What to pack for Bolivia
Our guide to packing a bag that doesn't need a crane to get it off the ground.
What to pack for Bolivia - Bags If you were a celebrity, it probably wouldn't be a problem - you could just call on your entourage to carry your bag(s) from place to place. If you're backpacking, you're probably not famous. Hence, it's wise to pack a bag you can carry without any help. Rucksacks are ideal because they spread the weight and you can forget you're carrying anything. Well, almost. A small bag that fastens securely, preferably with a zip, is useful for when you're out and about.
What to pack for Bolivia - Documents At the moment, you don't need a visa if you're staying in Bolivia for less than 90 days - but you will need a passport! A photocopy or two will save you a lot of hassle if you lose the original - take a couple of copies with you and leave another one at home with someone you trust. Protect them against leaking shampoo and unexpected showers by keeping them in a waterproof case, such as a map case. You might also want to keep scans of your documents in our online safe.
What to pack for Bolivia - Clothes
Bear in mind white loses its fresh, summery look pretty quickly. You can get away with wearing dark colours for longer, even if they need a quick squirt of deodorant to revive them. Particularly in the highlands, revealing clothes are not appreciated so take some longer-sleeved and -legged clothes (in lightweight fabric) and a sarong or shawl to cover up when necessary. At altitude, temperatures are often lower so it's worth taking a hoodie or similar to keep you warm on overnight bus journeys.
What to pack for Bolivia - Shoes
If you're trekking, you'll need properly fitting walking shoes or boots that have been broken in before you head into the Andes. Blister plasters help but can't work miracles! Elsewhere, sandals that you can walk in painlessly for more than an hour will be fine.
What to pack for Bolivia - Towel
Hmm…What to dry off with after the Oruru Carnival water fighting? A colourful bath towel will probably function better than the thin versions stocked by travel shops. Keep it in a carrier bag in case you have to pack it wet, but try to let it dry (pin it to your rucksack if necessary) so it doesn't develop eau de moulde.
What to pack for Bolivia - Camera
One of the most common bits of advice we get from returning gap year students is ‘don't forget your camera!'. After your passport and documents, it's probably the most important item you'll pack. Your gap year will be a one-off, even if you go travelling again, and you'll regret not capturing it on camera. Make sure you take memory cards, chargers, films, batteries etc., too.
What to pack for Bolivia - Toiletries
Again, as you won't have Victoria Beckham's entourage, it's best not to pack like you're her. Keep toiletries and make-up to a minimum but take full-size bottles rather than the tiny travel-sized ones that won't last longer than week. A packet of tissues or a toilet roll will come in handy in public toilets.
What to pack for Bolivia - First aid kit
First aid essentials will come in useful if you cut yourself or need to remove a splinter. You can buy most things in the cities but you might want to take tweezers, insect repellent, something to soothe bites, plasters, scissors, diarrhoea and painkillers to save you the bother of buying them.
What to pack for Bolivia - Guide book
Guide books are most useful for their maps and practical information on essential amenities. Nothing beats on-the-spot knowledge, though - there'll almost certainly be a clause in your book saying they can't be held responsible for any inconvenience caused by following their information. Hence, you can't blame your guide book for missing the last bus if things have changed since it was printed! Another tip - don't let a guide book's recommendations put you off looking for more good restaurants, sights or hostels.
What to pack for Bolivia - Pen and something to write on Travelling is inspiring stuff - your first glimpse of Lake Titicaca might bring on your first ode! Otherwise, pens are useful for writing postcards to anyone not lucky enough to be doing a gap year or exchanging contact details with fellow travellers.
What to pack for Bolivia - Entertainment
A little time by yourself with a book or MP3 player for company can do wonders for reviving your enthusiasm for trekking or sightseeing. Just don't forget your charger.
What to pack for Bolivia - Adapter
Bolivian appliances use two different kinds of plugs. Britain doesn't use either, so you'll need an adapter if you want to plug in the above-mentioned charger.
Other bits and bobs to pack for pack for Bolivia
Flip-flops - Ideal for slobbing around the hostel and if you don't want to shower with bare feet.
A padlock (and the keys!) - Few stoop so low as to go through your hostel locker, but it has been known. A couple of your own padlocks will deter them and save you the rental fee if there is one.
Safety pins - To pin your padlock keys to your bag and anything else you don't want to lose.
Torch - A torch will save you scrabbling around in the dark if you get back to the hostel late - sleeping guests won't appreciate the light being turned on!
Empty duvet cover - Having your own bedding means you don't have to sleep under hostel sheets if you don't want to, or pay to hire them.
Alarm clock - You can sleep in at uni - set your alarm and make the most of being in South America! (You might need it to catch an early plane, too.)
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