Americas · South America

Bolivia

Plurinational State of Bolivia

Flag of Bolivia
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-04:00
🏛️ Capital
Sucre
👥 Population
11,365,333
📐 Area
1,098,581 km²
💱 Currency
Bolivian boliviano (Bs.)
🗣️ Languages
Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish
📞 Calling Code
+591
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-04:00
🌐 Region
Americas / South America

About Bolivia

Bolivia is one of South America's most extraordinary travel destinations — a landlocked nation of staggering altitude, surreal landscapes, and living Indigenous cultures that have endured for thousands of years. Straddling the Andes and spilling down into the Amazon basin, Bolivia encompasses an astonishing variety of terrain: the vast treeless altiplano plateau, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real, the lush Yungas valleys, and the sprawling lowland rainforests of the east. At an average altitude of 3,650 metres, the capital Sucre and the world's highest administrative city La Paz will take your breath away — quite literally, so take the first day slowly.

Traveling in Bolivia means you are constantly confronted by the extraordinary. The Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flat at over 10,500 square kilometres — creates one of the most otherworldly spectacles on the planet, especially after rainfall when a thin sheet of water turns the surface into a perfect mirror of the sky. At Lago Titicaca on the border with Peru, you can visit the Uros Islands, floating reed platforms where the Uros people have lived for centuries, and explore the sacred Isla del Sol where the Inca believed the sun itself was born.

Beyond the landscapes, Bolivia is defined by its vibrant Indigenous heritage. The majority of the population identifies as Indigenous or mixed heritage, and you will find Aymara and Quechua culture woven into every market, festival, and meal. Cities like Potosí — once the most populous city in the world thanks to its silver mines — carry layers of history so deep and complex they will stay with you long after you leave. Bolivia is challenging, humbling, and utterly magnificent, and for adventurous travelers it delivers experiences that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.

History & Background

Long before the Spanish arrived, the Lake Titicaca region was the cradle of the Tiwanaku civilization, one of South America's most sophisticated pre-Columbian cultures, which flourished from roughly 200 CE to 1000 CE and left behind monumental stone gateways and precisely engineered agricultural terraces. The Inca Empire later absorbed the region, and the highlands of modern-day Bolivia became part of the Inca heartland. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 16th century and the discovery of silver at Cerro Rico in Potosí in 1545 transformed Bolivia into the engine of the Spanish colonial economy. The mountain yielded staggering wealth — and swallowed an estimated eight million Indigenous and enslaved African miners over three centuries of brutal extraction.

Simón Bolívar, for whom the country is named, liberated Bolivia from Spanish rule in 1825, and the country has been navigating complex democratic and authoritarian cycles ever since, including the devastating War of the Pacific (1879–1884) in which Bolivia lost its Pacific coastline to Chile. The 20th century brought a series of military coups and social upheavals culminating in the 1952 National Revolution that introduced land reform and universal suffrage. The election of Evo Morales in 2005 marked a watershed moment for Indigenous rights and resource nationalism, reshaping Bolivia's identity and its relationship with its own history in profound ways.

Culture & People

Bolivia has the highest proportion of Indigenous population of any country in South America, and this demographic reality shapes every dimension of cultural life. Aymara and Quechua peoples maintain their languages, cosmologies, and community traditions with remarkable vitality, and since the election of Evo Morales as Bolivia's first Indigenous president in 2005, Indigenous identity has been formally enshrined in the country's plurinational constitution. The Pachamama — Mother Earth — is not a metaphor here but a living spiritual presence that is honored with offerings, rituals, and thanksgiving ceremonies throughout the year.

Folk festivals are an explosion of color, music, and creativity. Oruro's Carnival is one of UNESCO's Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, featuring the spectacular Diablada dance in which performers in elaborate demon costumes re-enact the struggle between good and evil. Witches' markets in La Paz sell everything from dried llama fetuses to amulets, and the mixing of Catholic and pre-Columbian religious traditions creates a spiritual syncretism that is uniquely Bolivian. Traditional textiles, woven by Aymara and Quechua artisans using techniques unchanged for centuries, are among the most beautiful crafts in South America and make meaningful souvenirs.

