Bolivia · Andes
Bolivia is where South America gets weird in the best way
Because of crime, unrest and health risks, expect demonstrations that can block roads with little warning, and do not travel to Chapare Province.
Checked September 29, 2026. Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab)
No dates set. Best months: May, June or September. Add your dates in the Google search. Compare on Skyscanner (opens in a new tab)
Bolivia is where South America gets weird in the best way. The world's biggest salt flat, mountain bikes down Death Road, and markets that exist in a completely different century. Budget travelers go furthest here.
Bolivia is South America at full volume: the world's largest salt flat, mountain bike runs down the Death Road, markets where locals wear bowler hats, and a capital city at 11,000 feet that takes your breath away. Literally.
Go in May, June or September. July and August are great but busy.
Out of 10. The place scores are the same for everyone, and your fit score weighs them by what you care about. Value is yours: experience for the money, next to your other options.
Big days outside
9.2 out of 10
How real it still feels
9.2 out of 10
Views and photos
9.9 out of 10
Beds and the people in them
8.1 out of 10
Getting around on your own
7.7 out of 10
Experience per dollar, for you
Researched picks, sorted by wow factor, best first.
🥾 Scenic Hike
The most surreal landscape on earth. During wet season (Nov–Mar), a thin layer of water creates a perfect sky mirror that ruins your sense of reality.
Best time: November–March (mirror effect)
⚡ Free Adventure
The road was called the world's most dangerous for decades. Now a legendary bike trail: waterfalls, sheer 600m drops, cloud forest, and a 35km/h average speed.
Best time: May–September (dry season)
People have died on this road, including cyclists. Ride at your own pace, follow the guide's lead, and skip it if the weather turns. Before you go, check your insurance.
👁 Hidden Viewpoint
Completely alien landscape within the city limits. The erosion formations look like a sci-fi film set. Almost no international tourists know about it.
Best time: Year round
Sorted for a solo backpacker: social scene and solo-friendliness count for more than star ratings.
Typical nightly prices from our research, checked September 2026. Hostelworld shows the current price and the total before you pay.
Every hostel we picked for Bolivia is a party hostel.
Show them above, or search La Paz on Hostelworld below for quieter options.
Fly via Lima (most direct) or Bogotá. La Paz sits at 11,900ft, so take it slow day one.
Fares usually jump in July and August, when the crowds come. May, June and September are the sweet spot: good weather without peak prices.
Both open without dates from Atlanta, so you can compare days and months for the cheapest fares. Seasonal notes come from when crowds peak, not live fares.
Buses everywhere, cheap and surprisingly good. Teleférico cable car system in La Paz is iconic. Salt flat tours depart from Uyuni.
La PaztoUyuni (salt flats)
La PaztoRurrenabaque (Amazon)
UyunitoAtacama (Chile border crossing)
Tip: La Paz's Mi Teleférico cable car is both transport and sightseeing, so get a 10-ride pass. Buses are excellent and cheap.