Exploring Argentina To Bolivia: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Crossing the border from Argentina to Bolivia can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it is manageable. The border is located in the western region of South America and is defined by the Andres mountain range. There are several border crossings between the two countries, but the most common ones are from La Quiaca to Villazon and from Salvador Mazza to Yacuiba. The former is the more popular option and involves taking a bus from Salta to La Quiaca, walking or taking a taxi to the border, getting stamped out of Argentina, and then stamped into Bolivia. The whole process can take several hours due to long queues and disorganisation, so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning and be prepared for the high-altitude weather conditions.

Getting to Salta

The first step to crossing from Argentina to Bolivia is to get to Salta, a central transportation hub in Northern Argentina. The best way to get to Salta depends on where you are coming from. If you are coming from Buenos Aires, you can either take a 2-hour 15-minute flight or a long-haul bus.

If you are coming from Uyuni, Bolivia, it is not recommended to fly to Salta as there are no direct flights. All flights involve at least two or three stops, with risky self-transfers. The quickest flight time is around 16 hours, and the longest is around 40 hours, costing at least $500 USD.

If you are travelling by bus from Uyuni, there are a few companies that service this route, including Trans Salvador. The journey takes around 6 hours, and buses typically depart either very early in the morning or in the early afternoon. It is recommended to take the early morning bus if you want to arrive in Salta during daylight hours.

Once you are in Salta, you can take a bus to the Argentine border town of La Quiaca. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours, so it is recommended to take an early bus to avoid arriving too late in La Quiaca, which is not the nicest town to hang around in. The bus costs $290 AR, and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the station, which is about eight blocks from the main plaza in Salta.

Crossing the Border

When you arrive in La Quiaca, you can walk or take a taxi to the border, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the bus terminal. It is not well signposted, so if you are unsure, ask locals for 'la frontera', and they will point you in the right direction.

After crossing the border, you will need to go through customs and get a stamp to exit Argentina. There is usually a long line, and the wait time can be up to a few hours, especially during the high season in December and January. Once you have your exit stamp, you can proceed to the Bolivian side of the border.

On the Bolivian side, you will need to join another queue to enter the country. You should receive and fill out a green immigration form, and you will need to present your passport and any necessary documentation. Standard entry for most foreigners is 30 days, and there is no entry fee. However, some countries, such as the US and Israel, may be charged an entry/visa fee, so be sure to research the requirements for your nationality in advance.

After clearing customs, you can walk or take a taxi to the bus terminal in Villazon, which is about a 10-15 minute walk straight up the hill from the border. Along the way, you will find several money exchange places and ATMs where you can change your money into Bolivianos.

Onward Travel

From Villazon, there are regular bus departures to Tupiza, a popular destination for travellers. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours, and a ticket costs around £1.50 or $2.1 USD. Tupiza is a great introduction to Bolivia, and it is close to the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats.

From Tupiza, you can either continue on to Uyuni or take a bus to other destinations in Bolivia, such as La Paz or Potosi.

Salta to La Quiaca

The distance between Salta and La Quiaca is around 188-231 miles (300-371 km). The only way to travel between the two cities is by bus. The earliest bus departs at 7:10 am and the journey takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The bus costs around $23.78 (USD) or $36, and there are 2 departures per day or 14 per week. Tickets can be purchased online or at Salta's bus station, which is about eight blocks from the main plaza. The bus company Andesmar provides economy services on this route.

La Quiaca is a small border town in the province of Jujuy, in the far north of Argentina, bordering Bolivia and the Bolivian city of Villazón. Although it is not a popular tourist destination, some of the most-visited points of interest in the city include Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, Mercado Central Municipal, Plaza 11 de Septiembre, Plaza Sarmiento, and Museo Puna. La Quiaca is also close to attractions such as Lagunas del Altiplano and the famous Salar de Uyuni.

