Although Bolivia is one of South America’s poorest and least developed countries, it is one of the safest and friendliest. The few, somewhat rough roads pass some of the continent’s most pristine subtropical and rain-forests, temperate inter-Andean valleys and high Andean plateaus. This is a big country but the best sites are relatively close together, enabling travelers to see and experience many of the star attractions during a short trip.
Bolivia is large (1,098,581 km²), over 4 times the size of Ecuador and twice as big as France. While much of the north remains inaccessible, most of your travel experience is likely to occur at sites between Santa Cruz in the east and La Paz in the west, a distance of aproximately 800 km.

There are daily flights from Miami to La Paz and Santa Cruz on Boeing B-757 with American Airlines, and Airbus A-320 with Lloyd Aereo Boliviano.
You are welcome to make your own arrangements to reach Bolivia. This is ideal for those who wish to use frequent flier miles, specific carriers, or who have special flight and/or arrival or departure requirements.
Fremen Tours can arrange all of your domestic flights within the country. See our OnLine Plane Reservations System.

It is advisable to start a trip to Bolivia at Santa Cruz in the eastern lowlands. It is then possible to acclimatize to the increasing altitude while traveling westward towards the high Andes around La Paz. If arriving directly at La Paz by air, consider one or two days to get used to the altitude.

Bolivia has a few roads and only 5% of them are paved. Some of the trans-Andean roads are rather frightening such as the one from La Paz to Coroico, while others, such as the new road between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba are wide and paved. The internal air network is quite extensive and railway cross the altiplano south of La Paz.
We do not recommend to travel on your own unless you have plenty of time and speak spanish. Should you decide to travel independently, a four-wheel-drive is recommended but not absolutely essential. Modern buses run regularly along the main routes but be sure to book in advance; they are cheap but do not enable to stop at your convenience.

The varied topography creates a variable climate, although in general the wet season is from November to March. September/October is probably the best time to visit. This is the end of the southern winter when it is not too hot in the eastern lowlands and the Andean flowers are beginning to bloom. March/April, the end of the southern summer, is also a very good time to travel.
Visiting a number of sites involves considerable altitude changes so the full range of clothing is required, even during a single day. Be prepared for anything from damp, misty mornings and scorching sunshine to low temperatures at night.

First, you will need a current passport. Second, you may wish to discuss health issues with your doctor. Many travelers opt for treatment such as the yellow fever vaccination and malaria pills.
Some of the basics include: Warm weather, casual, outdoor clothing: In addition to shorts and short-sleeved shirts, you should bring jeans, long-sleeve shirts, tennis shoes and boots, and a jacket for the cool nights. Don´t forget a hat and sunglasses!
A flexible attitude: You will be traveling in remote areas of Latin American countries on Latin American time. Delays are more accepted there than in the US and Europe. So bring a book, slow down, and relax.
Spending money items: You will be able to support several projects of handicrafts and others during your trip. You will have many additional purchasing opportunities during your stay in the big cities.

You may use credit cards and travelers checks in all major cities. You may also use US Dollars. If you use dollars make sure they are in good condition (torn, worn or stained bills cannot be cashed in for their full value so traders do not accept them). Small denominations are best because nobody ever has change!

There is plenty of accommodation to choose from. Cities house a wide range of hotels suitable for all pockets and tastes, but small towns offer from simple to basic accommodation.
As with hotels, cities provide a wide range of restaurants (including vegetarian food), but backcountry villages offer a very limited array of options. Organic food is everywhere and fresh produces are tasty. The trout and beer are recommended.