Sucre is widely seen as the prettiest place in Bolivia, a city that, somehow, keeps capturing visitors’ attention. It is also the constitutional capital, and visitors often mention the preserved colonial architecture, the bright whitewashed walls, and the calm temperate weather. Furthermore, it is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which adds a special…
Night buses in Bolivia are generally safe if you book the premium “cama” tickets, especially with well-known operators like Todo Turismo or Trans Copacabana. Still, accidents can happen on mountain roads, and petty theft while you are inside the cabin is something people do worry about. Reputable companies usually keep their vehicles in excellent condition,…
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…
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are going to Bolivian regions that are highly prone to the disease, for instance, the Amazon basin (Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz), or if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. Even if it is not strictly required to enter high-altitude cities like…
The CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus for all travellers heading to Bolivia. Depending on your own travel route, shots for yellow fever, rabies, and hepatitis B might also be suggested. Hepatitis A and typhoid are picked up through spoiled food and contaminated water, so they are important for just…
No, tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Bolivia. If you consume it, you can end up with nasty gastrointestinal illnesses, mainly because of waterborne bacteria and parasites that foreign immune systems do not handle well. Travellers should stick to bottled water, or water that has been boiled very thoroughly, or water cleaned…
Credit cards are widely accepted at modern hotels, big supermarkets, and reliable tour agencies in major Bolivian cities. Still, Bolivia remains a heavily cash-driven place, so cards are seldom taken in rural zones, open-air markets, or small neighbourhood shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most recognised networks; American Express has more limited use. When you…
Yes, US dollars are accepted by many upscale hotels, big tour operators, and premium restaurants in Bolivia, but they are not really used for daily local spending. Any US currency you bring in must be in pristine condition, as vendors check it carefully. The Boliviano is needed for markets, buses, and small stores, but larger…
Bolivia’s official currency is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). It comes in banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200, and also coins in lower values. Over time, the Boliviano has generally kept a steady exchange rate compared to the US dollar. When you shop in markets, eat in local restaurants, or use public transport, the…
To avoid altitude sickness, rise gradually, keep yourself well-hydrated, skip alcohol, and take it easy for the first couple of days once you reach a higher elevation. Some people find that chewing coca leaves or using a prescription option like acetazolamide, also known as Diamox, helps the body acclimatise more quickly, which is really the…