Basics - The Rough Guide to Bolivia - page 35

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GETTING AROUND
Bolivia's topography, size and lack of basic infrastructure means that getting around is
often a challenge. The majority of Bolivia's road network is unpaved, and most main
roads are in a poor condition. However, travelling through the country's varied and
stunning landscapes is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of a visit to Bolivia, and
the pleasure of many places lies as much in the getting there as in the destination itself.
Most Bolivians travel by bus , as these go pretty much everywhere and are extremely good
value. When there are no buses, they often travel on camiones (lorries), which are slower,
much less comfortable and only slightly cheaper, but often go to places no other transport
reaches. The much-reduced train network covers only a small fraction of the country, but
offers a generally more comfortable and sedate (though not necessarily faster or more reli-
able) service. In parts of the Amazon lowlands river boats are still the main means of getting
around.
Though few Bolivians can afford it, air travel is a great way of saving a day or two of ar-
duous cross-country travel, and most of the major cities are served by regular internal flights.
The approximate journey times and frequencies of all services are given in each chapter, but
these should be treated with caution to say the least: the idea of a fixed timetable would strike
most Bolivians as rather ridiculous. Buying or hiring a car is a possibility, but given the state
of the roads in many areas and the long distances between towns, it's an adventurous way to
travel and doesn't guarantee you'll reach your destination any faster.