18-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Bolivia
Bolivia is the ultimate playground for the budget-conscious traveler. From the high-altitude chaos of La Paz to the blinding white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni, this 18-day itinerary takes you through the heart of South America's most affordable destination. You will survive on delicious $2 'almuerzos' (fixed lunches), stay in lively hostel dorms, and traverse the country using the extensive and cheap network of public buses.
This 'Epic Journey' isn't about luxury; it's about the raw, authentic experience of Andean life. You'll meet local 'cholitas' in the markets, hike through prehistoric landscapes, and learn about the deep colonial history of the Silver City. Prepare for high altitudes, cold nights, and the most rewarding travel experience of your life.
Day 1: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Arrival & Street Food
Arrival at Viru Viru International
Touch down in Bolivia's tropical lowland hub. Take the cheap local 'micro' bus (Line 135) from the airport to the city center for just a few Bolivianos.
Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Relax in the main square, watch the sloths that occasionally inhabit the trees, and admire the Cathedral Basilica of St. Lawrence.
Mercado Nuevo
Head here for your first authentic Bolivian meal. Try a 'Majadito' (rice and meat dish) for a couple of dollars.
Hostel Check-in
Find a bed in a local backpacker hostel near the center to meet other travelers heading into the mountains.
Day 2: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Parks & Botanical Beauty
Jardín Botánico de Santa Cruz
A massive, free-to-low-cost botanical garden showcasing the flora of the Chaco and Amazonian regions.
Lunch at Los Pozos Market
Eat like a local at this bustling market where fresh fruit juices and empanadas cost less than a dollar.
Parque El Arenal
Take a walk around the lagoon and visit the mural by Lorgio Vaca that depicts the history of eastern Bolivia.
Night Bus Preparation
Head to the Terminal Bimodal to book your overnight bus to Sucre, the most budget-friendly way to travel.
Day 3: Sucre, Bolivia - Arrival in the White City
Arrival at Sucre Terminal
After the long bus ride, drop your bags at a budget hostel in the historic center.
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Acclimatize to Sucre's 2,800m altitude by sitting in this beautiful colonial square surrounded by white-washed buildings.
Casa de la Libertad
Visit the site where the Bolivian Declaration of Independence was signed for a very small entry fee.
La Recoleta Viewpoint
Walk uphill to this monastery for the best free sunset view over the red-tiled roofs of the city.
Day 4: Sucre, Bolivia - Dinosaurs & Colonial Art
Parque Cretácico
Take the 'Sauromóvil' shuttle to see thousands of real dinosaur footprints on a massive vertical rock face.
Mercado Central Almuerzo
Go to the top floor of the central market for a $2 three-course lunch including soup, main, and a drink.
ASUR Textile Museum
Explore the intricate weaving traditions of the Jalq'a and Tarabuco indigenous groups.
Fruit Juice Stalls
Return to Mercado Central for a giant, cheap fresh fruit salad with yogurt and honey.
Day 5: Sucre, Bolivia - Hiking & Seven Waterfalls
Hike to Siete Cascadas
Catch a local 'trufi' (shared taxi/van) to the outskirts and hike to these natural waterfalls. It's a free outdoor adventure.
Picnic Lunch
Pack empanadas from the morning market to eat by the water.
Simon Bolivar Park
Relax in Sucre's premier park, which features a miniature Eiffel Tower replica.
Evening Spanish Lesson
Sucre is one of the cheapest places in the world to take a one-off Spanish class at a local school.
Day 6: Potosí, Bolivia - The Silver City
Bus to Potosí
A scenic 3-hour bus ride takes you higher into the Andes to Potosí, once the wealthiest city in the world.
Street Salteñas
Potosí is famous for its salteñas (savory pastries). Grab two for a quick, ultra-cheap lunch.
Historic Center Walk
Wander through the UNESCO-listed streets and admire the incredibly ornate church facades.
Sopa de Piedra
Try the local specialty, 'Kalapurka,' a soup kept boiling by a volcanic rock dropped into the bowl.
Day 7: Potosí, Bolivia - Mint & Mountains
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
Take a guided tour of the Royal Mint. It is widely considered one of the best museums in South America.
Miner’s Market
Visit the market where miners buy dynamite and coca leaves. It's a sobering look at local industry.
Convento de Santa Teresa
Another colonial gem offering great insight into the religious history of the high Andes.
Bus to Uyuni
Catch a late-night bus to the gateway of the salt flats to save on one night's accommodation.
Day 8: Uyuni, Bolivia - Edge of the Desert
Arrival in Uyuni Town
This dusty town is cold but essential. Find a cheap breakfast of coffee and bread near the train station.
Train Cemetery
Walk or take a 10-minute taxi to see the rusted remains of 19th-century steam locomotives in the desert.
Market Lunch
Eat a cheap llama steak or quinoa soup at the municipal market for just a few dollars.
Tour Shopping
Spend the afternoon comparing prices between agencies for a 3-day Salar de Uyuni tour starting tomorrow.
Day 9: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - The Great White Expanse
Salar de Uyuni Expedition
Board a 4x4 for the start of the tour. First stop: the salt piles and the Salt Hotel (Playa Blanca).
Incahuasi Island
Hike through giant cacti on this 'island' in the middle of the salt sea. The views are otherworldly.
Perspective Photography
Use the flat horizon to take the iconic 'toy-sized' perspective photos that Uyuni is famous for.
Salt Hostel Stay
Sleep in a building made entirely of salt blocks in a small village on the edge of the Salar.
