Backpacking Bolivia: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Guide

I will never forget the moment I stepped off the bus in La Paz, Bolivia. Chaotic streets and vibrant markets assaulted my senses, and I knew at once that this country was going to be an adventure. A budget backpacker, I had been attracted by Bolivia’s affordability and rich cultural heritage. What I found out was so much more than an inexpensive country to travel: I found a land full of warm and inviting people, with breathtaking natural beauty and a sense of community and camaraderie that I rarely find on the road.

The next couple of weeks, I traveled through Bolivia’s chaotic cities and breathtaking scenery, trying new foods and drinks and experiences at every turn. I hiked to the top of mountains, explored ancient ruins, and took a boat ride on the world’s highest navigable lake. And through it all, I met an amazing cast of characters: fellow travelers, locals, and even a few stray dogs who became my temporary companions.

In this blog, I will be sharing some of my personal highlights that I have experienced in Bolivia-from the must-see sights and experiences to the lesser-known places and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or just starting to plan your first trip, I hope that you find some inspiration and practical tips for exploring this incredible country on a budget.

The Andes Mountains in Bolivia
The Andes Mountains

Getting there with public transportation:

From Chile
  • Bus: Take a bus from Santiago or Arica to La Paz or Cochabamba with companies like Tur Bus, Pullman Bus, or Ormeño. The journey takes around 24-30 hours, depending on the route and stops.
  • Border Crossing: Cross the border at Tambo Quemado (Chile) and enter Bolivia at Charaña.
From Peru
  • Bus: Take a bus from Lima or Cusco to La Paz or Copacabana with companies like Ormeño, Cruz del Sur, or Bolivia Bus. The journey takes around 24-30 hours, depending on the route and stops.
  • Border Crossing: Cross the border at Desaguadero (Peru) and enter Bolivia at Desaguadero.
From Brazil
  • Bus: Take a bus from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to Santa Cruz de la Sierra with companies like Bolivariano or Expreso Guayrá. The journey takes around 48-60 hours, depending on the route and stops.
  • Border Crossing: Cross the border at Corumbá (Brazil) and enter Bolivia at Puerto Suárez.
From Paraguay
  • Bus: Take a bus from Asunción to Santa Cruz de la Sierra with companies like Expreso Paraguay or Bolivia Bus. The journey takes around 24-30 hours, depending on the route and stops.
  • Border Crossing: Cross the border at Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and enter Bolivia at Villazón.
From Argentina
  • Bus: Take a bus from Buenos Aires or Salta to La Paz or Tarija with companies like Expreso Argentino or Bolivia Bus. The journey takes around 24-30 hours, depending on the route and stops.
  • Border Crossing: Cross the border at La Quiaca (Argentina) and enter Bolivia at Villazón.

Backpacking seasons:

1. Dry Season (May-October)

  • Ideal for exploring the Altiplano and salt flats
  • Clear skies and dry roads
  • Perfect for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities

2. Shoulder Season (April-May and September-November)

  • Fewer tourists, lower prices
  • Pleasant weather, ideal for city exploration
  • Enjoy festivals and events without the crowds

3. Rainy Season (December-March)

  • Lush landscapes, fewer tourists
  • Potential road closures, plan ahead
  • Best for relaxation, cultural immersion, and indoor activities

Special Events and Holidays: Immerse Yourself in Bolivian Culture

1. Carnaval (February/March)

  • Vibrant celebrations across the country
  • Music, dance, and colorful costumes
  • Join the festivities in Oruro or Santa Cruz

2. Semana Santa (March/April)

  • Traditional Easter celebrations
  • Processions, music, and local food
  • Experience the country’s rich cultural heritage

3. Alasita Festival (September)

  • Unique festival honoring the Ekeko god of abundance
  • Traditional music, dance, and food
  • Explore La Paz’s vibrant streets and markets

4. Independence Day (August 6)

  • Patriotic celebrations nationwide
  • Parades, music, and cultural events
  • Witness Bolivia’s national pride

Best Itineraries for broke backpackers:

3-Day Itinerary: La Paz and Surroundings

Day 1:

  • Explore La Paz’s vibrant streets and markets
  • Visit Mirador Killi Killi for panoramic views
  • Stay at a hostel in the city center

Day 2:

  • Take a day trip to Valle de la Luna
  • Hike to the top of Cerro Uchumachi
  • Enjoy traditional Bolivian cuisine

Day 3:

  • Visit the Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
  • Explore the historic center and Plaza Murillo
  • Depart for next destination

