rolncathy

Has anyone made the bus trip into Bolivia from Peru? What can we expect? We plan to pick up the bus in Cuzco and take it to La Paz where we will be met by a former student who spent a year with us. Then we will relax and let her take over the tour duty. Getting there is the interesting part. Flights from Lima to La Paz cost as much as our flight from Portland, OR, to Lima.

producerkoof

I did this in April. Very easy. I bought a ticket from a travel agent in Cusco who went to the bus station and got my ticket for me. A little more expensive this way, but I didn't want to waste time standing in line.
I went back to the agency and picked up my ticket that evening. Took a 9 p.m. bus non-stop to La Paz.
At the border everyone got off the bus and had to go through immigration. Being American, I was taken to a back room and handed over my papers to a army-type guy and two border agents. Make sure you have everything in order and photocopied. It will save you a ton of time and hassle.
They took my papers, stamped them, I paid my $100 and was off. Don't worry if you see the bus leaving. It is just crossing the border and will wait for you. After ignoring the attempted bribe, I grabbed my passport and walked across the border. Took about 40 minutes for everything.
The bus dropped me off right at the Central bus station in La Paz. I got a taxi and went to my hotel. It took about 14 hours (but was overnight) and we got in around 11 a.m.
Total price was about $40 for one way.

rolncathy

producerkoof,

Which bus did you take? I understand there are different busses with slightly different routes/border check points, like Copacabana vs. Desaguadero. Thanks for the other information. Glad it went quickly for you. Hope it does the same for us.

producerkoof

rolncathy,
I don't remember the name of the bus company but it was a nice bus. The seats reclined and it was only about 2/3 full. We went through copacabana I believe, right along the lake.
Enjoy the trip... the sunrise and blue sky was amazing!