Tag: visiting Bolivia

The best ways to travel in Bolivia

On By ticketsboliviaIn Bus travel south america, Tourism in Bolivia, Traveling by bus in BoliviaLeave a comment
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By Bus

The most popular and easy way of traveling in Bolivia is by bus. Because of the country’s size and road conditions it can take over 7 hours to do less than 400 kilometers. Tickets can be purchased the very same day directly at the bus terminal but for travelers coming from abroad and trying to plan ahead their journey, it is now possible to book in advance online bus tickets with Tickets Bolivia.

Traveling in Bolivia is generally safe but can be quite unreliable, especially during the rainy season and public holidays. Some buses are not necessarily well-maintained, causing discomfort, breakdowns and delays and there are reports of drunk drivers. For this reason it is essential to travel with the safest and most reliable bus companies.

Also when booking a bus, travelers will have a choice of seats: Bus normal, Bus Semi-Cama or Bus Cama (sometimes referred to as Bus Leito). Normal buses don’t usually have toilets on boards and don’t really offer much leg space. Semi-Cama buses usually recline up to 140°, have 4 rows of seats, heating but not necessarily toilets. Cama buses should recline up to 170°, have 3 rows of seats, toilets on board, heating and AC.

It’s also important to know that roadblocks, marches, protests and special days can affect your journey. Roadblocks can last a few hours but sometimes it can last up to a few days. In these cases there is not much the bus driver can do, and one must just be patient if no other alternative is provided.

TIPS

  • Always bring layers. The best bus companies usually have blankets for passengers, but temperatures in the Bolivian altiplano can be very cold, especially in July-August, and, if the heating doesn’t work, it can go as low as -15°C at night.
  • Bring snacks and water: Long distance buses always stop at least once, and some companies let vendors jump in the bus to sell snacks but it’s better to come prepared in case of any unexpected delay.
  • Where to seat: The back of the bus is the bumpiest and some roads are not paved. If you are prone to travel-sickness, better to avoid it and stay in the front of middle of the bus.
  • Plugs and WiFi: Even if advertised, it’s extremely unlikely that buses have WiFi, as most of the countryside doesn’t have phone service and very few buses in Bolivia are equipped with USB or plugs.

IMPORTANT: Bus terminals in Bolivia will ask passengers to pay for a small terminal tax called usually: Uso de Terminal. It usually costs Bs 2-2,50 and needs to purchased before boarding the bus. That fee is not included in your bus ticket.

For the best and most reliable bus companies, book your bus online here with Tickets Bolivia.

By Train

If you plan to travel to Bolivia, one of the safest and most comfortable options is to do it by train. It’s also an efficient way to connect to one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations: the Salar de Uyuni.

Traveling by train offers many advantages. It’s a comfortable and environment-friendly, and it can help avoid road blockades and other issues that may arise with bus travel. There are two train companies in Bolivia which offer train service: Ferroviaria Andina in the west of the country and Ferroviaria Oriental who covers routes from Santa Cruz to Puerto Quijarro and Yacuiba.

The most popular train route is from Oruro to Villazon, which goes via Uyuni:

1Expreso del SurOruro – Uyuni

Uyuni – Villazon

Tues/Fri 14:30 Hrs

Tues/Fri 21:40 Hrs

2Villazon – Uyuni

Uyuni – Oruro

Wed/Sat 15:30 Hrs

Wed/Sat 23:50 Hrs

3Wara Wara del SurOruro – Uyuni

Uyuni – Villazon

Wed/Sun 19:00 Hrs

Mon/Thu 2:50 Hrs

4Villazon – Uyuni

Uyuni – Oruro

Mon/Thu 15:30 Hr

Tue/Fri 1:45 Hrs

  • For the most up-to-date information on routes and schedule of Ferroviaria Andina visit http://www.fca.com.bo/
  • For the most up-to-date information on routes and schedule of Ferroviaria Oriental visit  http://www.fo.com.bo

TIPS

  • Make sure to be at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
  • Train tickets are in high demand all year long, but especially in the months of July-August and December-February. Book in advance in order to guarantee your trip!
  • Buy your tickets online right here: https://www.ticketsbolivia.com/
  • The Uyuni-Villazon section of the railway is currently under repair but a bimodal service (Bus+Train) will be made available from 15 December 2018 to 30 January 2019. The full service will reopen later in 2019.

