Bolivia is one of the most affordable and diverse destinations in South America, making it ideal for travelers wondering how Bolivia compares in cost to neighboring countries. From dramatic landscapes and deep indigenous culture to unforgettable adventures, the overall cost of traveling to Bolivia remains surprisingly low.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or spending several weeks in Bolivia, understanding your daily budget and overall travel expenses will help you plan a smart, realistic, and stress-free journey. From exploring La Paz, visiting the legendary Salar de Uyuni, staying in unique salt hotels, or crossing the Andean highlands toward Lake Titicaca, this guide breaks down exactly how much Bolivia travel cost per day, per travel style, and per trip length.
- Is Bolivia expensive to travel in?
- Average daily travel cost in Bolivia (Per Person)
- Accommodation costs in Bolivia
- Food and drink prices in Bolivia
- Transportation costs in Bolivia
- Tour and activity costs in Bolivia
- Backpacker vs mid-range vs luxury travel costs
- How much does a trip to Bolivia cost by trip length
- Money-saving tips for traveling in Bolivia
- FAQs about Bolivia travel costs
Is Bolivia expensive to travel in?
Bolivia is widely regarded as one of the most affordable countries to travel in South America. In fact, many travelers ask how Bolivia compares to Peru in terms of travel costs, and the answer is clear: Bolivia is generally more affordable for accommodations, food, transportation, and tours.
Daily expenses remain low thanks to:
- Affordable public transportation
- Cheap meals at local restaurants
- Low accommodation prices, including hostels and private rooms
- Reasonable entrance fees to attractions
However, it’s important to note that travel costs during festival season in Bolivia (such as Carnaval or major cultural events) can increase by 20 or 40%, especially for accommodation and transportation. Planning is essential if traveling during peak dates.
Average daily travel cost in Bolivia (per person)
One of the most common questions travelers ask is how expensive Bolivia is per day. The good news is that travel prices in Bolivia are among the lowest in the region.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of a Bolivian daily budget per person:
- Bolivia backpacker budget: USD 25-40 per day
- Mid-range traveler: USD 50-80 per day
- Luxury traveler: USD 120-250
These estimates reflect average travel expenses, including accommodation, food, public transportation, and basic activities, but exclude international flights.
Accommodation costs in Bolivia
Accommodation in Bolivia offers excellent value, whether you prefer shared dorms or comfortable private rooms.
Budget accommodation (USD 8-20 per night)
- Hostel dorms
- Guesthouses
- Basic private rooms with shared bathrooms
Backpackers staying several weeks in Bolivia benefit from discounted weekly rates.
Mid-range hotels (USD 30-70 per night)
Mid-range hotels typically include:
- Spacious private rooms
- Breakfast included
- Central locations in cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Cochabamba
Luxury hotels & salt hotels (USD 100-250 per night)
Luxury travelers can enjoy boutique hotels and iconic salt hotels near the Salar de Uyuni, offering:
- High-end comfort
- Unique architecture
- Private tours and premium service
Food and drink prices in Bolivia
Food is one of the most affordable aspects of travel in Bolivia, especially when eating at local restaurants and markets. For many travelers, understanding how much you might spend on food in La Paz helps set realistic daily budgets.
Local meals (USD 2-4)
- Menu del día lunches
- Salteñas
- Street food and market meals
In La Paz, a full lunch at a local restaurant often costs less than USD 3, including soup and a main dish.
Mid-range restaurants (USD 6-12)
In tourist-friendly neighborhoods of La Paz and Santa Cruz, mid-range restaurants offer Bolivian and international cuisine at reasonable prices.
High-end dining (USD 20-40)
High-end dining is limited but growing, and still affordable by South American standards.
Transportation costs in Bolivia
Transportation costs play a major role in keeping your overall budget low. In fact, the cost of traveling across Bolivia by road is among the cheapest in South America, making overland travel the preferred option for most visitors.
Public transportation
- Minibus or local bus: USD 0.30-0.50
- Cable car system in La Paz: USD 0.40-0.50 per ride
Bolivia’s public transportation network is extensive, reliable in major cities, and extremely affordable, even for travelers spending several weeks in Bolivia.
Taxis
- Short rides: USD 2-4
Always agree on the fare before entering.
Long-distance buses (traveling by road)
When it comes to the cost of traveling across Bolivia by road, buses offer unbeatable value:
- Standard bus: USD 10-15
- Semi-cama: USD 15-25
- Cama (fully reclining): USD 25-40
These routes connect major destinations such as La Paz, Sucre, Uyuni, and Lake Titicaca, allowing travelers to explore the country at minimal cost.
Domestic flights
- One-way flights: USD 60-120
Flights save time on longer routes but significantly increase daily expenses compared to road travel.
