Tag: tupiza villazon

A complete guide to train travel in Bolivia

On By ticketsboliviaIn Tourism in Bolivia, Train travel1 Comment

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. Villazon to Uyuni and Oruro to Uyuni by train are particularly popular routes In Bolivia. On the eastern part of the country, Ferroviaria Oriental covers Santa Cruz – Puerto Quijarro (border with Brazil) and Santa Cruz – Yacuiba (border with Argentina).

Find here all the train terminals in Bolivia and Peru.

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Ferroviaria Andina

Ferroviaria Andina railroads in Bolivia

Villazon to Uyuni by train

The city of Villazon is located on the border of Bolivia and Argentina. It is a commercial town, very busy with economic activity.

There are two types of trains

  • Wara Wara del Sur
  • Expreso del Sur

Please note that the Expreso del Sur train only has a Ferrobus class available at the moment. The business class is no longer available.

You can take the train from Villazon to Uyuni, there are four departures per week and the journey takes between 8 and 10 hours.

TrainDays and time of departureArrival timePrice (in bolivianos)
Expreso del Sur – FerrobusWednesday and Saturday – 15:3023:5072 (normal)
Wara Wara del SurMonday and Thursday – 15:3001:15 (+1)38 (popular)
56 (normal)
118 (executive)
Train schedule Villazon – Uyuni

Villazon to Tupiza by train

If you have time you can break your journey from Villazon to Uyuni by stopping in Tupiza. The train stops in Atocha and Tupiza but Tupiza is charming small town known for its warm climate, beautiful landscapes with spectacular rock formations such as the cañón del Inca. The train takes about 3 hours covering a distance of 91 km.

To travel from Villazon to Tupiza by train you must go to the train station located on Avenida Antofagasta. The Tupiza train station is located on Avenida Serrano and Calle Avaroa.

If you don’t want to take the train from Villazon to Tupiza, you can take a bus or a colectivo. Colectivos (shared taxis) leave every 30 minutes from the old bus terminal in Villazon.

Tupiza to Uyuni by train

The trips from Tupiza to Uyuni by train take around 6 hours crossing a distance of 207 km.

And back: Uyuni to Villazon by train  

The train station in Uyuni is located there:

For your return trip, schedules and prices from Uyuni are the following:

TrainDays and time of departureArrival timePrice (in bolivianos)
Expreso del Sur – FerrobusTuesday and Friday – 21:4006:05 (+1)72 (normal)
Wara Wara del SurMonday and Thursday – 02:5012:05 (+1)38 (popular)
56 (normal)
118 (executive)
Train schedule – Uyuni – Villazon

Ferroviaria Oriental

Ferroviaria Oriental railroad in Bolivia

Santa Cruz to Puerto Quijarro by train

The train between Santa Cruz and Puerto Quijarro is sometimes called the ‘Death Train’. You can read here more about that particular route and origin of the name.

TrainDays and time of departure Arrival TimePrice (in bolivianos
Expreso Oriental – Super PullmanMonday, Wesdnesday, Friday – 13:2006:00 (+1)100
Ferrobus – Lie-flatTuesday, Thursday, Sunday – 18:0007:00 (+1)235
Schedule and prices from Santa Cruz to Puerto Quijarro

The train from Santa Cruz to Puerto Quijarro stops in San Jose de Chiquitos, Robore, Rivero Torrez and arrives in Puerto Quijerro at around 6:00 in the morning. The trip lasts between 13 and 16 hours depending on the train.

San Jose de Chiquitos

San Jose de Chiquitos, most commonly referred to as simply San Jose, is famous for being part of the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos. The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos are part of six of these former missions which were all designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The International Festival of American Renaissance and Baroque Music takes place once every two years in over 20 Jesuit Mission towns of the Amazon jungle regions around Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

The next festival will take place from April 24 to May 3, 2020. the festival features over 1,000 musicians from Europe and Latin America in 100 concerts.

Border with Brazil

The train will stop in Puerto Quijarro a few kilometers from the border with Brasil. The Brazilian town on the other side of the border is Corumba.

Puerto Quijarro train station to Corumba

To cross the border you will have to go to the border control post on the Bolivian side to leave the country and then cross over the border and repeat the process to enter Brazil. Make sure that you get your passport stamped on both sides.