By Plane

The fastest way to travel in Bolivia is by plane. There are three Bolivian airlines that cover most cities in the territory:

Others

It is possible to rent a car to travel; prices for one-day rental start at USD 50-100.

You can also take local minibuses for trips under 4 hours but be aware that they don’t follow a schedule and leave when they are full. These minibuses don’t usually leave from the main bus terminal and have alternate departure points throughout the city. They make regular stops to pick and drop passengers along the way.

The best ways to travel in Bolivia: by bus, train and plane

On By ticketsboliviaIn Bolivia Bus Travel, Bus travel south america, Tips and AdviceLeave a comment

Updated December 2019

Travel Bolivia by bus

The most popular and easiest way to travel in Bolivia is by bus. Because of the country’s size and road conditions it can take over 7 hours to do less than 400 kilometers. Tickets can be purchased the very same day directly at the bus terminal but for travelers coming from abroad and trying to plan ahead their journey, it is now possible to book in advance online bus tickets with Tickets Bolivia.

Traveling in Bolivia is generally safe but can be quite unreliable, especially during the rainy season and public holidays. Some buses are not necessarily well-maintained, causing discomfort, breakdowns and delays and there are reports of drunk drivers. For this reason it is essential to travel with the safest and most reliable bus companies.

Also when booking a bus, travelers will have a choice of seats: Bus normal, Bus Semi-Cama or Bus Cama (sometimes referred to as Bus Leito). Normal buses don’t usually have toilets on boards and don’t really offer much leg space. Semi-Cama buses usually recline up to 140°, have 4 rows of seats, heating but not necessarily toilets. Cama buses should recline up to 170°, have 3 rows of seats, toilets on board, heating and AC.

It’s also important to know that roadblocks, marches, protests and special days can affect your journey. Roadblocks can last a few hours but sometimes it can last up to a few days. In these cases there is not much the bus driver can do, and one must just be patient if no other alternative is provided.

TIPS

  • Always bring layers. The best bus companies usually have blankets for passengers, but temperatures in the Bolivian altiplano can be very cold, especially in July-August, and, if the heating doesn’t work, it can go as low as -15°C at night.
  • Bring snacks and water: Long distance buses always stop at least once, and some companies let vendors jump in the bus to sell snacks but it’s better to come prepared in case of any unexpected delay.
  • Where to seat: The back of the bus is the bumpiest and some roads are not paved. If you are prone to travel-sickness, better to avoid it and stay in the front of middle of the bus.
  • Plugs and WiFi: Even if advertised, it’s extremely unlikely that buses have WiFi, as most of the countryside doesn’t have phone service and very few buses in Bolivia are equipped with USB or plugs.

IMPORTANT: Bus terminals in Bolivia will ask passengers to pay for a small terminal tax called usually: Uso de Terminal. It usually costs Bs 2-2,50 and needs to purchased before boarding the bus. That fee is not included in your bus ticket.

For the best and most reliable bus companies, book your bus online here with Tickets Bolivia.

Travel Bolivia by train

If you plan to travel to Bolivia, one of the safest and most comfortable options is to do it by train. It’s also an efficient way to connect to one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations: the Salar de Uyuni.

Traveling by train offers many advantages. It’s a comfortable and environment-friendly, and it can help avoid road blockades and other issues that may arise with bus travel. There are two train companies in Bolivia which offer train service: Ferroviaria Andina in the west of the country and Ferroviaria Oriental who covers routes from Santa Cruz to Puerto Quijarro and Yacuiba.

