Good to Know
Good to Know
Practical tips for your Bolivia trip — altitude, money, safety, and more.
Altitude & Health
La Paz sits at 3,640m and El Alto airport at 4,061m. For reference, the highest point in the Alps is around 3,800m — and most European ski resorts top out around 2,500m. You'll notice the altitude.
That's why our trip starts in Santa Cruz at just 400m. As you travel west through Sucre (2,800m) and on to La Paz, your body adjusts gradually. If you can, follow this route rather than flying directly into La Paz — the altitude hit on arrival is rough.
What to expect: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, maybe some nausea. It's usually mild and passes in a day or two. Take it slow on your first day at altitude, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol that first evening.
Mate de coca (coca leaf tea) is legal, available everywhere, and genuinely helps. Drink it freely — locals have been using it for centuries.
If you feel bad and it's not improving — go lower. Even descending a few hundred meters makes a noticeable difference. From La Paz you can head down to Coroico or the lower Zona Sur relatively quickly. For serious symptoms (persistent severe headache, confusion, breathlessness at rest), seek medical help — La Paz has good clinics.
You can also ask your doctor about Diamox (acetazolamide) before the trip — some travelers take it preventively for the first few days at altitude.
Vaccines & Medical Prep
A yellow fever vaccine is recommended — and required if you're entering from certain countries. You'll also need it for Rurrenabaque and the Amazon lowlands. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
No other vaccines are mandatory, but check with your doctor about hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and routine boosters.
Pharmacies in Bolivia are well-stocked and many medications are available over the counter without prescription. That said, bring your essentials from home.
European health insurance (EHIC) doesn't cover Bolivia. Private clinics are available in major cities if you need them.
Food & Water Safety
Don't drink tap water — bottled water is cheap and available everywhere.
Avoid raw vegetables (salads, tomatoes) at restaurants and street stalls — they're washed in tap water. Cooked food and peeled fruit are fine.
Street food is a big part of the experience and generally safe if it's freshly cooked and hot. Don't be afraid of it — just use your judgement.
Safety & Bloqueos
Bolivia is generally safe for travelers. Normal street smarts apply — don't flash expensive stuff, use registered taxis at night, and keep copies of your passport.
Bloqueos (road blockades) are a regular part of Bolivian political life. Protests and marches happen frequently, especially in La Paz. Roads can close for hours or occasionally days. This is normal here — not dangerous, just something to be aware of and flexible about.
If a bloqueo affects your plans: stay patient, ask locals, and don't try to push through. Our WhatsApp group will be useful for real-time updates from us and other guests.
Money
The currency is the boliviano (BOB). The official rate is roughly 1 EUR = 7–8 BOB, but if you bring euros or dollars in cash and exchange them locally, you'll get significantly better rates.
Cash is king — many places don't accept cards, especially outside major cities. ATMs are widely available in cities but can have withdrawal limits (~2,000–3,000 BOB per transaction). Bring a backup card.
Tipping isn't expected everywhere but is appreciated — around 10% at restaurants if not already included.
Bolivia is very affordable. A good meal out costs 20–40 BOB (~3–5 EUR).
Language
Spanish is the main language. In cities you'll find some English, but don't count on it.
A few basics go a long way — hola, gracias, cuánto cuesta,la cuenta por favor. People appreciate the effort.
Download Google Translate's offline Spanish pack before you go — it's genuinely useful when you're stuck.
Phone & Internet
WiFi is available in most hotels and cafes in cities, but can be patchy.
Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to get — Entel or Tigoare the main providers. You can buy one at the airport or any phone shop with your passport.
Data is very affordable — a few GB costs just a couple of euros.
Power & Plugs
Bolivia uses type A and C plugs. European plugs (type C, two round pins) work in most sockets without an adapter.
Voltage is 230V/50Hz — same as Europe, so no converter needed for European devices.
Weather & Packing
March and April are the end of the rainy season. Expect warm sunny mornings and afternoon showers, especially in La Paz.
Temperatures vary wildly by altitude — Santa Cruz is tropical (30°C+), La Paz days are pleasant (~15°C) but evenings get cold (~5°C).
Pack in layers. Sunscreen and a hat are essential — UV is intense at altitude, even on cloudy days.
A rain jacket and a warm fleece or sweater for La Paz evenings will cover most situations.