Food & Cuisine

Bolivian cuisine is robust, filling, and deeply shaped by altitude — hearty food that sustains people in cold, high conditions. Salteñas, Bolivia's beloved baked pastries filled with a saucy stew of meat, potatoes, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, are the quintessential breakfast food and eaten everywhere from street corners to offices before noon. Soup is a cornerstone of the Bolivian diet — chairo, a thick broth of chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), meat, and vegetables, and sopa de maní, a rich peanut-based soup with fried potatoes and noodles, are particularly beloved. Quinoa, native to the Andean region, appears in soups, salads, and grain dishes and is far more flavorful here than any imported version you have tried elsewhere.

In lowland cities like Santa Cruz, the cuisine shifts toward grilled meats, rice, and yuca, reflecting the tropical abundance of the east. Anticuchos — grilled skewers of marinated beef heart — are a popular street food that might sound confronting but are absolutely delicious. Api morado, a warm purple corn drink spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and chicha, a fermented corn beer, are traditional beverages with pre-Columbian roots. Markets in La Paz and Cochabamba — widely considered Bolivia's food capital — are the best places to eat cheaply, authentically, and memorably.

Top Attractions

  • Salar de Uyuni — The world's largest salt flat, stretching across 10,582 sq km at 3,656 metres above sea level, offering surreal photography opportunities and an unforgettable sense of infinite space.
  • Lago Titicaca — The world's highest navigable lake, shared with Peru, where you can visit floating reed islands, ancient Inca temples on Isla del Sol, and the vibrant border town of Copacabana.
  • La Paz — The world's highest administrative capital, with a dizzying cable car network, the Witches' Market, and a gateway to the Valle de la Luna's lunar rock formations.
  • Potosí — A UNESCO World Heritage city at 4,090 metres whose Cerro Rico mine remains active, offering guided tours into its depths for a visceral experience of colonial history.
  • Sucre — Bolivia's constitutional capital and a beautifully preserved colonial city of whitewashed buildings, excellent museums, and a genuinely pleasant altitude climate.
  • Madidi National Park — One of the most biodiverse protected areas on earth, encompassing Andean cloud forest down to Amazonian lowlands with extraordinary wildlife and community-run lodges.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Acclimatize to altitude before undertaking any strenuous activity — spend at least two days in La Paz or Sucre before trekking, and drink plenty of coca tea or chew coca leaves which genuinely help with altitude sickness.
  • Carry cash in bolivianos at all times; card payments are not widely accepted outside major hotels and restaurants in La Paz and Santa Cruz.
  • Book Salar de Uyuni tours through a reputable operator from Uyuni town — most tours run for two or three days and include the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve and geysers.
  • Dress in layers for the altiplano where temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night.
  • The Death Road (North Yungas Road) mountain bike descent is genuinely thrilling but only ride with an established operator who provides quality bikes and safety briefings.
  • Spanish is the official language though many Indigenous people speak primarily Aymara or Quechua — learning a few words in either language is deeply appreciated.
  • Carry your passport and immigration stamp at all times as police checkpoints are common on intercity roads.

Visa Overview

Citizens of most Western countries including the United States, Canada, and EU nations can enter Bolivia visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a calendar year. Some nationalities, including citizens of Australia and certain Asian and African countries, must apply for a visa on arrival or in advance. The visa on arrival fee is approximately $160 USD for US citizens (due to a reciprocal fee). Always verify the current requirements before travel through the Bolivian consulate website or your country's travel advisory service, as policies have changed in recent years.

