Exploring Bolivia: The Unique Entry Route Explained

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, with various climates, diverse cultures, and attractions. The quickest and easiest way to get to Bolivia is by plane, although there are not many direct flights. Most flights will connect through Miami, USA, or Buenos Aires, Argentina. From the UK, the quickest route is to fly to Madrid and then connect to Bolivia. From Australia, the quickest route is to fly to Buenos Aires and then connect.

The only alternative to flying is to travel overland by bus, train, or car. You can reach Bolivia by bus from all five neighbouring countries: Chile, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil.

Flying to Bolivia

Flying from the US and Canada

If you're flying from the US, you can fly out from Miami to La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. You can also fly from different cities in the US, but most flights will likely connect in Miami. Flights from Canada will also have to connect in the US first.

Flying from the United Kingdom and Ireland

There are no direct flights from the UK or Ireland. The quickest route is to fly to Madrid, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires or Miami and connect from there.

Flying from Australia and New Zealand

The quickest route from Australia and New Zealand is to fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, either with Qantas or Aerolineas Argentina via Auckland or Sydney. From Buenos Aires, flights to Bolivia will be approximately USD$300-500. Alternatively, you can fly to the US first and connect from Miami.

Airlines and Airports

The flag carrier airline of Bolivia is Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), which is wholly owned by the government and has the widest network of flights across the country. Amaszonas is BoA's main competitor and often the only option for northern destinations in the Amazon Basin. EcoJet is a low-cost alternative, with a limited network serviced by just three jets.

The main hubs are Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz and El Alto International Airport in La Paz. La Paz airport is so high above sea level that there are oxygen tanks in the arrivals area for those who experience altitude sickness!

Flight Costs

Flights to Bolivia are on the expensive side, ranging from USD$800-1100. A round trip ticket from the UK or Ireland is approximately USD$1,500, and around the same from Australia and New Zealand.

Overland travel to Bolivia

Border Crossings

You can enter Bolivia by land from any of its five neighbouring countries: Chile, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Here are some common border crossings to consider:

• From Peru: Enter through the Kasani border or Desaguadero, and take a bus to La Paz, which is about a 4-hour ride.
• From Brazil: The main entry point is Quijarro, close to Corumbá, from where you can take a train to Santa Cruz. Alternatively, you can enter through San Matías, but this will involve a full day of bus travel from San Ignacio, Chiquitania.
• From Chile: There are three main routes, including taking a bus from Arica to La Paz or a train from Calama to Uyunivia Avaroa.
• From Argentina: There are several entry points, including Salvador Mazza and Pocitos, depending on your starting point in Argentina.

Transportation Options

Once you've entered Bolivia, here are some common transportation options for overland travel within the country:

• Bus: Bus travel is the most common and affordable way to get around Bolivia. Long-distance buses called "flotas" connect major cities, while micros or minibuses serve shorter routes within and between towns. Bus travel can be quite an adventure, with winding roads, vast changes in altitude, and stunning scenery. Keep an eye on your belongings, as theft can be an issue.
• Train: Train travel in Bolivia is limited, but there are a few scenic routes worth considering. One popular route is the tourist train from El Alto (near La Paz) to the ruins of Tiwanaku and Lake Titicaca. Another route connects Oruro and Uyuni.
• Car or Motorbike: Driving in Bolivia can be challenging due to the poor road conditions and complicated road network. However, renting a car or motorbike can be useful for exploring areas around Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, or Sucre. If you drive, be prepared for potholes, unpaved roads, and toll roads.
• Taxi or Trufi: Taxis are readily available in larger cities and are relatively inexpensive. Trufis are collective taxis that run on fixed routes and are also a safe and affordable option for short distances within cities.

