South America in general has been stereotyped as a continent with not-so-tourist-friendly countries. So, it’s natural to feel intimidated, especially if you are travelling alone and for the first time. In Bolivia’s case, it doesn’t help that the information about its tourist attractions is not readily available to anyone interested in visiting the country.

However, that shouldn’t stop you from exploring this country with the most diverse national park in the entire world. There are just too many unique tourist attractions to miss here if you let your apprehensions consume you.

In fact, Bolivia is known to have some of the most interesting landscapes, high-altitude salt flats, and pristine rainforests, and it is even very rich with cultural diversity that makes it even more exciting to explore. Your trip will definitely be worth the hassle.

Things to Consider When Planning to Visit Bolivia

Plan Your Trip

Although some of the most enjoyable trips experience-wise often come from the idea that spontaneity adds to the fun of travelling, however, Bolivia isn’t your typical destination for backpackers. At least, in terms of the itinerary that you need to lay out, that is. It’s not ideal to make plans on the spot without having to encounter a little bit of hurdles along the way.

Since it has that reputation for having social and political tensions, large-scale political demonstrations that may result in some form of violence can erupt without warning at any time. You might want to avoid places known to be the ground zero of these protests and where crime against tourists, although uncommon, but still a possibility, occurs.

Pack for Every Type of Season

Bolivia has multiple climate zones, so the weather can be unpredictable, depending on what specific area you are heading to. The duration of the day can be polar opposites in terms of temperature because mornings and evenings can give you below-freezing point coldness, while the rest of the day, you can wear just your shirt and shorts.

The same goes when you go to a snowy highland and then traverse through a hot and humid jungle. Rain can also surprise you at any moment if you are visiting between November and March. Because of these uncertainties in climate, you might want to pack for all types of seasons just to be sure you have the right protection.

Transportation Isn’t One of Bolivia’s Best Features

While taking a short flight when you’re travelling between locations might be more convenient elsewhere, do note that it isn’t the most reliable mode of local transportation in Bolivia. This is because some airlines have the notoriety for cancelling flights on the spot. The main reason is underbooking.

Other issues with airlines are flight delays or lost luggage. If anything, overnight buses are the most reliable transportation that you can get and the best part is that they are way cheaper.

You Need to Be Flexible

As mentioned, it is better to have an itinerary when visiting Bolivia. However, prepare to be flexible when it comes to the time and schedule as they can be messed up without warning. This is especially true for all forms of transportation.

As mentioned, flights of certain airlines often can get cancelled when the passenger capacity is not met, buses can be inconsistent with their schedule, which often leave late, and even car trips can slow down during rainy seasons due to some roads being in bad shape. Some tourists don’t really mind minor setbacks and just charge these as cultural experiences. Just be ready for these just in case and at least you know that it can get worse before it gets better.

Having mentioned these, you need to allot a day or two in between any major events that you scheduled to attend, especially if they are very expensive or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since you are aware that delays and cancellations are commonplace in this country, you can spare yourself some headaches if one event is adjusted to conflict with your next or your flight to one place gets cancelled abruptly, making you miss your schedule.

Basic Tips When You Are in Bolivia as a Tourist

Passport is King

Your passport is everything when you travel. Keep an eye on it at all times and never put it in a backpack, especially in crowded places. A good alternative is a cross-body bag that you can keep in front so you can see it all the time and always be aware of your surroundings.

Keep Access to Google Maps

Not all places have Wi-Fi and signals, so always pre-download the places you will be visiting on Google Maps or other alternatives. Some places can be confusing especially those with high foot traffic and a lot of establishments; hence, you need to know your way around even if you don’t have access to the internet.

Learn the Basic Lingo

Knowing basic Spanish words and phrases is essential when travelling around Bolivia. It makes a whole lot of difference when locals know that you’ve made an effort to speak their language and that help may come naturally.

Choose Where to Stay Wisely

As much as possible, always opt to stay in places known to be generally safe and tourist-friendly. The city centre is always a wise choice and opt for decent hotels or better yet, a family-owned eco-lodge to feel more like being at home.

Let Someone Know of Your Whereabouts

When you go for a walk and wander around, especially when hiking, let someone know, either from the place you are staying or the hotel staff, where you are heading to and the time they should expect you to return.

Underhydrate When Taking Long Bus Rides

Long-distance bus rides heading to the high-altitude parts of Bolivia have very few stopovers, so as much as possible, do not take too much liquid for the trip. Although a lot of buses have toilets on board, they are often not fit for use.

Befriend A Local

It’s good to have a local friend that you can ask for advice from about your planned trip or even a good recommendation for a place to visit. While there can be suspicious people everywhere, Bolivians are generally very friendly and welcoming.