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Transport in BoliviaWe can safely say Bolivia is little less than a mess when it comes to public transport. Of the 55.500km of roads, 25% is gravel or partly paved, and just 5% (that’s 1000km!) is tarmacced, but even these roads are pot-holed and poorly maintained. In rainy season roads are often closed. Lack of funding and technology, lack of interest and inaccessible mountainous landscape hamper the improvement of infrastructure so if you’re braving the eroded roads of Bolivia count on delays, punctures and break-downs.Traffic rules are merely a formality in Bolivia, and the general rule seems to be a game of ‘chicken’. Some Bolivians have simply bought a driving license without any prior test or exam and unfortunately drink-driving is no exception. Want to see more about where you can go in Bolivia? Check out our bite-sized Bolivia tours. If you wish combine your trip to Bolivia with Peru we also offer suggested Peru holidays which span over the two countries. |
BusesThe Bolivian buses are old and battered and the La Paz – Potosi, Sucre – Cochabamba and La Paz – Coroico – Rurrenbaque are not for the faint-hearted. At Peru Travel Plan we don’t offer these routes in any of our modules or itineraries.The buses are either ‘flotas’, that service the routes or ‘micros’, minibuses for routes within the cities. The buses are amply staffed, it’s actually quite endearing to see how much effort they put into providing service. Some routes can be reserved in advance, but not all. You’ll need to check in at the bus at least half an hour before departure. |
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Local buses are full, cramped, seats are broken, there’s little leg-room and they can be very smelly. On the route from Uyuni to Potosi we were stuck in one position leaning sideways with a broken spring poking my back. The on-board music provides some cheerful auditory entertainment, though with the volume cranked up to the max it’s more crackle than Peruvian pop tunes. But it’s not all bad, the bus rides are a travel adventure in themselves and the views are unparalleled. |
TrainsThe train from Oruro to Uyuni is slow, packed and ancient and not much better than most buses. Because of the many strikes by rail personnel the train is often delayed or even cancelled. The bus is a safer choice and there are hourly departures.Train from La Paz (via Oruro) to Uyuni: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays train from Oruro to Uyuni. We’ll reserve seats on the bus from La Paz to Oruro (3 ½ hours across the Altiplano). Train journey Oruro – Uyuni takes 7 hours. The bus from La Paz to Oruro departs every hour. Tuesday and Friday: departure Oruro 3.30pm, arrival Uyuni 22.20pm. Wednesday and Sunday: departure Oruro 7pm, arrival Uyuni 2.20am. |
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Train from Uyuni to La Paz: Tuesday: departure Uyuni 12.20pm, arrival Oruro 7.20pm. From Oruro you’ll take the 8.20pm bus, arriving in La Paz around 11.30am. Saturday: departure Uyuni 11.30pm, arrival Oruro 6.30am, then bus at 7.30am, arriving in La Paz around 10.30am. Monday & Thursday: departure Uyuni 1.30am, arrival Oruro 8.30am, then bus at 9.30am, arriving in La Paz 12.30pm. All departure and arrival times are subject to change as train timetables are regularly altered. Please ask us for the most up to date timetable. |
Other transport in BoliviaTaxisTaxis are usually unmetered, so agree on a price before you get in. If there is a meter, ask the driver to switch it on before you set off. Airport taxis and taxis at the larger hotels are more expensive, but if you walk on a bit you can catch a much cheaper taxi. Micros Shared minibus taxis for longer distances between (nearby) cities or within the city, that leave once there are enough passengers (usually five). It's a cheap and fun way to travel with the locals. Car hire Car hire is not recommended in Bolivia. Aside from the fact that little over 1000km of the road network is actually tarmacced, there is no breakdown service and there are no garages in the more remote areas so if you do break down you’re in trouble. A car with driver (4x4) is available in the larger cities. |
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Road blocks and strikes
Road blocks and strikes are part of daily life in Bolivia and it’s likely you’ll stumble upon a road block at some point on your travels. Blocking the main roads has proven an effective way for the local population to draw attention to their political discontent, though unfortunately for you it means you might encounter delays or detours on several of your bus rides. Remember the strikes are never directly aimed at tourists so they’re not dangerous as such. In the event of a road block our local agent will assist you in changing your itinerary route. Please be aware that strikes are unforeseen circumstances and ‘force majeur’, which means any additional costs are not automatically covered by Peru Travel Plan.
Road blocks and strikes are part of daily life in Bolivia and it’s likely you’ll stumble upon a road block at some point on your travels. Blocking the main roads has proven an effective way for the local population to draw attention to their political discontent, though unfortunately for you it means you might encounter delays or detours on several of your bus rides. Remember the strikes are never directly aimed at tourists so they’re not dangerous as such. In the event of a road block our local agent will assist you in changing your itinerary route. Please be aware that strikes are unforeseen circumstances and ‘force majeur’, which means any additional costs are not automatically covered by Peru Travel Plan.
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