Bolivia Travel Insights

Volcanoes in the desert on plateau Altiplano, Bolivia

Bolivia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It's still peak season in August in Bolivia, with plenty of blue skies and dry days that are ideal for tackling outdoor pursuits all over the country—from hikes in the footsteps of Incas in the Andes to jungle tours by boat in the Amazon. In the latter half of the month, temperatures begin to slowly creep up in the rainforest and the savanna, but it’s still nice and cool on the altiplano. The best digs are snapped up quickly during this popular month.

Bolivia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The onset of spring in September marks the end of the peak season rush in Bolivia, so in many ways this is a fantastic month to visit, with largely dry days, warm weather and far fewer crowds. As the country edges into the less busy shoulder season, you should be able to snag some deals on tours and accommodation. While rising temperatures have taken the bitter edge off nights on the altiplano, this is the hottest time of year in the Amazon.

Bolivia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is the height of spring in Bolivia. If you want to sidestep the crowds of winter, this is a fantastic time to visit, as there is still plenty of dry, sunny weather everywhere from the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes. Rains are slowly but steadily increasing, so come prepared for the odd downpour. Shoulder-season benefits are many, especially when it comes to scoring deals on tours, outdoor activities, and accommodation. And the drop in visitor numbers is a blessing at big-hitters like the Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca.

Bolivia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Summer is swiftly approaching and bringing with it rainy days to much of Bolivia in November, though nothing like what will fall in the coming months. Come now and you'll experience the country at its tranquil best, with few crowds at major sights and milder weather up on the altiplano, where the showers are slowly transforming the parched highlands into a lush carpet of wildflowers.

Bolivia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Christmas might be around the corner (along with several other interesting festivals) but the weather in Bolivia this month is surprisingly good. In fact, of all the low season months from November through March, December is arguably best for a visit, with lower rainfall, higher temperatures, and more overall sun. And if the rain does come down, Bolivia has a phenomenal culture to tap into, which can usually be done indoors: at one of La Paz's standout museums, for example, or in buoyant cities like Sucre or Tarija.

Bolivia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is peak season in Bolivia, with warm, bright, largely sunny days, though things can feel cooler up on the altiplano. Such reliable weather makes this a brilliant month to come for outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking in the Andes to expeditions into the wildlife-rich Amazon. That said, this is also one of the busiest months, ruling out special deals on accommodation and tours. Plan ahead if you want to visit during this popular time.

Views of Salar de Uyuni from Incahuasi Island

Bolivia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

One of the driest, brightest months of the year, June ushers in the start of peak season. But with the biggest crowds still yet to arrive, this a terrific time for snapping up the few remaining deals on tours and accommodation. Cooler temperatures everywhere from the Andes to the Amazon also mean this is a great month for all manner of outdoor pursuits, but you’ll want to pack layers for the chilly nights. The country celebrates some memorable festivals now too, such as the winter solstice celebrations at Tiwanaku.

Arbol de Piedra, or Stone Tree, in the Dalí Desert

Bolivia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The rain steadily eases up in May, bringing with it drier days, brighter skies and refreshingly cooler temperatures. This is a great time to visit all regions of the country, from the heights of the Andes to the depths of the rainforest. And if you’re up for an outdoor adventure, go now for perfect conditions for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. Just bear in mind that you won’t be the only one traveling—the dry season marks the start of peak season in Bolivia.

River crossing on the trek from Pongo to La Paz

Bolivia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The end of the wettest weather brings travelers in greater numbers than have been seen in Bolivia for some months. Suddenly, visitors are eyeing up Bolivia's phenomenal outdoor activities, particularly its hiking, and crowds of both international and national holiday-makers descend on the country for that famous Latin American celebration of Semana Santa, or Holy Week. As the rain decreases, so it begins to get both sunnier and cooler in most areas.

Bolivia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It might still be a wash-out of a month in much of Bolivia, with rain especially heavy in the Amazon, but in the Andes and Savanna it's slowly drying up. Sun is definitely on the horizon, if not already here in places, with average daily temperatures in much of the savanna only a degree or two off their annual highs. It's an important time for harvesting coca (in the Andes and parts of the Amazon) and grapes (in the Savanna)—plus, Carnival can also fall at the beginning of March, as can Holy Week.

Bolivia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The rainfall slackens off a little bit in February compared to the last couple of months, but this remains a decidedly drippy time of year in the majority of the country. Temperatures are almost at their annual peaks in the rainforest and much of the savanna, while the Andes are decidedly chilly. However, one big party this month brightens things up, and that's Carnival time. There are some truly spectacular celebrations across Bolivia for this at the end of the month.