Santa Cruz – Yacuiba by train

Yacuiba is a Bolivian town near the border with Argentina. To cross the border you will have to first go to the border control post on the Bolivian side to leave the country and then cross over the border to the Argentinian town of Salvador Mazza and repeat the process to enter Argentina.

The train takes about 16 hours and stops in Charagua, Boyuibe and Villamontes.

RouteTrainDays and time of departure Arrival time Price (in bolivianos
Santa Cruz – YacuibaMixto Thursday – 15:3008:05 (+1)47
Yacuiba – Santa CruzMixto Friday – 18:0009:55 (+1)47
Schedule and prices between Santa Cruz to Yacuiba

Travel Bolivia by train

On By ticketsboliviaIn Trains in Bolivia, Traveling by train in South AmericaLeave a comment

Traveling by train is always a special experience. The soft and rhythmic movement of the train as it crosses amazing landscapes, the pleasure of looking out the window as you sip on coffee in the dinning car, the strange charm of a train station… In Bolivia, one of the routes that you can make by train is between Villazon and Uyuni, with an optional stop in the picturesque town of Tupiza, surrounded by amazing mountain formations. Read on to find out how.

Landscape of Tupiza, Bolivia

Villazon to Tupiza by train

The city of Villazon is right on the border between Bolivia and Argentina, and so is considered a city to just pass through. It is a commercial area, very busy with economic activity between Bolivia and Argentina. It is always buzzing with tourists and travelers going between both countries.

Tupiza, Bolivia

Tupiza is a town located at a distance of 91 km from Villazon. The trip by train takes around 4 hours, crossing the landscapes of the valleys and mountains of the region. Tupiza is known for its warm climate, beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions such as rock formations and cannons such as the cañón del Inca.

Market of Villazon, Bolivia

In order to travel from Villazon to Tupiza by train you must go to the train station located on Antofagasta Av.  The trains leave at 15:30 and arrive in Tupiza at 18:30, at the train station of Tupiza, located on Serrano Av. on the corner with Avaroa St. The companies that offer the train service from Villazon to Tupiza are Wara Wara del Sur (Monday and Thursday) and Expreso del Sur (Wednesday and Saturday).

If you want to buy your tickets beforehand, thus ensuring your trip, you can do so by clicking on the following:  villazon to tupiza by train

Uyuni, Bolivia

Tupiza to Uyuni

The trips from Tupiza to Uyuni by train take around 6 hours crossing a distance of 207 km through valleys and highland landscapes of Bolivia. The trains leave on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from the Train Station of Tupiza. They leave at 18:25 and arrive in Uyuni at 23:25 at the Train Station located on Ferroviaria Av., on the corner with Abaroa St.

Uyuni is a very important tourist destination in Bolivia, the largest salt desert in the world, which has become well known int he last years due to its amazing topography and landscape that seems from another planet. So much so that it has been featured in the latest Star Wars film as the planet Crait. In order to buy your train tickets online, you can follow this link: by train Tupiza to Uyuni

And back: Uyuni to Villazon by train  

For your return trip you can travel directly by train from Uyuni to Villazon, covering a distance of 600 km. The train leaves from the train station of Uyuni at 21:40 and arrives at the train station of Villazon the next day, at 06:05 am.  The bus companies that make this service by train from Uyuni to Villazon are Wara Wara del Sur (Wednesday and Sunday) and Expreso del Sur (Tuesday and Friday).

If you have any questions, contact us through the website ticketsbolivia.com

Have a nice trip!

Tips for traveling from Villazon to Uyuni

On By ticketsboliviaIn Border Bolivia, Tourism in Bolivia, Traveling by bus in BoliviaLeave a comment

Updated: 1 August 2019

Please note that the route in train between Villazon and Tupiza is functioning again since 28 July 2019.

The trip from Villazon to Uyuni is one of the favorites of tourists coming from Argentina in the months of December and January, a must for those who want to reach Uyuni by bus or train. Villazon is a border town with a population of 30,000, located at 3,400 meters above sea level. It is a few miles from the Argentinian town of La Quiaca, which has a population of 18,000. The climate is warm in the day and chilly at night. Here are  5 tips for making your trip from Villazon to Uyuni perfect and decide the best way to get to Uyuni. 