Tour and activity costs in Bolivia
Bolivia is famous for offering unforgettable experiences at reasonable prices, especially for travelers planning a visit to the Uyuni Salt Flats on a budget. It is essential to know the prices and plan an itinerary according to your interests, allowing you to manage and enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
Salar de Uyuni tours
- 1-day tour: USD 60-80
- 3-day tour: USD 150-250
These tours typically include transportation, a guide, accommodation, and meals. Budget travelers can reduce costs by joining shared tours, while luxury travelers may opt for private experiences with overnight stays in luxury hotels.
Lake Titicaca tours
- Day trip: USD 20-40
- Overnight trip: USD 50-100
City & cultural tours
- Walking tours in La Paz: USD 5-10
- Museums and attractions: USD 2-10 in entrance fees
Backpacker vs mid-range vs luxury travel costs
Backpacker budget (USD 25-40 per day)
This Bolivia backpacker budget is ideal for long-term travelers, students, and digital nomads.
Includes:
- Hostel dorms or basic private rooms
- Meals at local restaurants and markets
- Extensive use of public transportation
- Shared group tours
Bolivia is consistently ranked as one of the best destinations in South America for backpackers due to its low Bolivia travel prices.
Mid-range budget (USD 50-80 per day)
- Comfortable hotels
- Occasional flights
- Small-group tours
Luxury budget (USD 120-250 per day)
- Boutique hotels and salt hotels
- Private transfers
- Custom itineraries
How much does a trip to Bolivia cost by trip length
7-day trip
- Budget: USD 175-280
- Mid-range: USD 350-560
- Luxury: USD 900-1,700
10-day trip
- Budget: USD 250-400
- Mid-range: USD 500-800
- Luxury: USD 1,200-2,500
14 days or several weeks in Bolivia
- Budget: USD 350-700
- Mid-range: USD 700-1,400
- Luxury: USD 1,800-3,500
Money-saving tips for traveling in Bolivia on a budget
- Use public transportation whenever possible
- Eat at local restaurants and markets
- Booktours locally to avoid markups
- Travel by bus instead of flying
- Carry cash for rural areas and entrance fees
FAQs about Bolivia travel costs
How much does it cost to travel to Bolivia per day?
The average cost to travel in Bolivia per day depends on your travel style. Budget travelers can expect to spend USD 25-40 per day, mid-range travelers around USD 50-80 per day, and luxury travelers USD 120-250 per day. These daily costs usually include accommodation, food, local transportation, and basic activities, but exclude international flights.
Is Bolivia cheap or expensive for travelers?
Bolivia is considered one of the cheapest countries to travel in South America. Compared to destinations like Peru or Chile, Bolivia offers lower prices for accommodation, food, public transportation, and tours. For most travelers, Bolivia is a highly affordable destination with excellent value for money.
How much money do I need for two weeks in Bolivia?
The daily travel budget can vary depending on your travel style: USD 350-560 for a backpacker budget, USD 700-1,100 for mid-range travel, and USD 1,800-3,500 for a luxury travel experience.
This estimate covers daily expenses, transportation within the country, and popular activities like the Salar de Uyuni or Lake Titicaca tours.
What is the average backpacker budget in Bolivia?
The average Bolivia backpacker budget is around USD 25-40 per day. Backpackers typically stay in hostels or basic private rooms, eat at local restaurants, use public transportation, and join group tours. Bolivia is one of the best backpacker destinations in South America due to its low daily travel costs.
Are tours in Bolivia expensive?
No, tours in Bolivia are generally very affordable. Most guided experiences cost significantly less than in neighboring countries. For example, a 3-day Salar de Uyuni tour usually costs USD 150-250, including transport, accommodation, and meals. City tours, hiking excursions, and cultural activities often cost under USD 50.
How much does food cost in Bolivia?
Food in Bolivia is inexpensive, especially at local restaurants and markets. Travelers typically spend:
- USD 2-4 for a local meal
- USD 6-12 at mid-range restaurants
- USD 20-40 at high-end restaurants
In cities like La Paz, it’s possible to eat well for under USD 10 per day.
“UNDERSTANDING TRAVEL COST TURNS DREAMS INTO REAL JOURNEYS”
Bolivia stands out as one of the best-value destinations in South America, offering extraordinary experiences at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere in the region. From the surreal landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni and unique salt hotels, to cultural immersion in La Paz and journeys to Lake Titicaca, the overall cost of traveling to Bolivia remains highly accessible.
Whether you’re planning a short adventure or several weeks in Bolivia, this Bolivia travel budget guide shows that daily costs are manageable for every travel style, from a tight Bolivia backpacker budget to comfortable mid-range or even luxury travel. Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