The most popular train route is from Oruro to Villazon, which goes via Uyuni:

1Expreso del SurOruro – Uyuni

Uyuni – Villazon

Tues/Fri 14:30 Hrs

Tues/Fri 21:40 Hrs

2Villazon – Uyuni

Uyuni – Oruro

Wed/Sat 15:30 Hrs

Wed/Sat 23:50 Hrs

3Wara Wara del SurOruro – Uyuni

Uyuni – Villazon

Wed/Sun 19:00 Hrs

Mon/Thu 2:50 Hrs

4Villazon – Uyuni

Uyuni – Oruro

Mon/Thu 15:30 Hr

Tue/Fri 1:45 Hrs

  • For the most up-to-date information on routes and schedule of Ferroviaria Andina visit http://www.fca.com.bo/
  • For the most up-to-date information on routes and schedule of Ferroviaria Oriental visit  http://www.fo.com.bo

TIPS

  • Make sure to be at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
  • Train tickets are in high demand all year long, but especially in the months of July-August and December-February. Book in advance in order to guarantee your trip!
  • Buy your tickets online right here: https://www.ticketsbolivia.com/
  • The Uyuni-Villazon section of the railway is currently under repair but a bimodal service (Bus+Train) will be made available from 15 December 2018 to 30 January 2019. The full service will reopen later in 2019.

Travel Bolivia by plane

The fastest way to travel in Bolivia is by plane. There are three Bolivian airlines that cover most cities in the territory:

Others

It is possible to rent a car to travel; prices for one-day rental start at USD 50-100.

You can also take local minibuses for trips under 4 hours but be aware that they don’t follow a schedule and leave when they are full. These minibuses don’t usually leave from the main bus terminal and have alternate departure points throughout the city. They make regular stops to pick and drop passengers along the way.

Bolivia Entry Requirements: A Complete Guide

On By ticketsboliviaIn Bolivia visa, Tips and Advice, Tourism in Bolivia3 Comments

*Enter the following link to see updated information on entry requirements post Covid-19: /2022/08/12/here-are-the-necessary-requirements-to-enter-bolivia/

Lake Titicaca at the Bolivia-Peru border. By Jonathan Lewis via Wikimedia Commons

Bolivia is a beautiful, diverse and surprising country. There you can visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Amazon rain forest, travel across Lake Titicaca, hike in the Cordillera Real and much more. Here you will find all the information you need regarding entry into the country and visa requirements.

Visa Requirements

First of all, you will need a valid passport for ID. Countries which you can travel to and from Bolivia with only a national ID are Colombia, Peru, Ecuador (CAN – Andean Community) and Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay (MERCOSUR).

All business travelers and persons wishing to stay longer than 90 days per calendar year must obtain a visa in advance. Please note that migration officers at the border stamp passports for 30 days and that if you want to stay longer you will need to get it extended before leaving the country. This can be done at one of the Dirección general de migración offices (Directorate General of Immigration).

Tourists who overstay, or who forget to extend their 30-day visa will have to pay, upon leaving the country, a daily fee of about 25 bolivianos (about $3.70 USD).

Regarding tourist or visitor visa requirements, countries are divided in three groups: (the list of countries in groups can be found here. Please note that this list can be subject to change)

GROUP 1 and nationals of MERCOSUR and CAN (Andean Community):

Passport holders from any of these countries do not require a visa or need to pay any kind of fee upon entering Bolivia as tourists (if you’re traveling for business or studies please see below). The only requirement is that you present a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months. You will have the right to stay in the country 90 days per calendar year (but will initially receive 30 days which can be extended).

GROUP 2:

Passport holders from any of these countries need to apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or directly at the border. Obtaining a visa at the Bolivian embassy in advance is free of charge, however if you opt to get your visa at the border, a $95 USD fee will apply.

Tourist Visa for citizens of the countries in Group II, have an admission period of 30 days after the date of entry. The admission period may be extended at the offices of the Directorate General of Immigration.

GROUP 3:

Passport holders from countries in group 3 will need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival in Bolivia. Tourist Visa for citizens of the countries in Group 3, have an admission period of 30 days after the date of entry. The admission period may be extended at the offices of the Directorate General of Immigration.

The Cost of a Tourist Visa is $30.00 USD. Processing time is 3-5 weeks.

EXCEPTION: US CITIZENS

US citizens require a tourist visa to enter Bolivia. Americans can apply for a visa either at a Bolivian embassy or consulate, or at the border.

The tourist visa for US citizens is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and the admission period per year is 90 days. A US citizen tourist visa holder will be able to use the visa for up to 3 each year.

The cost for the visa is $160 USD.

The process for US citizens and list of documents required is explained in more detail here and here.

