Exploring South America: Bolivia To Santiago Travel Guide

There are several ways to get from Bolivia to Santiago, Chile, and vice versa. The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, which takes around 5 hours and costs between $230 and $600. The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by bus, which costs between $76 and $310 and takes between 38 and 40 hours.

Travellers can also opt to drive between Bolivia and Santiago, with the driving distance between the two countries being around 1550 miles. This option takes around 30 hours.

Some travellers recommend going via Argentina, by taking an overnight bus from Santiago to Mendoza, and then travelling north to Salta before crossing back into Bolivia.

Travel by plane, bus or car

Travel by plane

The fastest way to get from Bolivia to Santiago is to fly. Taking this option will cost $280 - $450 and takes 5h 48m. There are no direct flights from Bolivia to Santiago, but there are several flights with one stopover. Airlines that fly this route include Sky Airline, LATAM Chile and Boliviana de Aviación.

Travel by bus

The cheapest way to get from Bolivia to Santiago is to take the bus, which costs $76 - $79 and takes 38h 4m. You can take a bus from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Santiago via Santa Cruz and Mendoza.

Travel by car

Yes, you can drive from Bolivia to Santiago. The driving distance between the two places is 1550 miles and it takes approximately 30h 53m to make the journey.

Fly from Cochabamba to Santiago

If you're looking to fly from Cochabamba, Bolivia, to Santiago, Chile, there are a few airlines you can choose from. The journey is approximately 1140 miles, and there are no direct flights, so you'll need to factor in at least one stopover. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know:

Airlines and Tickets:

• Boliviana de Aviación – This airline offers flights from Cochabamba to Santiago, with tickets starting at $188 for a one-way trip. They also provide the option of online check-in.
• LATAM Airlines – LATAM is another option for your journey, with flights between the two cities.
• Sky Airline – Sky Airline also operates on this route, and you can compare prices across these airlines to find the best deal.
• Other Airlines – Additionally, JetSMART and Aerolineas Argentinas also service this route.

Airports:

• Cochabamba – The main airport in Cochabamba is Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB).
• Santiago – Santiago's main airport is the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL).

Booking Tips:

• Flexibility – If you have flexibility with your travel dates, you can search for flights across a date range to find the best prices.
• Virtual Interlining – You can utilise Virtual Interlining technology to combine different modes of transport, such as flights, trains, and buses, into one itinerary. This can often save you money and provide a more revolutionary way to travel.
• Privacy Settings – When booking, be sure to review the privacy settings and cookie usage to ensure your data is handled according to your preferences.

Take a bus from Santa Cruz to Mendoza

To get from Bolivia to Santiago, you can take a bus from Santa Cruz to Mendoza. This route is operated by Autobuses Quirquincho and takes 31 hours. The bus from Santa Cruz to Mendoza is also the first leg of the journey when travelling from Bolivia to Santiago by bus. This trip takes 38 to 39 hours in total and is the cheapest way to get from Bolivia to Santiago, although flying is the fastest.

When taking a bus from Santa Cruz to Mendoza, you will depart from the Santa Cruz bus terminal. The bus will make a stop in Santiago, before arriving at the Terminal Mendoza bus station. The distance between Santa Cruz and Mendoza is around 1,100 miles, and the road distance is 1,300 miles.

The bus journey from Santa Cruz to Mendoza takes about 31 hours, and the trip from Bolivia to Santiago by bus takes 38 to 39 hours in total. This option is the cheapest way to get from Bolivia to Santiago, although flying is faster.

When planning your trip, it is important to consider the time difference between the two countries. Santiago is one hour ahead of Bolivia. Additionally, be aware that there may be COVID-19 travel restrictions in place for Chile, and international flights from Bolivia may be suspended due to the pandemic. Check the latest official advice before travelling.

Travel via Argentina

Travelling from Bolivia to Santiago via Argentina is a great option if you have plenty of time and want to see more of the region. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this journey:

Step 1: Travel from Bolivia to Mendoza, Argentina

The first step is to take a bus from Bolivia to the city of Mendoza in Argentina. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Autobuses Quirquincho. The journey from Bolivia to Mendoza usually involves taking a bus from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to the border town of Tarija, and then another bus from Tarija to Mendoza. This trip can take around 22 hours or more, so be prepared for a long journey.

Step 2: Explore Mendoza

Mendoza is a beautiful city and is worth spending some time in. It is known as the centre of the wine industry in Argentina, so wine lovers will particularly enjoy a visit to the local vineyards. You can take a day trip to the vineyards, hire a bike, or even opt for a horse-riding trip to taste some of the local wines.

Step 3: Travel from Mendoza to Santiago

After exploring Mendoza, you can continue your journey to Santiago by taking a bus. The bus journey from Mendoza to Santiago is approximately 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and border crossings. Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents before embarking on this leg of the trip.

Things to Consider:

• Total journey time: The total travel time from Bolivia to Santiago via Argentina can easily exceed 30 hours, so this option is best suited for those who are not pressed for time.
• Cost: While taking the bus is generally cheaper than flying, the cost of accommodation and other expenses during the trip should be factored into your budget.
• Scenery: The bus journey through Argentina offers incredible scenery, including the Atacama desert and the Andes mountains. If you enjoy scenic road trips, this could be a great option.
• Border crossings: When travelling via Argentina, you will need to cross international borders, so make sure you have the correct visas and travel documents.

Go via the Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, is a must-see on a trip from Bolivia to Santiago. Formed millions of years ago, this plateau is a stunning environment and a popular destination for tour groups.

Getting to Uyuni

Uyuni is around 8 hours south of La Paz. You can get there by overnight bus or small plane. From La Paz, you can take a bus with Todo Turismo—opt for the Cama (bed) option if possible. The bus departs every night around 7 am and arrives in Uyuni early the next morning, which is the best time to arrive.

Tours

There are one-day and three-day tour options. The one-day tour is the cheapest way to visit the Salt Flats, costing between $70 and $90 USD. Tours start around 10 am and finish around 5 pm, allowing you to take an overnight bus back to La Paz on the same day.

The three-day tour is the most popular option. The first day is the same as the one-day tour, and you'll spend the night in a basic Salt Hotel made of dried salt bricks. The second and third days are spent visiting coloured lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, hot geysers, rock formations, and painted volcanoes. You'll sleep in tents and immerse yourself in the rugged landscape.

Photography

The unique setting of the endless salt flat allows for all kinds of creative perspective photography. Bring small items like toy animals, action figures, toy vehicles, sunglasses, and water bottles to use as props. For the best results, the photographer should lie on their stomach and rest the camera on the ground.

Altitude Sickness

Salar de Uyuni is located at an elevation of 3,656 meters above sea level, so altitude sickness may be a concern. To limit your chances of getting sick, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity. Chewing coca leaves, which you can buy in supermarkets and souvenir shops, can help alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. You can also take over-the-counter altitude sickness pills like Soroche.

Local Legends

Ask the campesinos (peasant farmers) living on the lake's shores, and they'll tell you a different story about how the salt flat was formed. Legend has it that the mountains surrounding the salt flat were once giant people, and the mountain goddess Yana Pollera flooded the plain with her milk to feed her baby. The milk eventually turned to salt, creating the Salar de Uyuni.

Another Aymaran legend says that the mountains were once people and that Tunupa and Kusku were married. When Kusku left his wife for Kusina, Tunupa's tears formed the salt flats.

Frequently asked questions