Travel Guide: Lima To Bolivia

There are several ways to travel from Lima, Peru to Bolivia, including by plane, bus, or car. The fastest way to travel between the two places is by plane, which takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and costs between $140 and $600. There are several airlines that operate flights between Lima and various destinations in Bolivia, including La Paz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Santa Cruz, and Tarija. Alternatively, you can travel by bus, which is the cheapest option, costing between $95 and $160, but it is also much longer, taking over 37 hours. There are various bus companies that offer this route, including Bolivia Hop, which offers a hop-on/hop-off service. Finally, you can drive from Lima to Bolivia, but it is a long journey of over 1400 miles.

Travel by plane

There are several options for travelling by plane from Lima, Peru, to Bolivia. The most popular route appears to be from Lima to La Paz, which can be done with airlines such as Boliviana de Aviación, LATAM Airlines, and Avianca. This flight usually takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes and costs around $130 to $150.

There are also direct flights from Lima to other destinations in Bolivia, such as Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Tarija. These flights are operated by Boliviana de Aviación and LATAM Chile and usually fly out on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The full list of flight routes is as follows:

• Lima to Cochabamba via La Paz
• Lima to Cochabamba via Santa Cruz
• Lima to Cochabamba via Rurrenabaque, La Paz
• Lima to Santa Cruz
• Lima to Santa Cruz via La Paz
• Lima to Sucre via Santa Cruz
• Lima to Sucre via La Paz, Cochabamba
• Lima to Tarija via Santa Cruz
• Lima to Tarija via Cochabamba, La Paz

The cheapest way to travel from Lima to Bolivia is by plane, with tickets costing between $140 and $150. The flight time is also relatively short, taking around 1 hour 45 minutes to 1 hour 51 minutes.

Travel by bus

To travel by bus from Lima, Peru, to Bolivia, you can take a direct bus from Lima - Terminal Arriola to La Paz, Bolivia, which takes about 29 hours. This bus is operated by Nuevo Continente Internacional and costs between $80 and $100. There are also buses that go from Lima to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, but these require multiple transfers. One option is to take a bus from Lima 28 de Julio to Tacna, then transfer to a bus from Tacna to Arica, followed by another transfer to a bus from Arica to Oruro, and finally, a fourth bus from Oruro to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The other option for travelling from Lima to Santa Cruz by bus involves first taking a bus from Lima - Terminal Arriola to La Paz, and then taking a second bus from La Paz to Santa Cruz.

If you are looking for a more unique and flexible bus experience, you might want to consider Bolivia Hop. Bolivia Hop is a hop-on, hop-off bus service that allows travellers to discover hidden gems and world-famous attractions in Bolivia and Peru. Their buses run every day, and you can choose where to be picked up and dropped off. They offer a variety of passes, including one specifically for those who want to go directly to La Paz. Their huge luxury modern buses come with semi-cama (half bed) reclining seats, A/C and heating systems, TVs, USB ports, clean toilets, and more. They also provide onboard local Peruvian experts who can give tips and help with booking tours and accommodation.

Travel by car

The road distance from Lima, Peru, to Bolivia is approximately 1,467 miles. The journey takes around 32 hours to complete. There are two main routes to choose from, each with its own advantages and potential drawbacks. It is important to be aware of the border crossing process and have all the necessary documents ready before embarking on this journey.

Route Options:

• Via La Paz: This route covers a distance of about 948 miles and takes around 20 hours. It involves driving from Lima to La Paz, Bolivia. This option may be preferable if you want to visit La Paz or if there are more convenient travel connections from this city to your final destination in Bolivia.
• Via Santa Cruz de la Sierra: This route covers a distance of about 1,458 miles and takes around 32 hours. It involves driving from Lima to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. This option may be more direct if your final destination in Bolivia is closer to this city.