Salar de Uyuni

1. Take your time crossing the border

The border crossing between La Quiaca and Villazon is open 24 hours. Nevertheless, the attention at their offices for migration paperwork (sealing of travel documents, tourist visas, etc.) are open between 7:00 am and midnight (12:00). It is important that travelers take into account this schedule in order to enter Bolivia legally. Another thing to keep in mind is that, during high season (December-January) the amount of people crossing the borders is enormous, causing lines up to 6 hours long at the migration offices. This, especially in the days close to Christmas and new Years. 

Border La Quiaca-Villazon

2. Train to Uyuni

There are pros and cons with each option, but in general trains are the preferred form of transportation by tourists due to its comfort . In order to travel by train, the options are Expreso del Sur and Wara Wara del Sur. Their schedules are as follows:

  • Expreso del Sur: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 15:30. The train makes a stop in Tupiza.
  • Wara Wara del Sur: Mondays and Thrursdays at 15:30 The train makes a stop in Tupiza.

The train station in Villazon is located here:

Due to floods and heavy rains, the route between Villazon and Tupiza has been under repair for over 1.5 years. For travelers who want to take the train from Tupiza, they can easily find a public bus, shared taxi from the ex-terminal in Villazon. Taxis and buses leave when they are full which is about every 30 minutes-1 hour. It is an informal way of transportation. More regular buses leave from the main bus terminal in Villazon. The route between Villazon and Tupiza lasts about 1.5 hours.

Trains depart Tupiza as follows:

  • Expreso del Sur: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 18:25. The train makes a stop in Atocha.
  • Wara Wara del Sur: Mondays and Thursdays at 19:05. The train makes a stop in Atocha.

3. Villazon to Uyuni by bus

Buses leave from the new bus terminal of Villazon located here.

Bus schedule from Villazon to Uyuni

Bus CompanySeat classTime of departureTime of arrivalPriceAdditional information
Auto Transporte TupizaSemi lie-flat08:0015:00US$ 7.30Goes via Tupiza
Exp. 11 de JulioNormal16:0023:00US$ 7.30Goes via Tupiza
Auto Transporte TupizaSemi lie-flat16:0023:00US$ 7.30Goes via Tupiza

4. Take into account the climate and altitude

Both Uyuni and Villazon are located at altitudes above 3,000 meters above sea level. This generates conditions that travelers should take into account in order to enjoy their trip without health problems. In order to assuage the effects of altitude in the body, fr example, you should not engage n heavy physical activity, drink too much liquids nor eat heavy meals, especially at night. A cup of coca-leaf tea can do much to improve the symptoms, which can include dizziness, shortness of breath and headaches.  

Also keep in mind that the climate conditions can be very similar to those in deserts: very hot in the day, and cold at night. It´s important to have warm clothes for the evenings, and light ones for the daytime. Also, due to the altitude and landscape of Uyuni, it is very important to have sunblock and sunglasses in order to avoid damage from the sun´s radiation. 

Cañón del Duende, Tupiza – Jan Beck via Wikimedia Commons

5. Don’t miss out on the surroundings!  

If you have time, make a stop in Tupiza, made famous by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This small town doesn’t lack charm and is a particularly good spot for those who enjoy hikes in wild, but safe, environment.

From Tupiza it is also possible to do a 4-day tour of the Salt Flats, which is a less touristic route and has the added advantage to stop at the sites at different times than the other tours coming from Uyuni or San Pedro. Tours from Tupiza are slightly more expensive, due to the extra day but are a good option for those coming this way and heading to Uyuni.

Not far from Villazon and Uyuni are the colonial cities of Sucre and Potosi, very popular tourist destinations that stand out for their beautiful architecture, rich historical interest and warm inviting climate. Both cities have been declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. On the other hand, at only 10 hours from Uyuni is the city of La Paz, one of the 7 Wonder cities of the world due to its unusual topography, great night-life and cultural heritage. If you’re traveling between Villazon and Uyuni, don’t miss out on these destinations.

Tips for traveling from Villazon to Uyuni by bus or train

On By ticketsboliviaIn Tourism in Bolivia, Train travelLeave a comment

Updated: August 2019

The trip from Villazon to Uyuni by bus or train is very popular among tourists coming from Argentina in December and January. The journey by train from Villazon to Uyuni takes about 8 hours and by bus it is about 6:30 hours.

