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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 2.013904
AAVE 0.001634
ADA 0.769021
AED 0.530160
AFN 9.178213
AGIX 1.850292
AKT 0.230164
ALGO 1.612636
ALL 11.833353
AMD 53.119932
AMP 323.645857
ANG 0.260329
AOA 132.578781
APE 1.029788
APT 0.230826
AR 0.072319
ARB 1.804837
ARS 215.465557
ATOM 0.091293
ATS 1.737503
AUD 0.208392
AVAX 0.020909
AWG 0.258403
AXS 0.142962
AZM 1,227.054107
AZN 0.245411
BAKE 192.121425
BAM 0.246961
BAT 1.639151
BBD 0.288719
BCH 0.000598
BDT 17.795679
BEF 5.093689
BGN 0.246961
BHD 0.054279
BIF 429.758701
BMD 0.144359
BNB 0.000247
BND 0.186585
BRL 0.746061
BSD 0.144359
BSV 0.009778
BSW 431.316265
BTC 0.000002
BTCB 2.724071
BTG 0.500283
BTN 13.753812
BTT 544,318.693983
BUSD 0.144236
BWP 1.948379
BYN 0.419208
BYR 2,829.716128
BZD 0.290749
CAD 0.205132
CAKE 0.099688
CDF 333.072035
CELO 2.148719
CFX 3.226688
CHF 0.116128
CHZ 7.996250
CLP 132.983773
CNH 0.980398
CNY 0.980010
COMP 0.008614
COP 482.525437
CRC 65.782630
CRO 2.415159
CRV 0.675278
CSPR 74.330680
CUC 0.144373
CUP 3.825892
CVE 13.923709
CVX 0.120028
CYP 0.073902
CZK 3.053979
DAI 0.144428
DASH 0.004104
DCR 0.013005
DEM 0.246961
DFI 173.756942
DJF 25.709368
DKK 0.943852
DOGE 1.868046
DOP 8.555644
DOT 0.165485
DYDX 1.093105
DZD 19.198918
EEK 1.975689
EGLD 0.052231
EGP 7.091215
ENJ 4.988123
EOS 1.993033
ERN 2.165390
ESP 21.009434
ETB 23.091072
ETC 0.020326
ETH 0.000081
EUR 0.126269
EURC 0.126361
FEI 0.144411
FIL 0.182828
FIM 0.750763
FJD 0.324160
FKP 0.108194
FLOW 5.151227
FLR 20.768391
FRAX 0.145931
FRF 0.828272
FTT 0.606052
GALA 63.013804
GBP 0.108194
GEL 0.379166
GGP 0.108194
GHC 16,400.630236
GHS 1.640063
GIP 0.108194
GMD 10.645682
GMX 0.024360
GNF 1,265.675973
GNO 0.001373
GRD 43.026244
GRT 7.608859
GT 0.021294
GTQ 1.101902
GUSD 0.144550
GYD 30.216615
HBAR 1.911795
HKD 1.132216
HNL 3.864821
HNT 0.602404
HOT 400.040362
HRK 0.951376
HT 4.029143
HTG 18.895863
HUF 44.649192
ICP 0.065487
IDR 2,597.384747
IEP 0.099445
ILS 0.433607
IMP 0.108194
IMX 1.044845
INJ 0.029548
INR 13.753812
IQD 189.283066
IRR 198,650.403351
ISK 18.182966
ITL 244.491344
JEP 0.108194
JMD 22.869777
JOD 0.102351
JPY 23.364520
KAS 4.706036
KAVA 3.199535
KCS 0.019996
KDA 24.768072
KES 18.664338
KGS 12.626277
KHR 578.856555
KMF 62.120395
KNC 1.295063
KPW 129.935995
KRW 221.282612
KSM 0.040968
KWD 0.044795
KYD 0.120096
KZT 68.244866
LAK 3,263.826715
LBP 12,963.960158
LDO 0.534403
LEO 0.015423
LINK 0.018079
LKR 48.345237
LRC 11.749361
