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.
