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Bolivia

Bolivia was once the center of the pre-columbian Tiwanaku culture with its capital near Lake Titicaca. The culture thrived until about 1000AD when it essentially disappeared. The Inca civilization followed shortly thereafter and lasted until the Spanish conquest in the early 1500s. The Spanish controlled the area until the early 1800s when a series of revolts led by General Antonio José de Sucre with the help of Simón Bolívar from the north resulted in the areas independence from Spain and the creation of the Republic of Bolivia – named in honor of Simón Bolívar. Bolivia is a mineral-rich country and its silver mines once helped sustain the entire Spanish empire. The country has diverse landscapes ranging from tropical forests, savannas, wetlands in the north, some of the highest mountain peaks in South America in the west, fertile lowlands to the east, the headwaters of the Amazon to the northeast and deserts in the southwest.

Country Highlights

La Paz: the world’s highest capital city
Lake Titicaca: the world’s highest navigable lake
The Amazon Jungle
Salar de Uyuni: the world’s largest salt flats
North Yungas Road: the world’s deadliest road
Cerro Rico: world famous silver mine in operation since 1545

Capitals: Sucre (constitutional and judicial), La Paz (executive and legislative)

Largest City: Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Official Languages: Spanish, Aymara & 35 other native languages

Currency: Boliviano

Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Total Area: 1,098,581 km² (424,164 sq mi) (27th)

Population: 2018 estimate 11,217,864 (83th)

Density: 10.2 ppl/km² (26.4/sq mi) (224th)

Weather

Natural Events

Date	Name	Location	Type	Seen In
January 1	New Year's Day	Countrywide	National Holiday	All
January 1	Kings’ Day	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All
January 6	Achocalla Festival	La Paz	Local Festival	All
January 22	Bolivia Founding Anniversary	Countrywide	Observance	All
January 24	Alasitas Festival	La Paz	Local Festival	All
February 2	Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All
February & March	Carnival	Countrywide (largest Oruro)	National Holiday
2nd Sunday of March	Phujllay	Tarabuco (Chuquisaca)	Local Festival
March	Uva Festival	Tarija	Local Festival
Late March to Mid-April	Santa Semana (Easter Holy week)	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All

