Health and safety (altitude sickness, vaccinations):
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a common concern for travelers, especially in La Paz and Uyuni — see our full Altitude Sickness guide for prevention tips and symptoms to watch for.
Vaccinations & Health Precautions
Before traveling, check with your doctor about recommended vaccines for Bolivia:
- Routine vaccines: Make sure you’re up to date (MMR, DTP, polio, flu, etc.).
- Hepatitis A & Typhoid: Recommended, as food and water contamination is possible.
- Yellow fever: Strongly recommended if traveling to lowland regions such as the Amazon, and required if arriving from certain countries. Carry your vaccination card.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for longer stays or if you might need medical treatment.
- Rabies: Consider if you’ll spend time in rural areas, trekking, or around animals.
Practical Safety Tips
- Travel insurance: Essential for covering medical emergencies or evacuations.
- Hospitals & clinics: Major cities have private clinics with good care, but facilities can be limited in remote areas.
- Food & water: Stick to bottled or boiled water. Wash fruits and avoid undercooked meats or street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Sun protection: At high altitude the sun is very strong – use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
- General safety: Bolivia is generally safe for travelers, but as anywhere, watch your belongings in crowded places and use official taxis.