Setting off from La Paz in Bolivia to reach the striking landscapes of Uyuni involves a bit of a journey, but it’s well worth the effort. We opted for the overnight bus with Todo Turismo, a choice many travellers make for its blend of comfort and efficiency. Here’s a bit about our experience and some handy tips if you’re thinking of doing the same.
Why Travel to Uyuni?
Uyuni is famously home to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. This vast expanse covers over 10,000 square kilometres and is renowned for its surreal landscapes. It is especially breathtaking during the wet season when it’s covered with water and creates a mirror effect, reflecting the sky perfectly.
How can I get from La Paz to Uyuni?
Uyuni is approximately 540 kilometres (about 335 miles) south of La Paz, Bolivia. The travel time between these two locations can vary depending on the mode of transportation:
- By Air: The quickest way to get from La Paz to Uyuni is by flight. The flight time is about 1 hour, and several domestic airlines operate direct flights between La Paz’s El Alto International Airport and Uyuni’s Joya Andina Airport.
- By Bus: Traveling by bus is the most common and economical option, although it takes significantly longer. Bus journeys can take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours, depending on the service and the route.
- By Train: Another option is to take a train from Oruro (a city you can reach by bus from La Paz) to Uyuni. The train journey offers a more comfortable and scenic route but involves additional travel time to and from Oruro.
Which bus company should I travel with to Uyuni?
When traveling by bus from La Paz to Uyuni, you have several companies to choose from and I’d wholeheartedly recommend travelling with Todo Turismo. While there are other options available that may be cheaper, all you need to do is take one look at the reviews to see why these may not be your best options.
Recommended Company
Todo Turismo: This company is well-regarded for its comfortable buses and good service. They offer semi-cama and cama services (reclining seats and beds), including amenities like blankets, a meal, and a bathroom on board. Todo Turismo is often recommended for tourists looking for a higher level of comfort.
Other Options (Not Recommended)
Obviously, the choice is yours; these options will be cheaper. However, each has reviews questioning aspects from comfort to safety.
- Trans Omar: Offering a balance between comfort and cost, Trans Omar provides services with varying levels of comfort, including more spacious seating options.
- Panamericano: Another popular choice, Panamericano operates several services to Uyuni, providing reliable and efficient transport.
- Trans Titicaca: Known for their regular services, this company provides another budget-friendly option with basic amenities.
What’s the Todo Turismo Service Like?
Todo Turismo is known for providing a higher level of comfort and service on their bus routes between La Paz and Uyuni, making it a popular choice among tourists. Here are some key features of their service:
- Comfortable Seating: Todo Turismo offers both semi-cama and cama seats. The semi-cama seats recline significantly, while cama seats recline even further, providing a more comfortable sleeping position for the overnight journey.
- Onboard Amenities: Their buses are equipped with onboard bathrooms, which is an important feature for the long journey. They also provide blankets and pillows to help you stay comfortable throughout the trip.
- Meal Service: A meal and snacks are typically included in the ticket price. The meal might be simple, but it’s convenient given the travel time and the lack of stops for food.
- Entertainment: The buses usually have a TV and play movies during the trip, which can help pass the time.
- Safety and Reliability: Todo Turismo is known for its safety record and reliability, which are crucial considerations for the sometimes challenging roads of Bolivia.
- Lounge Access: Todo Turismo enhances the pre-trip experience by providing access to a lounge area. This lounge offers seating, plugs and complimentary tea and coffee, allowing you to unwind and refresh comfortably before the long bus ride.
VIP vs Regular Seating: Is it Worth the Upgrade?
When booking our seats, we decided to splash out a little extra on the VIP option. Trust me, for the overnight haul, those extra perks felt like a blessing! Here’s a quick look at what makes the VIP seats a notch above the regular:
- Space and Comfort: The VIP seats are all about extra legroom and the ability to recline significantly more than the standard seats. If you’re hoping to catch some z’s, which you likely are, this is a game changer.
- Amenities: Expect a bit more pampering here. We got our own entertainment systems, which was great for tuning out and watching a movie. Plus, the added blankets and pillows meant we could actually get cosy.
- Service: A small meal and some drinks are part of the deal. It’s not gourmet, but hey, it’s a nice touch that makes the journey smoother.
Top tip: when choosing your VIP seat on the Todo Turismo bus learn from our mistake and don’t choose the chairs right at the back! These don’t recline as far as the other chairs so you can’t get quite as comfy.
Costs and Travel Time
The journey from La Paz to Uyuni typically takes between 10 and 12 hours, depending on weather and traffic. In terms of cost, VIP seats are about $10 to $20 more than regular seats. We paid around $45 for VIP, and regular seats were going for about $35. It might sound a bit pricey for a bus ticket, but considering the comfort level, it felt like money well spent.
Choosing the VIP option with Todo Turismo really made our start to the trip as pleasant as it could be. The difference in comfort between the VIP and regular seats, especially for an overnight trip, is definitely worth considering. If you’re headed to Uyuni and looking at a night on a bus, treating yourself to a bit of extra comfort could be just the thing to kick off your adventure on a high note. Plus, arriving in Uyuni feeling refreshed rather than frazzled? Priceless.
