Bolivia overland route: Yunguyo to La Paz and El Alto

This 1683.2 km overland route crosses from Peru into Bolivia via Yunguyo Border Town, then continues through La Paz City and El Alto. The journey includes a scenic ferry crossing at Puerto de Tiquina across the Strait of Tiquina, passage through Patacamaya, and views of Sajama, utilizing La Paz's Mi Teleférico Cable Car System for urban transit.

Mode
Places
Start
Yunguyo Border Town
End
Puerto de Tiquina Ferry
Stops
9
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Yunguyo Border Town — Small town on Peru–Bolivia border; Peruvian Migration building for exit stamp.
  2. La Paz City — Bolivia's capital; 2.5 hours travel from border. Hub for Mi Teleférico aerial transit system.
  3. Puerto de Tiquina ferry crossing — Historic ferry crossing connecting the Altiplano's northern and southern regions, essential for overland travel between La Paz and southern Bolivia.
  4. Strait of Tiquina geography — Narrow water channel separating two sections of Lake Titicaca, creating a natural geographic divide in Bolivia's high-altitude plateau.
  5. Mi Teleférico Cable Car System — Aerial ropeway transit system connecting La Paz and El Alto.
  6. El Alto — High-altitude plateau city connected to La Paz by Mi Teleférico.
  7. Patacamaya city; route southeast — Mining town and transportation hub on the southeast route from La Paz, serving as a strategic waypoint for travelers heading toward southwestern regions.
  8. Sajama views — Bolivia's highest snow-capped volcano at 6,542 meters, dominating the Andean skyline and anchoring the protected national park near the Chilean border.
  9. Puerto de Tiquina Ferry — Ferry crossing point on Lake Titicaca across the Strait of Tiquina.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Border crossing from Peru to Bolivia near Yunguyo is very fast, approximately 30-45 minutes total for both exit and entry stamps.
Transport
To reach La Paz from the Peruvian border, expect approximately 3 hours of driving plus a ferry crossing at Puerto de Tiquina, then an additional 2.5 hours to the capital.
Transport
Cross the Strait of Tiquina using homemade wooden barges that accommodate 2-3 vehicles. Barges are propelled by outboard motors and take approximately 15 minutes to cross.
Avoid
Be aware that Bolivia has experienced a fuel shortage situation for years. Expect long diesel line-ups at fuel stations, especially for trucks.
Transport
Use collectivos (mini buses) for public transportation around La Paz city.
Transport
Ride Mi Teleférico cable car system in La Paz, which has 10 lines and is the world's largest urban cable-car network. It solves transport challenges across the city's steep terrain.
Tip
La Paz streets are extremely steep; be prepared for challenging driving conditions with potholed tarmac and dense traffic, particularly through El Alto suburb.
Food
Try fried dough snacks available at markets in El Alto area.

Video on this route

BOLIVIA | Overland Travel Documentary

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