Holidays & Festivals

Date	Name	Location	Type	Seen In
January 1	New Year's Day	Countrywide	National Holiday	All
January 1	Kings’ Day	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All
January 6	Achocalla Festival	La Paz	Local Festival	All
January 22	Bolivia Founding Anniversary	Countrywide	Observance	All
January 24	Alasitas Festival	La Paz	Local Festival	All
February 2	Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All
February & March	Carnival	Countrywide (largest Oruro)	National Holiday
2nd Sunday of March	Phujllay	Tarabuco (Chuquisaca)	Local Festival
March	Uva Festival	Tarija	Local Festival
Late March to Mid-April	Santa Semana (Easter Holy week)	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All
April 12	Good Friday	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All
April 15 & 16	Tarija Founding Anniversary	Tarija	Local Festival
May 1	Labor Day	Countrywide	National Holiday	All
May 3	Festival of the Cross	Countrywide	National Religious Holiday	All
May 25	Sucre Founding Anniversary	Sucre	Local Festival	Grand \| S&S
May 30	Day of the Porteña tradition	Rurrenabaque	Local Holiday	Grand \| J&M
late May/early June	Festival of the Great Power	La Paz	Local Festival	All
June 13	Saint Antonio Festival	Countrywide	National Religious Holiday	All
mid June	Corpus Christi	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All
June 15	Corpus Christi	Potosí	Local Festival	Grand \| S&S
June 21	Aymara New Year	Tiwanaku	Local Festival	All
June 24	Saint Johb Festival	Countrywide	National Holiday	All
1st week June	Holy Trinity	Trinidad (Beni)	Local Festival
June	Equinox of Winter	Tiwanaku	Local Festival	All
July 16	La Paz Founding Anniversary & Virgen de Carmen Festival	La Paz	Local Festival	All
July 22	Magdalena	Magdalena (Beni)	Local Festival
July 25	Apostle Santiago (James) Festival	Andes region	Regional Festival
July 31	Saint Ignacio of Moxos Festival	Beni Department	Regional Festival
August 2	Agrarian Reform Day	Countrywide	National Holiday	All
August 5	Virgin of Candelaria Festival	Copacabana	Local Festival
August 6	Independence Day	Countrywide	Local Festival	All
August 10	Saint Lorenzo Festival	Santa Cruz & Tarija	Local Festival
August 15	Virgen de Chaguaya Festival	Tarija	Local Festival
August 15	Virgen de la Asuncion Festival	Countrywide (largest Cochabamba)	Local Festival
August 21	Saint Jaquine Festival	Beni Department	Regional Festival
last Sunday August	Traditions Day	Santa Cruz	Local Festival
1st Sunday of September	Saint Roque Festival	Tarija	Local Festival
September 8	Virgen de Guadalupe Festival	Sucre	Local Festival	Grand \| S&S
September 14	Exaltation of the Holy Cross	Countywide	Religous Festival
September 21	Spring Equinox Festival	Tiwanaku	Local Festival	All
September 24	Santa Cruz Department Founding Anniversary	Santa Cruz	Regional Festival
1st week October	Festival of the Virgen of the Rosary	Countrywide	Local Festivals	All
2nd Sunday October	Virgen of Guadalupe	Santa Fe Mining District (Oruro)	Local Festival
October 24	Saint Rafael Festival	La Paz	Local Festival	All
November 1 & 2	Todos Santos (All Saints Day)	Countrywide	National Holiday	All
1st Sunday of November	Virgen of Socavon	Oruro	Local Festival
November 18	Beni Department Anniversary	Rurrenabaque	Department Holiday	Grand \| J&M
November 30	Saint Andrew's Day	Cochabamba	Local Festival
December 3	San Francisco Xavier	San Francisco (Santa Cruz)	Local Festival
December 8	Festival of the Immaculate Conception	Cochabamba (Cochabamba)	Local Festival
December 25	Christmas Day	Countrywide	Christian Holiday	All

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Us

How does GBT treat personal information?

You can view our privacy policy here.

How does GBT treat personal information?

You can view our privacy policy here.

Bolivia

Visas - Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Bolivia?

Yes.

Visas - Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Bolivia?

Yes.

Visas - Are visas available upon entering Bolivia?

Visas are “usually” available at the airport. However, it is recommended to get your visa before departing to go to Bolivia because it is possible to be refused entry into the country if you do not have a visa upon arrival. You can apply for a visa at the Bolivian consulate.

Visas - Are visas available upon entering Bolivia?

Money - What is Bolivia’s currency?

The Bolivia currency is the boliviano.

Money - What is Bolivia’s currency?

The Bolivia currency is the boliviano.

Money - Are foreign currencies accepted in Bolivia?

United States currency is often accepted. However, using boliviano’s is recommended when possible because the exchange rate for US currency fluctuates and oftentimes the best rate is not offered. If you do use American dollars, they usually have to be in pristine condition, with no blemishes or even the smallest of tears.

Money - Are foreign currencies accepted in Bolivia?

Money - Where can travelers exchange their money to get local currency?

There are currency exchanges throughout many of the major cities and at the airport. Major banks can also do conversions, however they will often refuse to do so unless you have a bank account with them and if they will do it it will usually involve a fee. Using ATMs is often the easiest and safest way to get local currency. The ATM’s bank will charge a fee and you should check with your bank to determine what fees they may charge. Some United States banks can charge exorbitant fees for using an international ATM and some charge a conversion fee. It is highly recommended that you discuss your specific travel plans with your bank and plan accordingly. We also recommend having at least two different ATM cards from different banks (if possible) in case one is lost, damaged, or unusable.

Money - Where can travelers exchange their money to get local currency?

Money - Are credit cards accepted?

