Bolivia, Land of Surprises
Bolivia travel truly surprised me.
When I arrived, it was my second-to-last stop during my 10-month solo trip across Latin America — and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.
Other travelers had warned me: “It’s very rustic. Authentic. A little chaotic. But incredible.”
So yes, I was a little nervous.
But oh, what a beautiful surprise it turned out to be.
Bolivia ended up being my favorite country in South America — full of colors, culture, and kindness. Here’s whyY.
1The Most Authentic Travel Destination in South America
If you’re looking for true authenticity, Bolivia will win you over.
I loved seeing Bolivians dressed in traditional clothing — women with long braids tied with colorful ribbons, men wearing beautiful felt hats.
It’s mostly elderly people who dress this way now, but it’s such a lovely sight. There’s something deeply touching about seeing people hold onto their roots so gracefully.
2
The Bolivian People: Friendly, Genuine, and Curious
Bolivians are among the kindest people I met in South America.
They can be shy at first, especially in small towns not used to many tourists, but their warmth shows through small gestures and genuine curiosity.
When I was in Cochabamba, I joined a tour of an old convent and met Grace — a Bolivian student around my age. We hit it off right away. That same evening, she invited me to a choir concert in the church and later to the local fair, where I met her aunt and tried local snacks.
Two days later, Grace decided to join me on a two-day trip to Toro Toro National Park. We hiked, crawled through caves, and even saw real dinosaur footprints. I’m claustrophobic, but it’s still one of my favorite travel memories — and Grace and I still keep in touch years later.
3
Travel to Bolivia’s White City Sucre
Sucre might just be the most beautiful city in Bolivia — all white colonial buildings, calm streets, and lively markets.
One of my favorite places was the ASUR Museum of Indigenous Art, dedicated to traditional Bolivian textiles and culture. You get a full-day ticket, so I recommend going early, taking a break for lunch, and coming back later. It’s near the Recoleta Convent Museum, where you can tour the convent and even walk around a “wishing tree” in a specific direction to make your dreams come true (I won’t reveal mine 😉).
Don’t skip Sucre when you travel to Bolivia — it’s peaceful, inspiring, and full of small surprises.
4
The Uyuni Salt Flats: Bolivia’s Natural Wonder
The Salar de Uyuni is one of the world’s most surreal landscapes — an endless white salt desert that mirrors the sky in the rainy season.
I joined a 3-day Uyuni tour with two friends I’d met earlier in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Our Bolivian guide took us through incredible lagoons, volcanoes, and salt plains. One night, we even slept in a hotel made entirely of salt — walls, beds, everything! There was no heating, so we layered up in warm ponchos bought at local markets.
It’s cold, rustic, and absolutely unforgettable. If you go, do at least three days to see it all — it’s worth every minute.
5
The Amazon Rainforest : A Must-do for Bolivia travel
One of my favorite memories in all of South America was visiting the Bolivian Amazon.
We were a small group of five travelers with two local guides and a Bolivian cook who even prepared gluten-free meals for me (so delicious — you can read more in my article on My Top South America Countries as a Gluten-Free Traveler).
We went piranha fishing (which I found fascinating but a bit sad), spotted alligators at night, and watched their red eyes glint in the dark from our canoe. The craziest part? Swimming in the same river where crocs rest during the day.
But don’t worry — the pink dolphins protect you! They swim around humans and emit a sharp noise to keep predators away. Nature at its most magical.
6
Traditions and Witchcraft in La Paz
La Paz feels like another world — chaotic, colorful, and mystical.
I joined a free walking tour that explained Bolivia’s traditions and introduced us to the famous Witches’ Market, where you’ll find herbal potions, charms, and yes… llama fetuses used for rituals.
FYI, when you travel to Bolivia, these Walking tours are said to be “free”. That being said, guides do expect tips at the end (they’ll suggest an amount, but it’s up to you). It’s worth it for the insight and stories alone.
7
Cholita Wrestling in La Paz
One of the most unique experiences in La Paz is catching a Cholita wrestling show, where traditionally dressed Bolivian women take over the ring in vibrant skirts and braids. You can easily book a ticket online or through your hostel. This ticket usually includes the show, a drink, popcorn, and even a little souvenir keychain.
The whole evening is fun, colorful, and wildly entertaining. Expect music, dancing with the performers, and maybe even a few splashes from flying sodas when the action gets intense!
Don’t worry though — not to spoil the magic, but it’s all part of the act. The wrestlers are skilled performers who make sure no one truly gets hurt, keeping the crowd laughing, cheering, and amazed from start to finish.
8
Safety and Everyday Life in Bolivia
As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe in Bolivia.
I never experienced disrespect or discomfort — people were kind and polite. Some guides can make old-fashioned comments about men and women, but I usually just smile and let it go.
Bolivia also felt like a journey through time — a bit chaotic, yes (catching a bus in La Paz can feel like an adventure on its own), but refreshing. Sometimes you have to shout to the driver to stop, and whether they do depends entirely on their mood. It’s all part of the experience!
9
Bolivia Budget : A Traveler’s Dream
Bolivia is one of the most affordable countries in South America.
You can find a three-course lunch for just a few euros, and public transportation is cheap.
Just be careful with tap water when you travel to Bolivia — it’s better to stick to bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach troubles. (I learned that the hard way!)
- 1$ = 7 BOB (Bolivian Pesos)
Why Exploring Bolivia Stole My Heart
Bolivia may not be the easiest destination, but it’s the one that touched me the most. Its authenticity, warmth, and breathtaking nature made me feel alive in ways few places do.
The people were very kind, welcoming and made the experience very special.
If you ever get the chance to travel to Bolivia, seize it.
It’s one of those places that changes the way you see the world.
Final Tips for Your Bolivia Travel
Bolivia is one of South America’s most authentic and surprising destinations. From the dazzling white Uyuni Salt Flats to the lush Amazon and colonial cities like Sucre. Whether you’re backpacking solo or exploring with friends, these tips will help you make the most of your journey.
- Best time to visit: May to October (the dry season) is ideal for clearer skies and easier road travel. Expect chilly mornings and nights, so pack warm clothes.
- Getting around: Bus rides are long but part of the adventure. For the Salt Flats or Toro Toro, plan guided tours of 3–4 days to fully enjoy.
- Safety: Bolivia feels relatively safe. Still, keep your belongings close, avoid flashing valuables.
- Money : Always carry small bills and some cash — not every place accepts cards, especially in rural areas.
- Health : Altitude can be tough! Drink coca tea, move slowly your first days, and stay hydrated.
- Wi-Fi can be spotty, so download maps and keep essentials offline.
✨ Bolivia rewards the curious traveler. The one willing to take the long road, embrace the cold mornings, and discover magic in the most unexpected places.