Getting Around

Bolivia's main international airports are in La Paz (El Alto International) and Santa Cruz (Viru Viru). Domestic flights on carriers like Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) are the fastest way to cross this large country, and fares are reasonable. Long-distance buses are comfortable and affordable on most major routes. The famous Death Road can only be reached by bus from La Paz. Train services are limited but the scenic route between Oruro and Villazón to the Argentine border is memorable. Within La Paz, the Teleférico cable car network is an excellent, inexpensive way to navigate the city across its dramatic ravines.

Safety Notes

Bolivia is generally safe for travelers who exercise sensible precautions. Petty theft is the most common concern, particularly on overnight buses and in markets — keep bags close and do not display expensive electronics. Express kidnappings (secuestro exprés) have been reported in La Paz, so only use radio-dispatched taxis or apps like InDriver rather than flagging random cabs. Altitude sickness is a genuine health risk — ascend slowly and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe. Protests and road blockades occasionally disrupt travel; check local news and have flexible itinerary plans.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Bolivia.

Bolivian boliviano (BOB) Bs.
Updated: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.576508
AAVE 0.001620
ADA 0.573865
AED 0.529878
AFN 9.018919
AKT 0.178985
ALGO 1.343638
ALL 11.841334
AMD 53.100689
AMP 172.445270
ANG 0.259945
AOA 132.534283
APE 1.000472
APT 0.152824
AR 0.067537
ARB 1.234493
ARS 201.431746
ATOM 0.070129
ATS 1.705463
AUD 0.202159
AVAX 0.015633
AWG 0.258266
AXS 0.122874
AZM 1,226.406206
AZN 0.245281
BAKE 195.144192
BAM 0.242407
BAT 1.489238
BBD 0.288565
BCH 0.000380
BDT 17.729980
BEF 4.999762
BGN 0.242407
BHD 0.054250
BIF 429.828297
BMD 0.144283
BNB 0.000225
BND 0.184688
BRL 0.722826
BSD 0.144283
BSV 0.009591
BSW 168.568023
BTC 0.000002
BTG 0.375068
BTN 13.907265
BTT 448,463.559876
BUSD 0.144356
BWP 1.961529
BYN 0.396775
BYR 3,967.754422
BZD 0.290403
CAD 0.198357
CAKE 0.102062
CDF 331.121198
CELO 1.793037
CFX 2.450240
CHF 0.113380
CHZ 2.934484
CLP 130.002337
CNH 0.981701
CNY 0.981362
COMP 0.006549
COP 548.149442
CRC 65.319040
CRO 2.064672
CRV 0.611528
CSPR 48.841963
CUC 0.144283
CUP 3.462066
CVE 13.666959
CVX 0.083130
CYP 0.072539
CZK 3.013088
DAI 0.144354
DASH 0.003364
DCR 0.008572
DEM 0.242407
DFI 146.931612
DJF 25.673468
DKK 0.926181
DOGE 1.383350
DOP 8.540927
DOT 0.115539
DYDX 0.997513
DZD 19.154663
EEK 1.939258
EGLD 0.036810
EGP 7.693500
ENJ 3.359324
EOS 1.783616
ERN 2.164238
ESP 20.622025
ETB 22.719494
ETC 0.016201
ETH 0.000068
EUR 0.123941
EURC 0.123844
FEI 0.144833
FIL 0.149514
FIM 0.736919
FJD 0.318155
FKP 0.107570
FLOW 3.998453
FLR 17.272509
FRAX 0.145298
FRF 0.812999
FTT 0.446559
GALA 42.911690
GBP 0.107570
GEL 0.385449
GGP 0.107570
GHC 16,505.801904
GHS 1.650580
GIP 0.107570
GMD 10.658638
GMX 0.021807
GNF 1,265.615375
GNO 0.001220
GRD 42.232850
GRT 5.736669
GT 0.020338
