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Bolivia

La Paz's museums, markets and cable cars, the ruins of Tiwanaku, Sucre's colonial heart and the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, all high in the Andes.

Best timeMay to SepMoneyBoliviano (BOB)Plugs[plug types and voltage]Main airportLa Paz (LPB)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips start in La Paz, between 3,200 and 4,100 m, where the old center, the Valle de la Luna and Tiwanaku fill three days. Sucre, the first capital, and the Salar de Uyuni lie farther south; BoA's domestic network includes La Paz, Sucre and Uyuni, so check its schedule for the route you need. This guide covers La Paz, Sucre and Uyuni. It does not cover the Chapare region of Cochabamba, where the UK advises against all but essential travel.

The dry season, about May to October, suits most trips: the Valle de la Luna is best from April to October and the Salar de Uyuni is visited from May to November. In the rainy season the salt flat can only be skirted and Isla Incahuasi cannot be visited. Protests and roadblocks can happen with little warning, so check current advice before you travel.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janRainyfebRainymarRainyaprMildmayBestjunBestjulBestaugBestsepBestoctMildnovRainydecRainy

The Gran Poder festival fills central La Paz with dancers between late May and June, and the Alasitas miniatures fair opens on 24 January.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: La Paz]
La Paz in 3 daysPlaza Murillo, MUSEF, Mercado Lanza, Calle Jaén, Valle de la Luna, Laikakota, Tiwanaku, Witches' MarketBalanced pace

Where to stay

La PazThe historic center around Plaza Murillo for museums and walking; Miraflores for Laikakota and the botanical garden; the southern zone for modern, quieter streets with shopping centers and restaurants.Best areas to stay in La PazHotels in La Paz
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SucreThe historic center around Plaza 25 de Mayo for the main sights; La Recoleta at its southern edge; the Parque Bolívar side to the north.Best areas to stay in SucreHotels in Sucre
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UyuniUyuni town for flights, buses and tour agencies; Avenida Ferroviaria toward the train cemetery; Colchani at the edge of the salt flat.Best areas to stay in UyuniHotels in Uyuni
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Getting around

  • Cable cars: La Paz's Mi Teleférico cable cars run from early morning to about 10 PM Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays and holidays.
  • Flights: BoA, the state airline, lists La Paz, Sucre and Uyuni among its nine domestic destinations; check its schedule for your route.
  • Taxis: In La Paz, use a radio taxi ordered by phone or one with a registration sticker, and do not get into a taxi that already has passengers.
  • Day trips: The Valle de la Luna is 5 km from La Paz, about 20 to 25 min by road, and the Tiwanaku site is open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily.
  • Roads: Protests can block roads with little notice. The UK government says to allow extra time, check road status and never cross a roadblock.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates, including evacuation from high altitude.
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Phone dataMobile data helps you check road status, which Bolivia publishes for use inside the country, and keeps flight and bus tickets at hand.How a travel eSIM works
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