Bolivia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The rain comes down heavily in January across the majority of Bolivia, despite temperatures in some regions such as the rainforest being at their annual high. There is still plenty to see and do. This is a brilliant time to explore Bolivia's big cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, including a glut of cultural attractions that visitors in better weather pass over. The southeastern savanna is the most agreeable region now, and though parts of the Andes and rainforest inaccessible due to rain, swelling water levels make for excellent white water rafting.

Kallawaya ceremony in Apolobamba National Park

Remote Trekking in Bolivia's Andes & Amazon - 14 Days

Adventurous travelers interested in Bolivia's indigenous communities will responsibly explore remote treasures from the Andes to the Amazon on this two-week tour. Start your trip in the high-altitude metropolis of La Paz before heading to Lake Titicaca. Here, you'll meet community leaders and agritourism guides who will take you on a three-day trek through some of the most beautiful villages in the Andes. Then, head to Apolobamba National Park in the Amazon for canoeing and hiking excursions, before a final free day back in La Paz.

Explore the Bolivian Highlands - 9 Days

This nine-day itinerary balances excursions into the remote highlands with multiple days of activities in Bolivia's most exciting cities. Begin in the modern, high-altitude city of La Paz before taking a private car to the northern shore of the Uyuni Salt Flats, where you will hike the Tunupa Volcano and learn about indigenous Andean cultures. After exploring the flats, you will continue on to Sucre to tour its colonial-era streets, visit its impressive museums, and learn about Bolivian independence before enjoying a final free day in the capital.

Explore Bolivia: La Paz & Great Uyuni Salt Flats - 7 Days

Perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of the Bolivian highlands, this weeklong itinerary combines excursions and hikes with the urban comforts of La Paz. Begin your trip with a walking tour of the high-altitude city before being transported to the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flats. You'll be able to enjoy remote sites like the Tunupa Volcano, Incahuasi Island, and colored lagoons filled with flamingoes before heading back to La Paz to sample more Andean cuisine and stroll through markets filled with art and textiles.

Bolivian Glamping Experience: Uyuni Salt Flats - 4 Days

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of southern Bolivia, glamping in a glass dome camp in the heart of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Alpacas, llamas, and flamingos are the only neighbors you will see for miles, and you can wake up every day to breathtaking scenery. Each day, you'll have several activities to choose from, including extreme sports, cultural excursions, and archaeological visits.

Bolivia Highlights: La Paz, Sucre, Uyuni Salt Flats - 10 Days

Perfect for travelers looking to explore Bolivia's best cities and UNESCO-designated natural wonders, this 10-day itinerary combines cultural experiences with jaw-dropping desert vistas. You'll start in the colonial gems of Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Sucre before continuing on to a lush hacienda that dates back to the 1550s. Then, set off for the protected Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve that's home to colorful lagoons, the magical Uyuni Salt Flats, and Siloli Desert.

Explore the Bolivian Amazon - 7 Days

Nature-loving travelers won't want to miss this weeklong excursion into the Bolivian Amazon. Begin your itinerary in the vibrant city of La Paz before heading to protected parks in the rainforest where you will meet indigenous guides and go birdwatching, hiking, and canoeing. End your trip with a river safari and a little relaxation at your eco-friendly lodge before your departure.

The Vergel Canyon in Toro Toro National Park

Active Adventure in Bolivia - 7 Days

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, this 7-day itinerary showcases Bolivia's best national park as well as two of its most culturally vibrant cities. You'll begin with guided tours of Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba before heading to Torotoro National Park for three days of caving, hiking, and swimming underneath waterfalls. Then, end your trip with a night in Bolivia's exciting capital of La Paz and the nearby Moon Valley.

Landscape at Eduardo Avaroa National Park

Bolivian Highlands: La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni & Eduardo Avaroa - 8 Days

This unique journey takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Central Andes in Bolivia. You'll begin by exploring the sprawling twin cities of La Paz and El Alto, before setting out to sacred Lake Titicaca. Then, you'll get to see the great Uyuni Salt Flats and witness the many natural wonders of the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve like geysers, colored lakes, and a surrealist desert.

Lake Titicaca & La Paz - 5 Days

Perfect for travelers who want to experience the culture and hospitality of Bolivia, this short and accessible adventure balances easy hiking excursions with immersive activities led by locals. Start your trip by exploring the ancient historical sites in Copacabana, then explore Lake Titicaca with your welcoming host family in Santiago de Okola before topping it all off with two exciting days in the Bolivian capital of La Paz.

