Getting around Bolivia

Transportation strikes (bloqueos) are a common occurrence in Bolivia, so try to keep tuned to local news. Strikes often affect local taxis as well as long-distance buses; airlines are generally unaffected. Do not try to go around or through blockades (usually of stones, burning tires, or lumber). Strikers may throw rocks at your vehicle if you try to pass the blockade. Violence has sometimes been reported. Many of these only last a day or two. It is usually better to wait.

By plane

Flying within Bolivia is quick and fairly economical. AeroSur connects most major cities.

• Aerocon - flies from Trinidad to the harder to reach places of Bolivia like Cobija, Guayaramerin, Riberalta and Santa Ana (La Paz region). They also fly to La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz, their office is in Aeroperto El Trompillo and their website is listed below.

• Aerosur [4] - the best known national airline. Aerosur flies from Santa Cruz to Sucre, La Paz and Cochabamba everyday. You can book your ticket at any of the many Aerosur offices around the city of Santa Cruz or any travel agency. Flights can be booked as late as 1 hour beforehand if seats are available.

• Amaszonas, Av. Saavedra Nº 1649, Miraflores, La Paz, ☎ +591 2 222-0848 (info@amaszonas.com), [5]. Most famous for their La Paz to Rurrenabaque route but also fly to Trinidad, Guayaramerin, Riberalta, Cobija, San Borja, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Fares are listed under "tarifas" on their website, listed below. Their office in Santa Cruz is in El Trompillo airport.

• GOL, ☎ +55 11 3169-6100, [6]. - has a nightly flight from Santa Cruz into Campo Grande for just US$50.

• TAM (Transporte Aéreo Militar), Montes n 738, La Paz, ☎ +591 2 212-1585 (+591 2 284-1884), [7]. This airline provides utilizes small planes but is actually one of the most well organized and reliable. Their office in Santa Cruz is in El Trompillo Airport, also where all of their planes leave from. Flights from Santa Cruz to Sucre or La Paz 4 times a week from U$45. Confirm weight restrictions. It is rumored to be only 15kg checked and 3kg carry on.

By bus

Bus transportation in Bolivia is a nice cheap way to get to see the beautiful scenery while traveling to your destination. Unfortunately the buses often travel solely at night. Keep in mind that the road from La Paz to Cochabamba is occasionally blocked due to protests, often for several days. So, if you are planning to use the bus, you should also be willing to spend a few days sleeping on the bus. Also be wary of the "World's Most Dangerous Road" that goes from La Paz to the valley of Los Yungas. Bus travel is usually pretty cheap. Estimate that it will cost you about 1 USD for every hour of travel (it's easier to find travel times online than actual price quotes). Prices do change based on supply and demand. Sometimes you can get a deal by waiting until the last minute to buy. Hawkers are constantly crying out destinations in the bus stations cajoling potential riders to take their bus line.

By taxi

For longer trips between towns and cities that aren't served by bus, shared taxis are common.