20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Bolivia
Bolivia is the ultimate playground for the frugal adventurer, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth at a fraction of the cost of its neighbors. This 20-day itinerary is designed for the hardcore backpacker who values local experiences, stays in vibrant hostels, and isn't afraid of a long bus ride to save those precious Bolivianos.
By prioritizing street food stalls (puestos), utilizing the extensive 'Flota' bus network, and focusing on free walking tours and natural wonders, you can navigate this high-altitude paradise on an ultra-lean budget. Prepare for thin air, warm people, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz, Bolivia - Arrival and Acclimatization
El Alto International Airport Arrival
Land at the world's highest international airport. Take a local minibus (not a private taxi) for a few Bolivianos to reach the city center.
Check into a Central Hostel
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the San Francisco district, the heart of the backpacker hub.
Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Wander through stalls selling dried llama fetuses and herbal remedies. It is free to look, but be respectful with photos.
Mercado Lanza Street Food
Eat like a local at this massive concrete market. Grab a 'Chola' sandwich for less than $2 USD.
Day 2: La Paz, Bolivia - Views from the Sky
Mi Teleférico Adventure
Ride the world's highest cable car system for only 3 BOB per line. Take the Red or Silver lines for incredible aerial views of the city basin.
Calle Sagarnaga Exploration
Walk the most famous street in La Paz, filled with colorful textiles and handicraft shops.
Plaza Murillo
Visit the historic center containing the Presidential Palace and the National Congress. Great for people-watching and free history.
Salteña Dinner
Find a local bakery and try Salteñas, Bolivia's savory and juicy answer to the empanada.
Day 3: La Paz, Bolivia - Valley of the Moon
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Take a local 'Collectivo' (minibus) to Mallasa for a cheap entry to this clay and sandstone labyrinth.
Lunch in Mallasa
Enjoy an 'Almuerzo Completo' (fixed-price 3-course lunch) for roughly $2.50 USD.
Killi Killi Viewpoint
Hike up to this free lookout for a 360-degree view of La Paz and Mount Illimani.
Hostel Social Hour
Many hostels offer free walking tours or cheap communal dinners. It's the best way to meet travel partners.
Day 4: Copacabana, Bolivia - Gateway to Titicaca
Bus to Copacabana
Take a 4-hour public bus from the main terminal. You'll cross the Tiquina Strait by small boat along the way.
Lakefront Lunch
Order the 'Trucha' (Lake Trout) from the street stalls along the harbor for a fresh and cheap meal.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
Visit this stunning 16th-century Moorish-style cathedral, a major pilgrimage site.
Cerro El Calvario Hike
A steep walk for sunset over Lake Titicaca. It is free and offers the best views in town.
Day 5: Isla del Sol, Bolivia - Sacred Island
Boat to Isla del Sol
Take the public ferry to the North or South part of the island (depending on current local access rules).
Pilko Kaina Ruins
Explore these ancient Inca ruins on the southern tip of the island for a small fee.
Hiking the Island Ridges
Walk the stone paths that offer views of the Cordillera Real. Carry your own water to save money.
Overnight on the Island
Stay in a basic family-run hospedaje to experience the island’s incredible silence after the day-trippers leave.
Day 6: Isla del Sol & Return to Copacabana, Bolivia
Escalinatas del Inca
Walk down the 206 Inca steps in Yumani and visit the 'Fountain of Youth'.
Return Ferry
Catch the afternoon boat back to the mainland of Copacabana.
Horca del Inca
A short hike to an ancient astronomical site with massive rock formations.
Dinner at the Market
Head to the local market away from the tourist pier for the cheapest soups and rice dishes.
Day 7: La Paz & Night Bus to Uyuni, Bolivia
Bus back to La Paz
Return to the capital to catch your long-distance transport southward.
Last Minute Gear Check
Buy warm socks or a beanie in La Paz; Uyuni is notoriously freezing at night.
Night Bus to Uyuni
Book a 'Cama' (bed) or 'Semi-Cama' seat for the 10-hour journey. This saves you one night of accommodation costs.
Sleep on the Bus
Wear layers. The temperature drops significantly as the bus climbs the Altiplano.
Day 8: Uyuni, Bolivia - Salt Flats Discovery
Arrival in Uyuni Town
Drop your bags at a local hostel and grab a breakfast of Api (purple corn drink) and Buñuelos.
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
Visit the rusting remains of 19th-century steam locomotives just outside town. Most tours start here.
Salar de Uyuni Entry
Enter the world’s largest salt flat. Lunch is usually served on the salt by your tour operator.
Perspective Photos
Use the flat horizon to take the iconic 'toy-sized' perspective photos. It's free fun!
Day 9: Uyuni, Bolivia - Incahuasi Island
Incahuasi Island
A rocky outcrop covered in giant cacti in the middle of the salt sea. Incredible panoramic views.
Salt Hotel Visit
See buildings made entirely of salt blocks, including furniture and sculptures.
Dakar Monument
Stop by the salt monument built for the Dakar Rally which often passes through here.
Sunset on the Salt
Watch the sky turn vibrant colors reflected on the white crust (or water during rainy season).
Day 10: Uyuni & Travel to Potosí, Bolivia
Uyuni Market
Stock up on snacks and water for your next bus journey. Prices are higher in Uyuni but markets are still cheap.
Bus to Potosí
A scenic 4-hour journey winding through the mountains to reach one of the world's highest cities.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre
Check into your hostel and walk to the main plaza to admire the colonial architecture.
Calapurca Dinner
Try the local Potosí specialty: a volcanic stone soup that stays boiling at your table.
