Can You Drink Tap Water in Bolivia? A Quick Reality Check

So you’re packing for Bolivia, maybe wondering if your stomach’s about to go on a wild ride. One of the most common questions? Can you drink the tap water in Bolivia? Short answer: nope. Longer answer: still nope, but let’s get into the details so you don’t end up spending your holiday closer to a toilet than a salt flat.

Is the tap water safe?

Not really. Even in places like La Paz, Sucre or Santa Cruz where the water might be treated at source, the pipes themselves can be dodgy. Old infrastructure, patchy maintenance & unexpected bacteria tagalongs – it’s a no from me.

Locals sometimes drink it. Their stomachs are used to it. Yours probably isn’t. Even if the water looks clean, it’s what’s in it that matters. I met a traveller who said a local offered them a smoothie with tap water, to be polite they took a small gulp – yep, still ended up sick. Simply safer to avoid.

Fun fact: In some parts of the Andes, water flows straight from glacier melt – sounds pure, right? Except for the cracked pipes, livestock upstream & any number of microscopic party crashers along the way.

If you’re curious about how all this ties into broader living conditions, here’s a traveller’s perspective on whether Bolivia is a poor country. It also gives a bit of insight into why infrastructure varies so much across regions.

So what should you drink?

Bottled water. It’s everywhere. Cheap, easy to find & your safest bet. I survived off brands like Vital or Agua Cristal which are reliable. Just make sure the seal’s intact. If it looks like it’s been refilled, bin it.

Fun fact: In some parts of Bolivia, especially the highlands, locals still rely on communal taps or water trucks – no running water at home. You’ll see big blue barrels outside houses in smaller towns. Great for washing clothes, not so great for sipping.

A Spanish word I learnt while travelling and you may have seen in the title image was “potable”, which means drinkable (and yes, we do have the same word in English, but say it in the cool Spanish accent & stop tryna be a smartass. Otherwise drink the wee wee water and shut it).

Most hostels offer filtered or boiled water – sometimes for free, sometimes for a few bolivianos. Ask. If you’re headed to more rural spots or planning a trek, bring a filter bottle or purification tablets. Lifesavers, literally. Bottle from brands like “Lifestraw” also work well as a last resort.

Boiling the water for a good few minutes works if you’re cooking. Tea, pasta water, that sort of thing – all fine if it’s been bubbling away.

As for brushing your teeth… some people play it safe with bottled, others go tap after a few days of feeling bold. I usually start careful, then slowly get reckless once I’ve had a few successful brushes without incident.

Planning a deeper dive into the countryside? Might help to get across the climate in Bolivia by region, so you know what to prep for water-wise too. And if you’re trying to time things just right, here’s what I learned about the best time of year to visit.

What about ice, salads & all that sneaky stuff?

Here’s the thing: it’s not just about what you drink. Ice in cocktails? Salads washed in tap water? Raw fruit you didn’t peel yourself? All potential sources of what polite blogs call “digestive issues” & what seasoned travellers call “Bolivian belly”.

That said, street food is glorious. You’ll probably eat something that looks a bit risky & end up loving it. If you’re going all in, just pick busy stalls – if there’s a queue of locals, it’s probably fine. Not guaranteed, but let’s be honest, what in life is?

Got your appetite going? You’ll want to know what traditional dishes to hunt down – here’s what to eat & what to chase with bottled water.

Is it ever safe?

In theory, some higher-end hotels filter their tap water properly. So if you’re splashing out on a nice stay, ask. They’ll usually let you know if what’s coming out of the tap is good to drink. But outside of that bubble? Stick to bottled or filtered. Especially in the jungle or highland villages – better paranoid than doubled over.

And if you’re heading way off-grid, a UV filter or a good old-fashioned boil-up is your best mate.

Some people get so used to life here they even start wondering what it’s like to live in Bolivia long-term. If that’s you, definitely get your water routine nailed early.

Final word

So can you drink the tap water in Bolivia? Honestly – just don’t. It’s not worth it. Use bottled or filtered, don’t mess with ice unless you know it’s safe & keep an eye on what’s raw versus what’s cooked.

You’ll thank yourself later when everyone else is arguing over who’s first to use the hostel bathroom & you’re off exploring with your digestive system intact.

And before you go, it’s worth checking Bolivia’s vaccination requirements. Waterborne nasties love an unprepared tourist. And if you’re still piecing together your route, this guide to the best things to do in Bolivia might help round out your plan. While you’re at it, read up on whether Bolivia is safe for tourists – always good to know before filling up a bottle at the sink.

Happy Travels!