19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Bolivia
Bolivia is the ultimate playground for the frugal traveler, offering world-class landscapes for the price of a coffee in London. This 19-day route takes you from the world's highest administrative capital through colonial gems and into the otherworldly salt flats, all while keeping your daily spend around USD 12.
By utilizing public intercity buses (flotas), eating in local markets (mercados centrales), and staying in vibrant hostel dorms, you will witness the raw beauty of the Andes without breaking the bank. Prepare for high altitudes, breathtaking views, and some of the most authentic cultural encounters in South America.
The Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz, Bolivia - Arrival and High Altitude Acclimatization
El Alto International Airport Arrival
Touch down at the world's highest international airport. Skip the private taxis and take a local micro bus into the city center for just a few bolivianos.
Mi Teleférico - Red Line
Experience the world's highest cable car system. For less than a dollar, get a bird's eye view of the sprawling city of La Paz and the snow-capped Illimani mountain.
Calle Sagarnaga Exploration
Walk through the main tourist artery. Window shop for colorful textiles and alpaca sweaters, getting a feel for the local craftsmanship without spending a dime.
Street Food Dinner at Plaza San Francisco
Join the locals for 'Anticuchos' (grilled heart skewers) or 'Pasancalla' (giant popcorn) from the street vendors for an ultra-cheap first meal.
Day 2: La Paz, Bolivia - Witches and History
The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Wander through stalls selling llama fetuses, dried herbs, and amulets. It is a free, fascinating look into Aymara spiritual beliefs.
Mercado Lanza Lunch
Head to this massive concrete market for a 'Sopa de Mani' (peanut soup) and a giant fruit salad. It is the cheapest nutritious meal in the city center.
Plaza Murillo
Visit the political heart of Bolivia. See the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral while dodging the thousands of pigeons that call this square home.
San Francisco Basilica
Admire the stunning mestizo-baroque architecture of this historic church. The exterior carvings are some of the most intricate in South America.
Day 3: La Paz, Bolivia - Lunar Landscapes and Cobblestones
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
Take a local trufi (shared van) to the southern zone to walk through these clay spires and canyons formed by erosion. The entry fee is very low for backpackers.
Calle Jaén Museums
Visit the best-preserved colonial street in La Paz. For a small fee, one ticket gives you access to four tiny museums covering history and musical instruments.
Killi Killi Viewpoint
Hike up to this viewpoint for a 360-degree panoramic view of La Paz. It is a steep walk but completely free and breathtaking at sunset.
Local Peña Music Night
Find a small local bar in the center playing live Andean folk music. Often, there is no cover charge if you buy a single local beer.
Day 4: La Paz to Copacabana - Transition to Lake Titicaca
Bus to Copacabana
Board a local bus from the main terminal. The journey includes a fun ferry crossing at the Strait of Tiquina where you'll cross in a small boat while your bus goes on a barge.
Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
Visit this massive white moorish-style cathedral, home to the famous Dark Virgin. Entry is free and the interior is stunning.
Cerro El Calvario Hike
Walk the Stations of the Cross path up to the summit. It’s the best place to watch the sun sink into Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Truchapan Street Stalls
Eat fresh Lake Titicaca trout (trucha) at the row of affordable stalls along the waterfront. It’s the local specialty and very budget-friendly.
Day 5: Isla del Sol, Bolivia - Sacred Island Exploration
Boat to Isla del Sol (North Side)
Take the slow public boat to the northern part of the island. It’s cheaper than the private tours and allows for a more authentic experience.
Chincana Ruins
Explore the Inca labyrinth ruins on the north of the island. The views of the deep blue lake against the white peaks of the Cordillera Real are free.
Island Ridge Hike
Walk the ancient stone paths from the north to the south of the island. It is a high-altitude trek, so take it slow and bring your own water.
Yumani Village Settlement
Check into a basic guesthouse in Yumani. Many offer incredible views of the lake for under $10 a night.
Day 6: Isla del Sol to La Paz - Return Transit
Escalinatas del Inca
Descend the 206 Inca steps in Yumani to the fountain of youth. It’s a great morning workout before heading back to the mainland.
Public Boat back to Copacabana
Catch the morning ferry back. Use the time to journal or chat with fellow backpackers on the top deck.
Afternoon Bus to La Paz
Return to the city. Use this evening to restock on snacks and prep for the long overnight bus to Sucre.
Overnight Bus Departure
Board a 'bus-cama' (bed bus) for the long journey to Sucre. It saves you one night of accommodation costs.
Day 7: Sucre, Bolivia - The White City
Sucre Arrival & Breakfast
Arrive in Bolivia's constitutional capital. Head to the Mercado Central for a 'Pastel con api' (deep-fried pastry with purple corn drink).
