Overview
Bolivia is one of South America's most dramatic and least-visited countries, home to the mirror-like Uyuni salt flats, high Andean cities and a share of the Amazon basin. For UK travellers the usual entry points are La Paz, the world's highest administrative capital, and Santa Cruz in the lowlands. Comparing fares in one place makes planning this long-haul trip much simpler.
Best time to fly to Bolivia
Bolivia's dry season, from May to October, is the most reliable time to travel the highlands and reach the Uyuni salt flats overland. The wet season (November to March) brings the famous mirror effect to the salt flats but can disrupt travel elsewhere. Fares often ease outside the busy mid-year period; the price charts on this page show the cheapest dates for your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The main gateways are La Paz El Alto (LPB) — one of the highest international airports in the world — and Santa Cruz Viru Viru (VVI), the busiest for international traffic. Domestic flights also serve Cochabamba (CBB) and Uyuni (UYU).
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Bolivia, so journeys involve one or more connections. Common routings go via a European hub such as Madrid (with Iberia or Boliviana de Aviación), or via a US city, often with a further change in a South American hub. Total journey times from London are typically around 17–22 hours depending on the connections. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the best value.
Popular places to visit in Bolivia
- Salar de Uyuni: the vast, mirror-like salt flats, Bolivia's signature sight
- La Paz: a spectacular high-altitude city with cable-car transport
- Lake Titicaca & the Isla del Sol: sacred Inca islands on the world's highest navigable lake
- Sucre: an elegant, white-walled colonial city
- The Amazon around Rurrenabaque: pampas and rainforest wildlife
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bolivia
- Book two to four months ahead for this long-haul route.
- Travel in the shoulder months to balance weather and price.
- Compare different connecting hubs — the routing can change the fare.
- Be flexible with dates; midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days per year
- Currency: the Bolivian boliviano (BOB)
- When to book: check the price charts on this page for the cheapest days