Border Crossing:

When travelling from Peru to Bolivia by car, you will need to cross the international border. Knowing where to cross and having the correct documents ready can help you avoid potential delays and issues:

• Border Crossing Locations: There are two main terrestrial border crossings, one at Copacabana and the other at Desaguadero. If you wish to avoid lengthy queues, Copacabana is recommended as it is less busy despite being a slightly longer route.
• Required Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport, an immigration card (TAM), and any necessary visas. Some countries' citizens may need to apply for a visa in advance, while others may be able to obtain one at the border. It is also advisable to have some local currency (Bolivianos or Soles) and to be mindful of restrictions on certain items, such as animals, fruits, vegetables, and drugs.

Border crossing requirements

The Bolivia-Peru border crossing can be a daunting task, with the potential for problems, delays, and hassle, especially when travellers are unprepared. Knowing where to cross, what documents to carry, and having the correct paperwork are essential.

There are two main terrestrial passages between Peru and Bolivia: one at Copacabana and one at Desaguadero. Travellers can avoid major lines and issues by opting for the Copacabana route, which takes an extra hour to reach but makes up for it with shorter wait times at the passport stamping station. The Desaguadero border crossing is a much more direct route to La Paz but is also busier and more hectic.

It is important to have all the necessary documents ready before reaching the border crossing. Travellers should ensure they have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, as well as a valid immigration card (TAM), which is received upon entering the country. Some countries also need to apply for a visa to enter Bolivia, which can be done at the Bolivian embassy or, depending on the traveller's origin, at the border.

For U.S. citizens, a sheet of paper with visa requirements was provided by customs, including a form of sworn statement of request of visa, a copy of valid bank financial statements, and a ticket for exiting the country. There was also a $160 USD fee for U.S. citizens, payable at the border. It is recommended to have this amount in cash, although credit cards may be accepted at the Copacabana border crossing.

It is also advisable to have other documents on hand, such as passport photos, photocopies of the passport's information page, a detailed printed itinerary, proof of onward travel, and hotel reservations. While these documents may not always be requested, it is better to be prepared in case they are required.

Travellers should also be aware of what not to bring across the border. Animals, fruits, vegetables, and drugs are prohibited. Additionally, it is not worth travelling with coca leaves, as they can be easily purchased in Copacabana or elsewhere in Bolivia.

In terms of timing, the border crossing process typically takes a couple of hours. The process involves getting off the bus and walking to the respective offices of each country to obtain exit and entry stamps. It is recommended to have snacks, water, and warm clothes, as the journey can be long and cold.

Lastly, it is important to be vigilant and cautious at the border. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, as there have been reports of theft. Additionally, be prepared for potential scams or corruption, such as being asked to pay a fee to enter or exit the countries. This is not a legitimate charge, and you can refuse to pay it and report it to the appropriate authorities.

Travel times and costs

There are several ways to travel from Lima, Peru, to Bolivia, with varying costs and travel times.

By Plane

Flights from Lima to Bolivia vary in price depending on the destination. The cheapest flights are to La Paz, costing around £180 or $140-$470, followed by Santa Cruz at £219 or $138-$600. The most expensive flights are to Tarija, costing £1,333 or over $1,300. Flights to La Paz also seem to be the shortest, at 1 hour and 45 minutes or 2 hours and 30 minutes, while flights to other destinations seem to take around the same time as the most expensive flights to La Paz, at 1 hour and 45 minutes.

By Bus

Taking the bus from Lima to Bolivia is the cheapest option, costing between $75 and $100. However, it is also the slowest option, taking between 29 and 38 hours. There are several routes for this journey, with some buses taking you directly to La Paz, and others requiring several transfers to get to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. One route suggests taking a bus from Lima to Tacna, then from Tacna to Arica, then Arica to Oruro, and finally from Oruro to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Another route suggests taking a bus from Lima to Puno, then from Puno to La Paz.

By Car

Driving from Lima to Bolivia is the slowest option, taking between 20 and 32 hours. The distance between the two locations is around 948 to 1,467 miles.

Frequently asked questions