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Relax in one of South America's most beautiful squares. Admire the perfectly white colonial buildings that give Sucre its nickname.
Casa de la Libertad
Visit the site where the Bolivian Declaration of Independence was signed. The entry fee is minimal and includes a guided tour in English.
La Recoleta Viewpoint
Walk up the hill to the Franciscan monastery. Sit under the arches of the plaza and watch the sunset over the red-tiled roofs of the city.
Day 8: Sucre, Bolivia - Dinosaurs and Local Markets
Parque Cretácico (Cretaceous Park)
Take the 'Sauromóvil' bus to see the world's largest collection of dinosaur footprints on a massive vertical limestone wall. It is a unique, low-cost attraction.
Lunch at Mercado Central
Eat on the second floor of the market. Look for the 'Almuerzo Completo' (3-course meal) which usually costs less than $2.50.
General Cemetery of Sucre
It sounds macabre, but this is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in the city, featuring giant trees and ornate tombs.
Simon Bolivar Park
Stroll through the park and see the miniature Eiffel Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. It’s a favorite spot for locals to hang out.
Day 9: Sucre to Potosí - High Altitude History
Shared Taxi to Potosí
Take a 'trufis' from the terminal. It’s faster than the bus and only slightly more expensive, climbing into the high Altiplano.
Potosí Arrival & High Altitude Walk
Arrive in one of the highest cities in the world. Walk slowly to Plaza 10 de Noviembre to let your lungs adjust to 4,060 meters.
Casa Nacional de la Moneda
Visit the National Mint of Bolivia. It is arguably the best museum in the country, detailing the silver riches that once funded the Spanish Empire.
Convent of Santa Teresa
Take a guided tour of this colonial convent. The history of the cloistered nuns and the religious art is fascinating and well-preserved.
Day 10: Potosí to Uyuni - Gateway to the Salt
Cerro Rico Viewpoint
View the 'Mountain that Eats Men' from a safe distance. While mine tours exist, viewing the red-hued peak from the city streets is free and sobering.
Bus to Uyuni
The 4-hour journey across the high desert is spectacular. Keep your camera ready for llamas and vicuñas grazing along the road.
Uyuni Arrival & Tour Scouting
Walk the main street (Avenida Ferroviaria) to compare prices for a 3-day salt flat tour starting tomorrow. Last-minute bookings are often cheapest.
Llama Steak Dinner
Many budget restaurants in Uyuni serve llama meat. It is lean, delicious, and a very affordable local protein source.
Day 11: Salar de Uyuni - Day 1 of Expedition
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
Start your 3-day tour at this graveyard of 19th-century British steam locomotives. It’s a great spot for industrial-style photos.
Colchani Village
See how the local community processes salt. Buy a small salt souvenir for less than a dollar to support the local economy.
Entering the Salar
Drive onto the 10,000 square kilometers of white salt. Spend the afternoon taking perspective-distorting photos on the endless white horizon.
Salt Hotel Stay
Spend the night in a hostel built entirely of salt blocks—walls, tables, and even beds. It is a quintessential Bolivian backpacker experience.
Day 12: Salar de Uyuni - Day 2 High Desert Lagoons
Incahuasi Island
Hike through giant cacti on this 'island' in the middle of the salt sea. The view from the top shows the true scale of the Salar.
Laguna Hedionda
Stop for lunch by this lake filled with pink flamingos. The smell of sulfur gives the lake its name ('Stinking Lake'), but the wildlife is incredible.
Arbol de Piedra
See the 'Stone Tree,' a volcanic rock formation carved by the wind. It’s located in the Siloli Desert, one of the highest deserts in the world.
Laguna Colorada
Witness the blood-red waters of this lagoon, colored by algae and home to thousands of James's flamingos.
Day 13: Salar de Uyuni to Uyuni - Geysers and Hot Springs
Sol de Mañana Geysers
Wake up early to see the bubbling mud pots and steam vents at their most active. The altitude here reaches nearly 5,000 meters.
Polques Hot Springs
Warm up in the natural thermal baths for a tiny fee while looking out over the frozen desert landscape.
Valles de las Rocas
On the return journey to Uyuni, stop at these massive rock formations that look like a playground for giants.
Return to Uyuni Town
Celebrate the end of your expedition with a local beer and a pizza with your tour group before a well-deserved sleep.
Day 14: Uyuni to Cochabamba - The Food Capital Transit
Uyuni Market Breakfast
One last cheap meal in Uyuni. Buy some coca leaves to help with the transition over the mountains.
Day Bus to Oruro
Take the bus north to Oruro. The landscape changes from white desert to rugged canyons and mining towns.
Train or Bus to Cochabamba
Switch to a bus for the final leg to Cochabamba. You descend into a lush, temperate valley—a welcome break from the Altiplano cold.
