Transport In Bolivia

The most difficult of the trip! Many tracks, no asphalt, it has its charm ... and disadvantages. If you can, by far prefer the dry season flow, rain making the roads very slippery and impassable tracks. However, the network is improving from year to year even if the comings and goings of old trucks still exists and that soon we may regret that the country is improving its structures too fast ...

Beyond Uyuni, Tupiza or Concepción (Jesuit Missions), the adventure continues ... Arm yourself with patience and plan yourself a comprehensive route while allowing your budget and your kidneys ...

Trucks

The brake system with cost sharing is common. But check the circuits (and altitudes!) You will have to borrow. This is probably the cheapest way (about half the price of the bus), the most uncomfortable, but also the most typical of visiting the country. But only for backpackers in the long term, because it is the slowest way to travel!
In the mountains, the trucks do not often exceed 20 or 10 km / h.

Car rental

International driver's license required. The choice of an all-terrain vehicle is absolutely necessary, unless you want to be limited to paved roads in the country (approximately 1 500 km). To give you an idea, you can rent a 4x4 from about $ 500 for 7 days, without drivers. For a standard car, it takes about 300 to 500 B (30 to € 50) per day (but this can vary).

You must have over 25 years to drive yourself, but do not recommend this solution to many places. Starting with La Paz where, apart from traffic infernal talent starter coast are almost required to survive!

Also more generally for all regions where the road is unpaved, primarily because it is more difficult to drive on this type of terrain, then because it is very easy to get lost (very rare signs)! In short, ASK WELL. And provide a credit card Visa or MasterCard for the deposit.

Buses

The bus and waves are numerous and very cheap, if not particularly fast and safe. Although the difference between a bus (similar to European coaches, some are even equipped with AC / heating and toilets for long journeys) and a micro, smaller (you are keen!) But not necessarily cheaper; a kind rickety vehicle between the truck and school bus.

Given the reduced interior space, luggage always travels on the roof. But not plants or animals, or fragile items ... so it is quickly crowded. To this, add the windows no longer close and often punctured the tires ...

In general, many departures in the late afternoon and early morning to avoid overheating engines and tires (already quite tired). Not to mention cancellations due to rain, dams unexpected schedule changes, breakdowns in nature, and so on. Keep calm and, above all, allow very large if you have a plane to catch!

Companies apply all roughly the same rates. However, they vary in comfort and safety. So much to learn on the water the most modern and secure. The purchases are common and name changes as well.

Otherwise, try at best to take a look at the bus before paying you. Emphasis: do not hesitate to travel more safely for a minimal price difference!

The competition is so fierce that sellers of every company are flocking around the terminal to sell you a ticket on the next bus claimed ready to go. But in fact, one or two other waves may leave before yours. We must therefore get a little ahead and indulge in a little comparison schedules.

Another difference between the companies: comfort. Some only offer bus "standard" other than buses "semi-cama" and "cama", the latter being equipped with reclining seats strong. It is recommended to leave your beautiful alpaca poncho for travel at night.

During the rainy season, some routes (especially in the lower parts of the country) are made very difficult (or impossible) due to flooding. The trails become very slippery. Well informed, because the cancellations are common.

As for luggage, they travel mostly in the hold in the bus, but on the roof in the pickups and vans. Usually they are covered with plastic but, after a long drive by the tracks, you're likely to get your things stained with red ocher.

Finally, the paths Potosí-Tarija, Tarija-Tupiza, Sucre, Cochabamba and La Paz-Coroico (the old road) are not recommended for those who have vertigo.

In small and medium towns, book your tickets as soon as possible.

The planes

Cheap and handy when you have a tight schedule. Indeed, the time savings from the bus is considerable. Most international flights arise both in La Paz (El Alto) and Santa Cruz (Viru-Viru). However, we advise you rather start in Santa Cruz, just to get used to the smooth altitude. Most domestic flights make a stop in Cochabamba, the city at the center of the country is a hub for almost all matches.

Trains

Rather slow, sometimes crowded, but they walk better and better.
There are only four lines in the country:
- Oruro-Uyuni-Tupiza-Villazon (Argentine border);
- Uyuni-Avaroa-Calama (Chile);
- Santa Cruz-Yacuiba (re-Argentina border);
- The line of the East Santa Cruz-Quijarro (Brazilian border).

The first two lines are managed by the company Empresa Andina, the other two by Ferroviaria Oriental. All these lines have only one track! There is therefore, in each direction, a few departures per week.

All these lines have only one track! Why, no doubt, there is, in each direction, a few departures per week.

Rates roughly equivalent to the bus ... if you travel economy class. Otherwise, the service clase ejecutivo Expreso del Sur and Wara-Wara (Oruro-Uyuni-Tupiza-Villazón) and service ferrobus with cama and semi-cama (reclining seats very comfortable) and meals on board, on the lines Santa Cruz -Yacuiba and Santa Cruz-Quijarro.

Warning: Tickets are sold only at the station the day of departure. The tail is formed at dawn. You will need to arm yourself with a lot of patience, or through a travel agency that can book in advance for a fee. And the more the path is requested, the stakes rise and more retailers of fake agencies are emerging. Be careful, it can be cold in the trains of the Altiplano, especially in July and August!

Border crossings

Storing the "Tarjeta" stamped paper that you are given upon arrival in Bolivia. This document will be called on exit. In case of loss a fine of Bs 300 (€ 30) will be sought.
Warning: you enter Bolivia by Brazil and Peru, several readers have reported abuse by customs officers, excluding those who will ask you 10 to 20 B (1 to € 2) to put the pad under penalty of leave you hanging around until you lose patience. In this case, explain that you know the law, refuse politely and wait a few moments the situation is defused. Remember that there are changes in time zone between Peru and Bolivia (Peru least 1 h) and between Bolivia and Argentina (over 1 h). This is important because the borders have closing times. They open at 8 am (Bolivia) and close to 17 h 30 (Peruvian hours!).