There will often be a minimum purchase required to use a credit card and are rarely accepted for small purchases. Many places will charge a percentage fee for using credit cards. In general, credit cards can be used in larger stores in the larger cities. Fees and conversion rates vary greatly between banks, so, it is highly recommended that you research the fees associated with using your credit card internationally with the specific bank provider before traveling. Although American Express and Discover are often unknown by local vendors, they are often accepted where credit cards are accepted.

Money - Are credit cards accepted?

Money - Are traveler’s checks recommended

Travelers checks have fallen out of favor and are often impossible or complicated to use.

Money - Are traveler’s checks recommended

Travelers checks have fallen out of favor and are often impossible or complicated to use.

Money - How much money should guests consider budgeting for meals?

Many of the meals are included in the tour price. A lunch in Bolivia can range from a few dollars to $20 or more depending on where you choose to eat. Many places will only have small restaurants where the $3 range is common. However, in the larger cities especially in the tourist areas, the prices can be significantly more expensive. Dinner prices are typically slightly more expensive than lunch, however alcoholic drinks can significantly increase the price.

Money - How much money should guests consider budgeting for meals?

Weather - What to expect during the rainy season?

Rainy season in Bolivia can make some places inaccessible. GBT does not coordinate Joinable tours during the rainy season for the Bolivian Amazon jungle because strict schedules are hard to maintain due to fluctuating availability of flights and other means of transportation. However, you can arrange a Private tour in the rainy season and there are many rewards for traveling then – such as fewer tourists, and the ability to see more wildlife due to increased access by boats. In the salt flats rainy season allows for the incredible mirrored effect that creates dream-like scenes. We strive to provide as much access to as many areas as can be safely reached and adjust the itinerary to include

Weather - What to expect during the rainy season?

Weather - Is foul weather gear provided?

Foul weather gear is provided for some optional excursions

Weather - Is foul weather gear provided?

Foul weather gear is provided for some optional excursions

Itinerary - How are road conditions in Bolivia?

Roads in Bolivia are not well maintained outside of major cities. Even within some parts of major cities the roads are dirt and often difficult to navigate. Flooding can make roads impassible. Our tour itineraries minimize surface travel in areas known for problematic road conditions. However, there are often no easily accessible alternative routes when there are major road closures.

Itinerary - How are road conditions in Bolivia?

Itinerary - What kind of vehicle is used for the overlanding in Salar de Uyuni, Atacama and the Pampas?

For the overlanding portion of Bolivia tours we utilize third party suppliers and the majority of the vehicles are Toyota Land Cruisers or similar type vehicles.

Itinerary - What kind of vehicle is used for the overlanding in Salar de Uyuni, Atacama and the Pampas?

For the overlanding portion of Bolivia tours we utilize third party suppliers and the majority of the vehicles are Toyota Land Cruisers or similar type vehicles.

Language - What language do they speak in Bolivia?

Spanish as well as Quechua are widely spoken in Bolivia. There are over 35 languages recognized as national languages in the country.

Language - What language do they speak in Bolivia?

Spanish as well as Quechua are widely spoken in Bolivia. There are over 35 languages recognized as national languages in the country.

Language - In what language(s) is the tour given?

The Tour Hosts for joinable tours speak English, Spanish, and often additional languages. The local guides often speak English, however in some areas, the Tour Host will translate the local guides commentary. For Private tours, other tour language options are available.

Language - In what language(s) is the tour given?

Food/Drink - Is street food in Bolivia safe?

Street food in Bolivia is plentiful and often delicious! It is always a good idea to look at the options available and try to determine where the locals are going because that is usually a good indicator of food quality and value. Uncooked foods such as fruits and vegetables should be washed using vinegar before eating.

Food/Drink - Is street food in Bolivia safe?

Food/Drink - Is the tap water drinkable?

No. Any water to be consumed should be purchased. Some people will use the tap water for things like brushing their teeth and have no problems, however, it is recommended to use bottled water even for brushing your teeth.