Cochabamba Arrival
Check into your hostel. You'll notice the air is much thicker and warmer here at 2,500 meters.
Day 15: Cochabamba, Bolivia - Markets and Monuments
Cristo de la Concordia
Take the cable car or climb the steps to see the largest statue of Jesus in the world (even taller than Rio's). The views of the valley are spectacular.
La Cancha Market
Explore one of the largest open-air markets in South America. You can find everything from electronics to traditional medicines at rock-bottom prices.
Palacio Portales
Visit the mansion of the 'Tin King' Simon Patiño. The gardens are free and offer a glimpse into the extreme wealth of Bolivia's mining era.
Dinner: Pique Macho
Try the city's signature dish: a massive plate of beef, fries, peppers, and eggs. One portion is usually enough for two budget travelers.
Day 16: Cochabamba to Santa Cruz - To the Lowlands
Heroínas de la Coronilla
Visit the monument dedicated to the women who fought for independence. It offers a great historical context and city view.
Botanical Garden Martín Cárdenas
Spend a peaceful hour in this small but beautiful garden featuring native cacti and tropical plants.
Bus to Santa Cruz (New Road)
Board a bus for the 10-hour trip to the tropical lowlands. The 'Carretera Nueva' offers stunning jungle views as you descend from the Andes.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra Arrival
Arrive in Bolivia's largest and most modern city. Grab a cheap taxi to your hostel in the center.
Day 17: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Tropical Vibes
Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Relax in the main square. Look up into the trees to spot sloths that famously hang out in the center of the city.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Lawrence
Visit the brick cathedral and climb the clock tower for a small fee to see the flat sprawl of Santa Cruz reaching toward the Amazon.
Arte Campo
Check out this museum and shop for high-quality indigenous crafts. Even if you don't buy, the displays of weaving and pottery are museum-quality.
Evening at Monsenor Rivero
Walk this lively street filled with cafes. While some are pricey, there are plenty of 'Salteñerias' nearby for a cheap evening snack.
Day 18: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Samaipata Day Trip
Shared Taxi to Samaipata
Head to the 'expresos' to Samaipata. The 3-hour drive takes you into the 'elbow of the Andes' where the mountains meet the jungle.
El Fuerte de Samaipata
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, a massive carved rock that served as a religious center for Pre-Columbian cultures.
Samaipata Village
Wander the hippie-chic streets of this mountain village. It’s much cooler and more relaxed than Santa Cruz.
Return to Santa Cruz
Catch a late afternoon shared taxi back to the city for your final night in Bolivia.
Day 19: Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Sand Dunes and Departure
Lomas de Arena
Take a local bus to these massive sand dunes just outside the city. It’s a great place to hike or try sandboarding for a very low cost.
Final Mercado Lunch
Visit Mercado Los Pozos for one last 'Majadito' (rice with dried meat and plantains), a classic lowland dish.
Viru Viru International Airport Transit
Take the airport shuttle bus from the city center. It’s reliable, frequent, and much cheaper than a taxi for your departure.
Departure
Bid farewell to Bolivia after 19 days of high-altitude adventure and budget-friendly exploration.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The best time to follow this itinerary is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the skies are clear blue, making for perfect photography in the Salar de Uyuni and safer travel on mountain roads. While it is winter and temperatures in the Altiplano (La Paz, Uyuni, Potosí) can drop significantly at night, the daytime sun is strong. If you want to see the famous 'mirror effect' on the salt flats, visit in late January or February, but be prepared for rain and potential bus delays due to washed-out roads.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). At the time of writing, 1 USD is approximately 6.90 BOB. Bolivia is a cash-heavy society; while high-end hotels in Santa Cruz or La Paz might accept cards, markets, hostels, and buses will strictly require cash. ATMs are widely available in cities, but they often have low withdrawal limits and may charge fees. It is wise to carry some USD in pristine condition (no tears or marks) as a backup, as these can be easily exchanged in 'Casas de Cambio'. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill in small restaurants or giving a few bolivianos to helpful guides is appreciated.
Getting Around Bolivia
Public transport is the lifeline of the Bolivian budget traveler. For intercity travel, 'Flotas' (long-distance buses) are the standard. They range from 'Normal' to 'Semi-Cama' and 'Cama' (full reclining seats). Always opt for 'Cama' for overnight journeys—the extra few dollars are worth the sleep. Within cities, 'Micros' (colorful old buses) and 'Trufis' (shared cars or vans with set routes) are incredibly cheap, usually costing less than $0.30 per ride. For the adventurous, the train from Oruro to Uyuni (Wara Wara del Sur) is a scenic and affordable alternative to the bus. Domestic flights via Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) are surprisingly affordable if booked a week in advance and can save you 12+ hours on the road.
