Bolivia Flights: Expensive Travel, Reasons Explained

Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America, but flights to the landlocked country can still be expensive.

The cost of a flight to Bolivia depends on several factors, including the origin of the flight, the number of layovers, the time of year, and the airline. Flights can range from $209 for a one-way trip to Bolivia from the United States to $581 for a round trip.

The cheapest time to fly to Bolivia is in February, while the most costly month is December. Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly, while Saturday is generally the most expensive.

There are over 20 airlines that fly directly into Bolivia and around 50 that fly into nearby countries. Taking flights that require several stops or flying into neighbouring countries and taking a bus or train into Bolivia can help save money.

The most popular route is Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of 6 hours and 50 minutes.

Flights to Bolivia from the US

Flight Costs and Airlines

Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to travel to, but the flight there will be the most expensive part of your trip. Flight costs to Bolivia from the US vary depending on the airline, season, and origin city. Generally, flights from the East Coast tend to be cheaper than those from the West Coast.

The cheapest one-way flight price to Bolivia from the US found in the last 72 hours was $209, while the cheapest round-trip price was $379. However, prices can go as low as $225 for a one-way trip and $497 for a round trip. It is recommended to use flight search engines and compare prices across different airlines and travel dates to find the best deals.

The most popular airlines flying from the US to Bolivia include Avianca, Copa Airlines, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), and United Airlines. BoA is the airline that flies most frequently from the US to Bolivia.

Airports and Layovers

When flying from the US to Bolivia, you have several airport options. The most common departure airports include Miami International Airport (MIA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

There are direct flights available from Miami to Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, operated by Boliviana de Aviación (BoA). This flight takes about 7 hours. However, most flights from the US to Bolivia have at least one layover. The layover cities depend on the departure airport, with common cities including Panama City, Bogota, Lima, and Sao Paulo.

Booking Tips

To find cheap flights to Bolivia, it is essential to book in advance, especially if travelling during peak season. Flexibility with travel dates and airports can also help you find lower prices. Additionally, consider using incognito mode when searching for flights, as prices may increase when a particular route is searched repeatedly.

It is also worth considering flying into a neighbouring country, such as Peru, Chile, or Argentina, and then travelling overland to Bolivia. This option may be more cost-effective but will likely add considerable travel time.

Peak Season and Visa Requirements

The peak season in Bolivia is generally from April to October, with dry weather making it ideal for trekking. During this period, flight prices tend to be higher, especially during the summer months when many Bolivian families living in the US travel back home. Travelling during the off-peak season, from November to March, can result in lower flight prices.

US citizens visiting Bolivia will need a valid passport and visa. The passport should have at least six months of validity, and a round-trip ticket is required for the tourist visa. The Bolivian tourist visa can be purchased at border points for around $160, and it allows travellers to stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days.

Bolivia's visa requirements

Overview:

US citizens visiting Bolivia need a valid passport and visa. The passport should have at least six months of validity, and visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of onward travel. A tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be purchased at any land or air border for $160.

Application Process:

The visa application process typically involves the following steps:

• Fill out the Visa Affidavit form.
• Provide a 2" x 2" passport-size photograph.
• Submit a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• Show proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from friends or family.
• Provide a round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary.
• Complete an economic solvency test, typically by providing bank statements.
• Foreign travellers must complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) before arriving in Bolivia.

Additional Considerations:

• It is important to get entry and exit stamps from Bolivian authorities each time you enter or leave the country.
• US-Bolivian citizens may need to present a valid Bolivian identity document upon entering or exiting Bolivia.
• There are no known HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Bolivia.
• For extended stays beyond the initial 30 days, US citizens can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities.

Other Entry Requirements:

In addition to the visa, there are a few other requirements to keep in mind:

• International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination: This may be required for entry, especially when arriving from certain regions.
• Online Registration: Foreign travellers must complete the SIGEMIG registration before arrival.
• Proof of Onward Travel: Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
• Proof of Lodging: Visitors must provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Bolivia.

Visa Costs and Processing Times:

• The Bolivian tourist visa costs $160 USD and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival.
• Processing times can vary, but it is recommended to plan accordingly as there is no expedited option. The Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC, quotes a processing time of 10 business days from the receipt of the application, payment, and actual passport.

Where to Apply:

You can apply for a Bolivian visa at any Consulate of Bolivia. The specific consulate depends on your location in the United States:

• Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC: Serves residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and North Carolina.
• Other Consulates: For residents outside the above-mentioned states, there are consulates in New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

Important Notes:

• Incomplete applications will be returned without processing.
• Ensure that the information in the sworn statement matches the details in your passport.
• All required documents should clearly show the name of the applicant.
• If you obtain your visa at a land border or entry port and lose your passport, you will need to obtain a new visa and pay the visa fee again to exit the country.

Transport costs in Bolivia

The most popular means of transport in Bolivia are flights, taxis, micros (minibuses), and buses.

Flights

Bolivia has a number of carriers for domestic flights, and air is the most convenient and reliable means of transport. There is a regular service between La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz, with all linking flights to smaller cities.