1-Week Itinerary: Highlights of Bolivia

Day 1-2: La Paz

  • Explore city, markets, and views
  • Day trip to Valle de la Luna

Day 3-4: Uyuni

  • Take overnight bus to Uyuni
  • Explore Salar de Uyuni

Day 5: Potosi

  • Take bus to Potosi
  • Visit Cerro Rico and city center

Day 6-7: Sucre

  • Take bus to Sucre
  • Explore colonial city and surroundings

2-Week Itinerary: Cultural and Adventure

Day 1-3: La Paz

  • Explore city, markets, and views
  • Day trip to Valle de la Luna

Day 4-6: Lake Titicaca

  • Take bus to Copacabana
  • Explore lake, islands, and traditional communities

Day 7-9: Uyuni

  • Take overnight bus to Uyuni
  • Explore Salar de Uyuni
  • Visit nearby geysers and hot springs

Day 10-14: Sucre and surrounding

  • Take bus to Sucre
  • Explore colonial city and surroundings
  • Hike to nearby waterfalls or villages

1-Month Itinerary: The Ultimate Bolivia Experience

Week 1: La Paz and surroundings

  • Explore city, markets, and views
  • Day trips to Valle de la Luna, Tiwanaku, and Lake Titicaca

Week 2: Uyuni and Southwest

  • Take overnight bus to Uyuni
  • Explore Salar de Uyuni
  • Visit nearby geysers, hot springs, and Laguna Colorada

Week 3: Sucre and surrounding

  • Take bus to Sucre
  • Explore colonial city and surroundings
  • Hike to nearby waterfalls or villages

Week 4: Cochabamba and Amazon

  • Take bus to Cochabamba
  • Explore city and surroundings
  • Visit nearby national parks or Amazon rainforest

3-Month Itinerary: In-Depth Bolivia Exploration

Month 1: Western Bolivia

  • La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and surrounding villages
  • Uyuni, Salar de Uyuni, and nearby geysers
  • Visit traditional communities and experience local culture

Month 2: Central and Southern Bolivia

  • Sucre, Potosi, and colonial cities
  • Explore historic centers, museums, and cultural events
  • Visit nearby national parks and hiking trails

Month 3: Eastern Bolivia and Amazon

  • Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and Amazon rainforest
  • Explore national parks, wildlife, and indigenous communities
  • Relax in thermal hot springs or visit nearby waterfalls

Top spots to explore:

La Paz and Surroundings

  1. Explore vibrant markets (e.g., Mercado de las Brujas)
  2. Visit Mirador Killi Killi for panoramic views
  3. Take a day trip to Valle de la Luna
  4. Hike to the top of Cerro Uchumachi
  5. Explore Tiwanaku ancient ruins
  6. Visit the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore
  7. Take a cable car ride for city views
  8. Visit the La Paz Zoo
  9. Explore the neighborhood of Sopocachi
  10. Take a day trip to the Yungas Valley

Uyuni and Southwest

  1. Explore Salar de Uyuni (world’s largest salt flat)
  2. Visit nearby geysers and hot springs
  3. See Laguna Colorada (red lake)
  4. Take a sunrise/sunset tour on the salt flats
  5. Visit the Tunupa Volcano
  6. Explore the village of Uyuni
  7. Visit the Uyuni Train Cemetery
  8. Take a tour to the nearby Laguna Verde
  9. Explore the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
  10. Visit the Sol de Mañana geysers

Lake Titicaca and Copacabana

  1. Take a boat tour to Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna
  2. Explore Copacabana’s scenic beach and waterfront
  3. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
  4. Hike to the top of Cerro Calvario
  5. Experience traditional indigenous communities
  6. Visit the town of Tiquina
  7. Explore the Strait of Tiquina
  8. Take a boat tour to the Uros Floating Islands
  9. Visit the nearby town of San Pedro
  10. Explore the ancient ruins of Kusini

Sucre and Surroundings

  1. Explore Sucre’s colonial city center
  2. Visit the Casa de la Libertad museum
  3. Hike to nearby waterfalls (e.g., Cascada de la Puerta)
  4. Take a day trip to the traditional village of Tarabuco
  5. Visit the ancient ruins of Incamachay
  6. Explore the nearby town of Potosillos
  7. Visit the Sucre Cathedral
  8. Take a tour to the nearby Castilejos waterfalls
  9. Explore the Sucre Central Market
  10. Visit the Museum of Natural History

