Bolivia

May – September

Bolivia is fine to visit year round, but the “mountain season is definitely May – September. 

In May, the weather is more stable and the conditions on the mountain are prime-time for climbing. 

There can still be a bit of periodic cloud and rain during these months – but the weather follows a similar pattern to the other great ranges in that it is typically clear and still all night and through the morning with the afternoon clouds rolling in after 2 or 3 pm. 

The best time to visit Bolivia is between May and September. 

We prefer to run this trip in May at the start of the season as the number of other tourists around is generally less and the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures. 

At the camps above 4500 meters, it is pretty common for temperatures to drop to at or around freezing levels at night. 

This part of Bolivia follows a pretty classic pattern found in the other great ranges; clear and calm all night and through the morning, with afternoon clouds rolling in pretty much like clock work. 

Rain is possible during May – September but rarely are there days and days of storm during this period. Snow conditions vary every year on the peaks – but generally speaking, May is prime time for climbing and trekking in Bolivia. 

We carefully chose a hotel in La Paz that fits our vibe! We opt to stay in the trendy Sopocachi neighborhood of La Paz to avoid all of the hustle and bustle of touristy Old Town. 

The hotel features all of the modern comforts including fast wifi, hot water, and a great cafe/bakery on site. The made to order breakfasts hit the spot as well. 

For the rest of our Bolivia itinerary, we stay in cozy 4-season tents plus one night in a Mountain Hut before climbing Huayna Potosi. 

There are two main mobile operators in Bolivia: Entel and Tigo. 

You can purchase a local SIM card at various shopping points in La Paz or at the airport in El Alto at the start of the trip if you would like to have local data on your phone for the trip duration. 

Note that in the mountain areas, there is no cell signal save from when you happen to be on top of one of the peaks. 

In case of emergencies, your guide also carries a satellite communication device so that we are never out of contact. 

Bolivia is one of the safest countries in South America according to the Global Peace Index. 

Petty crime such as pickpocketing can happen in dense market areas, but genrally speaking we have always felt safe when traveling in Bolivia from a crime perspective. 

The biggest challenege you will likely face is the altitude.

Many tourist destinations in Bolivia, including La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats, are at high altitudes. Altitude sickness is a common issue, so it’s important to:

• Allow time for acclimatization by resting upon arrival for 2-3 days.
• Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days.
• Consider medication for altitude sickness if you have a history of related problems.

Food in Bolivia does not disappoint! 

Top 5 Must-Try Foods in Bolivia

Exploring Bolivian cuisine is a big part of the journey – and there is a lot to look forward to. Here are the top five foods you should try when visiting Bolivia.

1. Salteñas
Salteñas are a popular street food in Bolivia, similar to empanadas but with a unique twist. These baked pastries are filled with a savory mixture of meat (either beef or chicken), potatoes, peas, hard-boiled eggs, and olives, all encased in a slightly sweet dough. What sets salteñas apart is the rich, flavorful broth inside, making each bite a delicious experience. 

2. Pique Macho
Pique Macho is the ultimate post-trek dish that combines diced beef, sausage, boiled eggs, and occasionally chicken, with fried potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and sweet peppers. This dish is often topped with cheese and served with ketchup and mayonnaise. It’s perfect for those with an unreasonable appetite post-expedition. 

3. Silpancho
Silpancho is a staple from Cochabamba, featuring a thinly pounded and breaded beef steak, fried to perfection. Served over a bed of rice and boiled potatoes, it’s topped with a fried egg, and garnished with sliced tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Silpancho is a classic, no-frills lunch plate. 

4. Chairo
Chairo is a traditional Bolivian soup, especially popular in the highland regions. Made with beef, potatoes, chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), carrots, corn, and a mix of Andean herbs and spices, Chairo is what you want on a cold, rainy afternoon. 

5. Anticuchos
Anticuchos are skewers of marinated and grilled beef heart, a favorite street food in Bolivia. These skewers are seasoned with vinegar, garlic, cumin, and aji (chili pepper), then grilled over an open flame. Typically served with potatoes and a spicy peanut sauce.

There is a lot more stuff to try as well! Whether you’re a fan of savory pastries, hearty soups, or spicy grilled meats, Bolivian food has something to offer every palate. 

In terms of alcohol – pretty much everything is on offer. In La Paz, one does not have to look to far to find a trendy bar slinging cold, draft beer.  

Do you need a visa to enter Bolivia?

For most nationalities including European citizens, there is a visa on arrival scheme that is free.

For Americans, it is also possible to have a visa on arrival, but at a cost of $160 USD. A few other paperwork items are required for the visa on arrival for Americans, but everything is easy to manage at the airport once you arrive (the process takes about 10 minutes to complete). We will advise you on what documents you need so you are prepared when you arrive in Bolivia. 

The official currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano. 

ATMs are common in La Paz and many establishments accept cards. For most small transactions, it is customary to use cash. 

It is also possible to change foreign currency upon arrival at the airport in El Alto. 

Our Bolivia itinerary is action packed with great stuff, but if you have extra time, there is no shortage of things to do in Bolivia. 

Uyuni Salt Flats: Discover the Wonder of Salar de Uyuni: The World’s Largest Salt Flat
Salar de Uyuni, located in southwest Bolivia amid the Andes, is the world’s largest salt flat. This expansive area, spanning nearly 11,000 square kilometers, is the remains of a prehistoric lake that dried up, creating a vast landscape of white salt, rock formations, and islands covered with cacti. Central Incahuasi Island offers stunning views of this surreal terrain. While wildlife is sparse in this unique ecosystem, it is home to numerous pink flamingos. 

The Death Road: Although pretty touristy, The Death Road is basically a long, steep road that you can bomb on a bicycle for 64-km (3,500 meters of descent!). 

Other climbs: If you did not get enough mountain time during our trip, there are many other peaks to think about. Illimani, Sajama, and Illampu are classics. 

The Bolivian Amazon: Not too far away from La Paz by car is the start of the Bolivian Amazon. You can get to the Amazonian highlands from La Paz in about 2-3 hours.