How do you get around Bolivia on a budget?

If you are on a budget, you will probably end up using the extensive network of long-distance public buses (flotas) and shared minivans (micros or trufis). Yes, flights exist inside the country, but they can be a lot more expensive, so most people skip them.

Between cities, the bus options vary a lot, from plain standard seating to more comfortable “cama” buses, which are sleeper style and can recline to about 180°. Taking a cama bus on an overnight trip can reduce the money you’d spend on a hotel room, while still giving decent comfort. For shorter regional routes, shared minivans (trufis) usually leave once they’re full, and the price is often just a few dollars. Even with the good value, travel by road in Bolivia does demand patience. Schedules frequently get pushed back because of rough road conditions, mountain weather, or political road blockades.