Potosi

  1. Visit Cerro Rico (silver mine)
  2. Explore Potosi’s historic center
  3. Visit the National Mint museum
  4. Take a tour of the silver mines
  5. See the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco
  6. Visit the Royal Treasury museum
  7. Explore the nearby town of Uncía
  8. Take a tour to the nearby silver mines
  9. Visit the Potosi Cathedral
  10. Explore the local markets

Cochabamba and Amazon

  1. Explore Cochabamba’s vibrant city center
  2. Visit the nearby national parks (e.g., Parque Nacional Tunari)
  3. Take a guided tour to the Amazon rainforest
  4. Relax in thermal hot springs
  5. Visit indigenous communities
  6. Explore the nearby town of Villa Tunari
  7. Take a tour to the nearby waterfalls
  8. Visit the Cochabamba Botanical Garden
  9. Explore the local markets
  10. Visit the Museum of Natural History

Santa Cruz

  1. Explore Santa Cruz’s vibrant city center
  2. Visit the nearby national parks (e.g., Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado)
  3. Take a guided tour to the nearby waterfalls
  4. Relax in thermal hot springs
  5. Visit indigenous communities
  6. Explore the nearby town of Samaipata
  7. Take a tour to the nearby Amboro National Park
  8. Visit the Santa Cruz Zoo
  9. Explore the local markets
  10. Visit the Museum of Natural History

Tarija

  • Visit the Museum of Natural History
  • Explore Tarija’s colonial city center
  • Visit the nearby wine country
  • Take a tour to the nearby vineyards
  • Relax in thermal hot springs
  • Visit indigenous communities
  • Explore the nearby town of Bermejo
  • Take a tour to the nearby Tarija Valley
  • Visit the Tarija Cathedral
  • Explore the local markets
Me and my backpacking friends with rented dirt bikes as we make our way thru Bolivia
Dirt biking thru Bolivia.

Accommodation options:

As a broke backpacker, Bolivia is pretty much paradise, where one can easily go on an adventure with less expenditure. The best things about traveling through this South American country are in its hostels. While most travelers usually stay in mid-range to luxury accommodation, it’s often the cheapest options that offer up some of the most unique, crazy, and amazing experiences.
In Bolivia, picking up the most basic hostel room becomes an act of surrender to an X-factor: the dorm is minuscule with less-than-optimistic mattresses, or else you find yourselves sprawling in a big, old, colonial mansion with secret gardens and hidden corners. The complete mystery is part of its beauty. Or is this going to be the party center in a noisy city or an oasis? All there’s to do is take the plunge and book that ridiculously cheap room.
These are often family-run, no-frills affairs where the owners and staff double as surrogate parents to the many weary travelers passing through their doors. You may be invited to join in a spontaneous asado (BBQ) or impromptu jam session or simply share laughter and stories over the dinner table. The camaraderie is palpable, and you often leave with fast friendships forged among travelers from all corners of the globe.
They also turn out to be the reflections of Bolivia’s incredibly rich cultural heritage-you may hit accommodations in a 19th-century restored mansion featuring ornate tile work and creaky wooden floors, or find your way into some rustic adobe hut amidst the stunning natural beauty of rural Bolivia. Every single one of them reflects a character birthed out of the country’s complex history and the creativity of its people.
Of course, there are also the quirks and challenges that come with staying in budget hostels: lukewarm showers, spotty Wi-Fi, and creaky beds. But for many travelers, these minor discomforts are a small price to pay for the unforgettable experiences and connections that come with staying in Bolivia’s budget hostels.
As you make your way across Bolivia, you start to notice that every hostel has its own cadence, its rhythm. Some of them are parties orientated with loud music and boisterous revelers; some of them are more laid-back, full of hammocks and nooks in which to lounge; then there’s everything else, uncategorized, uniquely weird, uniquely charming.
The best thing that can happen in budget hostels is meeting other travelers. You will meet fellow backpackers, adventure-seekers, and wanderlusters from all walks of life. You share stories of your travels, share tips and recommendations, and even make a few lasting bonds. The common room of the hostel turns into a melting pot of cultures, languages, and experiences, and often you find yourself being swept by the excitement and energy of it all.
Other advantages of staying in budget hostels are that one gets to enjoy the local culture firsthand. Most of them have facilities for cooking, language lessons, and other activities that allow one to be deep within Bolivian culture. You might learn to make salteñas, or papas rellenas, traditional dishes, or practice your Spanish with friendly hostel staff. You will know the rich Bolivian culture a lot better, staying in budget hostels, and most probably learn something new. Working your way up and down the ups and downs of hostels in Bolivia on a shoestring budget, you start to realize that it is not the destination but the journey that counts. It is a leap into the unknown, embracing the quirks and challenges of budget travel. You will learn to be more flexible, more adaptable, and more open-minded. You will discover hidden strengths and talents and develop a new appreciation for the beauty of uncertainty.
So you’re a broke backpacker looking for an immersive Bolivian experience. Do not be afraid to take that plunge and book the cheapest hostel option. You never know what amazing adventures, unforgettable characters, and lifelong memories you may find along the way. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant hostel scene, Bolivia is the perfect destination for travelers who aren’t afraid to take a leap of faith and welcome the unknown.