GTQ 1.099921
GUSD 0.144604
GYD 30.176202
HBAR 1.602900
HKD 1.129918
HNL 3.838239
HNT 0.175193
HOT 363.642431
HRK 0.933832
HT 0.994985
HTG 18.884799
HUF 44.692339
ICP 0.055865
IDR 2,557.424936
IEP 0.097611
ILS 0.418755
IMP 0.107570
IMX 0.847574
INJ 0.027682
INR 13.907265
IQD 189.047705
IRR 190,187.548806
ISK 17.773010
ITL 239.982978
JEP 0.107570
JMD 22.814940
JOD 0.102296
JPY 22.931391
KAS 4.175084
KAVA 2.505261
KCS 0.018012
KDA 17.345655
KES 18.658388
KGS 12.621370
KHR 578.673193
KLAY 2.773834
KMF 60.974908
KNC 1.004903
KPW 129.851443
KRW 217.170566
KSM 0.028976
KWD 0.044416
KYD 0.120007
KZT 67.701731
LAK 3,164.765021
LBP 12,934.628046
LDO 0.405115
LEO 0.014303
LINK 0.014886
LKR 48.051617
LRC 8.902726
LRD 26.443926
LSL 2.402203
LTC 0.002657
LTL 0.427943
LUF 4.999762
LUNA 2.279604
LUNC 1,835.675879
LVL 0.087106
LYD 0.916177
MAD 1.327829
MANA 1.637128
MBX 3.684656
MDL 2.496822
MGA 603.727819
MGF 3,018.639097
MINA 2.525713
MKD 7.637757
MKR 0.000084
MMK 302.884419
MNT 516.384207
MOP 1.163815
MRO 57.687642
MRU 5.768764
MTL 0.053208
MUR 6.822116
MVR 2.228383
MWK 251.117565
MXN 2.496773
MXV 0.282535
MYR 0.573426
MZM 9,215.383905
MZN 9.215384
NAD 2.402203
NEAR 0.089419
NEO 0.049903
NEXO 0.162214
NFT 510,138.645001
NGN 197.820452
NIO 5.303481
NLG 0.273130
NOK 1.338021
NPR 22.262055
NZD 0.246439
OKB 0.001764
OMR 0.055501
ONE 70.389148
OP 1.123805
ORDI 0.034663
PAB 0.144283
PAXG 0.000032
PEN 0.493768
PEPE 39,179.292417
PGK 0.637458
PHP 8.903837
PI 0.950541
PKR 40.197982
PLN 0.525803
POL 1.587264
PTE 24.847912
PYG 878.167340
QAR 0.525188
QNT 0.001928
QTUM 0.159788
ROL 6,456.640933
RON 0.645664
RPL 0.083134
RSD 14.546879
RUB 10.456870
RUNE 0.322393
RVN 26.106486
RWF 210.957487
SAND 2.003501
SAR 0.541059
SBD 1.155150
SCR 2.118154
SDD 8,660.283253
SDG 86.602833
SEK 1.357564
SGD 0.184688
SHIB 25,031.730113
SHP 0.107570
SIT 29.701189
SKK 3.733842
SLE 3.304773
SLL 3,304.772571
SNX 0.465786
SOL 0.001698
SOS 82.448222
SPL 0.024047
SRD 5.370889
SRG 5,370.888612
SSP 680.238540
STD 3,069.285730
STN 3.069286
STX 0.604001
SUI 0.136364
SVC 1.262472
SYP 15.948364
SZL 2.402203
THB 4.706541
THETA 0.730824
TJS 1.343027
TMM 2,530.153967
TMT 0.506031
TND 0.419012
TON 0.071702
TOP 0.343237
TRL 6,576,899.423764
TRX 0.404516
TRY 6.576899
TTD 0.978675
TUSD 0.144458
TVD 0.202159
TWD 4.564777
TWT 0.301952
TZS 375.426118
UAH 6.368855
UGX 543.757105
UNI 0.040863
USD 0.144283
USDC 0.144331
USDD 0.144430
USDP 0.144478
USDT 0.144415
UYU 5.783367
UZS 1,736.011188
VAL 239.982978
VEB 7,464,111,907.572821
VED 74.637789
VEF 7,463,778.909214
VES 74.637789
VET 21.419289
VND 3,799.017634
VUV 17.131232
WAVES 0.379619
WEMIX 0.534113
WOO 8.543443
WST 0.388849
XAF 81.299878
XAG 0.001896
XAU 0.000032
XAUT 0.000032
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.390623
XCG 0.259945
XCH 0.051984
XDC 4.641417
XDR 0.105552
XEC 19,669.371824
XEM 216.791760
XLM 0.982795
XMR 0.000373
XOF 81.299878
XPD 0.000103
XPF 14.790079
XPT 0.000073
XRP 0.104385
XTZ 0.421973
YER 34.428685
ZAR 2.402203
ZEC 0.000252
ZIL 36.698467
ZMK 2,726.939327
ZMW 2.726939
ZWD 52.215845
ZWG 3.738392
ZWL 9,341.210933

