Travel Guide: La Paz To Galapagos

how to get from la paz bolivia to gallapagose

La Paz, Bolivia is 1,871 miles from the Galapagos Islands. The fastest way to get from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands is by plane, which takes around 12 hours. There are no direct flights from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands, so travellers should expect at least one stopover.

Characteristics Values
Total Distance 1,871 miles
Flight Time 11h 3m
Cheapest Option $190
Fastest Option $280
Cheapest Route Duration 24h 43m
Fastest Route Duration 12h 56m
Number of Flight Routes 3
Number of Bus Routes 1
Airlines Avianca, LATAM Chile

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Flights from La Paz to Galapagos Islands

There are no direct flights from La Paz, Bolivia, to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The fastest way to travel between the two locations is to fly, which takes around 12 hours and costs between $280 and $900. This route includes two stopovers.

A cheaper option is to take a bus to Arequipa and fly from there, but this journey will take around 24 hours and 40 minutes.

Flights from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands are operated by Avianca - Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. and LATAM Chile. These flights depart from La Paz - El Alto Airport and land at Baltra Airport.

The price of flights on this route can vary depending on the dates chosen, seasonality, and local holidays.

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Bus to Arequipa, then fly

To get from La Paz, Bolivia, to the Galapagos Islands, one option is to take a bus to Arequipa, Peru, and then fly to the islands. Here is a detailed breakdown of this journey:

Bus from La Paz to Arequipa

The bus journey from La Paz to Arequipa takes approximately 12 to 13 hours. There are no direct buses for this route, so passengers will need to make a stop in Puno, Peru, and change buses. Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, about 263 kilometres from La Paz and 292 kilometres from Arequipa. The trip from La Paz to Puno takes about 6 hours, and the journey from Puno to Arequipa takes another 6 hours.

Several bus companies operate on this route, including Trans Titicaca, Tour Peru, Nuevo Continente Internacional, and Trans Salvador, offering different levels of comfort, from normal buses to lie-flat options. The buses depart daily from the terminal in Avenida Peru in La Paz and arrive at the bus terminal on Avenida Arturo Ibañez in Arequipa.

Tourist Bus Option

For travellers seeking a more leisurely journey, Bolivia Hop offers a tourist bus service from La Paz to Arequipa, which takes about two days. This option includes multiple stops along the way in Lagunillas, Juliaca, Puno, and Copacabana, providing opportunities to explore and experience the local culture. Bolivia Hop provides a personalised service with guides and assistance in border crossing procedures.

Border Crossing

It is important to note that the journey from La Paz to Arequipa involves crossing the border between Bolivia and Peru. Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and are aware of the entry requirements for your nationality. The border crossing usually takes place in Desaguadero or Kasani, and some buses may also go via Copacabana, a more touristy route.

Flying from Arequipa to Galapagos

Once you arrive in Arequipa, you can then book a flight to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and the main airport is Baltra Airport (GPS). Several airlines operate flights to the Galapagos, and you can use online resources to find the best flight deals and schedules.

So, if you're planning to travel from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands, taking a bus to Arequipa and then flying can be a viable option, allowing you to experience the Andean landscapes and cultural attractions along the way.

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Take a bus from La Paz to Juliaca, then fly

One option for getting from La Paz, Bolivia, to the Galapagos Islands is to take a bus to Juliaca, Peru, and then fly to the islands. Here is a detailed breakdown of this journey:

Bus from La Paz to Juliaca:

There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Trans Salvador, Trans Litoral, and Nuevo Continente. The distance between La Paz and Juliaca is approximately 305 km, and the total travel time can range from 5 hours to 9 hours, depending on the bus company and traffic conditions. Buses depart from La Paz as early as 7:30 AM and as late as 8:00 AM, with some variations depending on the day of the week. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station, with prices starting at €26 for a one-way adult ticket. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the lowest fare and guarantee a seat.

Flying from Juliaca to Galapagos:

Once you arrive in Juliaca, you can take a flight to the Galapagos Islands. The closest airport to the Galapagos Islands is Baltra Airport (GPS), which is located about 54 miles from the islands. There are several airlines that operate flights to the Galapagos, and it is recommended to use a flight search engine to find the best prices and schedules. Keep in mind that the cost of flights can vary depending on the season and demand.