Jesuit Missions of Bolivia - 5 Days

This short itinerary is perfect for travelers who are interested in Bolivia's religious sites and colonial history. Begin your trip with a walking tour of the cosmopolitan, historic city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra before continuing on to tour the missions of Santa Cruz, San Javier, and Concepción. End your adventure with a day in Biocentro Güembé, a sprawling nature resort with a butterfly observatory and tropical bird aviary.

Experience Bolivia - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for an ideal mix of Bolivia's charming cities and some of it's most striking geological features. See Colonial architecture and learn about indigenous history in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Sucre, Potosí, and Uyuni before taking an excursion to the famous Uyuni Salt Flats and hiking to the Tunupa Volcano. At the end of your trip, you'll have a full day in La Paz to spend as you'd like.

San Pedro de Atacama & Great Uyuni Salt Flats - 5 Days

This itinerary is perfect for those looking for a short trip through some of the most awe-inspiring natural sites in Chile and Bolivia. Start your trip in the Chilean desert town of San Pedro de Atacama, head to the otherworldly terrain of the Valley of the Moon and the Valley of Death, hike around the Licancabur Volcano, and end your trip with a tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats.

View of La Paz and the mountains from a cable car

La Paz City Adventure - 5 Days

Perfect for travelers who prefer a more metropolitan experience, this five-day trip will focus on the most exciting sites in and around Bolivia's capital city. Start your trip with a day of archaeological exploration in the UNESCO site of Tiwanaku before heading to La Paz for posh Andean cuisine, a cable-car tour, an adventurous day of cycling in the mountains, and immersive experiences in some of La Paz's most unique neighborhoods.

Views from Incahuasi island over the Uyuni Salt Flats

Bolivian Landscapes: La Paz, Torotoro, & Uyuni Salt Flats - 10 Days

Take in the many natural angles of Bolivia on this 10-day trip. From the rock features that give the Valle de la Luna its name to going underground beneath dinosaur foot prints in Torotoro National Park, and out to the expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, you'll be surrounded by all the many ways in which the land can be shaped.

Bolivian Landscapes, Cultures, and Communities: Cochabamba, Torotoro, Uyuni, La Paz, & More - 14 Days

Take in the ever-changing landscapes and culture of Bolivia on this two-week itinerary. You'll start with a trip out to Samaipata, an archaeological and geological site in the Andean midlands. Explore the city in Cochabamba, then return to nature with canyon treks and caverns in Torotoro National Park. Scope out historical architecture in Sucre and Cayara before you finish your trip with the famed Uyuni Salt Flats.

Bolivia & Chile Highlights: From La Paz to Uyuni & Atacama - 14 Days

This exciting itinerary will take you through some of Bolivia's most varied landscapes. You'll begin the journey in Santa Cruz and transfer to the cultural patrimony city of Samaipata. The journey continues in La Paz before a week of natural wonders, as you travel to the Uyuni Salt Flats, visit Eduardo Avaroa Natural Reserve, and cross over to Chile to traverse the otherworldly Atacama Desert.

Trekking in Bolivia: La Paz & Cordillera Real - 6 Days

Challenge yourself on one Bolivia's most epic treks through the Cordillera Real, which boasts incredible landscapes. The journey will start with two exciting days in La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital and the highest capital in the world. You will get ready for trekking through the mountains by walking down from the top to the bottom of the city, hitting some exciting landmarks and local markets. You will then spend the next three days on an alternative Inca Trail. Enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery and pass through small towns that will give you a feel of Bolivia's Andean culture.

A llama scales the rugged mountains in Potosí

Sonq'oman: Into the Heart of the Bolivian Highlands - 14 Days

This complete two-week trip takes you to the cultural and geographical core of highland Bolivia, a place that has long deflected outside influences due to its rugged remoteness and the tenacity of its native cultures. Still far removed from the effects of mainstream tourism, western Bolivia offers a wealth of unmediated exchanges with its Quechua and Aymara inhabitants as they go about life as farmers, herders, miners, and fishermen. The high plateau holds glaciated volcanoes, enormous basins with a surreal menagerie of creatures—from ostriches to llamas to flamingos—and deep canyons with stones of every hue.

Drive through unique landscapes in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve to see the Árbol de Piedra

Explore Bolivia: Andes to Amazon - 18 Days

With glaciated peaks over 21,000 feet high and mighty rivers rolling through the largest forest on earth, Bolivia is a land of superlatives. Explore diverse extremes from the Andes to the Amazon on this complete 18-day itinerary, starting in one capital, Sucre, and ending in the next, La Paz. Along the way, you'll visit high-altitude lakes and bubbling mud and geysers in Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, herd llamas and farm quinoa in Santiago K, trek Isla de la Luna on Lake Titicaca, and seek out exotic wildlife in the Amazon's Madidi National Park.