La Quiaca to Villazon

La Quiaca in Argentina and Villazon in Bolivia are two border towns that spread across the two countries. The border crossing from Argentina to Bolivia is straightforward and does not take long. However, crossing from Bolivia to Argentina can be time-consuming, and it is recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cross from La Quiaca, Argentina, to Villazon, Bolivia:

• Get to Salta, a central transportation hub in Northern Argentina. You can take a 2-hour 15-minute flight or a long-haul bus from Buenos Aires to Salta.
• Take a bus from Salta to La Quiaca, the Argentine border town. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, but you can also buy them at the station if needed. Aim for an early morning arrival to avoid waiting around in La Quiaca. The bus ride takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
• Once you arrive in La Quiaca, walk or take a taxi to the border, which is about a 10-15 minute walk. It is not well signposted, so consider finding others heading in the same direction if you are travelling alone or feel uneasy.
• Go through Argentinian customs and get your exit stamp. There may be crowds during the high season in December and January, so arriving early is beneficial.
• Cross the border to Villazon, Bolivia. You may or may not receive a stamp in your passport upon entry. Instead, you will receive a receipt, which you should keep as it serves as proof of entry.
• Proceed to Bolivian customs and present your passport and necessary documentation. Some nationalities may require a visa, so check the requirements based on your passport beforehand.
• Take a bus or taxi from Villazon to Tupiza, a popular final destination for travellers entering Bolivia. Tupiza is known for its scenic landscapes and proximity to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. The bus ride takes between 75 and 90 minutes. If you are travelling with a suitcase, it is recommended to take a taxi as the bus station is about a 30-minute walk from the border.

Exit Argentina, enter Bolivia

The border crossing between Argentina and Bolivia is a popular route for backpackers and tourists travelling through South America. The two border towns are Villazón in Bolivia and La Quiaca in Argentina. The border is defined by the Andres mountain range, and the towns are separated by an international bridge.

Exit Argentina

To exit Argentina, you will need to head to the Argentinian border town of La Quiaca. The best way to get there is by taking a bus from Salta, which is a central transportation hub in Northern Argentina. The bus journey takes around 7-8 hours, and it is recommended to take a bus that arrives early in the morning, as the border opens at 7 am. From the bus terminal in La Quiaca, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the border crossing. It is not well signposted, so you may want to ask locals for directions or join up with other travellers heading the same way.

At the border, you will need to go through Argentinian customs and get an exit stamp in your passport. There is no exit fee, but you will be given a paper receipt which you need to keep for the Bolivian border. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the length of the queue.

Enter Bolivia

After getting your exit stamp from Argentina, you will be in a border zone between the two countries. To enter Bolivia, you will need to join another queue at the Bolivian immigration window, which is next door to the Argentinian one. Here, you will need to present your passport and any necessary documentation. Some nationalities may also need to pay an entry/visa fee. You will then receive an entry stamp in your passport or a receipt, which you should keep safe.

Once you have cleared immigration, you will officially be in Villazón, Bolivia. The bus terminal is a 10-15 minute walk straight up the hill from the border. Along the way, you will find several money exchange places and ATMs where you can change your money into Bolivianos. There are also restaurants and eateries near the bus terminal.

From the Villazón bus terminal, you can take a bus or taxi to your next destination in Bolivia. Popular options include Tupiza, Uyuni, La Paz, and Potosi.

Onward travel to Tupiza

After you've crossed the border, you'll find yourself in the Bolivian town of Villazón. The bus terminal is a 10- to 15-minute walk straight up a steep hill from the border. You'll pass several money changers along the way, where you can exchange your USD or Argentinian pesos for Bolivianos.

Purchase your bus ticket inside the bus terminal and disregard the touts outside, who will overcharge you. A ticket to Tupiza is very affordable, at around £1.50 or $2.10 USD. The bus journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Tupiza is a lovely introduction to Bolivia and is not very touristy. It's also a great place to acclimatise before visiting the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, as it's almost 1,000 metres lower in altitude. There are several good accommodation options within walking distance of the bus terminal.

Tupiza is also known for its proximity to the Chillcobija mines, which are rich in lead, copper, zinc, and silver, making it an important mining centre. The town was founded between 1535 and 1536 and has a quiet, rural feel. The surrounding area boasts dramatic landscapes of cactus-filled valleys, craggy ravines, and beautiful red rock canyons.

If you're interested in horseback riding, you can book a half-day or full-day tour that follows the trail of infamous outlaws Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, who spent their final days in Tupiza. Their bodies are buried in the San Vicente cemetery.

Tupiza is also a great place to capture local portraits, as the indigenous Aymara and Quechua women, known as 'Cholitas', wear their hair in two long plaits under a stylish bowler hat, along with a colourful shawl, pleated skirt, and thick tights.

Frequently asked questions