Crossing Borders from Bolivia – What You Need to Know
March 2025
Hi travelers! Hope you're doing great, and it's super nice to have you here for another blog post!
Today, we’re going to talk about border crossings from Bolivia to its neighboring countries: how to cross, where to cross, and what’s good to keep in mind.
But before we jump into this week’s blog post, I just want to say Happy Easter to all of you! If you're celebrating, I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.
Last week, we shared both a blog post and a podcast all about Easter in Bolivia, so if you're here right now, make sure to check them out to make your visit even more amazing!
And don’t forget to stop by at Cafe del Mundo, if in La Paz, for our delicious Easter eggs, packed with surprises, challenges, and Easter prizes!
So, back to this week's blog post :). The idea for this topic came up the other week when I was sitting in the office working, with my door open. Suddenly, I heard such a positive voice from the café, a traveler who was super happy to be in Bolivia, excited to learn, explore, and enjoy. His positive energy filled the rooms! I had to go out and meet him. It was Adam from Poland, traveling through South America on his motorbike. Through both good and challenging experiences, he had reached Bolivia and was absolutely blown away by the country.
We chatted for a bit, and spontaneously, I asked if I could do an interview with him. He was a bit rushed, in exploration mode, but we decided to record a quick podcast episode, so check it out here.
When talking to travelers, one question that always comes up is about border crossings, which we also discussed with Adam. His case was a bit different because he was crossing with his motorbike, which he talks about in the podcast. But a lot of times, I get asked about where, how, and when to cross borders from Bolivia to the neighboring countries.
A Personal Travel Fail (and what I learned)
I’ve crossed a lot of borders over the years, and each one is different—some are smooth, others more complicated. Most of the time, it comes down to preparation, but sometimes, things just don’t go as planned.
One of my most difficult crossings was between French Guyana and Suriname. I got to the border early in the morning, only to find out I needed a visa. I was surprised. I explained I was Swedish and thought that, since Suriname is almost Dutch, I wouldn’t need one. The officer looked at me and said, “Yes, you’re Swedish. And yes, you still need a visa.”
I had to go back to Cayenne to apply for it, which could take more than a week because of upcoming holidays. All my travel plans were suddenly messed up. I sat there for hours, tired and a bit sad. Then the officer came over and said, “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood. I’ll take you to Paramaribo myself. You’ll stay in a hotel tonight, and tomorrow we’ll fix your visa.”
It was a moment I’ll never forget, kind, unexpected, and embarrassing. Even after so many years of travel, I learned an important lesson: always double check the details, stay flexible, and know that travel will always find new ways to surprise you, but never take anything for granted.
Get Ready for a Smooth Border Adventure from Bolivia
Crossing into one of Bolivia’s neighboring countries can be an exciting part of your journey. Whether you're heading to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, or Peru, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some key tips and a quick checklist to help you feel confident and ready as you explore beyond Bolivia’s borders.
Crossing from Bolivia to Peru
(Copacabana or La Paz → Puno or Cusco)
This is the most popular and straightforward international border crossing from Bolivia. You can travel from Copacabana or La Paz to Puno or Cusco, using one of two main border points: Kasani (near Copacabana) or Desaguadero (closer to La Paz). Each option offers a slightly different experience, depending on your route and the bus company you choose.
Border Crossings:
Kasani Border (Copacabana → Puno/Cusco):
Most scenic and traveler-friendly route
Great for those visiting Lake Titicaca or Copacabana
Calmer, organized, and popular with tourists
Desaguadero Border (La Paz → Puno/Cusco):
Used more for direct routes from La Paz
Busier, more local atmosphere
Good for those on a tight schedule
Transport Companies:
Bolivia Hop / Peru Hop:
Departs from La Paz (early morning)
Uses the Kasani border
Change buses after crossing; Peru Hop guides assist
Trans Titicaca, Tour Peru, Titicaca Bolivia:
Depart from La Paz or Copacabana
Some use Kasani, others Desaguadero – ask when booking
Often keep the same bus across the border
Departures around 6:00–7:00 AM
Extra Tips:
Always ask if the bus waits for passengers
Crossing from Bolivia to Chile
(Uyuni or La Paz → San Pedro de Atacama or Arica)
Traveling from Bolivia to Chile is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re exploring the Salt Flats or heading to the Pacific coast. There are two main routes travelers use: through Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, or from La Paz to Arica.
Border Crossings:
Hito Cajón Border (Uyuni → San Pedro de Atacama):
Scenic route through the Salt Flats, part of 3-day tours
High-altitude border – prepare for cold and elevation
No public transport; only tours/private transfers
Switch to Chilean vehicle after crossing
Tambo Quemado / Chungará Border (La Paz → Arica):
Best land route to northern Chile
Buses run daily, some overnight
Beautiful views of the Andean plateau and Lauca National Park
It’s a high-altitude border, but on the Chilean side, you’ll quickly descend, and within a few hours, you’ll be at sea level.
Transport Options:
Uyuni → San Pedro de Atacama:
Through 3-day/2-night Salt Flats tours
Confirm if your tour ends in Chile
Transfer to San Pedro included
La Paz → Arica:
Buses like Trans Luján, Tour Peru, Flores
10–12 hour journey
Same bus, but stop for border formalities
Bring layers and snacks for the ride
Extra Tips:
Chilean customs are strict – no fresh food allowed
Chile is often 1 hour ahead of Bolivia
Have passport and immigration slip ready
Chilean pesos only – exchange or withdraw before entering
Ask if the bus waits for passengers at the border
Looking for more border info? We’ve put together a helpful mini-guide for crossing into Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay too. It's short, simple, and full of the essentials, perfect to download and take with you on the road.
Whether you're heading to Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, or even Paraguay, border crossings from Bolivia can be smooth, exciting, and full of stories — if you're just a little bit prepared. And even if things don’t go perfectly (like my Suriname moment), they usually become unforgettable travel memories in the end.
Don’t forget to download our free ebook for more travel ideas and inspiration. Hope to see you around the streets of La Paz!