Day 10: Uyuni Region, Bolivia - Lagoons & Flamingos
Chiguana Desert
Cross the high-altitude desert and see the semi-active Ollagüe Volcano in the distance.
Laguna Cañapa
See the first of many high-altitude lagoons filled with Andean flamingos.
Arbol de Piedra
Visit the 'Stone Tree,' a rock formation carved by wind and sand over millions of years.
Laguna Colorada
Marvel at the red-tinted waters of this lagoon, home to thousands of James's flamingos.
Day 11: Uyuni to La Paz - Geysers & Overnight Travel
Sol de Mañana Geysers
The highest point of the tour (approx. 4,900m) features bubbling mud pots and steam vents.
Termas de Polques
Warm up in natural hot springs for a tiny entrance fee while looking out over the frozen desert.
Return to Uyuni
Finish the tour back in Uyuni town. Grab a quick dinner before the night bus.
Overnight Bus to La Paz
Board a 'Cama' (bed) bus for the long haul to the seat of government.
Day 12: La Paz, Bolivia - Witches & Cable Cars
Mi Teleférico Arrival
Arrive in La Paz. Use the world's highest cable car system as a cheap way to get a bird's eye view of the city.
Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Explore stalls selling dried llama fetuses, herbs, and silver amulets for Aymara rituals.
Lanza Market Lunch
Try a 'Chola' sandwich (pork sandwich) at this massive concrete market for under $1.50.
Calle Sagarnaga
Window shop for colorful alpaca sweaters and woven bags in the main tourist thoroughfare.
Day 13: La Paz, Bolivia - Moon Valleys & Views
Valle de la Luna
Take a local 'colectivo' bus to the southern zone to walk through this lunar landscape of clay spires.
San Miguel District
Walk through the lower, wealthier part of La Paz to see the contrast in the city's architecture.
Mirador Killi Killi
The best free 360-degree view of the La Paz basin. It's a steep walk, but worth every breath.
Street Food Safari
Eat 'Anticuchos' (skewered beef heart with potatoes) cooked over open flames on the sidewalk.
Day 14: La Paz, Bolivia - El Alto & Markets
El Alto Giant Market
Take the Red Line cable car to El Alto on a Thursday or Sunday for one of the largest open-air markets in the world.
Cholita Wrestling
On select days, watch the famous wrestling matches featuring indigenous women in traditional dress.
Cholet Architecture Tour
Look for the colorful, neo-Andean 'Cholets' (mansions) that dot the El Alto skyline.
Plaza Murillo
Observe the government buildings and the 'clock that runs backwards' on the congress building.
Day 15: Copacabana, Bolivia - Lake Titicaca
Bus to Copacabana
Catch a tourist bus from La Paz. The journey includes a fun barge crossing at the Strait of Tiquina.
Trout on the Shore
Eat 'Trucha' (fresh lake trout) from one of the many stalls lining the beach for a fixed low price.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
Visit this stunning white Moorish-style cathedral, home to the famous Dark Virgin.
Cerro Calvario Sunset
Hike up the 14 Stations of the Cross for a breathtaking sunset over the highest navigable lake in the world.
Day 16: Isla del Sol, Bolivia - Walking the Sacred Island
Boat to Isla del Sol
Take the slow public boat to the north or south end of the island, the mythical birthplace of the Inca.
Chincana Ruins
Explore the Inca ruins on the northern side of the island (check local access before heading north).
Escalera del Inca
Climb the 206 steps built by the Incas that lead to a sacred spring in Yumani.
Overnight on the Island
Stay in a basic family-run guesthouse for a few dollars to experience the island’s silence after the day-trippers leave.
Day 17: Copacabana, Bolivia - Lakeside Relaxation
Morning Boat Back
Return to the mainland of Copacabana and enjoy a slow morning coffee by the docks.
Mercado Modelo
Have one last cheap 'api' (purple corn drink) and 'pastel' (fried cheese pastry) for lunch.
Horca del Inca
A short hike to an ancient pre-Inca astronomical observatory with great views.
Farewell Trout Dinner
Treat yourself to a final lake-view dinner for under $5.
Day 18: La Paz, Bolivia - Departure
Final Bus to La Paz
Take the 3.5-hour bus back to the city, arriving at the main terminal.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Buy some coca candies or a small 'Ekeko' doll (the god of abundance) for luck.
Airport Transfer
Take the 'Airport' minibus from Plaza Isabel La Católica for a few Bolivianos.
Departure from El Alto Int'l
Say goodbye to the heights of Bolivia as you head to your next destination.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the skies are clear and blue, making it perfect for photography in the Salar de Uyuni and hiking in the Andes. Note that this is also winter, so nights in Potosí, Uyuni, and La Paz will be freezing. If you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the salt flats, visit during the rainy season (January to March), but be prepared for some road closures and travel delays.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Bolivia is very much a cash-based society, especially for budget travelers. Small stalls, markets, and buses will rarely accept cards. ATMs are widely available in cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, but can be temperamental in smaller towns like Uyuni. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra Bolivianos at a restaurant is appreciated.
Getting Around Bolivia
Budget travel in Bolivia revolves around the 'Flota' (long-distance bus). They are incredibly cheap, with overnight journeys often costing less than $15. For more comfort, always ask for a 'Cama' or 'Bus-Cama' seat. Within cities, 'micros' (old buses) and 'trufis' (shared taxis) are the way to go, costing only cents per ride. In La Paz, the Mi Teleférico cable car system is not just transport, but a world-class attraction that costs roughly $0.40 per line.