A one-way flight from La Paz to Sucre will cost around $120, excluding baggage fees.

Taxis

Taxis are very popular and relatively inexpensive, even for long-distance travel.

Micros (Minibuses)

Micros are also very popular and relatively inexpensive. They can also be used for long-distance travel.

Buses

Buses are the cheapest means of travel but are relatively reliable. They are also a good option for long-distance travel, although breakdowns, especially in remote places, are not unusual.

The 16-hour bus from La Paz to Santa Cruz de la Sierra costs just $30 and can be even cheaper when booking within the terminal. The eight-hour ride from Sucre to Uyuni will cost you roughly $15.

Trains

The train service in Bolivia is not great. There are two major lines in the east and west of the country, but only the ferrobus operates effectively. All other lines are very slow, though inexpensive.

Other Transport Costs

It is recommended that you bring around $200-300 with you when entering Bolivia. It is also recommended that you already have this in the local currency, Bolivianos, but if not, you can exchange money within the cities (such as La Paz, Copacabana, or Santa Cruz).

Other Costs in Bolivia

Accommodation, food, and tours are also very affordable in Bolivia. Bolivia is the cheapest country to visit in South America and most likely all of Latin America.

You can easily live off a daily travel budget of $20, staying at nice hostels and eating three meals a day. In certain areas, you can even get a private room within this budget.

The cheapest places to stay in Bolivia

Bolivia is a great destination for budget-conscious travellers, with affordable accommodation options available throughout the country. Here are some of the cheapest places to stay in Bolivia:

Copacabana

Copacabana is a small town located 3 hours from La Paz, featuring beautiful nature walks and the world’s highest lake. Here are some recommended accommodations:

• Hotel Perla del Lago
• Hostel Casa Del Sol

La Paz

La Paz is vibrant, fun, and entertaining, but it can also be quite chaotic. These hostels offer a good night's sleep, a chance to meet other travellers, and a safe and central location:

• Arthy’s Guest House
• The Adventure Brew Hostel

Coroico

Coroico is located 2 hours from La Paz in the subtropical Yunga Valley. It's known for its sunny orange groves, picturesque natural pools, scenic hikes, and sweeping valley views. The weather in Coroico is pleasant year-round, making it a popular weekend getaway from La Paz. A recommended place to stay is:

Villa Bonita Coroico

Samaipata

Samaipata is an enchanting town located in the foothills of Santa Cruz. It offers stunning landscapes, stylish hangouts, ancient history, and peaceful nature walks. A recommended place to stay is:

Los Aventureros Samaipata

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, combining a modern lifestyle with traditional values. Recommended accommodations include:

• Jodanga Backpackers Hostel
• Bed and Bar Backpackers

Sucre

Sucre is known for its beauty, tranquil vibe, and great Spanish schools. It's a popular destination for those looking to relax and recharge. Recommended accommodations include:

• Kultur Berlin Hostal
• La Dulce Vita Hostel

Potosi

Potosi is home to some of the wealthiest mines in world history. At a high altitude, it can be challenging to get a good night's sleep, so here are some recommended hostels:

Hostal Casa Blanca Potosi

Uyuni

Uyuni is the ideal place to stay when visiting the famous Salt Flats of Bolivia. Accommodations in Uyuni tend to be basic and limited, but a recommended option is:

Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel

The cheapest places to eat in Bolivia

Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to visit, but there are still ways to cut costs when it comes to eating out. Here are some tips for finding the cheapest places to eat in Bolivia:

• Eat at markets – The cheapest place to eat in Bolivia is the market, where you can find stalls selling juices, soups, snacks and meals for less than Bs10 (around $1.45). Markets are also a great place to try regional specialities and are usually open much earlier than most restaurants and cafes. However, it's worth noting that the hygiene standards at market stalls may not be as high as in other eateries, so it's best to avoid eating at markets until your stomach has adjusted to the local bacteria.
• Look out for set meals – Most larger towns in Bolivia have a good selection of restaurants, and almost all of these will offer a set lunch, or almuerzo, for around Bs15-25 (around $2.15-3.60). This will usually consist of a filling soup and a main course of rice, potatoes, meat or chicken, and salad. Many restaurants also offer a similarly priced set dinner (cena).
• Try street food – Salteñas are Bolivia's most popular snack and can be found at street stalls across the country. These pasties are filled with a spicy, juicy stew of meat or chicken and vegetables and are best enjoyed in the mid-morning with a cold drink. Similar snacks include tucumanas (deep-fried pasties with a higher potato content) and empanadas (simpler pasties filled with meat, chicken or cheese).
• Visit local haunts – In popular traveller hotspots, international food is becoming more common, and vegetarian dishes are widely available. However, these restaurants tend to be more expensive. For a cheaper option, seek out the restaurants frequented by locals, where you're more likely to find meals for under $4.
• Shop at supermarkets – If you're self-catering, supermarkets are the best place to stock up on food. A loaf of bread will cost around $1.10, a litre of milk around $0.92, and a bottle of beer from a known brand around $2.60.

Frequently asked questions