What to Wear in Bolivia

General Style Tips

  • Casual clothes are going to work best here.
  • Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with light layers such as a t-shirt or camisoles for the summer, and warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and sweater in the winter.
  • light wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
  • Ensure you bring a versatile travel jacket. We love the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket because it has over 23 pockets, removable sleeves and RFID protection.
  • Don't forget sunglasses and a sunhat, good sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) and insect/mosquito repellent.
  • As in many countries some parts feel safer than others. Use common sense and don't flash your money or valuables around. You may want to consider a money belt, and leave expensive jewelry at home.

 

What Shoes To Pack

  • Your exploration of the stunning natural wonders of this country is likely to involve a good deal of walking, so make sure you have comfortable, lightweight shoes. We love Hotter shoes, for total comfort along with style.
  • Try the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range too – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing Tips for Women

  • If you don't want to scream ‘tourist' then avoid wearing shorts and low cut or revealing tops no matter how hot it gets.
  • Remember a pashmina is a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit, as will some simple costume jewelry.

Clothing Tips for Men

  • If you're looking for versatile and stylish casual wear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts and polos.
  • For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

Pack for the Weather

  • The wet season officially runs through October, November, December, Janaury, February and March, but throughout the year the weather is unpredictable and varies across the country. Our advice is to pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella whenever you plan to visit.
  • Even in summer it can still be cool in the evening so pack a pashmina or light sweater to put round you.
  • We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Regions of Bolivia

  • Once you are out in the countryside, you really need to be sure you take everything you need including sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), insect/mosquito repellent, extra batteries, adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances (or pack a solar powered charger to cut down on plugs and cables). As laundry facilities may be few and far between on your travels, pack a small supply of detergent for hand laundry too.

Other Things To Pack

  • Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.
  • A microfiber travel towel is another great item to pack – these are designed specifically for trekking: they fold really small so you can accommodate a larger size and they dry really quickly too.
  • A bag or soft-sided rucksack is a more practical option than hard cases when traveling around the country, and using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
  • Combine your bag with a fold away day sack that will carry your daytime essentials.
  • Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage and is especially useful in busy cities or when trekking.
  • To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V).
  • Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! For something different look for Guayaba jam, and leather products are good buys too. Remember any liquids will need to be packed in your hold luggage.