Overview
Best Time to Visit
Tours
Things To Do
Travel Guide
Bolivia through the seasons
Although Bolivia lies directly on the equator, the climate is by no means uniformly tropical. Most of the Andean region is set more than 1500 meters above sea level, with some peaks as tall as 6000 meters! Naturally, the fresh mountain air dominates the higher altitudes where, instead of rainfall, you will see snow in November. The Altiplano region (La Paz, Uyuni) remains moderately cool throughout the year. On the other hand, the lowlands experience distinctly tropical weather with temperatures above 86°F.
The best time for travel to Bolivia is between the months of May to October when the weather is dry. Bolivia receives the most amount of tourists in July and August. Traveling in the rainy season can be challenging as many of the roads are difficult to navigate. Some parts of Bolivia can be visited throughout the year.
Best Time To Visit
Most Ideal
Low Season
overview
January is the wettest month of the year with rain across most parts of the country. Temperature-wise, it’s summer! La Paz and Lake Titicaca sit at a pleasant 60°F while the Santa Cruz region show readings in the mid to high 80s.
we recommend
- Gift Ekeko, the god of abundance, at the Feria de Alasitas in La Paz
- Discover the colonial history of Sucre, the capital city
overview
It is still wet and humid though rain levels fall significantly. Temperatures are similar to those in January. Sucre and the Southern Altiplano show day time readings in the range of 68°F – 72°F.
we recommend
- Revel in the festivities at the Carnaval de Oruro
- Head to Copacabana for the colorful Fiesta de La Virgen de Candelaria
overview
It is the last month of the rainy season in Bolivia. Humidity levels continue to be high during the month. Thermometer readings range from the low 60s in La Paz to high 60s in the Sucre region and high 80s in the Santa Cruz area.
we recommend
- Experience the largest mirror on earth – the Salar de Uyuni
overview
April is considered a shoulder month to visit Bolivia. The rains start to subside leaving behind a lush, green countryside. Temperatures in Santa Cruz drop slightly to the mid 80s.
we recommend
- Discover the dark past of the Cerro Rico mines in Potosi
overview
May marks the beginning of winter and the dry season. With the rains gone, hiking and trekking trails open up making May one of the best times to visit Bolivia. Temperatures in La Paz and Lake Titicaca stay at a pleasant 60°F while daytime highs in Santa Cruz drop below 80°F.
we recommend
- Appreciate the untouched natural wonders of Sajama
overview
June is considered to be one of the best months to travel to Bolivia. It’s dry throughout the country with plenty of sunshine during the day time. While daytime highs in La Paz hover around 60°F, nighttime lows are near freezing. The Uyuni salt flats are a popular destination during this time of the year even though average maximum temperatures are only in the upper 50s and average minimum temperatures are below freezing.
we recommend
- Explore the ruins of Isla del Sol
- Watch dancers flaunt their colorful costumes at the Fiesta del Gran Poder in La Paz
overview
With dry conditions and clear blue skies, tourists pour in during the month of July. Even though it is one of the coldest months, it’s a popular time to visit the highest capital in the world, La Paz. It is not uncommon for temperatures to dip below freezing.
we recommend
- It’s party time at the Fiesta de Moxos in Beni
overview
August is one of the busiest times of the year in Bolivia. Temperatures in the Salar de Uyuni start to inch up into the upper 50s. Day time readings for La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Potsoi are around 60°F. Temperatures in Sucre are a pleasant 73°F.
we recommend
- Be part of the celebrations surrounding Bolivia’s Independence Day
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Santa Cruz
overview
Rainfall levels increase a little and the crowds start to leave but it’s still a good month to visit the country. Temperatures show an upward trend across the country with the Southern Altiplano region at a comfortable 65°F.
we recommend
- Experience the Bolivian Amazon at Parque Nacional Madidi
overview
Increased rainfall levels mark the start of the rainy season and summer! Except for the Southern Altiplano region, most other regions experience more rainfall compared to the previous month. This trend is likely to continue until April.
