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Bolivia: Updates & Travel
Bolivia: Updates & Travel
Travel in Bolivia?
- Bolivia, because of its location in the middle of the continent, is also called the heart of South America. It is a country where a lot of rugged nature can be found: snow-capped mountain peaks, rugged landscapes, vast savanna and an impenetrable rainforest. Bolivia is also characterized by its indigenous people, whose clothing literally gives the streets a lot of color. Despite its eventful history, it is one of the most peaceful countries in this continent.
- La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and has more than 1 million inhabitants. Nevertheless, it is an atmospheric city with many attractions. The Indian neighborhoods and colorful markets in this city are a great sight against the backdrop of the snowy Andean peaks.
- From La Paz you can book trips to such places as the highest ski resort in the world (the glacier on the Chacaltaya), Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world), Potosi (traditionally a rich, prosperous city in Bolivia) and Salar de Uyuni (the largest salt flats in the world).
- Take a bike ride on “the most dangerous road in the world” near La Paz: a narrow road past deep canyons, but with beautiful scenery; from icy white mountain peaks to subtropical forests, regularly encountering monkeys and parrots along the way.
- Take a trip through southeastern Bolivia where there are beautiful, vast Amazon lowlands with lots of wild-life (The Chaco). Further north, the Amazon tropical rainforests begin at the starting point of Rurrenabaque.
- Copacabana is a sacred site for the ancient Incas, on the edge of Lake Titicaca. It is an excellent starting point for boat trips and hikes through the beautiful surroundings. Lake Titicaca is known as the highest navigable lake (3,830 meters above sea level) in the world.
- The village of Uyuni is often called the cold village by Bolivians because of its cold climate. A small and quiet Bolivian village with about 12,000 inhabitants from where tours to the salt lakes, Colorado Verde and Laguna Colorado begin. A wonderful experience!
- Sucre is according to many the most beautiful city in Bolivia; its museums and markets make it a city where you will not get bored.
- Coroico is a city located 5 hours drive north of La Paz, in the middle of the jungle and has a pleasant climate. The exciting bus ride over non-paved roads and along deep chasms. The changing landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks, dense jungle and beautiful waterfalls offers many distractions.
- Rurrenabaque is a long arduous trek by bus from La Paz. The Bolivian jungle is a good place to be. If you drink as many beers as you see crocodiles, you'll end up drunk in your hammock every night. It is also the perfect starting point for Amazon exploration. But many have trouble getting out of here. Literally, too, when the rainy season starts and the roads get (even) worse.
- Due to political instability in Bolivia, be prepared for protest demonstrations and roadblocks in various regions of the country, which can disrupt public life. This is especially true in the Central Plateau, which includes La Paz, but also in the Chapare, Lake Titicaca, Cochabamba, the Yungas and, to a lesser extent, Santa Cruz. Roadblocks and demonstrations should be avoided as much as possible.
- While the route to the Yungas is one of the most beautiful, it is also the most dangerous! Because this road is very steep and narrow, and that landslides can occur during heavy rains, it is advised to use reliable bus companies.
- Road blocks can cause long delays to routes to important destinations.
- La Paz is at a high altitude, which can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping. So make sure you have enough variety and, if necessary, go to lower altitude areas for several days.
Updates Bolivia
- More about Bolivia, updates and contributions, see the link below.
How does healthcare work in Bolivia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
How does healthcare work in Bolivia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
- How does the healthcare system work in Bolivia?
- What is the quality of healthcare in Bolivia?
- How does the public healthcare system work in Bolivia?
- How does the private healthcare system work in Bolivia?
- How is the general practitioner arranged in Bolivia?
- How is the dentist arranged in Bolivia?
- How is pregnancy care arranged in Bolivia?
- How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Bolivia?
- What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Bolivia?
- What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Bolivia if you are going to live there for a while?
How does the healthcare system work in Bolivia?
What is the quality of healthcare in Bolivia?
- Bolivia was one of the last countries in Latin America to develop a free public health care system. The country is working on improving health, but the system is very overloaded due to the high pressure on health care due to the presence of many diseases.