Food/Drink - Is the tap water drinkable?

Visas | Entry/Exit - What Travel Documents are needed?

The documentation required is subject to change and it is the guest’s responsibility to understand the requirements and comply with them. We recommend checking the US State Department’s website for up to date Visa documentation requirements.

Visas | Entry/Exit - What Travel Documents are needed?

Choosing a Tour

What’s the difference between Public (Joinable), Private, and Custom tours?

A public tour is open for anyone meeting the age requirements to join a pre-designated tour with other guests based on set dates and capped at a maximum of 10 guests. A private tour uses one of the set public/joinable tour itineraries, however there are no age restrictions or total guest limits and all guests must be approved by the person(s) organizing it. A custom tour is a private tour that does not use one of the joinable itineraries.

What’s the difference between Public (Joinable), Private, and Custom tours?

Group sizes explained

Traveling with the group could be one or more drivers, a Tour Host and one or more local guides. Public/Joinable tours have a maximum of 10 guests and probably average 8 guests. Private tours including Custom tours can be any size group.

Group sizes explained

What languages are tours available in?

Tours are made available in other languages by utilizing a multilingual Tour Host. tours are available in Japanese, German, Italian, French, and other languages based on availability.

What languages are tours available in?

Tours are made available in other languages by utilizing a multilingual Tour Host. tours are available in Japanese, German, Italian, French, and other languages based on availability.

Traveling with children

Public/Joinable tours are the only tours with minimum age requirements – all guests must be at least 21 years old at the start of the tour or 15 or over at the start of the tour traveling with a parent or guardian. There are no GBT regulations regarding minimum ages for Private tours including Custom tours.

Traveling with children

Traveling as a senior

For any prospective guest over the age of 70 at the tour start date must have verification by a doctor that they are physically fit for the tour requirements. For all Private tours including custom tours, there are no age restrictions.

Traveling as a senior

Disabled traveling

The countries in which GBT travels do not enjoy the same regulations that require amenities to support wheelchairs and other assisted mobility devices. The vehicles used for Public/Joinable tours are not set up to accommodate mobility restrictions, so we are only able to accommodate mobility restricted guests on Private tours including Custom tours.

Disabled traveling

Traveling in private groups

Private tours can an utilize itinerary based on Joinable tours or customized the itinerary for specific interests within destination countries. those traveling in the private groups will be regulated by whomever is responsible for the tour.

Traveling in private groups

Traveling solo

Tour prices are based on there being two people in each room. Therefore anyone traveling solo will need to pay a fee, a Single Supplement, for having a private room. There is no additional cost for any other component of the tour and this is in no way a penalty. You can think of it this way, if you and your partner were to get a $100 a night hotel room, it would cost each of you $50. If only you stayed in the same room, you would pay $100. That is exactly what we do when determining a Single Supplement rate, we are simply adding the full cost of the room into the tour price.

Traveling solo

Are there age restrictions to go on a tour?

There are no age restrictions for Private tours including Custom tours. For Joinable tours, all guests must be 21 years old or older by the start of the tour or 15 or older by the start of the tour and accompanied by a parent or guardian (guardian must be 21 or over). A parent or guardian can accompany two guests under the age of 21.

Are there age restrictions to go on a tour?

Where to look for tour descriptions?

Prospective guests can look at the Is This Tour Right for Me sections of any tour to get a better understanding of what the tour entails to make a personal assessment regarding its appropriateness based on the guest’s requirements.

Where to look for tour descriptions?

Making a personal fitness assessment

All guests should consult with their physician prior to booking the tour to better ensure that a tour itinerary is appropriate.

Making a personal fitness assessment

All guests should consult with their physician prior to booking the tour to better ensure that a tour itinerary is appropriate.

What if I am prone to sea or car sickness?

