Bolivia Travel Guide for Backpackers

So you’re interested in backpacking through Bolivia?

Good choice! Bolivia is one of the lesser-explored South American countries, despite the many gems it has to offer. It is easy to fall in love with the landscapes and the authenticity of the Bolivian culture. But for many, the Bolivian adventure is often a short 1 to 2 weeks trip between Chile and Peru.

If this is your plan, no issue, you will have enough time to see the highlights of the country but if you stay longer you’ll give yourself the chance to really learn about the country and its very peculiar culture.

Our backpacking experience in Bolivia turned into an extended 3-month journey. Within these 82 amazing days, we had the time to explore large parts of the country and attempted to understand how the country works. We still haven’t figured it out! Instead, we settled with the fact that the country just works differently.

When you start learning about the politics, the coffee and Coca industries, or how taxes are calculated, it’s another world. A world where logic and the concept of the future, the way, we know it, is nonexistent.

Bolivia is rough around the edges, but that’s what we love about it.

Make sure to check out all our articles about Bolivia below!

General info

Known as the poorest country in South America, Bolivia is one of the cheapest places to travel through which makes it a haven for long-term travellers and budget backpackers alike.

The “Plurinational State of Bolivia” is a living testimony of a rich indigenous past, with 36 languages spoken across more than 50 precolonial nations. This diversity in population, tradition and culture is also found throughout the varying landscapes and it isn’t unusual to travel back and forth between altitudes of 500 and 4,000 masl.

These extremes are the results of the Andes mountains which cross the country south to west and give the country an incredible diversification of sceneries.

All our Bolivia Articles

Bucket List Experiences

People of Bolivia, Stories & photo Galleries

Discover our city guides

Hiking in Bolivia without a tour

Budget accommodation in Bolivia

Finding cheap accommodation in Bolivia is a very simple task but they often uncover some nasty surprises. The main issue with cheap accommodation would be the coldness of the place in high altitude towns such as Uyuni and La Paz.

Moreover, all across the country, do not expect hot showers or kitchens. These are rarely featured in cheap and mid-budget hostels. On the other side, breakfast is often included and is not that bad. Expect ham and cheese, fresh-cut fruits and sometimes pancakes!

If you travel as a couple, look for “hostals” that are more or less like homestays/BnBs. In general, the service is quite minimalist but offer cheap double bedrooms.

Tips: Even if you don’t like party hostels but still need a nice hot shower and a comfortable bed… you might need to check in into one once in a while. Get some earplugs and a sleeping mask for a better night and you’ll be fine! We have had good and bad nights. It really depends on the people you end up with but in general, the hot shower is worth the lack of tranquility.

Transport: taking the bus in bolivia

Backpacking in Bolivia and traveling around is not as easy as in Colombia, Chile, or Argentina. While transport is very affordable and bus networks are extensive, the timetables are sometimes unreliable and online information is limited. It’s best to visit bus terminals in person to get the most accurate departure times and prices.

Types of Buses:

• Local Buses: Generally less expensive and used for short distances. They can be crowded and may not adhere strictly to schedules.
• Long-Distance Buses: Used for intercity travel and offer more comfort with options like semi-cama and cama seats (reclining seats). These buses can be a mix of luxury and basic services.
• Amenities: Buses often lack toilets and have minimal onboard services. Carry your own snacks, water, and a blanket as air conditioning can be quite cold.

Tips:

For night buses, it is better to buy your ticket the day before as the buses can be very busy, mainly on the weekends. For the rest, we would recommend going to the bus station whenever you want to leave. You will always find a bus but make sure to choose a company you are comfortable with.

Horror stories of accidents due to drunk drivers are often told, so each time, we try to have a glimpse at the driver to make us feel better. Make sure to research and choose bus companies with good safety records. Some recommended companies include Trans Copacabana, El Dorado, and Todo Turismo.

Be ready for a journey on pretty rough roads. Windy, gravel, rugged, bumpy, you name it. If you don’t end up stuck in one of the many strikes Bolivia is famous for, you will hop on a bus for a few hours with no access to toilets (they don’t want to wash them after the service), no seat belts and freezing air conditioning… You have been warned!

Travel with a blanket and don’t forget your earplugs if you don’t want to be kept awake with the TV playing late. Enjoy the ride. It will forever be your best travel story.