Villazon is a border town with a population of 30,000, located at 3,400 meters above sea level. It is a few miles from the Argentinian town of La Quiaca, which has a population of 18,000. The climate is warm during the day and chilly at night. Here are some tips for planning your trip from Villazon to Uyuni by bus or train and decide the best way to get to Uyuni. 

Salar de Uyuni

1. Take your time crossing the border

The border crossing between La Quiaca and Villazon is open 24 hours. Nevertheless, the attention at their offices for migration paperwork (sealing of travel documents, tourist visas, etc.) are open between 7:00 am and midnight (12:00). It is important that travelers take into account this schedule in order to enter Bolivia legally. Another thing to keep in mind is that, during high season (December-January) the amount of people crossing the borders is enormous, causing lines up to 6 hours long at the migration offices. This, especially in the days close to Christmas and new Years. 

Border La Quiaca-Villazon

2. Train to Uyuni

There are pros and cons with each option, but in general trains are the preferred form of transportation by tourists due to its comfort . In order to travel by train, the options are Expreso del Sur and Wara Wara del Sur. Their schedules are as follows:

  • Expreso del Sur: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 15:30. The train makes a stop in Tupiza.
  • Wara Wara del Sur: Mondays and Thrursdays at 15:30 The train makes a stop in Tupiza.

The train station in Villazon is located here:

Due to floods and heavy rains, the route between Villazon and Tupiza has been under repair for over 1.5 years. For travelers who want to take the train from Tupiza, they can easily find a public bus, shared taxi from the ex-terminal in Villazon. Taxis and buses leave when they are full which is about every 30 minutes-1 hour. It is an informal way of transportation. More regular buses leave from the main bus terminal in Villazon. The route between Villazon and Tupiza lasts about 1.5 hours.

Trains depart Tupiza as follows:

  • Expreso del Sur: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 18:25. The train makes a stop in Atocha.
  • Wara Wara del Sur: Mondays and Thursdays at 19:05. The train makes a stop in Atocha.

3. Villazon to Uyuni by bus

Buses leave from the new bus terminal of Villazon located here.

Bus schedule from Villazon to Uyuni

Bus CompanySeat classTime of departureTime of arrivalPriceAdditional information
Auto Transporte TupizaSemi lie-flat08:0015:00US$ 7.30Goes via Tupiza
Exp. 11 de JulioNormal16:0023:00US$ 7.30Goes via Tupiza
Auto Transporte TupizaSemi lie-flat16:0023:00US$ 7.30Goes via Tupiza
Schedule and prices for buses from Villazon to Uyuni

4. Take into account the climate and altitude

Both Uyuni and Villazon are located at altitudes above 3,000 meters above sea level. This generates conditions that travelers should take into account in order to enjoy their trip without health problems. In order to assuage the effects of altitude in the body, fr example, you should not engage n heavy physical activity, drink too much liquids nor eat heavy meals, especially at night. A cup of coca-leaf tea can do much to improve the symptoms, which can include dizziness, shortness of breath and headaches.  

Also keep in mind that the climate conditions can be very similar to those in deserts: very hot in the day, and cold at night. It´s important to have warm clothes for the evenings, and light ones for the daytime. Also, due to the altitude and landscape of Uyuni, it is very important to have sunblock and sunglasses in order to avoid damage from the sun´s radiation. 

Cañón del Duende, Tupiza – Jan Beck via Wikimedia Commons

5. Don’t miss out on the surroundings!  

If you have time, make a stop in Tupiza, made famous by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This small town doesn’t lack charm and is a particularly good spot for those who enjoy hikes in wild, but safe, environment.

From Tupiza it is also possible to do a 4-day tour of the Salt Flats, which is a less touristic route and has the added advantage to stop at the sites at different times than the other tours coming from Uyuni or San Pedro. Tours from Tupiza are slightly more expensive, due to the extra day but are a good option for those coming this way and heading to Uyuni.

Not far from Villazon and Uyuni are the colonial cities of Sucre and Potosi, very popular tourist destinations that stand out for their beautiful architecture, rich historical interest and warm inviting climate. Both cities have been declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. On the other hand, at only 10 hours from Uyuni is the city of La Paz, one of the 7 Wonder cities of the world due to its unusual topography, great night-life and cultural heritage. If you’re traveling between Villazon and Uyuni, don’t miss out on these destinations.