Why visit
Bolivia is Salar de Uyuni's mirror-salt flats, La Paz at 3,600 m, Lake Titicaca, Sucre's white colonial capital, and the Amazon at Rurrenabaque.
Country · South America
Bolivia
natureadventureculturehistory
At a glance
Location
-17.0°, -65.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
1,098,581 km²
424,164 mi²
Country population
12.4 million
11/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Bolivian boliviano (Bs.)
BOB
Dial
+591
Languages
Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua
Demonym
Bolivian
Internet
.bo
UN
Member state
ISO code
BO / BOL
Where in the world
-17.0° · -65.0°
Bolivia
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Did you know
- Bolivia has two capitals: Sucre (constitutional) and La Paz (seat of government).
- La Paz is the highest capital on earth: 3,640 m. It is higher than the summit of Mt. Washington.
- The Uyuni salt flats are the largest in the world: 10,582 km², reflective like a mirror after rain.
- Bolivia is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in South America: no wait, actually it is singly landlocked. Paraguay is the other landlocked SA country.
Bordering Bolivia
Traveler notes
- Uyuni in rainy season (Dec–Mar) produces the mirror effect
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival for most Western passports
- Altitude acclimatization matters. Don't rush
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Sucre, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Bolivia
What is the capital of Bolivia?
Sucre is the capital of Bolivia.
What currency does Bolivia use?
Bolivia uses the Bolivian boliviano (Bs.), ISO code BOB.
What languages are spoken in Bolivia?
The primary languages are Aymara, Guaraní and Quechua.
Is Bolivia landlocked?
Yes, Bolivia is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Bolivia?
Bolivia borders Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru.
What is the international calling code for Bolivia?
The calling code is +591.
When is the best time to visit Bolivia?
May–Oct (dry), Dec–Mar (salt mirror). Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other South America destinations
Valparaiso
Valparaíso is a UNESCO-listed port city on 42 hills. Pablo Neruda's La Sebastiana house, ascensor funiculars, street art on every wall, and a poetic, chaotic energy.
San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro is the Atacama Desert's base. Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers at dawn, the world's clearest skies for stargazing, and Bolivian salt-flat crossings nearby.
Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos are the evolutionary laboratory. Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, hammerhead sharks. Visitable by cruise or by island-hopping from Santa Cruz.
Medellin
Medellín is Colombia's comeback story. Metrocable to Comuna 13's street art, Parque Explora, Botero Plaza, and year-round spring climate earned it the nickname City of Eternal Spring.
Argentina
Argentina is Buenos Aires tango nights, Mendoza wine country, Patagonia (Perito Moreno, El Chaltén, Ushuaia), Iguazu's other side, and some of the world's best beef.
Brazil
Brazil is Rio's beaches and Carnival, the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, Salvador's Afro-Brazilian culture, Chapada Diamantina's canyons, and football everywhere. Distances are continental; pick three regions.