LRD 26.219114
LSL 2.346386
LTC 0.003198
LTL 0.435982
LUF 5.093689
LUNA 2.939576
LUNC 2,351.314127
LVL 0.088742
LYD 0.925974
MAD 1.351729
MANA 2.074640
MBX 5.740026
MDL 2.540887
MGA 612.592733
MGF 3,062.963663
MINA 3.044995
MKD 7.778405
MKR 0.000101
MMK 303.057376
MNT 517.403824
MOP 1.166182
MRO 57.652831
MRU 5.765283
MTL 0.054207
MUR 6.785852
MVR 2.231707
MWK 250.410929
MXN 2.523303
MXV 0.286119
MYR 0.588590
MZM 9,219.725524
MZN 9.219726
NAD 2.346386
NEAR 0.072452
NEO 0.072982
NEXO 0.187650
NFT 544,710.515620
NGN 197.812587
NIO 5.313992
NLG 0.278261
NOK 1.419980
NPR 22.016414
NZD 0.253733
OKB 0.001810
OMR 0.055561
ONE 115.494961
OP 1.342786
ORDI 0.044471
PAB 0.144359
PAXG 0.000035
PEN 0.491584
PEPE 52,926.234115
PGK 0.635078
PHP 8.879961
PI 1.276121
PKR 40.162171
PLN 0.542031
POL 1.962943
PTE 25.314710
PYG 878.083999
QAR 0.525468
QNT 0.002156
QTUM 0.203081
ROL 6,598.842661
RON 0.659884
RPL 0.071300
RSD 14.810369
RUB 11.123993
RUNE 0.349064
RVN 37.878548
RWF 211.612138
SAND 2.893354
SAR 0.541347
SBD 1.168164
SCR 2.062865
SDD 8,665.099505
SDG 86.650995
SEK 1.393477
SGD 0.186585
SHIB 32,971.690212
SHP 0.108194
SIT 30.259161
SKK 3.803987
SLE 3.297160
SLL 3,297.159849
SNX 0.630427
SOL 0.001789
SOS 82.435056
SPL 0.024060
SRD 5.434352
SRG 5,434.351663
SSP 685.589283
STD 3,116.552380
STN 3.116552
STX 0.844227
SUI 0.193228
SVC 1.263144
SYP 15.957881
SZL 2.346386
THB 4.798544
THETA 1.029041
TJS 1.338108
TMM 2,532.921758
TMT 0.506584
TND 0.425562
TOP 0.347662
TRL 6,758,246.353776
TRX 0.439580
TRY 6.758246
TTD 0.978177
TUSD 0.144662
TVD 0.208392
TWD 4.632525
TWT 0.419929
TZS 379.319861
UAH 6.433459
UGX 527.563399
UNI 0.045677
USD 0.144359
USDC 0.144404
USDD 0.144506
USDP 0.144796
USDT 0.144515
UYU 5.810328
UZS 1,727.663172
VAL 244.491344
VEB 9,303,071,229.5690
VED 93.022430
VEF 9,302,242.979392
VES 93.022430
VET 30.601042
VND 3,796.680708
VUV 17.350826
WAVES 0.543257
WEMIX 0.557594
WOO 12.191903
WST 0.399271
XAF 82.827193
XAG 0.002338
XAU 0.000035
XAUT 0.000035
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.390763
XCG 0.260329
XCH 0.091599
XDC 5.137621
XDR 0.106478
XEC 27,176.544505
XEM 337.215778
XLM 0.723103
XMR 0.000446
XOF 82.827193
XPD 0.000114
XPF 15.067929
XPT 0.000088
XRP 0.126103
XTZ 0.580163
YER 34.212213
ZAR 2.346386
ZEC 0.000317
ZIL 46.796970
ZMK 2,648.893961
ZMW 2.648894
ZWD 52.243640
ZWG 3.872234
ZWL 9,675.643983

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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.