17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Bolivia
Bolivia is the ultimate playground for the intrepid traveler on a shoestring. This 17-day journey takes you from the dizzying heights of La Paz to the blinding white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni, all while keeping your daily spend to a rock-bottom $12. By eating at local mercados, sleeping in social hostels, and navigating the country via the extensive public bus network, you'll experience an authentic side of South America that luxury travelers rarely see.
This itinerary is designed for those who don't mind a bit of grit in exchange for world-class landscapes. You will move through various altitudes, so hydration and patience with mountain transport are key. Get ready for an epic journey through colonial history, indigenous culture, and some of the most surreal natural wonders on the planet.
The Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz, Bolivia - Arrival & High-Altitude Orientation
Arrival at El Alto International Airport
Land at one of the world's highest airports. Take the public airport bus (marked 'Aeropuerto') down to the city center for a fraction of the taxi cost.
Mercado Lanza Lunch
Head to this massive concrete market near Plaza San Francisco. Grab a 'Chola' sandwich or a massive bowl of soup for less than $2.
Calle Sagarnaga & Witches' Market
Wander through the stalls of the Mercado de las Brujas. See the dried llama fetuses and learn about Aymara rituals for free.
Sopocachi Sunset
Walk to the Sopocachi district to see how the local middle class lives and find affordable street-side salteñas for dinner.
Day 2: La Paz, Bolivia - Skyline & History
Mi Teleférico Red Line
Ride the cable car for just 3 BOB. It offers the best views of the sprawling city and the snow-capped Illimani mountain.
Plaza Murillo
Visit the political heart of Bolivia. Watch the pigeon feeders and admire the Cathedral and Presidential Palace from the outside.
Calle Jaén Museums
Visit La Paz's most beautiful colonial street. For a very small fee, you can enter four tiny museums dedicated to history and musical instruments.
Cholita Wrestling Entry
On certain days, catch the famous fighting ladies in El Alto. Local prices are much lower than the tourist agency packages.
Day 3: La Paz, Bolivia - Geological Wonders
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
Take a local 'trufi' (minibus) toward Mallasa to see this clay and sandstone labyrinth for a small entry fee.
Mercado Rodriguez
The largest food market in the city. Grab fresh fruit and local cheese for a budget-friendly picnic.
Mirador Killi Killi
Hike up to this viewpoint for a 360-degree view of La Paz as the city lights begin to flicker on.
Hostel Social Hour
Join fellow backpackers for a cheap beer at the hostel bar to trade travel tips for the route south.
Day 4: Copacabana, Bolivia - Lake Titicaca Bound
Bus to Copacabana
Depart from the cemetery district bus station. The journey includes a fun ferry crossing at the Strait of Tiquina.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora
Visit this stunning white Moorish-style cathedral. It is free to enter and houses the famous Dark Virgin of the Lake.
Cerro El Calvario Hike
A steep 30-minute climb for the ultimate sunset view over the world's highest navigable lake.
Trout Dinner at the Stalls
Eat fresh Lake Titicaca trout (trucha) at the row of small blue stalls along the beach for around $4.
Day 5: Isla del Sol, Bolivia - Sacred Island Trek
Public Boat to Yumani
Take the slow public ferry to the southern part of the island. Avoid the expensive private tours.
Escalinata del Inca
Climb the 206 stone steps built by the Incas and drink from the Fountain of Youth at the top.
Pilko Kaina Ruins
Explore the southern ruins which overlook the cobalt blue water. The entry fee supports the local indigenous community.
Return to Copacabana
Head back to the mainland for another night of affordable accommodation before the long travel day ahead.
Day 6: Oruro & Uyuni, Bolivia - The Long Haul
Bus to Oruro
Travel back toward the Altiplano. Oruro is a major transport hub and the gateway to the southern desert.
Lunch in Oruro Market
Try the local specialty, 'Charquekan' (dried llama meat), while waiting for your connection.
Train or Bus to Uyuni
The Wara Wara del Sur train is a scenic, budget-friendly option if scheduled, otherwise, take a night bus.
Late Arrival in Uyuni
Check into a basic guesthouse in this dusty desert town. Rest well before the salt flats.
Day 7: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - Salt Flat Magic
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
Explore the rusted remains of 19th-century steam locomotives on the edge of town for free.
Colchani Village
Visit the salt processing workshops and buy salt souvenirs. This is where the budget day tours stop first.
Incahuasi Island
A giant cactus-covered island in the middle of the salt sea. The perspective photos here are a must.
Stargazing on the Flats
Wait for the sun to drop. At this altitude, the Milky Way is incredibly clear over the white horizon.
Day 8: Potosí, Bolivia - To the Silver City
Bus to Potosí
Enjoy the winding mountain roads as you climb even higher to the world's highest city.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre
Sit in the main square and admire the ornate colonial architecture. This city was once one of the wealthiest in the world.
Arco de Cobija
Walk to this historic arch for a framed view of Cerro Rico, the mountain that provided the world's silver.
Budget Eateries on Calle Tarija
Find local set menus (almuerzos) that serve three courses for roughly $3.
Day 9: Potosí, Bolivia - Colonial History
Casa de la Moneda (The Mint)
Take a guided tour of this massive museum to see how silver coins were minted for the Spanish Empire.
Mercado Central
Eat at the upstairs food court. Try the 'Kala Phurka,' a soup served with a hot volcanic rock inside.