Travel Tips

• Visa and Entry Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your nationality before travelling to Bolivia. Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, while others may need to apply in advance.
• Road Conditions: Bolivia's roads are generally in poor condition, with potholes and unpaved surfaces. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and allow extra time for your journeys.
• Altitude Changes: Bolivia has varying altitudes, and you may experience significant changes when travelling between regions. La Paz, for example, is located at a high altitude of nearly 4,000 meters above sea level.
• Travel Safety: Theft and bribery can be common in Bolivia, especially at bus terminals and on public transportation. Always keep your valuables secure and be cautious when dealing with police or officials.
• Camping: Camping is not very common in Bolivia, but some hostels in tourist areas offer camping facilities. If you choose to camp independently, be aware of the cold temperatures at night, especially in highland areas.

Getting around Bolivia by bus

Bolivia's topography, size, and lack of basic infrastructure mean that getting around by bus can be challenging. The majority of the country's road network is unpaved, and most main roads are in poor condition. However, bus travel is the most common way of getting around Bolivia and is extremely good value. Buses, also known as 'flotas', are run by a variety of private companies and cover all the main routes in the country.

• Cities and larger towns have bus terminals, known as 'terminales terrestres' or 'terminales de buses', from which most buses depart. Departing passengers usually have to pay a small fee for using the terminal.
• The terminals usually have information offices, but the number of different companies operating the same route can make it difficult to work out departure times and frequencies. If in doubt, taxi drivers often have a good grasp of bus timings and departure points.
• For less frequently used routes, it's worth buying a ticket in advance, but this isn't necessary for busier routes.
• Major long-distance intercity routes are served by more modern and comfortable buses, often equipped with reclining seats and TVs. Some routes also have luxurious overnight sleeper buses ('bus-camas'), which offer extra legroom and seats that recline horizontally. These cost about 50% more but are well worth it.
• Most buses are older and in poor condition, and breakdowns are frequent. However, many drivers are adept at mechanical improvisation.
• Apart from sleeper buses and some smarter long-distance services, Bolivian buses will stop anywhere for anyone, even if they're only travelling a short distance, until every available space is filled.
• Due to the poor condition of most roads and vehicles, expect major delays, especially during the rainy season when buses can arrive days late.
• Most buses stop for regular meal breaks, but it's worth carrying some food and drink with you.
• When travelling in the highlands or overnight, bring warm clothing and a blanket or sleeping bag as it can get very cold. Heated buses are almost non-existent.
• Try to avoid sitting at the back of the bus, as this is the bumpiest spot on bumpy roads.
• To get to the Amazon Basin from La Paz, it's a 24-hour bus ride, so you may prefer to fly.
• Some respected bus lines in Bolivia include Todo Turismo, Trans Salvador, and Trans Copacabana. TicketsBolivia and EnBus are good English-language sites for comparing prices and booking trips.
• Bolivia Hop is a private company offering multi-day hop-on, hop-off bus trips from La Paz past Lake Titicaca to Lima or Cusco (for Machu Picchu).

Taking a train in Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, with various climates, diverse cultures, and incredible landscapes. It is possible to travel by bus, plane, or train to almost any part of the country.

There are two train companies in Bolivia: Ferroviaria Andina and Ferroviaria Oriental. They only operate on a few routes in the country but provide a convenient alternative to buses on these routes. The Empresa Ferroviaria Andina S.A. (FCA) is the only railway company transporting passengers in the Bolivian Andean Region. The rails cover about 850 kilometers in the Andes region up to the border with Argentina, where the trains are divided into two lines.

The Wara Wara del Sur train line has night departures and stops in all the intermediate stations, offering passengers a comfortable journey while traveling in the Bolivian highlands. The train has dining wagons with a national and international menu, and offers three service classes: Executive, Salon, and Popular. Executive Class features include reclining chairs, pillows and blankets, individual reading lights, automatic air fresheners, personalized attention, and fully equipped bathrooms. Salon Class has similar features, minus the reading lights and personalized attention. Popular Class has non-reclining chairs, Pullman-style, and fully equipped bathrooms. This train line offers a direct service between Oruro and Villazon, with short stops in the Uyuni-Atocha and Tupiza stations.