To make the most of your journey, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance, compare different travel options, and book your transportation early to secure the best prices and availability.

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Take a bus from El Alto to Arica, then fly

To get from La Paz, Bolivia, to the Galapagos Islands via Arica, Chile, you can take a bus from La Paz to Arica and then fly to the Galapagos Islands. Here is a detailed guide on how to make this journey:

Bus from La Paz to Arica

The bus journey from La Paz to Arica covers a distance of 489 kilometres (303 miles) and takes approximately 10 hours. The trip offers a chance to enjoy the landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano and the Chilean desert as you descend from over 3900 metres (12,795 feet) above sea level.

The buses depart from the La Paz bus terminal, located on Avenida Peru, with daily morning, midday, and evening departures. After a brief stop in the city of El Alto, the bus continues along the La Paz-Oruro route and then proceeds towards Patacamaya and Tambo Quemado, where migration control is located.

Upon arrival in Arica, the bus will bring you to the Arica bus terminal on Avenida Diego Portales. Arica is a fascinating city with several attractions, including Morro de Arica, a hill that served as a strategic military point during the War of the Pacific; the San Marcos Cathedral, a beautiful Catholic church; and the beaches of Chinchorro, Lisera, and La Liserilla.

Flying from Arica to the Galapagos Islands

From Arica, you can then book a flight to the Galapagos Islands. There are no direct flights between Arica and the Galapagos Islands. However, you can take a connecting flight with a layover in another city, such as Santiago, Chile, or Guayaquil, Ecuador. The total travel time, including layovers, can range from 12 to 18 hours, depending on the airline and flight connections.

When planning your trip, it is essential to consider the time required for the bus journey from La Paz to Arica, which will add to the overall travel time to reach the Galapagos Islands. Additionally, remember to have your travel documents ready, as you will be crossing international borders.

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Travel by bus and car

If you're looking to travel from La Paz, Bolivia, to the Galápagos by bus and car, there are a few things you should know to plan your trip. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: La Paz to Lima by Bus

The first step of your journey will be to travel from La Paz to Lima, Peru, by bus. There is a direct bus that departs from La Paz and arrives at the Lima Terminal Arriola station. This bus trip takes approximately 29 hours to complete and costs between $80 and $100. It's important to book your ticket in advance to secure your spot.

Step 2: Lima to Guayaquil by Bus

Once you arrive in Lima, you'll need to take another bus to Guayaquil, Ecuador. There are several bus companies that operate this route, and the journey usually takes around 24 to 30 hours, depending on the specific bus company and route. The cost of this bus trip typically ranges from $100 to $150.

Step 3: Guayaquil to the Galápagos by Ferry

From Guayaquil, you have the option to take a ferry to the Galápagos Islands. This is a more time-consuming but scenic route. The ferry ride can take up to 30 hours, and tickets usually start at $300 for a one-way trip. It's important to book your ferry ticket in advance, as space can be limited.

Step 4: La Paz to Santa Cruz by Car

Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by car, you can drive from La Paz to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and then continue on to the Galápagos by ferry. The drive from La Paz to Santa Cruz is approximately 525 miles, and you'll need to ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as an international driver's license, and a suitable vehicle, preferably a 4x4, for the journey.

Step 5: Santa Cruz to the Galápagos by Ferry

From Santa Cruz, you can take a ferry to the Galápagos Islands. This ferry ride is much shorter than the one from Guayaquil, typically lasting around 10 to 12 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the port, and prices start at around $200 for a one-way trip.

Please note that the above itinerary provides a general framework for your trip. It is always advisable to check for the latest travel information, including any visa or COVID-related requirements, before embarking on your journey.

Frequently asked questions

The fastest way to get from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands is to fly. This option takes around 12 hours and 56 minutes and costs between $280 and $900.

The distance between La Paz and the Galapagos Islands is approximately 1,888 miles.

The flight time between La Paz and the Galapagos Islands is around 11 hours and 3 minutes, including an average layover time of about 3 hours and 39 minutes.

LATAM Chile and Avianca are the airlines that fly from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands, with around 18 flights running per week.

Yes, it is possible to take a bus and then a flight from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands. This option takes longer (around 24 hours and 43 minutes) and is cheaper, with prices ranging from $190 to $600.

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