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Cities in Bolivia 297
Browse all cities and towns
Achacachi Achocalla Aiquile Apolo Arani Arroyo Concepción Ascensión de Guarayos Atocha Bermejo Betanzos Camargo Camiri Capinota Caracollo Caranavi Challapata Chimoré Cliza Cobija Cochabamba Colcapirhua Colomi Colonia Belice Colonia Casas Grandes Colonia El Cerro Colonia El Dorado Colonia El Palmar Colonia Manitoba Colonia Menonita Canadiense 2 Colonia Menonita El Tinto Colonia Menonita Iboperenda Colonia Menonita Las Piedras 2 Colonia Nuevo Valle Colonia Rivas Palacios Colonia Swift Current Colquechaca Colquiri Comarapa Concepción Copacabana Cotoca Cuatro Cañadas Durango El Alto El Paso El Torno Entre Ríos Entre Rios Eucaliptus Fernandez Alonso General Saavedra Guayaramerín Huanuni Irpa Irpa Ivirgarzama La Guardia La Paz Lahuachaca Llallagua Machacamarca Magdalena Mairana Mayaya Minero Mizque Monteagudo Montero Municipio Alalay Municipio Ancoraimes Municipio Antequera (Bolivar) Municipio Anzaldo Municipio Arani Municipio Arque Municipio Ascencion de Guarayos Municipio Aucapata Municipio Ayo Ayo Municipio Baures Municipio Belén de Andamarca Municipio Bella Flor Municipio Bolivar Municipio Bolpebra Municipio Boyuibe Municipio Buena Vista Municipio Cabezas Municipio Cajuata Municipio Calacoto Municipio Calamarca Municipio Capinota Municipio Caquiaviri Municipio Carangas Municipio Caraparí Municipio Catacora Municipio Chacarilla Municipio Charagua Municipio Charazani Municipio Chipaya Municipio Chuma Municipio Colcha K Municipio Collana Municipio Colquencha Municipio Colquiri Municipio Comanche Municipio Combaya Municipio Concepción Municipio Coroico Municipio Cotagaita Municipio Cotoca Municipio Cruz de Machacamarca Municipio Culpina Municipio Curva Municipio de Las Carreras Municipio El Choro Municipio El Puente Municipio El Villar Municipio Entre Rios Municipio Escara Municipio Esmeralda Municipio Exaltación Municipio Filadelfia Municipio General Saavedra Municipio Guanay Municipio Guaqui Municipio Gutiérrez Municipio Huacaraje Municipio Huacaya Municipio Huachacalla Municipio Icla Municipio Ingavi Municipio Inquisivi Municipio Irupana Municipio Ixiamas Municipio La Asunta Municipio La Rivera Municipio Lagunillas Municipio Licoma Municipio Loreto Municipio Machacamarca Municipio Magdalena Municipio Mairana Municipio Mizque Municipio Mocomoco Municipio Mojinete Municipio Monteagudo Municipio Moro Moro Municipio Nueva Esperanza Municipio Omereque Municipio Oruro Municipio Padcaya Municipio Padilla Municipio Pailón Municipio Pampa Grande Municipio Papel Pampa Municipio Pazña Municipio Pelechuco Municipio Pojo Municipio Porco Municipio Poroma Municipio Porongo (Ayacucho) Municipio Porvenir Municipio Postrer Valle Municipio Presto Municipio Pucará Municipio Puerto Carabuco Municipio Puerto Pérez Municipio Puerto Siles Municipio Quiabaya Municipio Quillacas Municipio Quime Municipio Quirusillas Municipio Sabaya Municipio Sacabamba Municipio Saipina Municipio Samaipata Municipio San Agustin Municipio San Andres Municipio San Antonio de Esmoruco Municipio San Carlos Municipio San Javier Municipio San