Exploring Bolivia's Daily Commute: Transportation Insights

Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America, with a population of around 12 million people. It is a multiethnic and multilingual society, with a majority of the population made up of indigenous people and their descendants. The country's geography varies from the Andean mountain range in the west to the Amazon basin in the east, and this diversity is reflected in the range of transport options available to Bolivians. In rural areas, motorbikes are often used to navigate bumpy roads, while in urban centres, residents have access to a range of public transport options, including buses, taxis, and cable cars. Bolivia's three largest cities, La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba, also have international airports, and the country has a well-developed network of roads.

Motorbikes

When it comes to buying a motorcycle in Bolivia, it can be a complicated process, especially for foreigners. It is possible to buy a used motorbike from places like the Facebook marketplace, but it is recommended to hire a lawyer to help with the process. The prices for motorcycles in Bolivia are generally at least 30% higher than in Europe or North America. There are dealerships for various brands, including Royal Enfield, Honda, Yamaha, Hero, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Benelli, Triumph, and Husqvarna. The legal registration process can be lengthy and requires several steps, including signing a sell-purchase contract, getting the contract validated by a notary, and providing various documents to the local authority ("Alcadia").

For those looking to explore Bolivia on two wheels, there are several options available. Self-guided motorcycle tours are a more affordable option, where individuals can follow a pre-planned itinerary and rent a motorcycle to explore the country at their own pace. Guided motorcycle tours are also available, offering a more structured and supported experience. These tours typically include accommodation, transportation, and meals, and are led by experienced guides who are familiar with the culture, characteristics, and geography of Bolivia.

Some of the popular destinations for motorcycle tours in Bolivia include the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the Death Road, Lake Titicaca, the Atacama Desert, and the city of Potosí. The country offers a range of riding terrains, from high mountain roads to steaming tropical valleys. Bolivia is also home to indigenous peoples and ancient temples, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors.

Public transport

Bolivia's public transport system is tricky and unreliable, but it is generally safe. The country's rugged topography and poor infrastructure make getting around an adventure in itself.

Buses

The most common way to travel in Bolivia is by bus. Buses go pretty much everywhere and are extremely good value. Bolivia's extensive bus network is run by a variety of private companies, which ply all the main routes in the country, moving passengers at low cost over great distances. Buses are also the most common form of transportation in Bolivia for travellers.

There are two types of buses: those for shorter, intra-city routes, and those for longer, inter-city journeys. Shorter bus routes in Bolivia are serviced by minibuses, referred to locally as "micros". These buses generally travel along a predetermined route, leaving at any time when full and stopping whenever a passenger wants to get on or off. A trip in a micro costs a couple of bolivianos or less.

Longer journeys are typically serviced by large double-decker buses called "flotas", which tend to be newer and more comfortable than city buses. These types of buses hold up to 80 passengers and are equipped with reclining seats, allowing comfortable travel during long-distance and overnight journeys.

Taxis

Taxis are the safest mode of transport in Bolivia and can usually be called upon anytime and anywhere. There are two types of official taxis available in major cities: radio taxis and regular taxis. Radio taxis are dispatched based on calls they receive from private clients, usually hotels or restaurants. They are the safer, albeit more expensive option. You can identify radio taxis by their roof bubbles which advertise their logo, telephone number and name of the company. Regular taxis drive all over the city, picking up people on the side of the street, and costing around Bs 4 ($0.60 US) per person for a one-way trip.

Cable Cars

An urban cable car system ("teleferico") in La Paz has taken transport in Bolivia to a whole new level. Operating at 4000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level, the highest cable car in the world connects La Paz to neighbouring El Alto. The cable car system consists of three lines, coloured red, yellow and green in line with Bolivia's flag, and is able to transport 3000 passengers per hour between the two cities, in just 10 minutes. The initial fare is Bs 3 ($0.43), with a 50% discount for students, seniors, and the disabled.

Trains

Train travel is one of the least popular modes of transport in Bolivia. There are two separate networks operating in the country: the Ferrocarril Oriental and the Ferrocarril Andino (or Occidental). The scenery on the Ferrocarril Andino routes is breathtaking, making it a great alternative to taking the bumpy bus ride between La Paz and Uyuni.

Walking

In Colomi, for example, a town nestled in the lush foothills surrounding Lake Corani in central Bolivia, motorbikes are often used to navigate the bumpy roads. However, walking is still a common way to get around, with children walking to school and residents walking to church or to work in the fields.

In other parts of Bolivia, such as the city of La Paz, walking can be a more challenging endeavour due to the high altitude and hilly terrain. The city of El Alto, located near La Paz, also involves a lot of walking, as it is built on a steep slope.

In addition to walking on land, one of the most unique experiences in Bolivia is the opportunity to walk on water. This illusion is created by a thin film of water that rests atop the salt flats of Salar De Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. The whiteout effect caused by the rainy season, combined with cloudy skies reflecting off the water, creates the magical illusion of walking on water.

Cars

Car ownership is relatively uncommon in Bolivia, with private vehicles generally being reserved for the economic elite. The cost of a new car in Bolivia is significantly more than in Western countries due to high import taxes. Prices vary between models but tend to be at least 30% more than in the USA. Combine this with Bolivia's low average salaries and it's easy to see why car ownership is so low.

However, the wealthy relish the opportunity to drive. Driving a decent car is a status symbol, much like wearing a gold Rolex. Bolivians tend to favour large cars such as Hummers, 4WDs, and oversized pickup trucks.

The used car market in Bolivia is also very expensive compared to Western countries. Because developed countries have an abundance of cars, they tend to lose their value fairly quickly. In contrast, in developing countries like Bolivia, car ownership is quite low, so cars devalue much more slowly.

Bolivia is the largest landlocked country in South America, and the used car industry plays a significant role in its economic growth. Used cars can be imported through the port of Chile, with the shipment method usually being RoRo (Roll-On, Roll Off). The high cost of new cars and the low availability of used cars in Bolivia has led to a thriving market for imported used cars from Japan.

Despite the costs, some Bolivians go to great lengths to acquire and maintain their vehicles. This is because driving in Bolivia, especially in cities like La Paz, can be challenging due to reckless and chaotic driving styles, frequent traffic jams, and a general disregard for road rules.

To avoid the stress of driving, some Bolivians opt for alternative forms of transportation, such as the cable car transportation system implemented by the government to alleviate traffic congestion. Nevertheless, for those who can afford it and are willing to navigate the challenges of car ownership, driving remains a popular means of getting around in Bolivia.

Bicycles

The rainy season, from November to April, can make some roads difficult to navigate due to mud or flooding. During this time, the Salar de Uyuni may flood and become impossible to cross by bike. The dry season, from May to October, is considered the best time for cycling in Bolivia, with clear and warm days. However, temperatures drop significantly at night, especially in the west of the country, where temperatures can fall below -10°C or even -20°C.

When it comes to road safety, drunk driving is not uncommon in Bolivia, and the roads are often narrow, requiring careful maneuvering. Additionally, there are many unpaved roads in the country, which can result in bumpy journeys.

For those looking to cycle in Bolivia, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to research and plan your route carefully, as some villages and roads may not be accurately marked on maps. Second, be prepared for a range of weather conditions, especially if you are camping during your trip. Finally, exercise caution when sharing the road with other vehicles, as drunk driving and narrow roads can pose safety hazards.

Frequently asked questions