Santa Teresa Convent Museum
A beautifully preserved convent with a wealth of religious art and colonial artifacts.
View from San Francisco Church
Pay a small fee to climb to the roof for the best panoramic view of the red-tiled city roofs.
Day 10: Sucre, Bolivia - The White City
Bus to Sucre
A relatively short 3.5-hour bus ride descends into the warmer, more comfortable climate of the constitutional capital.
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Relax in the impeccably clean main square, surrounded by white-washed colonial buildings.
Mirador de la Recoleta
Walk up the hill to the plaza for a sunset view over the city. There's a free museum of indigenous art nearby.
Central Market Fruit Salads
Sucre’s market is famous for its fruit salads (ensalada de frutas) with yogurt and honey for about $1.50.
Day 11: Sucre, Bolivia - Liberty & Gardens
Casa de la Libertad
See where the Bolivian Declaration of Independence was signed. The building itself is a historical gem.
Parque Bolívar
Walk through this French-style park, complete with a miniature Eiffel Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
General Cemetery
Often cited as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in South America, it’s more like a botanical garden.
Spanish School Exchange
Many budget travelers take a one-day trial lesson here; Sucre is the cheapest place in the world to learn Spanish.
Day 12: Sucre, Bolivia - Dinosaurs & Textiles
Cal Orck’o (Dinosaur Tracks)
Take the 'Sauromovil' bus from the main square to see the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints.
ASUR Indigenous Art Museum
View high-quality textiles and watch local weavers from the Jalq'a and Tarabuco cultures at work.
Shopping at Tarabuco Market (Sunday only)
If today is Sunday, take a local bus to this famous indigenous market. If not, visit the local artisan stalls near the market.
Street Food Night
Eat Papa Rellena (stuffed potatoes) from a street vendor for under a dollar.
Day 13: Cochabamba, Bolivia - The City of Eternal Spring
Bus to Cochabamba
A scenic journey through the valleys. Cochabamba is known as the culinary capital of Bolivia.
Plaza 14 de Septiembre
Check out the colonial heart of the city and its unique cathedral with indigenous influences.
Pasaje de la Catedral
A narrow pedestrian alley filled with affordable cafes and local youth culture.
Pique Macho Dinner
Share a 'Pique Macho' (a massive plate of meat and fries) with a new friend at a local diner.
Day 14: Cochabamba, Bolivia - Christ the Redeemer
Cristo de la Concordia
Take the cable car up to the world's largest statue of Jesus. The view of the valley is incredible.
La Cancha Market
Explore one of the largest open-air markets in South America. You can find anything here for a bargain.
Palacio Portales
Visit the mansion built by the 'Tin King' Simon Patiño, a stunning example of turn-of-the-century wealth.
Chicha Tasting
Try the traditional fermented corn beer at a local 'Chicheria' (look for the red flag outside).
Day 15: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Into the Lowlands
Bus to Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Prepare for a long descent from the mountains to the tropical lowlands. The temperature will rise significantly.
Check into Hostel
Drop your bags and enjoy the humid, tropical air of Bolivia's most modern city.
Catedral Metropolitana
The brick-red cathedral on the main square is a masterpiece of Jesuit-influenced architecture.
Dinner at 24 de Septiembre Square
Watch the locals gather under the trees and enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.
Day 16: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Wildlife & Markets
Jardín Botánico de Santa Cruz
Take a public bus to the botanical garden. It’s a cheap way to see sloths and tropical birds in their habitat.
Mercado Los Pozos
A gritty, authentic market perfect for finding cheap tropical fruits like mangos and papayas.
Parque El Arenal
Relax by the lagoon and see the mural by Lorgio Vaca that depicts the history of Santa Cruz.
Farewell Street Salteñas
Have your final street food feast. Salteñas here are often sweeter and use more tropical spices.
Day 17: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Departure
Breakfast at Mercado Nuevo
Join the locals for one last 'majadito' (rice and jerky) breakfast to fuel up for your flight.
Souvenir Shopping
Buy some high-quality coffee or chocolate from the lowlands as a gift to take home.
Viru Viru International Airport
Take the airport shuttle from the former 'Los Chiquitanos' bus stop for a low-cost transfer.
Departure Flight
Head home after 17 days of high-altitude adventure and lowland heat.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the skies are clear blue, making it perfect for photography in the Salar de Uyuni and hiking in the Andes. Note that this is also winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so nights on the Altiplano can drop well below freezing. If you want to see the famous 'mirror effect' on the salt flats, aim for the rainy season between January and March, though travel can be slower due to flooded roads.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Bolivia is very much a cash-based society, especially in the markets and for local transport. ATMs are widely available in major cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, but can be non-existent in smaller villages or on Isla del Sol. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill in small cafes or leaving a few coins is appreciated. Always carry small denominations, as many vendors struggle to make change for large bills.
Getting Around Bolivia
Intercity travel is dominated by 'flotas' (long-distance buses). They are incredibly cheap but varying in quality; for long hauls, look for 'Cama' or 'Semi-Cama' classes for more comfort. Within cities, 'trufis' (shared minibuses) and 'micros' (old colorful buses) are the standard way to get around for less than $0.30 a ride. While there are domestic flights via Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), taking the bus is the only way to stick to an ultra-lean budget and truly see the changing landscapes of the Andes.
