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One of the most roadless countries in
South America, and having no seaports, makes Bolivia travel a challenge
as well as an adventure for the visitor. This landlocked country is
quite possibly the most isolated and hardest to reach of all the South
American countries. Luckily, a number of small Bolivian airlines offer
service between cities for travelers who don't have the patience for the
frustrations of road travel in this county, where 95% of the roads are
unpaved.
8.5 miles north of La Paz is the major airport in Bolivia, called El
Alto (the high ones).
Including a layover in Miami, flights to Bolivia from London takes about
14 hours. A number of airlines offer direct service. United Airlines,
Iberia, Continental, Lufthansa, KLM, and United Airlines are airlines
you can utilize when you book your next flight to Bolivia.
While ancient Inca trails and roads crisscross the country, in some
places these are barely wide enough for two mules, so unless you are
traveling on foot, cycle, or beast, road travel is not always most
efficient choice for Bolivia travel.
The Pan-American Highway snakes through Bolivia as well, in a meandering
route from the south to the northwest towards the Amazon. While many of
the main roads have been repaired, this highway is subject to flooding
under poor weather conditions.
Depending on your plans Bolivia travel can include a train ride on one
of the four different types of rail service. Taxis in Bolivia are
everywhere, and most rides don't cost more than $1-4 USD. I good rule of
thumb is to tell the driver where you want to go and agree on a price
beforehand. If he asks you how to get there simply flag down another
taxi.
It's really best to play it by ear when it comes Bolivia travel. Only 5%
of the roads in this country are paved. Infrequent bathroom stops and a
steady stream of passengers being picked up can make traveling on the
cheaper buses a tiresome and frustrating affair.
Titicaca Transtour is a company with unbeatable value on their modern,
air-conditioned buses. The four-hour bus ride to Copacabana on Lake
Titicaca from La Paz is only $3 USD. For $10 they will take you to the
ancient Inca capitol town of Cusco, in Peru.
Many of the main roads in Bolivia are in poor condition but still
navigable by most regular cars. While the minibus costs a paltry 0.22
USD, you might find it worth it to rent a car for convenience sake. Few
roads signs, blockades for repair and in the city, fast moving buses are
all hazards you need to be prepared for.
Like most other countries and major airports, you won't be able to rent
a car from the airport. Car Rentals in Bolivia are delivered to your
hotel or the airport, so you will have to plan ahead of time. On of the
most widely known and the largest car rentals in Bolivia is Localiza
Rent A Car. International Rent A Car and Hertz, with offices in La Paz,
Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba, are also two trusted and reputable sources
for private vehicle rental in Bolivia.
While four-wheel drive vehicles can cost more, upwards of $45 per day,
including insurance, sometimes it is the best way to go. The extra money
you spend on the vehicle will be time saved on the snail-like buses and
will save you many headaches on your Bolivia travel.
However you choose to get around, at every turn of the road, you will be
rewarded with magnificent views. Whether you're seated in a bus full of
miners returning home after a long weeks work or you're bravely
attempting to navigate the unmarked, bumpy roads of Bolivia, or enjoying
a birds eye view from the window of a small plane of one of the small
Bolivian airlines, getting around in this country is an adventure in
itself.
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