Bolivia
🏛️ Capital: Sucre
👥 Population: 12.4 million
💬 Language: 36 official languages besides Spanish: Aymara, Araona, Baure, Bésiro, Canichana, Cavineño, Cayubaba, Chácobo, Chimán, Ese Ejja, Guaraní, Guarasu’we, Guarayu, Itonama, Leco, Machajuyai-Kallawaya, Machineri, Maropa, Mojeño-Ignaciano, Mojeño-Trinitario, Moré, Mosetén, Movima, Pacawara, Puquina, Quechua, Sirionó, Tacana, Tapieté, Toromona, Uru-Chipaya, Weenhayek, Yaminawa, Yuki, Yuracaré, and Zamuco
💰 Currency: Boliviano (BOB)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Salar de Uyuni, Andes mountains, Lake Titicaca, Amazon rainforest, rich indigenous culture
📈 High Season: May to October
📉 Low Season: December to March
☀️ The warmest month: January
❄️ The coldest month: July
🌧 The rainiest month: January
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 47/100
Rank: 109th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Bolivia:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
- Yellow fever
Infectious diseases in Bolivia with no vaccine currently available:
- Chagas disease
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- Oropouche
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Bolivia?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Bolivia is already available there.
Bolivia FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Bolivia in terms of health risks?
Yes, Bolivia is generally safe for travelers, but health risks vary by region. In the Andes, altitude sickness is common, while mosquito-borne diseases are more frequent in the Amazon basin and lowlands. Foodborne illnesses are another consideration. With proper preparation, most visitors remain healthy.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Bolivia?
Recommended vaccines for Bolivia include hepatitis A and tetanus. Depending on your plans, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever are also advised, especially if traveling to the jungle or rural areas. MyGlobdoc can generate a personalized vaccination guide tailored to your itinerary.
Are there any common diseases in Bolivia that travelers should know about?
Yes. Traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are common nationwide. In lowland areas, dengue fever, yellow fever, and malaria can occur. At high elevations, altitude sickness is a frequent health issue for visitors.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Bolivia?
Eat freshly cooked food from reliable sources and avoid undercooked meats or unwashed fruits and vegetables. Stick to bottled or boiled water, as tap water is not safe to drink. Regular handwashing and sanitizer use help reduce risk.
Is malaria a risk in Bolivia, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in some rural and jungle areas, particularly in the Amazon basin and eastern lowlands. Major cities and high-altitude regions like La Paz, Sucre, and Potosí are malaria-free. MyGlobdoc can assess your exact travel route to determine if medication is necessary.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Bolivia?
Mosquito-borne illnesses in Bolivia include dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and malaria in some lowland regions. Risks are highest during the rainy season. Use DEET-based repellents, protective clothing, and mosquito nets where appropriate.
Do I need travel health insurance for Bolivia?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Private hospitals in cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz offer good care, but rural healthcare is limited. Insurance ensures access to quality treatment and covers medical evacuation if required.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Bolivia?
Pack oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, altitude sickness remedies, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. If traveling in the Amazon, include mosquito nets and water purification tablets. MyGlobdoc can provide a checklist based on your trip profile.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Bolivia?
Acclimatize slowly to high altitudes in places like La Paz and Uyuni to prevent altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, eat freshly prepared food, and use mosquito protection in lowland regions. Carry a compact medical kit for minor health issues.
Is Bolivia safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid regions with Zika and malaria, and take strict mosquito precautions. High altitudes may pose risks for those with chronic respiratory or heart conditions. A high altitude environment should be avoided during pregnancy. Travelers with chronic illnesses should carry enough medication, a doctor’s note, and confirm insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Bolivia?
Seek care at private hospitals in La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba for serious conditions. Pharmacies are common in cities, but rural areas may lack facilities. For altitude sickness, descend immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Always carry your insurance information.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Bolivia?
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Always verify current health and entry requirements before your trip.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolivia
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map by Connormah – Own work, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6912930 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bolivia
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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