The ultimate packing list for Bolivia

This is the first time I’ve had such serious doubts about what to bring on a journey. Usually, I just grab a few tops, skirts, and a bikini, and off I go.

But this time I knew we were going through all sorts of climates from chilly salt flats to hot jungles. It would be dazzling hot, cold, rainy, humid, and even below zero degrees.

So basically – mission impossible.

After a lot of research, I narrowed it down to the things in this post. So, here it is: This is what to wear in Bolivia, so you’ll be ready for the different climates.

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Packing list for Bolivia

What you should pack really comes down to where in Bolivia, you’re going. Are you heading to the Amazon and that’s it?

Then you don’t need warm clothing.

But if you’re visiting several places around the country, then you can follow these Bolivia packing tips.

In all, I ended up having 13 kg in my backpack with room left for presents and souvenirs – a personal record on my part.

Bolivia packing list

Bags

I traveled with a 30L backpack and it was just right for me. I could fit all my clothes and stuff in it and use a smaller day-pack for my electronics and other odds and ends.

Documents and money

These are the documents you should bring. Please remember that you need a yellow fever vaccination card to enter the country. They might ask you at the airport or border, so make sure to get the vaccination and bring the card as proof.

Passport
Visa card
Plane tickets
Wallet
Local currency
Insurance card
Drivers license
Money belt
Vaccination card (you need the Yellow Fever vaccination to get into Bolivia)
Diary & pen

Electronics

Camera (I use a Canon EOS 550d + charger, extra memory cards and batteries
Manfrotto MMC3-01 Monopod
GoPro HERO3 + charger, underwater housing, accessories
Two adapters
Phone

Clothes

Bolivia is pretty easygoing when it comes to clothing.

You’ll fit in fine wearing everyday Western clothes. Most people are out enjoying nature rather than partying all night, so you don’t need fancy outfits. In cities like La Paz, you can go to bars and restaurants in casual clothes like jeans and a nice shirt.

The weather in Bolivia varies a lot, so pack for different conditions. In high-altitude areas like La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, and Uyuni, the air is dry and doesn’t block the strong sun, but it gets really cold at night, sometimes below freezing.

In warmer areas like Rurrenabaque and Santa Cruz, it’s often hot, which can lead to sunburns and mosquito bites.

To deal with the changing weather, bring layers!

Start with breathable fabrics to keep sweat away, add fleece or wool for warmth, and top it off with a windbreaker or softshell for protection. In the hot spots, wear long pants and sleeves to avoid bug bites.

Lastly, you can find laundry services all over Bolivia, so don’t pack too many socks and underwear.

Softshell (a wonderful alternative to the stiff and less breathable rainwear)
Rain jacket
Fleece
Sports bras (I brought three)
Socks
Three leggings
Baselayer (these became my most indispensable items)
T-shirt
Three tops
Four dresses (two long and two short)
Bikini
Towel
Rain poncho (also very indispensable, but it’s easily bought in La Paz)
Sunglasses (two pair)

Toiletries and medication

You can pick up toiletries in most places in Bolivia. But if you’re going somewhere off the beaten track, grab what you need before you go because shops will be hard to find, and you’ll pay more.

Make sure to bring any prescription meds you need from home because you might not find them in Bolivia.

Toothbrush and paste
Shampoo and conditioner
Brush
Deo
Makeup
Cleaning tissues (both for makeup and body)
Hair elastics
Ear plugs (if you value your night’s sleep)
Shaver
Tweezers
Hand sanitizer
Small plastic bags
Toilet paper
Pocket knife
Tampons
Sunscreen (factor 30)
Lip balm

Shoes

Expect your shoes to get dirty because the streets and trails are rough. Skip the sandals for walking around; save them for when you’re kicking back at the hotel.

Salomon (Trekking boots)
Sandals

So, let’s hear the verdict: Did I overpack? Forget anything? What did you pack for Bolivia? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

FAQ – What to pack for Bolivia

Is there a dress code in Bolivia?

No strict dress code in Bolivia, just dress for the weather and occasion.

What do people like to wear in Bolivia?

People wear a mix of traditional and Western clothes, depending on where they are.

Can I wear shorts in Bolivia?

Yes, you can wear shorts, especially in warmer areas, but not so much in conservative or cold regions.

What do you wear to the salt flats in Bolivia?

For the salt flats, layer up with clothes you can add or remove—think warm sweater, jacket, and closed-toed shoes.