Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
There are
alojamientos
(basic accommodations) on the left as you exit from the railway
station. The Lonely Planet-reviewed options are better.
Tamengo $$
(
978-3356;
www.tamengo.com
; Costa Rica 57; dm B$60-100, r B$360, r without bath-
room B$240;
) A cracking HI hostel that is something of a mini-resort as there are a
variety of minimalist rooms to suit a varied clientele. Though the bar may be a popular
hangout for young backpackers, you are just as likely to run into families and even busi-
nessmen in this something-for-everyone option.
HOSTEL
CROSSING THE BORDER TO BRAZIL
The main border crossing to Brazil is at Quijarro at the end of the train line, with a second, minor crossing at San
Matías, the access point to the northern Brazilian Pantanal.
You'll more than likely arrive in Quijarro by train between 7am and 9am to be greeted by a line of taxi drivers
offering to take you the 3km to the border (B$10).
Customs offices
(
8am-11am & 2-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm
Sat & Sun)
are on opposing sides of the bridge. Bolivian officials have been known to unofficially charge for the
exit stamp, but stand your ground politely. Crossing this border you are generally asked to show a yellow-fever
vaccination certificate. No exceptions are granted and you will be whisked off to a vaccination clinic if you fail to
produce it. On the Brazilian side of the border yellow
canarinhos
(city buses) will take you into Corumbá
(R$2.50). Brazilian entry stamps are given at the border. Get your stamp as soon as possible to avoid later prob-
lems and make sure you have the necessary visas if you require them.
For a slightly more adventurous border crossing try San Matías. In the dry season, a Trans-Bolivia bus leaves at
7:45pm from Santa Cruz to Cáceres in Brazil (30 hours), via San Matías (B$150, 26 hours). Brazilian entry or exit
stamps should be picked up from the Polícia Federal office at Rua Antônio João 160 in Cáceres; get your exit and
entry stamps for Bolivia in Santa Cruz.
El Pantanal Hotel-Resort $$$
(
978-2020;
www.elpantanalhotel.com
; s B$348-728, d B$446-992;
) This five-
star place is in the beautiful Arroyo Concepción, 12km from Puerto Suárez and 7km from
Corumbá. It offers wide-ranging luxury, 600 hectares of grounds and several restaurants,
as well as a number of touristic packages exploring the Pantanal.
RESORT
