If you’re dreaming of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant local culture without draining your bank account, Bolivia might just be your perfect destination. Known for being one of the most affordable countries in South America, Bolivia offers raw beauty and authentic experiences that are harder to find in more touristy spots.
How much does it cost to travel in Bolivia?
🏨 Accommodation
Whether you’re a solo backpacker or a couple looking for privacy, Bolivia has you covered. Hostels with dormitory beds start from around €14 per night, while private double rooms in budget hotels begin at just €18. If you prefer having your own space, entire apartments on Airbnb can be found for as low as €23 per night. While you shouldn’t expect luxury, most places offer warm hospitality and unique character, especially in charming cities like Sucre or Potosí.
Food 🍽️
Eating in Bolivia is not only affordable, it’s an experience in itself. You can grab a warm salteña or a skewer of anticuchos from street vendors for about €1.30. If you’re looking for something more filling, head to a local eatery and enjoy a set meal that includes soup, a main dish, and a drink for around €3 – €4. Even in tourist restaurants, you’ll rarely spend more than €10 for a satisfying meal. Don’t miss the vibrant markets like Mercado Central in Sucre, where fresh juices and local snacks are a must-try.
🚗 Transportation
Public transportation in Bolivia is both cheap and efficient. In cities, you can hop on a microbus or shared trufi for around €0.20. Taxis are also a budget-friendly option, starting at about €0.40 with an additional €0.20 per kilometer, though prices can often be negotiated. For longer journeys, overnight buses are a great solution, with routes like La Paz to Uyuni costing between €8 and €15. One of the more scenic (and underused) options is the train—like the ride from Oruro to Uyuni, which costs just €4.50. It’s not the fastest way to travel, but the views are worth it.
💡 Tip: Choose night buses to save on accommodation—and always bring warm clothes, as many buses aren’t heated!
When to go: Best time to visit Bolivia
The best months for travel are from May to October, during the dry season. These months offer clear skies and make exploring Bolivia’s dramatic landscapes much easier. This is especially important if you’re planning to visit high-altitude areas like the Salar de Uyuni (check this spot on the Findia app) or go trekking in the Andes. From November to March, the rainy season brings lush greenery but also unpredictable weather, road closures, and less favorable conditions for long-distance travel.
Culture and must-see places
Bolivia is home to over 30 Indigenous groups, each with its own language, traditions, clothing, and customs. The country’s rich multicultural identity is visible at every step—from the bright aguayo fabrics worn by women in the streets, to the music of pan flutes echoing through the mountains. Spanish is the official language, but you’ll also hear Quechua, Aymara, and Guaraní depending on the region.
What sets Bolivia apart is the way these Indigenous traditions coexist with colonial history. You’ll find baroque churches standing alongside sacred Andean sites, and modern parades infused with ancient symbolism. Festivals like Gran Poder in La Paz or Carnaval de Oruro aren’t just for show, they’re expressions of living heritage that mix Catholic iconography with pre-Columbian beliefs, dance, and costume.
Markets are another window into daily life. Places like Mercado 16 de Julio in El Alto or Tarabuco Market near Sucre offer a deep dive into local culture: from herbal medicine and handwoven textiles to street snacks and spiritual amulets.
Highlights not to miss
Bolivia’s otherworldly landscapes will leave you speechless—and no trip is complete without a visit to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat (check this spot on the Findia app). After rainfall, its surface transforms into a perfect mirror, creating surreal reflections that blur the line between earth and sky.
Rising from this sea of salt is Isla Incahuasi, a cactus-covered island offering a 360° view like no other (you’ll find it on Findia too). The path to the top may take your breath away (literally—altitude!), but the panorama is worth every step.
If you’re looking for something more offbeat, plan a longer adventure to Sol de la Mañana, a geothermal field where steam vents and bubbling mud pools create a surreal landscape.
⚠️ Note: This spot is not included in the standard one-day Uyuni tour. To see it, you’ll need to book the 3-day itinerary.
👉 Full details, tips, and what to expect during Salar de Uyuni Tour can be found in this article by @travelingisourpassion (IG).If you’re drawn to the strange and cinematic, the Train Cemetery in Uyuni is an open-air gallery of rusted locomotives lost in time—a favorite among photographers and dreamers alike (you guessed it, it’s also on the Findia map).
👉 Craving more jaw-dropping places? Think natural hot springs, colorful lagoons, and volcanic giants. You’ll find them all in our full guide: What to See in Bolivia? TOP 7 Hot Spots in Northern Bolivia — with all spots personally added by @travelingisourpassion (TikTok) on Findia.
You can also explore more of their adventures on their Travel Blog and follow them on Facebook for even more travel inspiration.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip
Altitude is no joke here—many cities sit above 3,000 meters, so give yourself time to acclimatize and drink plenty of coca tea. Always carry some cash, especially outside major towns, as ATMs can be unreliable. When it comes to safety, Bolivia is generally welcoming, but it’s wise to avoid poorly lit areas after dark and opt for official taxi services or ride apps when possible.
Want to explore Bolivia through the eyes of locals and travel creators?
Before packing your bags, meet Findia – a free travel app that helps you:
✅ Discover hidden gems
✅ Explore Travel Creators’ favorite spots
✅ Easily plan your trips
Start exploring with Findia and make every step of your trip count.