Most itinerary excursions that include traveling by boat can be skipped by guests (the Bolivia Grand and Jungle & Mountains Tours have major boat-based components and are therefore unsuitable for guests wanting to avoid traveling by boat). There are alternative excursions set up in case weather or water conditions prevent the water-based excursion. So, if a guest wanted to skip the components involving boats, they can simply enjoy free time to explore on their own or if sufficient notices given, an alternative itinerary could be set up for them at an additional cost. The enjoyment and comfort of all guests must be considered and if a guest is constantly sick while in vehicles, it can cause other guests to be uncomfortable, and the guest might be asked to leave the tour. It is therefore recommended that someone prone to car sickness look into a Private tour instead of a Public/Joinable tour so that the itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate the guest that is prone to car sickness if required.

What if I am prone to sea or car sickness?

Is GBT able to accommodate dietary needs or restrictions?

On tours all breakfasts, some lunches and some dinners are provided. If we know in advance about specific dietary restrictions we can often accommodate them for the meals that we provide. However, strict restrictions requiring absolute separation of ingredients from the source can usually not be accommodated on Joinable tours. However, they can most often be accommodated on Private tours where locations can be specifically selected for the requested diets. In larger cities, there are restaurants and supermarkets that can usually provide food suitable for most diets. accessing those markets including transportation to and from them are the sole responsibility of the guest. Some of the locations that GBT goes to are remote and, therefore, have limited food options. In those instances, guests can prepare by shopping in the larger cities that are visited and we will provide a cooler for the transportation of a modest amount of guest food.

Is GBT able to accommodate dietary needs or restrictions?

Will I need to carry my luggage to and from my rooms?

For Public/Joinable tours you should expect to get your luggage from the transportation to your hotel room yourself. Many of the hotels will not have elevators. For Private tours including Custom tours luggage service can be included.

Will I need to carry my luggage to and from my rooms?

Can I bring an emotional support animal?

Yes, on Private tours including Custom tours. However, on Joinable tours they are not allowed.

Can I bring an emotional support animal?

Yes, on Private tours including Custom tours. However, on Joinable tours they are not allowed.

Pricing

What is the Registration Fee?

The Registration Fee is an upfront fee charged to all guests for each tour to cover administrative costs.

What is the Registration Fee?

The Registration Fee is an upfront fee charged to all guests for each tour to cover administrative costs.

Is the Registration Fee refundable?

No.

Is the Registration Fee refundable?

No.

Is it possible to apply the Forever Deposit to another Tour or to transfer it to another guest?

A Forever Deposit can be used for any tour regardless of the tour it was originally purchased for. It can be transferred to another guest.

Is it possible to apply the Forever Deposit to another Tour or to transfer it to another guest?

A Forever Deposit can be used for any tour regardless of the tour it was originally purchased for. It can be transferred to another guest.

Does GBT offer discounts?

Yes, we will have promotional discounts offered from time to time. You can request to be notified of promotional rates and flash sales.

Does GBT offer discounts?

Yes, we will have promotional discounts offered from time to time. You can request to be notified of promotional rates and flash sales.

Can the Tour Price change after booking?

Yes, the price of a tour can change even after the final payment has been made. It would be an extremely rare circumstance that would require such a change to be made. For instance, a large valuation change of currency, significant fuel price increases, and other potential expense increases.

Can the Tour Price change after booking?

What is included and what is not included in the tour price?

The list of included and not included tour components is listed on the Included/Not Included tour pages.

What is included and what is not included in the tour price?

The list of included and not included tour components is listed on the Included/Not Included tour pages.

How do Private tour pricings work?

Tour prices vary depending on the number of days, the accommodation level, requested activities, specialty services requests, means of transportation, time of year, and the number of guests.

How do Private tour pricings work?

Tour prices vary depending on the number of days, the accommodation level, requested activities, specialty services requests, means of transportation, time of year, and the number of guests.

What is meant by Single Supplement?

A Single Supplement is the additional amount paid for having single rooms instead of double occupancy rooms.

What is meant by Single Supplement?

A Single Supplement is the additional amount paid for having single rooms instead of double occupancy rooms.