we recommend
- See RED at Laguna Colorado
overview
The month is characterized by wet evenings and foggy mornings. Rainfall levels increase significantly compared to previous months. It is, however, one of the warmest months of the year.
we recommend
- Take a boat ride to the Uros Floating Islands In Lake Titicaca
overview
December is one of the wettest times of the year in Bolivia. It’s hot and humid with temperatures in Santa Cruz around 88°F. Sucre temperatures are in the low to mid-70s, La Paz and Lake Titicaca in the low 60s and the Southern Altiplano around 70°F.
we recommend
- Surreal sunsets await at the Valle de La Luna
Best Time to Visit Bolivia by Season
- In the dry season:May to October
- Rainy season:November to April
Altitude in Bolivia and Tips to Prevent Altitude Sickness
Upon reaching heights of 3000 meters or greater, some people can experience altitude sickness (otherwise known as Soroche), in response to the lack of oxygen in the air. To prevent altitude sickness, we recommend that you take it slow so your body can adapt. In the first hours after your arrival, we recommend that you lie down and drink plenty of water. Acclimatization will generally take you one to two days.
Soroche symptoms include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach illness, dizziness, and sleep disturbance, and usually develop within the first day or two at altitude. It’s difficult to determine who may be affected since there are no specific factors (age, sex or physical condition) correlated with susceptibility. The main cause of Soroche is ascending too rapidly.
High-altitude destinations in Bolivia:
- Sajama, Bolivia: 4,250 m (13,944 ft)
- Potosí, Bolivia: 4,090 m (13,420 ft)
- Puno, Titicaca Lake, Copacabana, Bolivia & Peru: 3,827 m (12,628 ft)
- Uyuni, Bolivia: 3,656 m (11,995 ft)
- La Paz, Bolivia: 3,650 m (11,975 ft)
- Sucre, Bolivia: 2,750 m (9,022 ft)
What to Pack
What you pack for your Bolivia trip will depend on the time of year you are visiting, but in general here are few essentials you should include: Waterproof clothing, hiking and/or trekking boots, winter clothes such as gloves, hat, scarf, thermal layers, warm windproof and waterproof jacket, sunglasses, insect repellent, swimming gear, sandals, light clothing for the summer. Do note that 100% UV sunglasses are a must as is sunscreen (SPF 30+) especially when visiting the salt flats!
From the Blog
By: Mouli3min
Include a taste of the enchanting in your customized South America tours. Jacqueline Spencer captures the heart of an uncharted territory with an account of her recent trip and highlights exactly Bolivia travel is a must.
Read Post
By: Mary4min
What are the top 10 things to do in Bolivia? Here’s our list. Bolivia: The land of quinoa, Jesuit missions and spectacular salt flats that are visible from space. We’re unveiling our top ten list of sites and activities to explore in Bolivia.
Read Post
By: DIANNE GRAHAM2min
In December 2015, Dianne Graham decided on one of ourcustomized South America tours. An avid traveler and a passionate photographer, to Dianne, the journey was all about capturing the beautiful country through her lens. How did she fare? Read on to find out! Exploring Bolivia: Thoughts about my journey Bolivia is a showcase of dramatic…
Read Post
Popular Trips to Bolivia
13 Daysfrom$6,490/ person
From enchanting UNESCO World Heritage sites to rolling sierras and fascinating insights into vibrant cultures – this Bolivia tour offers it all! Explore the best known sights and sounds on a private tour spanning the country.
View Vacation
13 Daysfrom$6,090/ person
This Bolivia tour lets you immerse yourself in the fascinating history, colorful culture and natural splendor. From diverse capital cities to iconic salt flats, the magic of the country is that it still has many unbeaten paths to explore.
View Vacation
9 Daysfrom$5,290/ person
Experience extreme sceneries on your Bolivia and Chile tour. Haunting landscapes, glittering salt pans and the world’s oldest desert will take your breath away!
View Vacation
Best Places To Visit
Bolivia Travel Guide
From language and what to expect to health information, vaccination, visas and currency, discover top tips from our experts in our Bolivia travel guide.
