Planning a trip to Bolivia doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a stunning destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Bolivia?
You should plan to spend around $63 ($b437) per day on your vacation in Bolivia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $27 ($b190) on meals
- $11 ($b79) on local transportation
- $33 ($b227) on hotels
A one week trip to Bolivia for two people costs, on average, $879 ($b6,118). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$439
$b3,059
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$879
$b6,118
-
One Month
Per person
$1,883
$b13,110
-
One Week
For a couple
$879
$b6,118
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,757
$b12,236
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,765
$b26,220
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bolivia cost?
A one week trip to Bolivia usually costs around $439 ($b3,059) for one person and $879 ($b6,118) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Bolivia on average costs around $879 ($b6,118) for one person and $1,757 ($b12,236) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bolivia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Bolivia on average costs around $1,883 ($b13,110) for one person and $3,765 ($b26,220) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Bolivia expensive to visit?
Bolivia is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within South America, Bolivia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Colombia or Peru.
In Bolivia, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. Budget accommodation options are available, such as hostels in La Paz, Sucre, and Copacabana, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Bolivia doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $25 ($b174) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $63 ($b437) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $157 ($b1,079) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bolivia.
For more details, see Is Bolivia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Bolivia?
The average Bolivia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bolivia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bolivia cost?
Bolivia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6.55
($b46)
|
$16
($b113)
|
$40
($b275)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.21
($b29)
|
$11
($b79)
|
$33
($b228)
|
|
Food 2
|
$11
($b78)
|
$27
($b190)
|
$63
($b440)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7.17
($b50)
|
$18
($b126)
|
$46
($b317)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
($b16-47)
|
$6-17
($b39-116)
|
$13-39
($b91-274)
|
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Bolivia for just $25 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Thankfully, Bolivia offers a wide variety of hostels, with the largest selection found in La Paz, Sucre, and Copacabana.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $63 per person.
Bolivia has a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals to fit any travel style. You'll likely be cutting your individual costs by sharing your hotel room with a partner, friends, or your kids. In family-friendly spots like Sucre and Copacabana, you'll come across plenty of hotels and restaurants designed with kids in mind. In Sucre, check out Bella Vista El Tronco, or consider Hotel Villa Antigua in Sucre. For more family and couples options, see our hotel guide for Bolivia here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $157. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Treasures of the Incas - offered by Luxury Gold.
Accommodation Budget in Bolivia
Bolivia offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Bolivia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $33 ($b227). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $16 ($b113) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Bolivia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 ($b79) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bolivia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bolivia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
$b79
Some typical prices for transportation in Bolivia are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Bolivia. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
-
Taxi Ride
$b10
-
Mini Bus
$b4.00
-
Taxi Ride
$b30
-
Taxi Ride
$b4.00
-
Taxi Ride
$b10
Food Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Bolivia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bolivia is $27 ($b190) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$27
$b190
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bolivia is about $28 ($b190) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $11 to $64 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Bolivia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Bolivian cuisine is usually made of "meat and potatoes". Beef is the most common meat option, but you may also find chicken, pork, or even llama. Most meat is deep fried and it can be smelled throughout the cities. Fried chicken is also a common dish. Other interesting options available include guinea pig or rabbit. Vegetarians may struggle to find filling meals, particularly in more rural areas.
Pique a lo macho: This traditional Bolivian dish is made with grilled pieces of meat. There are prepared with a spicy sauce, tomatoes, and onions and then served on potatoes.
Silpancho: This dish is made with pieces of beef that have been pounded thin into a patty. They are served over rice and potatoes with an egg on top.
Anticucho: This unique Bolivian dish is made from skewered beef hearts that are grilled and served with a spicy corn sauce and potatoes.
When dining out with children, be sure to look for a restaurant that features a kids' menu. This can help you save a lot, as these meals tend to be more affordable. Also, since some places don't advertise their kids' options, it's good to ask the waiter before ordering.
While a lot of hotels come with breakfast included in the price, others might charge extra. The quality and price can vary significantly between hotels. Understanding this beforehand can guide your decision on whether to splurge on the hotel buffet or seek a cheaper meal at a local bakery or café.
