Travel Guide: Manaus, Brazil To Bolivia

There are several ways to get from Manaus, Brazil to Bolivia, including by plane, car, bus, or boat. The fastest way to travel between the two locations is by plane, which takes around 8-12 hours and costs $240-$850. Alternatively, you can drive, which covers a distance of over 5,000 miles and takes around 5 days. It is also possible to take a bus to Bolivia, but this option may be challenging as there is limited information available about this route. Another option is to take a boat from Manaus to Belém, which takes about five days, and then continue on to Bolivia by bus or plane.

Flying from Manaus to La Paz

Airlines

Avianca, Gol Transportes Aéreos, Boliviana de Aviación, and LATAM Airlines Group are some of the airlines that operate flights between Manaus and La Paz.

Prices

Flight prices vary depending on the date and the airline. One-way flights can be as low as $255, while round-trip flights typically range from $557 to $589.

Booking

You can book your flights through online travel agencies such as Expedia, which offers a price alert feature to notify you of any price changes.

Manaus Airport

Manaus International Airport (MAO) is the airport you will depart from.

La Paz Airport

El Alto Airport (LPB) is the closest major airport to La Paz.

Tips

When booking your flights, consider factors such as the number of stops, duration, and reviews of the airlines to ensure a comfortable journey.

Flying from Manaus to Santa Cruz

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Manaus, Brazil, to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes, and flights are available with airlines such as Gol Transportes Aéreos, Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Azul, and Avianca. The distance between Manaus and Santa Cruz is around 1,000 miles, and the road distance is over 5,400 miles.

When planning your trip, you can choose between direct (nonstop) flights or flights with one or more stops. You can also select the number of stops and the duration of each stop. For example, you may want to have an overnight stopover or a longer layover to explore another city en route to your destination.

The airlines serving this route have different check-in procedures. Some, like Boliviana de Aviación and Gol Transportes Aéreos, offer online check-in, while others require in-person check-in at the airport. It's always a good idea to check the latest information on the airline's website before your trip.

The average price for flights between Manaus and Santa Cruz ranges from $217 to $900, depending on the airline and the number of stops. It's worth checking for deals and comparing prices across different airlines and travel booking platforms to find the best option for your budget.

In addition to the flight duration, remember to account for airport wait times, possible delays, and any time difference between the two locations.

Driving from Manaus to Santa Cruz

Driving from Manaus, Brazil, to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, is a lengthy journey that covers a distance of approximately 5,406.7 miles (8,708.1 kilometres) according to some sources, while others state it is around 2,641 kilometres (1,641 miles). The trip is likely to take you around 5 days and 3 hours to complete.

The route will take you through the heart of South America, from the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil to the Bolivian highlands. Make sure you are well-prepared for this journey, as some sections may be remote and lacking in facilities. Here is a suggested route for your trip:

Manaus to Porto Velho

As you leave Manaus, you will be driving through the vast Amazon Rainforest. This section of the journey is around 780 kilometres (485 miles) long. The road conditions vary in this area, so be prepared for potential challenges. The BR-319 highway is a paved road that will take you directly to Porto Velho. This route may be busy with trucks and other traffic, but it offers a more reliable option than some of the smaller roads in the region.

Porto Velho to the Brazil-Bolivia Border

From Porto Velho, continue on the BR-364 highway towards the town of Rio Branco, which is around 720 kilometres (450 miles) away. This road is mostly in good condition and will allow you to make steady progress. After Rio Branco, you will continue on the same highway towards the border with Bolivia. This section is approximately 550 kilometres (340 miles) long, and the road conditions may vary.

Brazil-Bolivia Border to Santa Cruz

Once you cross the border into Bolivia, you will be on the Bolivian National Route 4 highway. This road will take you all the way to Santa Cruz. The distance from the border to Santa Cruz is around 1,350 kilometres (840 miles). The road conditions in this section may vary, and there may be stretches of unpaved or gravel roads.

Remember to bring all the necessary documentation for crossing international borders, including your passport and vehicle paperwork. Also, ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and that you have adequate supplies of fuel, food, and water for the journey.

This journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of South America, but it is important to be well-prepared and flexible as you navigate the varying road conditions and potential challenges along the way.

Taking a boat from Manaus to Belém

Local boats from Manaus to Belém offer a unique and budget-friendly experience. You can sleep in a hammock or a cabin, and blend in with the local flora and fauna. The boats operate on "River Time", so don't expect punctuality! There is no internet access or mobile phone signal for most of the journey. This mode of transport is popular among locals and offers a glimpse into everyday life in the Amazon.

Riverboats provide another option for travelling from Manaus to Belém. These boats often service isolated communities and offer a slow-paced adventure. While the journey may be crowded, it is an excellent opportunity to meet locals and other adventurous travellers. You can expect basic meals and limited comforts, but the experience of navigating the Amazon makes up for any lack of luxuries.

Ferries are also available for this route and are the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $60 to $85. This journey takes a similar amount of time to the other boat options, around 5 days, and offers a more direct route between the two cities.

Whichever boat option you choose, the journey from Manaus to Belém by boat is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the beauty of the Amazon River and rainforest.

Taking a bus from Manaus to another city in Brazil

Manaus is a relatively easy city to get to, despite its remote location. The quickest way to get to Manaus is by plane, especially for those travelling from outside Brazil. However, if you are already in Brazil, travelling by bus is an option.

There is a bus station located around 7-8km outside of Manaus. From here, you can take a local bus (either the 306 or the 813) into the city centre, or take a taxi, which is relatively cheap.

If you are travelling from the states of Roraima, Porto Velho, or Itacoatiara, you can take a long-distance bus to Manaus. The main companies that serve these routes include Eucatur, Asatur, and Serra Azul. The journey is comfortable and safe, but may not be worth it if you are just passing through Brazil, as the trip is long.

If you are travelling from further afield within Brazil, you can take a bus to Manaus, but the journey will include transfers and can take several days. For example, to get from Brazil to Manaus by bus, you can take a bus from Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio to Goiania Bus Station, and then take another bus from there to Rodoviária de Porto Velho. From Rodoviária de Porto Velho, you can take a final bus to Terminal Rodoviário de Manaus. This journey takes around 3 days and can cost between $210 and $390.

Frequently asked questions