Bolivia Travel GuideThings To Do
What are the top things to do on a Bolivia holiday? From traversing endless salt flats, to climbing mountains and discovering unique cultural delights, our destination experts share their personal favorites.
Things To Do in BoliviaThe Enchanting Difference
Authentic & Unique
Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and exclusive experiences for you.
Personalized & Private
Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences.
High-Quality Experiences
All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team.
Fully Supported Travel
You’ll have a personal and dedicated trip coordinator, backed by 24/7 support in case of emergencies while you’re traveling.
Financial Protection & Flexibility
Your booking is flexible and completely secure with us.
Safe & Secure
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
What Our Guests Say
Enchanting Travels was the only agency willing to adapt to our desire to fly into and out of Santiago after traveling to Bolivia. The Bolivian guide company was as good as we could ever imagine. Our Atacoma experience was also wonderful. Animals, lakes, caldera, and salt flats were not just seen, but every location was augmented with hikes, climbs, discussions and even great outdoor lunches. This was an experience of a lifetime.
Rating 5/5
Larry Witlen
USA
Enchanting Travels was one of kind. They really cared on how we experience the trip. They wanted only the best for us. They did a great job at finding experiences that we would lo d had done if we planned this on our own. Bolivia had SO many hidden gems and we got to see most/ to all of the beauty of Bolivia.
Rating 5/5
Daniele Pepe
USA
Enchanting Travels crafted a two-week, private trip to Bolivia and Chile that was exactly what we asked for, included guides and drivers who were knowledgeable and kept us informed and safe while showing us all the wonderful things to see, included perfectly located, clean and safe hotels, and arranged for in-country transportation that was flawlessly executed.
Rating 5/5
Pamela Robillard Mackey
USA
Enchanting organized a remarkable and exciting journey to Bolivia. Everything was perfect!
Rating 5/5
Hilda Heritage
USA
Enchanting Travels helped plan a beautiful and memorable trip to Bolivia for us. We wanted to do it all and they were able to narrow the scope and create a really awesome itinerary. They made sure to keep in mind our personal preferences and did not miss any details. The booking process was smooth. Very responsive during the planning stage and also while on the trip itself. Accommodations were excellent, transfers and hand-off from one guide to another was very well coordinated. The company was extremely attentive to our safety.
Rating 5/5
Deanna Lopez
USA
The comfort, attention to detail, and planning such a niche trip to satisfy all of your specific needs!
Rating 5/5
Ariella Banin
USA
South America for Asian people is considered a tough destination – not only the long distance but also completely different languages and cultures that made a trip to this continent seemly impossible. Enchanting Travels has made our journey to South America an unforgettable one and even also still in the wishlist to re-visit this wonderful continent and its people again.
Rating 4/5
Pichamon Prisawong
Thailand
This was my first adventure as a solo traveler. But while I may have traveled on my own, I was never alone. I was well taken care of by a superb team of planners, trip coordinators, guides and drivers.
Rating 4/5
Lori McCarney
USA
It’s a real tailor made tour. It’s rather costly but it’s worth it. Just perfect for people who have limited time, like us. Professional guides made the trip enjoyable and knowledgeable. Excellent transportation and chauffeur. All hotels were in a good location, clean , lovely service and served very early breakfast.
Rating 5/5
Nuantip Aroonsri
Thailand
Enchanting Travels made our dream trip come true. We were met at every step of the way by local tour guides and the advice provided by Enchanting Travels on the itinerary was spot on, helping us include better activities and avoid problems. Enchanting Travels helped us plan and delivered the exciting and adventurous trip we hoped for.
Rating 5/5
Barbara Jasny
USA
I think that the support staff was very good and I felt like everyone was considerate and kind and did their best to make my trip enjoyable.
Rating 3.5/5
Dianne Graham
USA
Sensational value for money! Unparalleled service delivery. Our Trip Coordinator couldn’t have done anything more to ensure we had the holiday of a lifetime!
Rating 4/5
Florence Robinson
Australia
Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.
get started