Javier Municipio San Joaquin Municipio San Lorenzo Municipio San Matías Municipio San Pablo de Huacareta Municipio San Pablo de Lipez Municipio San Pedro de Curahuara Municipio San Pedro de Quemes Municipio San Rafael Municipio San Ramón Municipio San Ramón Municipio Santa Rosa del Sara Municipio Santiago de Andamarca Municipio Santiago de Machaca Municipio Santos Mercado Municipio Sapahaqui Municipio Sena Municipio Sicaya Municipio Sopachuy Municipio Soracachi Municipio Sorata Municipio Sucre Municipio Tacopaya Municipio Tapacarí Municipio Tarabuco Municipio Taraco Municipio Tipuani Municipio Todos Santos Municipio Toledo Municipio Tomave Municipio Tomina Municipio Trigal Municipio Umala Municipio Uriondo Municipio Urubichá Municipio Vacas Municipio Villa Alcala Municipio Villa Azurduy Municipio Villa Mojocoya Municipio Villa San Lorenzo Municipio Villa Serrano Municipio Vitichi Municipio Waldo Ballivián Municipio Yaco Municipio Yamparaez Municipio Yanacachi Municipio Yapacaní Municipio Yotala Municipio Yunchará Municipio Yunguyo del Litoral Municipio Zudañez Muyupampa Okinawa Oruro Padilla Pailón Palos Blancos Pandoja Patacamaya Pocpocollo Poopo Porco Portachuelo Potosí Puerto Quijarro Puerto Suárez Punata Quillacollo Reyes Riberalta Roboré Rurrenabaque Sacaba Salinas de Garcí Mendoza San Borja San Ignacio San Ignacio de Moxos San Ignacio de Velasco San Javier San José de Chiquitos San Juan de Yapacaní San Julián San Lorenzo San Matías San Ramón San Ramon Santa Ana Santa Ana del Yacuma Santa Barbara Santa Cruz de la Sierra Santa Fe Santa Rosa Santa Rosa del Sara Santiago de Huari Santiváñez Santos Reyes Shinahota Siglo XX Sipe Sipe Sucre Tarabuco Tarata Tarija Tiquipaya Totoral Trinidad Tupiza Ucurena Uncía Uyuni Vallegrande Viacha Villa Montes Villa Serano Villazón Vinto Warnes Yacuiba Yapacaní

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Bolivia needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Bolivia?
The capital of Bolivia is Sucre.
What currency does Bolivia use?
Bolivia uses the Bolivian boliviano (Bs.) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Bolivia?
The official language(s) of Bolivia include Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish.
What is the population of Bolivia?
Bolivia has a population of approximately 11,365,333 people.
What region is Bolivia in?
Bolivia is located in Americas, specifically in the South America subregion.
What is the international calling code for Bolivia?
The international dialing code for Bolivia is +591.
What time zones does Bolivia observe?
Bolivia observes the following time zone(s): UTC-04:00.
What is the current time in Bolivia?
The local time in Bolivia is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Bolivia?
Bolivia covers a total area of 1,098,581 km².
How many states or provinces does Bolivia have?
Bolivia is divided into 9 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Bolivia in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Bolivia in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Bolivia?
Visa requirements for citizens of Bolivia vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.