The Bolivian Amazon and its Native Peoples - 6 Days

Explore the richness of wildlife and connect with the native people of the Bolivian Amazon on this culturally immersive 6-day adventure. You'll experience life in the jungle as you stay at sustainable eco-lodges designed, run, and owned by local tribal communities—eco-tourism projects developed to protect their way of life and slow the advance of deforestation. You'll canoe rivers and their tributaries, sway in hammocks, fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle, fish for piranhas, and hike into the thick of it all.

Uyuni Salt Flats - 3 Days

This incredible expedition takes you to and through some of the world's most extreme —and beautiful—landscapes. Start in the dusty town of Uyuni, visit the famous train cemetery, and stay in a hotel made mostly from salt. Spot unique Andean wildlife in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve and experience the wild Mars-like landscapes of the Salvador Dali Desert.

Musicians from Kutapampa share their traditional music and instruments

Apolobamba National Park Trek- 3 Days

Trek for 3 days in the Apolobamba National Park between villages on a "PachaTrek" to experience life and nature in the high Andes. Accompanied by your local guide, learn about traditional medicine, sacred sites, and indigenous farming methods. Stay the night in comfortable lodges and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals.

Traveler Interview: Heritage Trip to Bolivia

Adopted as an infant, kimkim traveler Casi Brough always dreamed of going back to her birth country of Bolivia. So when she and her husband Tim finally got the chance, they wanted to see it all. From planning the itinerary to hanging out on the famous Salt Flats, read all about Casi's two-week adventure below—and get inspired by her gorgeous photos, which will have you booking a flight to Bolivia in no time.

Explore the Farms and Markets of Bolivia's Andes - 12 Days

Welcome to the Central Andes! On this 12-day adventure, you'll get to know the rich farming history of Bolivia's highlands as you visit lively markets, speak with local farmers and their families, and enjoy the traditional flavors and foods of the region. Dividing your time between the countryside and the city, you'll discover La Paz and Lake Titicaca, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and eastern farming valleys on this best-of-Bolivia trip.

View of Salar de Uyuni from Volcán Tunupa, Bolivia

Bolivian Cities, Cloud Forests & Salt Flats - 9 Days

Immerse yourself in Bolivia's diverse beauty as you travel from the city to the cloud forest to the desert on this 9-day trip. Begin and end your tour in the world's highest capital city, and discover its many cultural treasures. Explore otherworldly red lakes and salt flats, engage with local communities, and travel on the exhilarating Death Road.

Toro Toro National Park, Potosi, Bolivia

Toro Toro National Park Adventure - 3 Days

Get off the beaten track with a visit to Bolivia's Toro Toro National Park — a small, beautiful park known for its caves, canyons, and dinosaur footprints! Explore ancient caverns, hike deep into verdant canyons, and seek out cave paintings, giant iguana-shaped rocks, and dinosaur footprints preserved in the stone.

Andes-to-Amazon Adventure Expedition - 6 Days

From the heights of the majestic Andes to the depths of the Amazon jungle, this tour will guide you through Bolivia's most beautiful extremes. Get ready to explore the landscape by bicycle, jungle boat, and on foot — and don't forget your camera! The scenery is unlike anything you've ever seen before.

Exploring the Andes and Amazon Rainforest - 10 Days

From the world's highest capital in the Andean highlands to the lush Amazonian hotbed of ecological diversity, Bolivia's natural wonders will enchant every visitor. Explore the hilly streets of La Paz, located above 11,000 feet. Experience a community-based agritourism village run by indigenous craftspeople, and learn traditional ways of life. Walk along the shores of the sacred Lake Titicaca, the second-largest lake in South America. Visit the Amazon river basin and see wildlife in their native habitat, including capybaras, macaws, caimans, anacondas, and the unique pink river dolphin.

Bolivia & Atacama, Chile – 12 Days

From La Paz to Potosi to the salt flats of Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, this trip will take you through some surreal landscape in Bolivia and Chile. Explore the Witches Market in Laz Paz, see the dinosaur footprints at Cal Orcko, and bathe in the hot springs of Sol de Mañana. Culture, nature and the mystical collide on this incredible adventure.

The best off-the-beaten-track adventure, from Tupiza to Uyuni

Tupiza to Uyuni: Best Off-The-Beaten Path Adventure - 7-Day Itinerary

Multi-colored mountains, giant cacti, canyons, monumental rock formations varying in color from white to red blood, turquoise-blue lagoons, brick red, emerald green — just to name a few of the highlights on this magical 4WD expedition from Tupiza to Uyuni. Welcome to southern Bolivia!