The Expreso del Sur train line is characterized by its day departures, an excellent schedule to appreciate the beautiful landscapes, and a dining wagon with a national and international menu. Expreso del Sur offers Executive and Salon class services. Executive Class features include reclining chairs, an air conditioning and heating system, LCD TV, pillows and blankets, individual reading lights, automatic air fresheners, personalized attention, and fully equipped bathrooms. Salon Class has reclining chairs, automatic air fresheners, and fully equipped bathrooms.

The main train routes in Bolivia include:

• Villazon to Uyuni
• Uyuni to Villazon
• Tupiza to Uyuni
• Santa Cruz to Puerto Quijarro
• Santa Cruz to Yacuiba
• La Paz to Tiwanaku and Guaqui
• Oruro to Uyuni
• Santa Cruz to Quijarro

Getting to Bolivia

The quickest and easiest way to visit landlocked Bolivia is to fly. There are various flight routes to Bolivia from the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, although there are no direct flights from the UK or Ireland. Most flights are likely to connect in Miami, and airplane tickets are on the expensive side, ranging from USD$800-1100.

The only alternative to flying to Bolivia is to make your way overland by bus, train, or automobile. You can reach Bolivia by bus from all five neighboring countries: Chile, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. There are also several entry points from Amazonia.

Crime and safety in Bolivia

Although Bolivia has lower levels of theft and violent crime than neighbouring Peru and Brazil, crime levels have been rising in recent years. The majority of crime against tourists is opportunistic theft, and violence is rare. However, it is important to be vigilant and take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to stay safe while travelling in Bolivia:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in popular tourist locations such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Copacabana, and Oruro, particularly during festivals.
• Avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs at night or in secluded locations, as thefts and assaults are common.
• Be cautious when taking taxis, as some drivers may be involved in express kidnapping schemes, where they work with criminals to target foreigners, hold them hostage, and force them to withdraw money from ATMs.
• Avoid the Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba, as this area is known for drug addicts and alcoholics, posing a danger to both foreigners and locals.
• Be vigilant when visiting the tourist site of Rurrenabaque, as it is a popular spot for thieves to target lone travellers taking motorbike taxis.
• Keep cameras and binoculars secure, especially in the Chapare and the Yungas areas, where theft of these items is common.
• Avoid travelling after dark, as it can be dangerous.
• Be cautious when consuming alcohol, as there are laws prohibiting alcohol service after 4 am, and strict penalties for those caught at establishments that violate this law.
• Avoid consuming or trafficking cocaine, as it is illegal in Bolivia and can lead to jail time.
• Be wary of common scams, such as the "spilled substance" scam, where a stranger spills something on you and another person offers to help, only to steal your valuables during the distraction.
• Avoid bus travel from Copacabana to La Paz overnight, as it is dangerous.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, such as in a money belt or a secure holder that hangs under your shirt or from your belt.
• Consider depositing your valuables in a safe at your hotel reception, if available, or keep them in a tamper-proof holder or a signed and sealed envelope.
• Be cautious when carrying a daypack or small bag, as thieves may slash it to steal its contents. Loop the strap around your leg when sitting to make it more difficult to grab.
• When taking a taxi, don't sit in the front seat, lock the passenger doors, and wait for the driver to get out first if your luggage is in the boot.
• Radio taxis called by phone are generally safer than unmarked cabs.
• Avoid camping near villages when trekking, as campsites are sometimes targeted by thieves.
• Keep all your possessions inside your tent at night while camping.
• Always get local advice before embarking on a trek.
• Be aware of political demonstrations and avoid large crowds, as they can turn violent.
• Do not attempt to cross road blockades set up by protesters, and instead, leave the area as soon as possible.
• Be cautious when dealing with the police, as they may ask for bribes. Insist on the presence of a uniformed officer if approached by people claiming to be undercover police.
• Always carry your passport with you, or at least a photocopy of it, as it is required by law.

Frequently asked questions