OTHER TYPES OF VISA

If you need to stay in Bolivia for more than 90 days in a calendar year or if the purpose of your visit is not tourism then you will have to apply to the corresponding visa. Check with your local Bolivian embassy or consulate what the requirements are and allow for 3-5 weeks for them to process.

Crossing Borders

  • Sometimes you will be asked to present a return ticket or a proof that you will be leaving the country. Some airlines might not let you board without one or you may have to show it a the border.
  • Make sure you have your certificate of yellow fever vaccinations: It’s a country entry requirement. The government of Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination, especially if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Your yellow fever certificate may be asked when entering the country. The Ministry of Health of Bolivia also states that all travelers visiting yellow fever risk areas must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Risk areas are: the Oriente Boliviano, Beni, Chaco and the Amazon rain forest.
  • If you are flying to Bolivia and landing in La Paz, be aware of the altitude as the airport is at 4,000 meters above sea level. You may experience a headache, dizziness and other symptoms related to the altitude. If these don’t disappear after a few day or become too severe, go to a clinic and/or descend to a lower altitude.

And now enjoy your stay in Bolivia! With TicketsBolivia.com you can book ahead your bus and train tickets within Bolivia and to neighboring countries.

Tiwanaku and Guaqui on the tourist train

On By ticketsboliviaIn things to do in La Paz, Tourism in Bolivia, Trains in Bolivia, Traveling by train in South AmericaLeave a comment

The central train station in La Paz has become a monument to the distant memory of train travel. This experience today feels lost for the people who live in the city. However, few people know that the Andean Railway Company (FCA) offers a tourist trip by train to the towns of Tiwanaku and Guaqui on the second Sunday of each month. Transportation is roundtrip starting in the morning from the city of El Alto and returning the same date at night. This service allows you to visit two distinctive tourist attractions of La Paz: Tiwanaku and Lake Titicaca.

To get to the starting point of the tourist train from the city of La Paz, we recommend taking a cable car to El Alto, from there you can take a radio taxi to the stop point of the train known as the Ingavi Regiment; This particular service has a cost of around 15 Bs. You can also get to the departure point of the train by taking a public transport service from the 2nd street of La Ceja in El Alto, any minibus that goes to Santiago II and the road to Oruro takes you to the Ingavi Regiment. You will notice that you are in the right place the moment you see the train parked at the center of a paved avenue. There you will see FCA service personnel who help people board the right car with your purchased tickets.

The train has three different types of wagons: Popular at 20 Bs., Saloon at 40 Bs. And Executive at 80 Bs. The main difference between the wagons are the seats; The executive car has reclining seats. All prices only include transportation service. On the same train, passengers can board the dining car for a breakfast while they arrive at their first stop.

Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku is a pre-Inca archaeological city located near Lake Titicaca. This tourist center attracts a lot of attention due to the technological level reached by the ancient Tiwanacotas considering that they lived there since 1500 a.C. coming to be formed in the spiritual and political center of the Tiwanacota empire around the year 200 AD. The maximum expression of their culture is shown in their ceramic work of precise cuts and characteristics, the various ceremonies they performed in the stone pyramids they built and the characteristic large monoliths carved from huge rocks.

You arrive in Tiwanaku about two hours after the departure of the train. There you must buy an entrance that allows you to visit two museums and two archaeological sites of this pre-Inca empire. The train stops around an hour so everyone has time to visit these places. The price for this entry is 15 Bs. for people of Bolivian nationality and 100 Bs. for foreigners.

We recommend you visit two of these four places due to the reduced time you have and taking into account the best that Tiwanaku has to offer. First, we recommend you visit the Tiwanakota museum behind the ceramic museum. There you can find the renowned monolith Benet, named after its discoverer, as well as knowing the history of the route of this famous monolith. You can also see other smaller monoliths. After that, we recommend a visit to the archaeological site across the street where you can see the great pyramid of Akapana, the Semi-subterranean Templete and the Temple of Kalasasaya with the famous Puerta del Sol, as well as other ceremonial spaces.

Guaqui

The trip to Guaqui lasts an hour departing from Tiwanaku. Guaqui is a port town from where the multipurpose catamaran ship of the Bolivian Naval Force departs. This vessel has a capacity for 120 people and takes a walk on Lake Titicaca. The ride costs 40 Bs. Extra.

