Bolivia Travel Blog: how to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats and the surrounding destinations

Bolivia

Bolivia is truly one of a kind. Known as a country of extremes, it offers a diverse range of landscapes. From the stunning salt flats of Uyuni to the vibrant lagoons and the high-altitude town of La Paz, Bolivia is a country with unmatched beauty.

Comprehensive Guide to South America: Bolivia Travel Blog

What you need to know before traveling to BOLIVIA

  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but there are more than 30 indigenous languages spoken around Bolivia.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) and it’s a good idea to always carry cash in local currency.
  • Visas: Citizens from the U.S., Canada or EU don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. But, check the official government website for the latest entry requirements.
  • Time Zones: Bolivia follows Bolivia Time and does not have daylight savings. Compared to Peru, Bolivia is 1 hour ahead.
  • Travel Insurance: I highly recommend having a travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents and trip cancellations. I used TrueTraveller but it’s only available to EU residents.
  • Mobile: The most affordable option is purchasing a local SIM card, which you can buy at airports, mobile stores or kiosks in major cities.
  • Plugs: Bolivia uses type A, C and O plugs. For foreign travelers, I recommend carrying a universal power adaptor.
  • Transportation: The most common form of transportation in Bolivia is by bus, which can cover long distances and connect most cities across the country. Alternatively, you can opt for domestic flights, but keep in mind that they’re often subject to delays.
  • Accommodation: The most popular type of accommodation are hostels, guesthouses and Airbnbs. For more comfort, there are also mid-range and luxury hotels.
  • Tipping: Customary but not mandatory.
  • Must-try food: The main local dishes in Bolivia are Salteñas (similar to empanadas), Pique Macho (plate with beef, sausage, fries, vegetables and hard-boiled eggs) and Sopa de Mani (Peanut Soup).

The Best Time to Visit BOLIVIA

Bolivia’s climate varies greatly depending on the region you’re visiting, so the best time to travel largely depends on where you’re headed. However, in general, the ideal time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, from May to October.

If you’re hoping to witness the stunning mirror effect on the Salar de Uyuni, the best time to visit is during the rainy season, between November and March. During this time, the salt flats transform into a vast natural mirror, reflecting the sky, clouds, and distant mountains. Just be aware that some areas may have limited access during this period.

BOLIVIA Adventure GUIDE

  • La Paz: is the world’s highest governmental capital city. La Paz is located at high altitudes and you can enjoy the stunning views of the city from the Telefericas cable cars. Nearby, you can take a thrilling ride along the Death Road, known for its winding and narrow paths.
  • Salar de Uyuni: is the world’s largest salt flat and you can visit it as part of a day trip or multi-day tour that will take you to the border with Chile. The mirror effect created by the white salt is absolutely breathtaking and a view that you definitely want to see at least one in your lifetime. Stargazing is another perfect activity here due to the remote location.
  • Copacabana on Lake Titicaca: located on the border with Peru, Copacabana is the getaway to Isla del Sol on lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
  • Potosi: was one of the richest cities in the world due to silver mining. A major highlight of the city today is taking a tour to one of the mines to get to know more amount the history of the place.
  • Sucre: is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the constitutional capital of Bolivia.

Why you should travel to BOLIVIA

Bolivia is one of the most breathtaking and off the beaten path destinations. Since the country remains off the radar for mass tourism, tourists get to explore authentic experiences away from the crowds. From the unique Salar de Uyuni to the largest navigable lake of Lake Titicaca, Bolivia has a diverse range of landscapes to explore.

While Bolivia has experienced political unrest in recent years and has gained the reputation of being an unsafe country for travelers, with the right measurements and attention, you can enjoy Bolivia in complete safety. Before your trip keep an eye on the local news and have a flexible travel plan in case you need to adjust your itinerary.

South America Bolivia Travel Blog: Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia at sunset

TRAVEL TIP: Bolivia sits at high-altitudes, including La Paz, which is located at 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level. Therefore, altitude sickness is quite common and you need to take it easy the first few days to properly acclimatize.

Best Places to Travel in BOLIVIA if you like:

Based on your interests and what you wish to explore during your trip to Bolivia, here’s a travel guide to the best places in the country.

Outdoors

  • Salar de Uyuni: is one of the main reasons why many travelers visit Bolivia. Although most of the time is spent in a 4×4 vehicle traveling around the vast salt flat, you can stop at the Tunupa volcano for a hike. The views from above are stunning as you can see the large stretch of white salt up to the horizon.
  • Cordillera Real: is a high-altitude trek near la Paz that delivers breathtaking beautiful views while providing simultaneously a great degree of solitude. This trek is for mountain lovers but not for beginners as it involves technical terrain and experience at high altitudes.
  • Madidi National Park: is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and home to a vast range of wildlife. This destination is ideal for those that want to experience the Amazon rainforest and get a change to spot exotic animals in their natural habitat.
  • Torotoro National Park: is situated in central Bolivia and is known for its deep canyons, caves and ancient dinosaur footprints.

Wineries

  • Tarija: is Bolivia’s wine-producing region and is located in the southern part of the country. Here, you can visit local wineries, get some wine tasting and tour the vineyard landscapes.
  • Valle de los Vinos: is a hidden gem for wine lovers in the southern region, where you get to explore Bolivia’s wine culture off the beaten path.

Historic Towns

  • Sucre: serving as the constitutional capital of Bolivia, Sucre has well-preserved colonial architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Some of the key attractions include Plaza 25 de Mayo, Casa de la Libertad and the Recoleta Convent.
  • Potosi: the Cerro Rico mountain, the Royal Mint of Bolivia and the colonial architecture are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
  • La Paz: known as the political capital of Bolivia, some of the landmarks in la Paz include Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church and the Witches’ Market.

Read all my posts about traveling in Bolivia