Exploring Bolivia: A Guide For Filipino Travelers

Planning a trip from the Philippines to Bolivia? There are a few things you should know. First, the distance between the two countries is around 11,800 to 11,900 miles, and the time difference is 12 hours, with Bolivia being behind. The cheapest and fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, which can take around 29 to 36 hours and cost between $600 to $1,500. There are various flight routes available, with some flights having one or two stopovers. When booking your flight, remember to check the baggage policies, as these can vary depending on the airline and fare type. Additionally, visa requirements should be checked before travelling. Although Filipino citizens do not need a tourist visa for Bolivia, they must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and may need to provide supporting documents such as proof of funds.

Filipinos don't need a tourist visa for Bolivia

When planning a trip, it is always important to check the visa requirements for your destination country. Fortunately for Filipino citizens, Bolivia is a visa-free country for Filipinos for stays of up to 90 days per calendar year. This means that Filipino citizens can enter Bolivia without obtaining a visa beforehand and can stay in the country for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within any given 180-day period.

However, it is important to note that there are still some requirements that Filipino citizens must meet when entering Bolivia. Firstly, it is imperative that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry. Additionally, you must present a valid immigration card at the border. It is also recommended to have a return ticket or proof of onward travel, as well as proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation. If you plan to stay with friends or family in Bolivia, you may need a letter of invitation from your host.

When travelling from the Philippines to Bolivia, there are a few different route options available. The most common way to travel between the two countries is by air, with several airlines offering flights between Manila (MNL) and various cities in Bolivia, including La Paz (LPB), Santa Cruz (VVI), and Cochabamba (CBB). The flight time between the Philippines and Bolivia is approximately 29-34 hours, depending on the route and layovers. Alternatively, it is also possible to travel by bus between the two countries, although this option may take significantly longer.

In conclusion, Filipino citizens can take advantage of the visa-free policy when travelling to Bolivia for tourism or business purposes. By ensuring that you have the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport and immigration card, you can enjoy a hassle-free entry into Bolivia and explore the rich culture and natural beauty that the country has to offer.

Fly from Manila to La Paz

To fly from Manila to La Paz, you can expect a flight duration of around 24 hours. This is a long-haul flight, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the journey.

Step 1: Choose an Airline

There are several airlines that operate flights between Manila and La Paz, including:

• Philippine Airlines
• LATAM Chile
• Avianca
• Boliviana de Aviación
• Air Europa

Step 2: Book Your Flight

You can use online booking platforms or the airlines' websites to book your flight. Keep in mind that booking early can often get you better deals. Some platforms also offer the option to set up price alerts, so you can be notified when prices drop.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Trip

• Travel documents: Ensure that your passport is up to date and meets the entry requirements for Bolivia.
• Baggage allowance: Check the baggage allowance for your chosen airline and fare. If you anticipate needing additional baggage, you may want to consider selecting a fare that includes extra allowance.
• Transfers and layovers: Depending on your chosen flight, you may have layovers or require transfers upon arrival in La Paz. Plan your onward journey accordingly.
• Time difference: La Paz is 12 hours behind Manila, so you may want to start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your trip to help with jet lag.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast for La Paz and pack appropriate clothing.
• Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events during your trip.

Fly from Manila to Santa Cruz

To fly from Manila to Santa Cruz in Bolivia, you will first need to book a flight to Santa Cruz de la Sierra Viru Viru International Airport (VVI). This airport is also known as Viru Viru Intl.

There are no direct flights from Manila to Santa Cruz, so you will need to catch a connecting flight. The fastest flights take around 34 hours, with some flights taking up to 41 hours. The average price of flights is around $700, but you may be able to find flights for as low as $165.

There are several airlines that fly this route, including:

• Philippine Airlines
• LATAM Chile
• Boliviana de Aviación
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Avianca
• Copa Airlines
• United Airlines
• EcoJet

When booking your flight, keep in mind that Wednesday is typically the cheapest day to fly, while Saturday is the most expensive.

Once you arrive at Viru Viru International Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city centre. The bus stop is just opposite the airport exit, and buses leave every 10 minutes. Taxis and Uber rideshares are also available.

Fly from Manila to Cochabamba

To fly from Manila to Cochabamba, you'll need to book a flight with at least one stop. The flight time for this route is around 39 hours and 49 minutes, and prices start from $492 for a one-way ticket. The distance covered is roughly 11,909 miles.

There are a number of airlines that operate this route, including:

• Boliviana de Aviación
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Swiss
• Philippine Airlines

It's worth noting that there is no direct flight option from Cochabamba Airport to Manila Airport. The quickest flight takes around 40 hours and has two stopovers.

When booking your flight, you may want to consider the following:

• The cheapest day to fly to Cochabamba is typically Saturday, while the most expensive day is usually Sunday.
• The closest airport to Cochabamba is Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB), which is about 3 miles from the city centre.
• If you need to spend time at Jorge Wilstermann Airport, there is a lounge called The Lounge VIP, which offers comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, telephones, and televisions.
• There is also complimentary internet access available throughout the public areas of the terminal.

Compare ticket prices and travel times

When comparing ticket prices and travel times for flights between the Philippines and Bolivia, there are a few factors to consider, including the departure and arrival airports, the number of layovers, and the time of year. Here is a more detailed look at the options and factors to consider:

Flight Options and Pricing

There are several flight routes between the Philippines and Bolivia, with the most common departure airports in the Philippines being Manila (MNL), Mactan-Cebu (CEB), and Clark International (CRK). In Bolivia, common arrival airports include La Paz (LPB), Santa Cruz (VVI), Sucre (SRE), Cochabamba (CBB), and Juliaca (JUL).

The cost of flights can vary depending on the route and the number of layovers. Generally, flights with more layovers tend to be cheaper. For example, a flight from Manila to La Paz with two layovers can cost around $750-$1,500 for the fastest option and $650-$1,300 for the cheapest option. On the other hand, a flight from Manila to Santa Cruz with one layover can cost around $850-$2,500.

It's important to note that these prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and demand. For example, the cheapest month to fly to Bolivia is typically September, during the country's shoulder season.

Travel Time

The travel time for these flights can also vary depending on the route and the number of layovers. The fastest option from Manila to La Paz, with a travel time of around 29 hours, involves two layovers. In comparison, a flight from Manila to Santa Cruz with one layover can take around 34 hours.

Additionally, it's worth considering the time required for layovers when planning your trip. Layovers can range from a few hours to over ten hours, depending on the flight connection.

Other Considerations

When comparing ticket prices and travel times, it's also essential to consider the following:

• Baggage allowance: Different airlines have varying baggage allowances and policies. It's important to check the specific baggage policies for each airline and fare type before booking your flight.
• Direct flights: Direct flights between the Philippines and Bolivia may be available, but they are less common. Using a flight comparison website or a travel agent can help you find direct flight options if this is a priority for you.
• Flexibility: If you have flexibility with your travel dates, you may be able to find cheaper flights by avoiding peak travel days and times. Generally, Sundays tend to be more expensive for flights, while Thursdays and Saturdays can offer better deals.

Frequently asked questions