This municipality is becoming increasingly tourist thanks to this route by train. In Guaqui you can visit museums that show the history of Lake Titicaca and the customs of the Chiripa culture. You can also visit the main square and its church which are at 15 minute walk from the port.

Having returned the ship, the train calls the passengers for their return to the city of El Alto. The return takes about three and a half hours. Once in El Alto you can take a radio taxi to the cable car to return to the city of La Paz. The lilac cable car, once it is inaugurated, will arrive a few blocks from the starting point of the tourist train reducing the difficulty and the excuses to visit these tourist places. Visit https://www.ticketsbolivia.com.bo/tours/tren -turistico-fca.php to buy your tickets online today through Tickets Bolivia.

Take the train to Tiwanaku and Guaqui on Lake Titicaca

On By ticketsboliviaIn La Paz, lake titicaca, Tourism in Bolivia, Train travelLeave a comment

The central train station in La Paz has become a monument to the distant memory of train travel. This experience today feels lost for the people who live in the city. However, few people know that the Andean Railway Company (FCA) offers a tourist trip by train to the towns of Tiwanaku and Guaqui on the second Sunday of each month. Transportation is roundtrip starting in the morning from the city of El Alto and returning the same date at night. This service allows you to visit two distinctive tourist attractions of La Paz: Tiwanaku and Lake Titicaca.

To get to the starting point of the tourist train from the city of La Paz, we recommend taking a cable car to El Alto, from there you can take a radio taxi to the stop point of the train known as the Ingavi Regiment; This particular service has a cost of around 15 Bs. You can also get to the departure point of the train by taking a public transport service from the 2nd street of La Ceja in El Alto, any minibus that goes to Santiago II and the road to Oruro takes you to the Ingavi Regiment. You will notice that you are in the right place the moment you see the train parked at the center of a paved avenue. There you will see FCA service personnel who help people board the right car with your purchased tickets.

The train has three different types of wagons: Popular at 20 Bs., Saloon at 40 Bs. And Executive at 80 Bs. The main difference between the wagons are the seats; The executive car has reclining seats. All prices only include transportation service. On the same train, passengers can board the dining car for a breakfast while they arrive at their first stop.

Train to Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku is a pre-Inca archaeological city located near Lake Titicaca. This tourist center attracts a lot of attention due to the technological level reached by the ancient Tiwanacotas considering that they lived there since 1500 a.C. coming to be formed in the spiritual and political center of the Tiwanacota empire around the year 200 AD. The maximum expression of their culture is shown in their ceramic work of precise cuts and characteristics, the various ceremonies they performed in the stone pyramids they built and the characteristic large monoliths carved from huge rocks.

You arrive in Tiwanaku about two hours after the departure of the train. There you must buy an entrance that allows you to visit two museums and two archaeological sites of this pre-Inca empire. The train stops around an hour so everyone has time to visit these places. The price for this entry is 15 Bs. for people of Bolivian nationality and 100 Bs. for foreigners.

Map of Tiwanaku, Bolivia

We recommend you visit two of these four places due to the reduced time you have and taking into account the best that Tiwanaku has to offer. First, we recommend you visit the Tiwanakota museum behind the ceramic museum. There you can find the Benet monolith, named after its discoverer, as well as learn its history. You can also see other smaller monoliths. After that, we recommend a visit to the archaeological site across the street where you can see the great pyramid of Akapana, the Semi-subterranean Templete and the Temple of Kalasasaya with the famous Puerta del Sol, as well as other ceremonial spaces.

Train to Guaqui

Lake Titicaca

The trip to Guaqui lasts an hour departing from Tiwanaku. Guaqui is a port town from where the multipurpose catamaran ship of the Bolivian Naval Force departs. This vessel has a capacity for 120 people and takes a walk on Lake Titicaca. The ride costs 40 Bs. Extra.

This municipality is becoming increasingly tourist thanks to this route by train. In Guaqui you can visit museums that show the history of Lake Titicaca and the customs of the Chiripa culture. You can also visit the main square and its church which are at 15 minute walk from the port.

The return takes about three and a half hours. Once in El Alto you can take the purple cable car back to La Paz.

Visit Tickets Bolivia to buy your tickets online today.