabies are also worth considering, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. Additionally, antimalarial medication is advised if you will be visiting the lowlands, such as the Amazon region. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Money: carry cash in rural areas

When travelling to Bolivia, it is important to carry cash in rural areas. While ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are common in cities and larger towns, they can be hard to find in the countryside, so it is always a good idea to carry some cash with you.

It is also worth noting that some businesses in smaller towns take cash only. It is best to be prepared and carry cash with you, especially if you are travelling to more remote locations. This will ensure that you are able to purchase any goods or services you may need during your trip.

Additionally, it is important to be cautious when using ATMs. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, so it is recommended to pay careful attention when others are handling your cards, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, and cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN.

It is also worth noting that there is a risk of theft in Bolivia, particularly in large cities and tourist areas. It is recommended to keep your valuables secure at all times and be cautious of strangers approaching you. This includes keeping your cash secure and only carrying what you need for the day.

Etiquette: ask before taking photos of people

Bolivia is a welcoming country, but it's important to be respectful when taking photos of people. Always ask for permission before taking someone's photo, especially when you're in the countryside or rural areas. Many people from Bolivia's minority communities prefer not to be photographed, so it's crucial to respect their wishes if someone refuses.

When travelling in Bolivia, it's essential to be mindful of local customs and etiquette. While English is spoken in some touristy areas, such as Sucre, Uyuni and Rurrenabaque, learning some basic Spanish phrases can be incredibly helpful. This includes simple greetings like "buenos días" (good morning), "buenos tardes" (good afternoon), and "buenos noches" (good night). It's also considered polite to use titles like "señor" or "señora" when addressing people and to stick to the formal "usted" when referring to people you don't know well.

In addition to language, there are a few other cultural considerations to keep in mind. For example, Bolivian society is still quite formal, so it's important to use polite greetings and titles. Additionally, it's considered respectful to ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.

When packing for your trip, don't forget to bring a rain jacket, walking boots, sunglasses, and warm layers if you plan to visit the chilly altiplano. It's also a good idea to carry cash, as ATMs can be hard to find in rural areas.

By being mindful of these cultural considerations and etiquette tips, you can help ensure that you have a respectful and enjoyable trip to Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions