Climate
The Bolivian highlands have a temperate climate with variations in temperature according to altitude and time of day. The temperature in La Paz can be 25oC during the day and drop to freezing point at night.
The wet season lasts from November to March, outside these months you can be guaranteed plenty of sunshine on the altiplano. The north-east slopes of the Andes are semi-tropical, while the eastern lowlands are generally hot, with occasional cold snaps.
Below are two graphs showing average 24-hour temperature and rainfall for La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre and London for comparison.
Average 24-hour Temperature (in oC)
Average Rainfall (in mm)
Festivals & Holidays
Fiestas are part of the Bolivian way of life, and take place throughout the year in towns and villages large and small. They mostly have a religious or political derivation and involve costumes, dancing and the consumption of large amounts of alcohol. Amongst the most prestigious are the Fiesta del Gran Poder in La Paz in May/June, and the Carnival at Oruro in February/March.
Currency
The local currency is the Boliviano. Current exchange rates are available via Google currency conversion or the OANDA currency converter. It's not advisable to try to acquire Latin American currency before travelling, if a currency is available in high street banks or exchange outlets the exchange rate is usually very poor. You can change US dollar cash or travellers checks locally and obtain cash advances via ATMs in most towns and cities. We’d advise that you tell your bank you intend to use your card abroad before you set off.
Visas
British citizens can find up-to-date information on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries should consult their embassy before travel.
Vaccinations
We recommend that you always check with your own travel clinic or health professional before you travel, for advice specific to your requirements. The NHS Fit For Travel website contains for up-to-date health advice and lists the common vaccinations for travellers to Bolivia.