Cheap Stops to include on while you overland Bolivia

Johnny Ward

If you’re travelling through South America Bolivia is definitely going to be on the agenda. It’s a top place to visit and people love traveling here because you can do it on a budget. You’ll likely be arriving overland from one of its neighbours, Brazil or Peru. Here are 8 places to stop on your adventure across Bolivia.

Tarija, Sucre, La Paz, Uyuni Salt Flat, Copacabana, Coroico, Rurrenabaque, Potosi

  • Tarija, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      One of my lasting memories of South America was the wine and at the time steak (I’m vegetarian now!). If you enjoy one or both of those things then Tarija is for you. Not all tourists have this on their schedule but it’s one of the top places for local tourists to visit - and always do what the locals do! After you enjoy the wine tours there’s also a nature reserve and the Inca Trail to enjoy. A dorm bed in Kultur Berlin Taija Hostel costs only $10. I liked staying here because it’s so spacious and a minute away from the heart of the city, close to the airport too which is a bonus.

  • Sucre, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      This is officially the capital city of Bolivia, the White City with it’s beautiful colonial buildings is a spectacular city. I was spellbound by this city which is a World Heritage Site makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. It’s the place to go if you want to learn Spanish because there are language schools all over the city. To keep costs down without compromising comfort check in to 7 Patas Hostel. You get a decent bed and breakfast for only $7.

  • La Paz, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      La Paz is a little different to other places on this list because it doesn’t have colonial architecture but there’s a lot of beautiful spots that make up for it. Hiking and trekking is huge here, the mountains that line the city are where most visitors go to have fun. Two things you can’t miss are 1) getting in the cable car to take a birds eye view of La Paz - The Teleferic network covers the whole city, it’s super cheap too, 2) a bike ride to the Death Road. Staying in Loki Boutique was a real treat in La Paz. It feels like a proper boutique hotel and you pay less than $30 for the night - it might be more than my other recommendations but go for it!

  • Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      I’d say this is the place that put Bolivia on my radar and where I was most looking forward to visit. Of course the salt flats are the biggest draw but there are other things on offer here too; volcano tours and the Atacama Desert are just two of those options. Take youre time at the salt flats to get the photos just right because they turn out awesome, make sure you do your research or ask your guide for tips. Head to Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, great location and breakfast thrown in for $12.

  • Copacabana, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      Yes, there is a place of the same name in Brazil and to be honest it’s probably more famous because of the beach there. You won’t find the beach here but I prefer the Bolivian Copacabana. It’s located on Lake Titicaca and is where, allegedly, the first Inca was born. The sunsets here over the lake will rival any place on the planet and the White Cathedral is well worth a visit too. I got a private room for 20 bucks at Hostal Luis with free breakfast. It’s in a good part of town and easy to reach all the main sites.

  • Coroico, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      Travelling around this country means you’re on the move alot and always active, so a stop over in Coroico is perfect to chill out. So hit the beach or lounge in a hammock reading a book surrounded by awesome views. Locals call this place paradise and I’d say that’s pretty accurate. There’s only one place here you need to stay and that’s Hotel Bella Vista, the view from breakfast is worth the room rate. Get a twin room, split the cost and pay $15 each a night. Quality views! You’ll need to chill out after your trip there because you’ll have conquered the Death Road along the way.

  • Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      A perfect starting point for an adventure. Rurrenabaque is located by the Beni River and it’s where many an Amazon trip begins. You can go for a tour of the jungle or opt to join a trek of the Pampas - you’ll see alligators and loads of other animals, it’s like being in a wildlife documentary you see on tv. For $8 I stayed in a dorm room with breakfast. This place has a pool which is crazy for less than $10, El Curichal Hostel is where you want to stay here.

  • Potosi, Bolivia

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    • onestep4ward

      This colonial city is one of the highest on the planet. Back in the day it was one of the wealthiest places in all of the Americas, unfortunately that didn’t last and you can learn all about the history of the silver mines here. Expect a quaint city with stunning views of a World Heritage Site. Hostal Eucalyptus is the best place in town to stay if you’re on a budget. It’s a great little hostel and if you want a few days rest in between hitting the road this is the place - good bar too! Breakfast is included for $15.