Bolivia is one of the highest altitude countries in the world, almost as high as Everest base camp! Walking even a few steps can get you huffing and puffing. What to pack for Bolivia is a key question many of us have while planning. While dressing in layers is a given, you can prepare and pack to make the temperature bearable. The salt flats and Altiplano region can go around -15 degree Celsius during the night.
Food
The food is sufficient both in terms of quality and quantity, even for vegetarians. However the variety is limited and if you are a picky eater, carrying some extra food is helpful
- Nuts
- Snacks like Khakra/ Biscuits
- Water– You get water during lunch/ dinner but have to buy outside of that during your journey and hikes. Budget 2 litre per person on lower side
Electronics
You get electricity only from 6 PM to 9 PM plus or minus an hour depending on your lodge. Power banks and adapters become absolute necessity
- Power bank
- Universal adapter
- Chargers
- Mobile
- Laptop
- Phone cover- to protect from extreme temperature
Toiletries
Hot water is limited to day 1. You can pay extra on day 2 for hot water shower. Toiletries are limited, so carry your own. Sunscreen for hot sun, moisturizer for the dry weather and mouth wash for a quick refresh are important to carry
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Mouth wash
- Brush & paste
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair oil
- Sanitizer
- Shower cap
Utilities
Cap and goggles for hot sun are essential. The salt flats can be extremely reflective, blinding your eyes. All toilets are paid, upwards of 5 BOB, with only some offering toilet-paper. Carry wet wipes if you are prone to rashes.
Hiking poles can help ease climbing up and down. For extreme cold, carry warm thermal pouches that can be inserted in your palm/ back/ feet to keep you warm
Opt for sleeping bags that your tour operator can carry from day 1, they are helpful if blankets are not sufficient. Every body reacts differently, so it is difficult to predict
- Cap
- Goggles
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Mug– very important for Indians!
- Hiking poles
- Hand warmers– heat generating pouches if you are travelling in cold. We chose Warmee
- Mirror
- Earplugs
- Umbrella
- Tumbler
- Sewing kit
- Safety pin
- Kettle
- Backpack
- Backpack cover– to protect from rains
Medicines
Carry usual/ essentials. For altitude sickness, you can carry Diamox if you are not on other medications
- Diamox
- Antiseptic cream like Boroline
- Cotton
- Band aid
- Pain relief spray
- Knee cap
- Bug spray
- Throat lozenges
- Mask
- Other essentials for nausea, diarrhea, fever prevention
Clothes
Dress in layers and plan to have atleast 3 everyday- thermals, normal clothes and a jacket on top. Shoes are better since you need to protect feet from cold first. Have gloves, monkey caps in your backpack
- Sweatshirt
- Sweater/ Jackets
- Gloves
- Monkey cap
- Thermals
- Socks
- Hiking shoes
- Kerchief
- Raincoat
- Towel
- Undergarments
- Other clothes of course!
Do not forget to have your passport, copies of documents always, and an international card for emergencies. You get asked for passport for some entrance tickets. Remember cash is king, so have $20 worth BOB in hand per person