Travel by bus from La Paz to Arica is the fastest and only option to do this route. There are no direct flights between these two cities.
The road between Arica and La Paz takes about 9 hours and goes through the border of Tambo Quemado. Crossing the border is very easy, there is a migration border center and it usually takes about 30 minutes to get across.
La Paz to Arica
Arica is a port and coastal city 488 km from La Paz, and the 8-hour journey by bus takes you through amazing landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano, notably the Sajama National Park and Lauca National Park, near the Andes mountain range, through deserts and valleys until you reach Arica. The Chilean city offers beautiful beaches, amazing seafood and shopping experiences of all kinds and tailored to all pockets. Travelers descend around 3,900 meters, from the highest point at the border to sea level in Arica.
Buses to Arica depart from the bus terminal in La Paz, located on Avenida Peru Av. (see map in the link below):
https://ticketsbolivia.com.bo/googlemaps/terminal_la_paz.php
See the table below for information about bus companies, times of departure and prices. Hours of arrival and departure are in local time.
Schedules, prices and bus companies
Arica to La Paz by bus
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia with many cultural attractions. Travelers going from Arica to Lake Titicaca or to Uyuni may stop for a few days in La Paz to rest and acclimatize to the altitude (3,600 meters above sea level). Here are two guides if you are looking for things to do in La Paz:
- If you have a few days
- Or if you only have a few hours.
To travel from Arica to La Paz you have to take the bus from the bus Station, located on Diego Portales Av. # 948. (see map below).
https://ticketsbolivia.com.bo/googlemaps/terminal_arica.php
The journey takes 9 hours through the Panamericana highway, passing little towns like Valle de Luta, Pukara de Copaquilla. The border crossing takes place at Chungurá-Tambo Quemado. The bus will stop there for passengers to clear migration and customs. See the table below for more information on the travel options available.
Schedules, prices and bus companies
Tickets Bolivia offers you online tickets with the best bus companies at the best prices between Bolivia and Chile. If you´re looking for bus tickets from Arica to La Paz or vice versa, feel free to visit our website. We offer high quality travel assistance services.
A Bolivia Travel Guide 