Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers.
Yellow Fever: Required if traveling to areas below 2,300 meters (especially the Amazon).
Hepatitis B: Consider if you plan on getting tattoos, piercings, or having intimate contact.
Rabies: Consider if you’ll be in rural areas or around animals.
Routine Vaccines: Ensure you’re up-to-date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Always consult a healthcare professional for the most current info and personal recommendations.
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Bolivia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BoliviaCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and always ask permission before taking photos of people. When greeting, a light handshake is common; in more informal settings, a hug or cheek kiss might occur. Bolivians value punctuality in business settings but are more relaxed socially. For LGBTQ+ travelers, public displays of affection might attract unwanted attention, so discretion is advised. Women should be cautious about catcalling; it’s still common in some areas. Don’t refer to indigenous people as “Indians.” It’s polite to address elders and authority figures with respect, using titles like “Señor” or “Señora.”
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Bolivia.
- Salteñas: These are savory pastries filled with a steamy mix of meat, potatoes, peas, and a spicy-sweet sauce. Often enjoyed as a mid-morning snack, they’re a Bolivian staple and a delicious way to experience local flavors.
- Pique a lo Macho: A hearty dish featuring beef, sausage, potatoes, and a mix of vegetables topped with a spicy sauce. It’s a classic comfort food and a go-to for anyone needing a filling meal after a day of exploration.
- Silpancho: A Cochabamba specialty, this dish consists of a thin, breaded beef cutlet served with rice, potatoes, and a fried egg on top. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering a true taste of Bolivian home cooking.
- Chairo: A traditional Andean soup made with beef, potatoes, chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), and vegetables. It’s a warming dish that’s steeped in history and perfect for chilly highland evenings.
- Sajta de Pollo: This spicy chicken stew cooked with aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper), is commonly served with rice and potatoes. It’s a popular dish during festivals and showcases the typical Bolivian love for vibrant, spicy flavors.
Locals in Bolivia often boil tap water before drinking it, and it’s generally not recommended for tourists to drink it straight from the tap. To be safe, stick with bottled or filtered water, which are widely available and cheap. Always check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s not been refilled.
The main language in Bolivia is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Bolivia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Bolivia,
English is not widely spoken, especially outside major tourist areas. While you may find English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, and some tour operators in cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, the general population predominantly speaks Spanish and indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara.
In rural areas, English proficiency diminishes significantly, making it challenging for travelers to communicate. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can greatly enhance your experience and interactions with locals.
Tourist hotspots may have more English speakers, but it’s advisable to carry a phrasebook or use translation apps for better communication. Overall, while you can navigate Bolivia with some English, being prepared to use Spanish will enrich your journey and help you connect more deeply with the culture.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Bolivia is BOB (Bs).
ATMs are available in cities and larger towns in Bolivia, but don’t rely on them in rural areas. Always have a backup plan. If you’re heading off the beaten path, carry enough cash in Bolivianos. While some ATMs dispense dollars, it’s better to use local currency for everyday expenses.
When it comes to currency, both US dollars and Euros can be exchanged, but US dollars are more widely accepted and easier to exchange. Keep some crisp bills on hand for emergencies or larger expenses. Avoid damaged or marked bills as they might be rejected.
Credit and debit cards aren’t universally accepted, especially in smaller establishments. Bigger hotels and restaurants in cities like La Paz or Sucre might take cards, but always check first and be prepared to pay in cash.
For exchanging money, use official exchange offices or banks. Street exchangers might offer better rates, but there’s a risk of scams. Always count your money on the spot if you use them. Finally, avoid exchanging money at the airport, as rates are often not in your favor.
In Bolivia, tipping isn’t a big deal, but it’s appreciated. At restaurants, leaving a 5-10% tip is a nice gesture if service isn’t included, while taxi drivers don’t typically expect tips but rounding up the fare is common. Hotel staff and tour guides appreciate small tips for good service.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.