Day 11: Potosí, Bolivia - Silver and History
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
Visit the National Mint, one of South America's most important colonial buildings and museums.
Cerro Rico Viewpoint
Look up at the mountain that once funded the Spanish Empire. (Note: Mine tours are popular but controversial).
San Francisco Convent
Climb to the roof for the best view of the red-tiled roofs and the looming 'Rich Hill'.
Relax in the Plaza
Enjoy the evening atmosphere where locals gather to chat and eat street snacks.
Day 12: Travel to Sucre, Bolivia - The White City
Shared Taxi (Trufi) to Sucre
Take a shared car or bus for a 3-hour downhill journey to the constitutional capital.
Lunch at Mercado Central
Sucre’s market is famous for its fruit juices and the best 'Chorizo Chuquisaqueño'.
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Soak in the sun in what many call the most beautiful plaza in Bolivia.
La Recoleta Sunset
Walk up to the arches of La Recoleta for a panoramic view of the 'White City' at dusk.
Day 13: Sucre, Bolivia - Footprints of Giants
Parque Cretácico
Take the 'Sauromovil' bus to see the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints on a limestone wall.
Dinosaur Park Tour
Walk near the footprints of Titanosaurs with an expert guide (included in the entry fee).
Simon Bolivar Park
Relax in this lush park which features a miniature Eiffel Tower and a fountain show.
Cultural Show
Look for free or low-cost traditional dance performances at local community centers.
Day 14: Sucre, Bolivia - Freedom and Art
Casa de la Libertad
The place where Bolivia's Declaration of Independence was signed. Essential for history buffs.
ASUR Indigenous Art Museum
See high-quality textiles from the Jal'qa and Tarabuco cultures. Fascinating and budget-friendly.
Cemetery of Sucre
Sounds macabre, but this is a beautiful, peaceful garden cemetery with unique traditions.
Street Food Pique Macho
Share a massive plate of 'Pique Macho' (beef, fries, peppers) with a friend to save costs.
Day 15: Sucre & Night Bus to Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Last Souvenir Shopping
The markets in Sucre offer great prices on woven goods compared to La Paz.
General Cemetery Gardens
Revisit the peaceful gardens or check out the local university district for cheap eats.
Prepare for the Lowlands
Prepare for a climate shift as you move from the Andes to the tropical East.
Night Bus Departure
Board your bus at the Sucre terminal heading toward the Amazonian basin.
Day 16: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia - Tropical Vibes
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Feel the heat! Santa Cruz is modern, tropical, and lower in altitude.
Plaza 24 de Septiembre
The main square is famous for the sloths that sometimes live in the trees here.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Lawrence
Climb the clock tower for a view of the sprawling tropical city.
Dinner at 'Los Pozos'
A bustling market area where you can find tropical fruits and cheap grilled meats.
Day 17: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Nature in the City
Jardin Botanico (Botanical Garden)
Take a local bus to the outskirts for these massive gardens featuring both dry and humid forest types.
Wildlife Spotting
Look for monkeys and colorful birds along the garden trails.
Artecampo
Visit this shop/museum which supports local indigenous artisans from the lowlands.
Majadito Dinner
Try the local staple 'Majadito'—rice with dried meat, eggs, and fried plantains.
Day 18: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Lomas de Arena
Lomas de Arena Regional Park
Hire a cheap taxi or find a tour to these massive sand dunes just south of the city.
Sandboarding
Rent a board and fly down the dunes—it's one of the best free/cheap thrills in the region.
Pool Time
Many Santa Cruz hostels have pools. In this heat, it is a necessary budget luxury.
Samaipata Planning
Rest up for a potential day trip or just enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Day 19: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Biocentro Güembé
Biocentro Güembé (Optional Luxury)
A bit pricier, but you can see a massive butterfly dome and swim in natural pools. Otherwise, visit the local zoo for a cheaper alternative.
Mercado Abasto
The best place to see the agricultural wealth of Bolivia's east. Taste exotic jungle fruits.
Final Souvenir Hunt
Look for leather goods, which are high quality and cheap in Santa Cruz.
Farewell Dinner
Find a local 'Churrasqueria' for a budget-friendly steak dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.
Day 20: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Departure
Viru Viru International Airport
Take the 'Micro' (bus) to the airport from the city center to save on taxi fares.
Last Minute Empanada
Grab a final street snack before clearing security.
Flight Out
Say goodbye to the heart of South America.
Journey Reflection
Review your budget—you’ll be surprised how far your money went!
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the skies are clear blue, making it perfect for photography in the Salt Flats and hiking in the Andes. While it is winter and night temperatures can plummet below freezing at high altitudes, the roads are more reliable. If you want to see the 'mirror effect' on the Salar de Uyuni, visit during the rainy season (January to March), but be prepared for travel delays due to flooded roads.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Bolivia is a cash-driven society; while mid-range hotels and upscale restaurants in La Paz or Santa Cruz may accept cards, you will need cash for almost everything else, including buses, markets, and small hostels. ATMs are widely available in cities, but they often have low withdrawal limits. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill in restaurants or giving a few Bolivianos to helpful guides is appreciated.
Getting Around Bolivia
The primary way to get around Bolivia on a budget is by 'Flota' (long-distance bus). The network is vast and incredibly cheap. For shorter distances, use 'Micros' (small buses) or 'Trufis' (shared cars). While there is a scenic train route between Oruro and Uyuni, buses are generally faster. For those short on time, domestic flights via BOA (Boliviana de Aviación) are reasonably priced but will double your budget quickly. Always keep an eye on your belongings in bus terminals!
