In the heart of South America, next to Peru, above Chile and Argentina, there’s a landlocked nation known as the “America’s Tibet,” known for its snow-capped peaks, the Andes mountain range dominates the surroundings, while the Amazon basin houses vast grassland and colorful rainforests, providing a wide variety of weather and landscapes.
With its alluring beauty and charm, Bolivia invites daring visitors and rolls out the red carpet to showcase the best of the continent. Join us as we see in this guide why Bolivia should not be missed on your bucket list.
Bolivia’s brief history
Bolivia was called “the upper Peru” in the Spanish colonization era, it declared independence in 1825 after a long battle against Spaniard colonizers. Tupac Amaru II, a Peruvian indigenous leader, and Tomas Katari, a Bolivian Indigenous leader as well were symbols of independence in neighboring countries and Bolivia.
Nowadays, Bolivia keeps facing difficulties, especially in the political field. Despite all of this, Bolivia remains a captivating destination, offering visitors an authentic experience of its rich traditions and stunning landscapes.
Its diverse music, craftsmanship, and dances are more reasons to take a trip to the Andean country. Popular musical genres like bolivia folk music, reflect Bolivia's heritage, while local artisans produce exceptional textiles and jewelry. The cuisine varies by region, featuring unique dishes such as “plato paceño” and “majadito de charque”.
Weather in Bolivia
You should know that altitude in Bolivia varies from 1500 and reaches up to 600 meters! That’s because its climate is not tropical. There are two main seasons in Bolivia, the rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season starts in November and extends until April. Although it rains in most of the country, the weather turns pleasant with humidity in low lands.
Although some main roads can be closed due to the heavy rainfall, thrill seekers can still enjoy Bolivia during this time of the year. In Uyuni and the “altiplano,” a large high plateau area is the perfect place for taking spectacular shots.
The dry season, which lasts from November to March, is marked by clear, blue skies during the day but extremely cold nighttime temperatures, often below freezing. The eastern lowlands, including Santa Cruz and the Amazon, boast warm temperatures year-round, with lows around 15°C and highs reaching up to 31°C.
But be aware that July and August are the peak tourist months because of the dry, sunny weather, which means higher prices and more people. Even while it becomes warm during the day, the Amazon can get very cold at night, so pack your clothing appropriately.
Overall, each season offers unique benefits, allowing travelers to experience Bolivia's diverse landscapes and cultures. The ideal time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, specifically in April-May and October. These months offer fewer crowds, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. In April, you can witness the lush greenery that remains after the rains, while October brings a hint of spring, with temperatures starting to warm up.
How to Get to Bolivia
From the US and Canada:
- Direct Flights: American Airlines (Miami to Santa Cruz).
- Common Layover Cities: Miami, Panama City, Bogotá.
- Airlines: Avianca, Copa Airlines, LATAM.
Travel Time:
Miami to Santa Cruz: 7–8 hours.
Los Angeles to La Paz: 10-12 hours.
- Cost: $700 to $1000 (round-trip).
From the UK and Ireland:
- Direct Flights: None; one or more layovers required.
- Common Layover Cities: Madrid, Miami, São Paulo.
- Airlines: British Airways, Iberia, LATAM.
- Travel Time: 15-20 hours.
Cost:
- UK: £600 to £1,000.
Ireland: €600 to €1,200.
From Australia and New Zealand:
- Direct flights: None; many connections are needed.
Common Routes:
Sydney/Melbourne/Auckland to Santiago, then to La Paz/Santa Cruz.
- Via Los Ángeles or Miami.
- Airlines: LATAM, Qantas.
- Cost:
Australia: AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000.
New Zealand: NZD 1,600 to NZD 3,200.
- Travel Time: Often exceeds 25 hours.
Overland Travel:
- Borders: Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay.
Popular Route: From Puno, Peru, via Kasani border crossing to La Paz (around 4 hours).
Best Destinations
La Paz
La Paz is considered the highest capital city in the world! Prepare to see stunning mountains blend beautifully with lively urban life. The views of the mountains are beautiful, and the city is packed with colorful marketplaces and a vibrant arts scene. The blend of modern and ancient buildings that stand together with dignity shows the rich history and traditions.
Isla del Sol
Many people find it fascinating that the Inca Empire may have begun on "La Isla del Sol," or the Island of the Sun. According to legend, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the first Incas, emerged from Lake Titicaca to build a great empire.
When you visit the island, you can discover several interesting ruins, like the "Sacred Rock" and the Chinkana, a maze that holds many stories from the past. Be sure to check out the Yumani Staircases, which take you to the higher part of the island and an ancient water source. These sites provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the Incas!
Tiahuanaco
Near Lake Titicaca lies the imposing Tiahuanaco archaeological site. Huge stone structures such as the Gateway of the Sun and the Akapana Pyramid attest to the flourishing state of this ancient civilization long before the Incas. These marvels show the ancient people's remarkable engineering skills. If you want to enrich your travel with ancient culture and history, then Tiahuanaco is a place that you must see.
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is perhaps the cherry on the cake of all attractions. Uyuni is considered the largest salt flat in the world, stretching over 10,000 square kilometers. The flat surface is perfect for calibrating satellites, which shows just how special this place is.
The rainy season is the best time to visit this salt flat, as a thin layer of water creates an otherworldly mirror effect, reflecting the sky and giving you the chance to take the best pictures you’ll see in your life. This unique destination also features bright lagoons, graceful flamingos, and the famous Incahuasi Island, where you can find tall cacti.
Copacabana is a delightful lakeside town that makes a great starting point for your Isla del Sol adventure. The town is known for its beautiful church and peaceful lakeside scenery, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
Bolivia and its stunning wonders are waiting for you! When you visit this breathtaking country, travel with Viagens Machu Picchu, a reputable travel agency dedicated to making your journey unforgettable. We promise to support you every step of the way on your adventure to this captivating Andean destination!