Free Accommodations
  • Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free and experience Bolivian hospitality firsthand.
  • Hostels with Free Accommodation: Some hostels offer free accommodation in exchange for volunteering or helping with tasks.
  • Monasteries and Convents: Some monasteries and convents offer free accommodation to travelers.
Cheap Accommodations
  • Hostels: Dorm rooms from $5-10 per night, private rooms from $15-25 per night.
  • Guesthouses: Basic rooms from $10-20 per night.
  • Homestays: Live with a local family for $10-20 per night.
  • Camping: Pitch a tent for $5-10 per night.
Best Places to Stay
  • La Paz: Stay in the city center or in the trendy neighborhood of Sopocachi.
  • Sucre: Stay in the historic center or in the nearby neighborhood of La Recoleta.
  • Cochabamba: Stay in the city center or in the neighborhood of La Recoleta.
  • Santa Cruz: Stay in the city center or in the neighborhood of La Ramada.

Transportation guide:

Types of Public Transportation in Bolivia
  • Buses: The most common form of public transportation in Bolivia, buses connect major cities and towns.
  • Micros: Minivans that operate as shared taxis, micros are a popular option for shorter distances.
  • Trufis: Small buses that operate on fixed routes, trufi is a cheap and efficient option.
  • Collectivos: Shared taxis that operate on fixed routes, collectivos are a convenient option.
  • Taxis: Private taxis are available, but be prepared to negotiate prices.
Bus Companies
  • Bolivariano: Connects major cities like La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.
  • Ormeño: Operates in the western highlands, connecting La Paz, Oruro, and Potosí.
  • Cruz del Sur: Connects eastern cities like Santa Cruz, Trinidad, and Guayaramerín.
Routes and Schedules
  • La Paz: Buses connect to nearby cities like El Alto, Copacabana, and Tiahuanaco.
  • Cochabamba: Buses connect to nearby cities like Quillacollo, Vinto, and Tarata.
  • Santa Cruz: Buses connect to nearby cities like Warnes, Cotoca, and Portachuelo.
Tips for Using Public Transportation in Bolivia
  • From my experiance the best buss booking website/app is BusBud
  • Learn Some Spanish: Communication is key when using public transportation in Bolivia.
  • Know Your Route: Plan your route in advance to avoid confusion.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Buses and micros can be crowded, especially during peak hours.
  • Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices with taxi drivers and collectivo operators.
  • Be Patient: Public transportation in Bolivia can be unpredictable, so be patient and flexible.
colorful Hammocks at one of the hostels i stayed at there
Hammocks at one of the hostels i stayed at there

Bolivian culture:

Bolivia, boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage shaped by its indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. This melting pot of cultures has created a unique and fascinating blend of traditions, customs, and ways of life.

Indigenous Roots

Bolivia’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its indigenous heritage, with over 36 ethnic groups making up approximately 60% of the population. The Quechua and Aymara peoples, the two largest indigenous groups, have preserved their languages, customs, and traditions despite centuries of colonization and external influences. Their vibrant textiles, music, and dance reflect their strong connection to the land and their ancestors.

Spanish Colonial Legacy

The Spanish conquest of Bolivia in the 16th century brought significant cultural changes, introducing Christianity, European customs, and the Spanish language. The colonial era’s architectural legacy is evident in the country’s stunning cities, such as Sucre and Potosí, with their ornate churches, plazas, and mansions.

African Influence

African slaves brought to Bolivia during the colonial period have also left an indelible mark on the country’s culture. The Afro-Bolivian community’s music, dance, and culinary traditions have blended with indigenous and Spanish influences, creating a unique cultural fusion.