- Health care in Bolivia varies in quality. In the larger cities of La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba there are relatively good hospitals with good doctors, but in rural areas the care is often outdated.
- The country has a hybrid health care system. This means that care is divided over different sectors, namely public (Seguro Universal de Salud - SUS), social (Caja Nacional de Salud - CNS) and private care.
- In each sector you will also find three levels of care: primary care with health centres for basic care, secondary care with hospitals that provide more extensive care and tertiary care for specialist treatments.
- It is wise to learn some Spanish before visiting a doctor in Bolivia, especially in rural areas and small towns.
- Pharmacies are easy to find. Many medicines are available here without a prescription. The emergency number for the ambulance is 118.
How does the public healthcare system work in Bolivia?
- In 2019, the Seguro Universal de Salud (SUS) was set up to make basic healthcare free and accessible to Bolivian residents. The system covers around 70% of the population. For foreigners living in Bolivia, the system offers access to free medical care under certain conditions.
- There are often long queues in public healthcare and the equipment and facilities can be outdated, especially outside the city. There may also be shortages of medicines.
- Working residents of Bolivia are required to be part of the public social security system, in which both employer and employee make a contribution (10% of the salary). People who fall under this system are entitled to subsidised healthcare, just like people who fall under the SUS.
- In recent years, foreigners have sometimes been refused access to public healthcare without valid reason, even in emergencies. So be careful…
How does the private healthcare system work in Bolivia?
- About 10% of the population uses the private healthcare system, these are mostly the wealthy Bolivians. Foreigners also generally choose private healthcare because of the much better facilities and shorter waiting times.
- Private healthcare is mainly concentrated in the big cities such as La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.
- The costs are of course a lot higher. It is therefore important to have good insurance.
How is the general practitioner arranged in Bolivia?
- There is no general practitioner system in Bolivia. People generally go directly to a specialist or clinic.
- In private healthcare, you can find general practitioners at clinics who act as a kind of general practitioner.
How is the dentist arranged in Bolivia?
- Dental care varies greatly, depending on whether you choose public or private care. Public dental care is limited and often outdated, while private dental care is relatively good and cheaper than in Europe, for example.
- Ask other expats for advice on a good dentist. Most private dental care, like the rest of the private healthcare, is concentrated in the big cities.
How is pregnancy care arranged in Bolivia?
- Public maternity care is being developed in Bolivia, but there are still problems. Infant mortality is around 20 per 1,000 births (2022), higher than in many other countries, especially in rural areas.
- Public care offers free pregnancy check-ups and deliveries, but with basic facilities and not of the quality that expats are usually used to.
- Private care has more modern facilities and more personal guidance. Caesarean sections are more common in private hospitals.
- Note that there are quite a few health risks in Bolivia that can also impact the pregnancy.
- Abortion is only legal under certain circumstances, such as rape, incest or health risks for the mother.
How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Bolivia?
What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Bolivia?
- Bolivia is not the safest country. There is often political unrest, with tensions that can be felt throughout society. There are regular political demonstrations that can get out of hand.
- There is also violent crime, often related to drugs. This is particularly common in the Chapare region.
- Pickpocketing is a common problem in tourist areas. It is also important to keep a close eye on your belongings on buses and at bus stations. More violent robberies of tourists also sometimes occur.
- In terms of natural disasters, severe weather mainly occurs in the rainy season from November to March. During this period, there are regular landslides and floods. In the dry season, wildfires are common, which also has a negative impact on air quality.
What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Bolivia?
- There are quite a few health risks in Bolivia, including mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and zika. Protect yourself well against mosquito bites!
- Because Bolivia has some very high-altitude areas, altitude sickness is also a risk. Be aware of the symptoms (including nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite) and respond appropriately.
- There are several serious diseases that are common, such as typhoid, hepatitis and tuberculosis.
- Drink only boiled or filtered water and avoid food that is raw or undercooked to prevent illness and traveler's diarrhea.
- Beware of rabies. Always seek medical help immediately if you are bitten or scratched by an animal.
What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Bolivia?
