Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the 4WD vehicles that line up in the car park are enough to confirm that this is the place
of choice in Villamontes for those with a bit of money to spend. A pleasant but pricey res-
taurant sits by the side.
Residencial El Gran Chaco $
(
672-4620; main road a block south of El Pescadito; r per person B$80;
) Brand
spanking new, this tastefully presented
residencial
is superb value for money if you are
just passing through because of its perfect location near El Pescadito and spick-and-span
bathrooms. The owners are friendly and helpful, despite their grumpy dog.
PENSION
Residencial El Pescadito $
(
672-2896; r per person with/without bathroom B$80/60;
) Budget option on the
main road opposite El Pescadito and close to the bus offices for departures to Paraguay.
PENSION
CROSSING THE BORDER INTO PARAGUAY
Crossing the border into Paraguay has never been easier. The infamous Ruta Trans-Chaco is paved along its entire
length on the Paraguay side, though it takes a slight detour away from the original Trans-Chaco at La Patria,
crossing into Bolivia at the military checkpoint of Infante Rivarola. Several bus services from Santa Cruz via Vil-
lamontes now run this route to Asunción on a daily basis.
Bolivian customs formalities take place at Ibibobo. You will need to present your passport and visa to both cus-
toms and military representatives. Buses typically pass here around 4am or 5am, so don't expect a tranquil night's
sleep. From here the Paraguayan border point, Infante Rivarola, is another hour or so away but Paraguayan cus-
toms formalities are not carried out until you are well beyond here, at the domineering
aduana
(customs office) in
Mariscal Estigarribia. Buses typically arrive here around 7am or 8am.
This is a notorious smuggling route so expect to be lined up with your bags as customs officials and sniffer
dogs rifle through your private possessions. Once you are given the OK to proceed, you get your entry stamp from
the small immigration office just outside the main compound. There is a service station here that sells food if
you're peckish and, provided you are not carrying anything you shouldn't be, it is as simple as that!
Getting There & Away
Buses run to Tarija (B$50, nine hours) and Santa Cruz (B$120, eight hours) after 6pm
from the terminal two blocks west of El Pescadito.
Trufis
for Camiri (B$30, two hours)