Bring your own water bottle instead of buying drinks at every turn. It's also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you understand which meals are included. If you end up paying for some meals yourself, it could have an impact on your travel budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Bolivia, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Adelante Mujer Bolivian Cooking Workshops for $29 details
- La Paz Cultural Food Tour for $65 details
- Traditional Bolivian Cooking Class w/ Cocktail Making by La Boca del Sapo, Sucre for $40 details
- Bolivian Cooking Class for $28 details
Below are some standard food costs in Bolivia, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
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Cappucino
$b17
-
Cappuccino
$b30
-
Empanada
$b1.50
-
Cookie
$b3.00
-
Popcorn
$b4.00
-
Pizza
$b53
-
Banana
$b1.00
-
Cookies
$b9.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bolivia typically cost an average of $18 ($b126) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
$b126
A nice way to explore destinations in Bolivia is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Salar de Uyuni tours 1 day for $59 details
- Walking Tour on the Political History of La Paz Bolivia for $30 details
- Day tour Uyuni salt flats for $165 details
- Walking artistic city tour - Smells like La Paz spirit for $30 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Bolivia. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
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Hot Springs
$b12
-
Towel Hire
$b20
Nightlife Budget in Bolivia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 ($b77) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bolivia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
$b77
Enjoying nightlife is great, but being mindful of your drinking can help keep your budget in check.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Bolivia. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Private Tour in Uyuni Salt Flats with Wine Tasting for $170 details
- Cultural Pub Crawl La Paz Nightlife Tour for $50 details
- Bolivian Wine Tasting with Charcuterie Board for $33 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Bolivia, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
-
Beer
$b11
-
Wine
$b20
-
Beer
$b6.00
Traveling in Bolivia
Sucre, Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most remote countries in the western hemisphere. Located in the middle of South America, it is one of only two completely landlocked countries on the continent (the other being Paraguay). It is also incredible diverse, both in terms of geography and population. Sixty percent of the popular is of pure Native American ancestry. Along with Peru, it claims Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. A trip to Bolivia is unlike any other experience.
Because of the dramatic range of altitude, Bolivia's climate is quite diverse. You can experience almost any climate including humid and tropical or cold and semiarid. It can generally be said that winters are dry and summers are somewhat wet. Some major cities, such as La Paz, are located at high elevations, meaning they are cool year around. Because Bolivia is in South America, the summer runs from November through March and the Winter is between April and October.
Bolivia can generally be broken down into three regions. The Altiplano is the region of the Andes that falls above 3500m. It is also where you find La Paz. Sub-Andean Bolivia is the area that includes the highland valleys. It is located in the south central part of Bolivia. The Tropical Lowlands are in the eastern part of the country.
At A Glance
- Bus transportation is a cheap way to navigate the country. Transportation strikes are a concern though, so pay attention to the local news to see what is going on. Both local taxis and long distance buses are generally affected by strikes, but airlines are not. It is best not to try to pass a blockade as violence has been reported. Most strikes only last a day or two so it is often best to wait it out.
- There are 37 official languages in Bolivia. Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are the most common ones, and in the rural areas it is not uncommon for people not to speak Spanish. Some people do choose to study Spanish in Bolivia. They have a very clean accent and there are plenty of programs available.
- The national currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano. You can usually exchange US dollars and other South American currences at Casa De Cambio agencies or with most street vendors. If you're exchanging with a street vendor, you'll likely have to negotiate a fair rate. In major hotels, tourist shopes, and for larger purchases, they'll likely take US dollars, but the rate may not be at its best. They will also only accept new dollars that are not worn or torn.
- Internet cafes are generally available throughout the country. Access is variable but prices are typically low. Many Internet cafes do not allow you to use Skype though, but instead require you to use their paid phone service.
Related:
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Top Tourist Attractions
The Death Road: A 64 km mountainbike trip from La Cumbre to Coroico where you can truly experience Bolivia.
Salar de Uyuni: The largest salt flat in the world.
La Paz: The working capital of Bolivia.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.