- Driving in Bolivia is not child's play. Outside the highways that connect La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, the conditions are often dangerous. There is no good road protection and roads are often unpaved. It is therefore recommended to drive with a four-wheel drive.
- Also, most drivers have not had proper driving lessons, traffic rules are ignored (drunk driving is common), pedestrians usually do not get a front edge and the vehicles are often poorly maintained.
- Traveling during the rainy season is difficult and more dangerous because the rain deteriorates the road quality and many roads become impassable.
- Public transport is also not without risks, bus drivers often drive overtired, sometimes even drunk and in outdated vehicles. Bus accidents are not uncommon in the country.
- Pickpocketing and bag theft are quite common on public transport.
- Criminals sometimes pose as taxi drivers. So make sure you choose reliable taxi companies.
What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Bolivia?
Is the trip to Bolivia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.
What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Bolivia if you are going to live there for a while?
- Good international health insurance is a must to ensure that you are not faced with financial surprises such as private care, medical evacuations or repatriation.
- Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Packing list for Bolivia, travel insurance for Bolivia, and taking your belongings
Packing list for Bolivia, travel insurance for Bolivia, and taking your belongings
What to take with you to Bolivia: spotlighted
Featured items:
- Documents: a passport with 6 months validity upon arrival and copies. Sometimes an exit ticket is requested.
- Money: cash Bolivian boliviano (BOB). In the cities you can use your debit card, sometimes the machines are empty though.
- Care: sunscreen and lip balm with a high factor, even in the cold you can get sunburned so close to the equator.
- Outdoor and conveniences: water filter bottle/tablets for remote areas, cap or hat and sunglasses (the salt flats are seriously blinding, look it up!).
- Clothing: the weather conditions vary, so layers, layers, layers so that you can visit both the tropical areas and the high Andes.
- Shoes: in any case good mountain boots or trekking shoes that are comfortable in the mountains and/or in the rainforest. Flip-flops for the showers or hotels.
- Protection: good rain gear and a good backpack rain cover in the rainy season or if you go to the rainforest. Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, altitude sickness pills and ORS. Good mosquito repellent (see also DEET mosquito repellent).
- Safety: money belt or fanny pack for your valuables (more about money belts for your money and passport). A lock for your bag on the night bus.
- Technology and equipment: world plug type A & C (see also world plug or travel plug) and a headlamp/flashlight and power bank in case of a power failure.
- Toiletries: tampons if you use them, because they are hard to get.
What are some other options to pack as well?
- Quick-drying towel.
- Hydrating cream for the dry air at altitude.
- Buff, scarf or bandana against dust and cutting wind.
- Gloves, hat and other suitable clothing for the cold if you go really high into the mountains.
Are there mosquitoes in Bolivia?
- Mosquitoes are a big problem in Bolivia, especially in the areas below 2,500m. Above that, you don't have to worry much.
- The number of mosquitoes increases significantly during the rainy season from November to April.
- Mosquitoes can transmit nasty diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue.
- The popular tourist areas are often mosquito-free because they are so high, so you usually don't have to worry.
- High risk areas are Beni and Pando. The least risk is in Oruro.
- Always protect yourself well in the higher risk areas, but especially around sunrise and sunset.
Are there sandflies in Bolivia?
- Bolivia has many cases of Leishmaniasis, which is transmitted by sand flies.
- Most cases occur in the Amazon river area.
- Because most areas on the tourist route are higher, you usually run little risk as a tourist or backpacker.
- In any case, your mosquito spray will also help against sand flies!
Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Bolivia?
- In some places, mosquito repellent can be found, if you look carefully.
- Besides the brand OFF, Repel is a popular mosquito repellent.
- You have the best chance to get mosquito repellent in large supermarkets and pharmacies.
Can you buy a joint or weed in Bolivia, or take it with you to Bolivia?
- Even if it is possible, it is illegal and possession of cannabis is punished as severely as possession of cocaine. Even small amounts can lead to serious penalties or bribery attempts.
- Tourists are an easy target. Don't start, unless you want to see the inside of a Bolivian prison (spoiler alert: you don't).
Bolivia: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Bolivia: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Content about Bolivia shared by WorldSupporters
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