Traditional Festivals and Celebrations

Bolivia’s cultural calendar is filled with vibrant festivals and celebrations, showcasing its rich heritage. The Carnaval, Semana Santa, and Alasita Festival are just a few examples of the country’s lively traditions. These events bring together communities, honoring their ancestors, gods, and cultural identity.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are integral to Bolivian culture, with traditional genres like folk, salsa, and morenada. The iconic Andean instruments, such as the quena and charango, evoke the country’s indigenous spirit. Traditional dances, like the Diablada and Caporales, showcase the blending of indigenous and European influences.

Cuisine

Bolivian cuisine reflects its cultural diversity, combining indigenous, Spanish, and African flavors. Traditional dishes like salteñas, humitas, and papas rellenas demonstrate the country’s love for bold flavors and hearty meals.

Family and Community

Family and community are cornerstones of Bolivian culture. Close-knit families and tight community bonds are essential to the country’s social fabric. Respect for elders, traditional values, and cultural heritage is deeply ingrained.

Resilience and Adaptation

Bolivia’s cultural identity has been shaped by its complex history, marked by colonization, political turmoil, and economic challenges. Despite these obstacles, the Bolivian people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, preserving their cultural heritage while embracing modernity.

Food

Bolivia is a country that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From the spicy flavors of its street food to the hearty dishes of its traditional cuisine, Bolivian food is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its people’s warm hospitality and its all pretty cheap to.

One of the best ways to experience Bolivian cuisine is through street food. Salteñas, meat or chicken pies similar to empanadas, are a popular snack that can be found at street stalls and markets for just $1-2. Humitas, steamed corn pudding often served with cheese or chili, are another delicious option for the same price. Papas rellenas, stuffed potatoes with meat, cheese, or vegetables, are a bit more filling and cost around $2-3. And for a truly Bolivian experience, try some ch’arki, dried llama meat often served with potatoes and corn, for $3-4.

Markets and food stalls are also a great place to try local cuisine. The Mercado de las Brujas in La Paz is a bustling market with a variety of food stalls serving up traditional dishes. The Mercado Central in Cochabamba is another great option, with fresh produce and local specialties like papas a la Huancaina, potatoes with cheese and chili. And in El Alto, be sure to try some salteñas at one of the many food stalls.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, comedor restaurants are a great option. These basic restaurants serve traditional dishes like papas a la Huancaina for around $3-4. Chifa restaurants, which serve Chinese-Bolivian fusion food, are another affordable option, with dishes like stir-fried noodles or rice starting at $3-4. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more familiar, pizzerias are a popular option, with pizzas starting at around $5.

To make the most of your dining experience in Bolivia, be sure to eat at markets or food stalls, where the food is fresh and authentic. Try traditional dishes, which are often cheaper and more flavorful than Western options. And consider sharing a meal, as many dishes are large enough to split with a friend or two. Finally, avoid eating in touristy areas, where prices tend to be higher.

Overall, Bolivian food is a delicious and affordable way to experience the country’s culture and traditions. So come and discover the flavors of Bolivia without breaking the bank!

View of the Andes mountains in Bolivia
another view of the Andes mountains

Bolivian nightlife:

As the sun dips below the horizon, Bolivia morphs into a pulsating and vibrant party scene. From the high-energy discos of La Paz to the laid-back bars of Sucre, the country’s nightlife is as diverse as it is exhilarating. Be you a seasoned party animal or just out to enjoy a relaxed evening, Bolivia’s nightlife has got something for everyone.
One of the defining qualities of Bolivia’s nightlife is infectious energy: from the instant you step out into the evening air, you can just feel it building. The music, laughter, and hum of conversation fill the streets, enticing you to join in, refusing to let you go. From dancing the night away in a packed club to sipping a quiet drink in a cozy bar, it’s electric.
As you explore Bolivia’s nightlife, you start to get that unique cultural flavor that separates it from other countries. Rich heritage depicts Bolivia in its music, dance, and art-all combined for a truly immersive experience. From traditional folk music of Andean highlands, to modern electronic beats of the cities, Bolivia’s night life is a vibrant tapestry of sound and color.
For all its attractions, Bolivian nightlife is also notably accessible. It is not like some parts of South America, where the party scene gets rather pricey and exclusive; here, Bolivia’s general nightlife is generally quite cheap and inviting. Whether you travel on a shoestring budget or in style, there is something for every taste and budget.
Of course, no discussion of Bolivian nightlife would be complete without mentioning the locals themselves. Bolivians are famous for their warm hospitality and love of celebration, and this is never more evident than at night. Whether you’re dancing with newfound friends in a crowded club or sharing a quiet drink with a local family, you’ll be made to feel like part of the community.
As the night wears on and the music reaches a crescendo, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and lose all sense of time. But as the first light of dawn begins to creep over the horizon, you’ll realize that the night has slipped away, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. And then as you’re making your tired-but-thrilled way back to hostel or hotel, you’ll be thinking: Tonight’s where the night comes in-Bolivia’s got even more.
Variety is one of the most astonishing features of Bolivian nightlife, be it in trendy bars and clubs in La Paz or laid-back cafes and restaurants in Sucre. You might sip cocktails on a rooftop bar, dance to traditional folk music in some rural village, or quietly enjoy a beer in a cozy pub.
You will also begin to notice the traditions and customs that make nightlife so unique in Bolivia as you navigate through Bolivia’s nightlife-from Carnaval celebrations, costumes, masks, and all, to the energetic music and dance of Fiestas de la Tirana, Bolivia’s night life is steeped in the richness of the culture.
Despite the many attractions of Bolivian nightlife, it is similarly important to remember to keep safe and to be aware of one’s surroundings. As in any country, there are areas considered safer than others; it is always a good idea to do one’s research and plan ahead. But with a little common sense and caution, you’ll be free to enjoy all that Bolivia’s nightlife has to offer.
Ultimately, Bolivian nightlife is all about embracing the unknown and living in the moment. It’s about letting go of your inhibitions and allowing yourself to be swept up in the excitement and energy of the party. So why not take a chance and experience it for yourself? With its infectious energy, unique cultural flavor, and warm hospitality, Bolivia’s nightlife is an adventure you’ll never forget.
The deeper you go into Bolivian nightlife, the more you realize it is not about the parties or the music; it’s about the people, the culture, and everything that holds them together. You will be taken into a world of bright colors, contagious rhythms, and smiling faces, where locals and travelers come together in one big celebration of life.
Be it a party animal or just a relaxed evening out, Bolivia has it all. With a unique blend of traditional culture and modern energy, added to the warm hospitality, nightlife in Bolivia will never let you forget its experience.

Backpacking around Bolivia costs:

Daily Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: $3-5 (dormitory or shared room)
  • Food:
    • Breakfast: $1-2 (street food or market)
    • Lunch: $2-3 (street food or market)
    • Dinner: $3-5 (cooked meal at hostel or local restaurant)
  • Transportation: $1-3 (local buses or walking)
  • Activities:
    • Museums: $1-2
    • Hiking: free
    • Local markets: free
  • Miscellaneous: $2-5 (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

Total daily budget: $15-30

Weekly Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: $21-35 (avg. $3-5 per night)
  • Food: $42-70 (avg. $6-10 per day)
  • Transportation: $7-21 (avg. $1-3 per day)
  • Activities: $14-28 (avg. $2-4 per day)
  • Miscellaneous: $14-35 (avg. $2-5 per day)

Total weekly budget: $98-189

Conclusion:

Bolivia, a land of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is a paradise for the ‘broke’ backpacker. It is actually very cheap, steeped in history, and with dramatic natural beauty-all attributes that combine to make Bolivia an ideal destination for budget travelers.
From the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni to the colorful streets of La Paz, Bolivia has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Be it trekking across the Cordillera Real, visiting remains of ancient civilizations, or simply experiencing the culture of the land, Bolivia is one place that will just leave you aghast.
With frugal planning, a broke budget, and an out-of-the-box travel approach, you can have the best Bolivia has to offer without breaking the bank. Being flexible, open-minded, and ready for anything gives way to immersing into the culture locally down to the minutest details and creating memories of a lifetime.
For backpackers, Bolivia’s affordable accommodations, excellent food at very low costs, and low travel costs make it an ideal destination. For a country in which accommodation could start at a minimum of $3-5 per night, meals for $3-5, and transportation for $1-3 per ride, Bolivia really should not be able to break the wallet.
Get ready to have the time of your life! Bolivia awaits you, and with that, you’re good to go on a journey which truly will be incomparable. Happy backpacking!

Free A group of people in traditional costumes dancing Stock Photo
Free  Folk Dancers in Costumes for the Traditional Diablada Dance at the Carnival of Oruro Stock Photo
Free Donkey Grazing in Valley of the Souls Stock Photo
Free Women Selling Food on the Street  Stock Photo