Bolivia is a country of 12 million souls, breathtaking contrasts, raw and natural charm. This mountainous plurinational state offers adventures like no other land, spanning from the immense areas of the Salar de Uyuni to the lush Amazon basin. However, Bolivia’s rugged beauty comes with challenges. Indirect bus routes, overnight transfers, high altitudes and occasional fuel shortages are a traveler’s daily occupations here.
As a family group of three, we embarked on a 36-day odyssey from the mystical Rapa Nui at sea level (read my daily travel journals from Easter Island here) to Bolivia’s tough highlands. After overcoming up to 5,000 meters of altitudes between San Pedro de Atacama and Uyuni, we faced physical challenges and time constraints. Between Samaipata and Cochabamba, we had to choose between public and private transporation – a true headache during the fuel shortage in Bolivia in 2025!
In this post, I’ll outline the various transportation options between these two cities. Hopefully, it will simplify travel preparations for some fellow travelers.
Travel options between Samaipata and Cochabamba
Samaipata to Cochabamba is one of Bolivia’s less touristic and served routes. It took me quite a while to figure out our transportation. As far as I found out, there were four options to reach Cochabamba from Samaipata. Depending on your time, budget and openness to spontaneous changes, you can choose your most suitable one.
1. Private direct transfer between Samaipata and Cochabamba
Travel time: 7-9 hours+ │ Approximate cost: 400-600 bolivianos
After comparing all options, we opted for a private transfer. With a private van, we avoided the hassle of changes and saved lots of time. The direct route between Samaipata and Cochabamba takes approximately 7-8 hours without stops. We wanted to enjoy lunchtime outside and also give some breaks to our driver. That’s why we arrived after a total of 9 hours.
I contacted many travel agencies in Samaipata that I found on Google Maps. The following two offered us a private transfer at an affordable cost:
- Fénix Travel: 600 Bolivianos per person – in a small group, this is the best option
- Samay Trip : 285 USD for 7 people – if you travel as a bigger group, this is the best option
2. Indirect bus from Samaipata via Santa Cruz to Cochabamba
Travel time: 14 hours+ │ Approximate cost: 200-400 bolivianos
This is the longest route because you basically go the opposite direction first. Once you reach Santa Cruz de la Sierra, you will catch a night in a bus to Cochabamba.
It’s the perfect option if you travel on a budget and/or can spare some days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Otherwise, it’s a tiring journey. I recommend Busbus. We used Busbud for our national and international bus journeys in South America several times. It’s a reliable website, which avoids you the way to the local bus terminals.
3. Indirect bus from Samaipata via Mairana to Cochabamba
Travel time: 10 hours │ Approximate cost: 200 bolivianos
It’s the shortest route in terms of distance covered. However, it’s also the most unpredictable public transport option. First, you travel to Mairana where you catch a bus to Cochabamba. That sounds easy. Unfortunately, you cannot book this journey in advance.
I read on many bloggers’ websites that buses never arrived in Mairana. It’s such a small town, that you might need to go back to Samaipata worst case. That’s why I call it the most adventurous travel option for the most spontaneous and flexible budget travelers.
4. Bus and flight from Samaipata via Santa Cruz to Cochabamba
Travel time: 7-8 hours+ │ Approximate cost: 500-1,000 bolivianos
Flying from Santa Cruz to Cochabamba is probably the most comfortable and convenient way. The flight takes only about 45 minutes. However, the bus journey between Samaipata and Santa Cruz will require you at least 3 hours. here is no official bus terminal in Samaipata. Accordingly, you will have to wait along the main road and stop one of the big coaches. In addition, you will need to make your way to the airport.
It’s for sure the best option if you are planning to spend some more days in Santa Cruz. Otherwise you may loose lots of time between Samaipata and Santa Cruz. Then, I honestly recommend the direct private transfer.
My experience with a direct private transfer
For our limited time, energy and budget, a direct private transfer between Samaipata and Cochabamba was the perfect option. Our Samaipateno driver pampered us with viewpoints and local recommendations. Even though we didn’t stay overnight, we got a beautiful impression of the diverse landscapes in this region. And after 9 hours, we were sufficiently tired. I don’t wanna think of the uncertainty and exhaustion we would have felt with other travel options.
We passed by diverse landscapes, which are typical for the Andean ellbow:
- drier and flatter Chaco region with its giant cactus accumulations,
- misty Siberia, where water constantly drips from the lush foothills of the Amazon,
- drier hilly Andean highlands, which partly look squeezed together – it’s impressive how the local communities built their life along the steep hills.
If you got more time and are interested, I recommend you contact one of the local agencies. For sure, you could extend the transfer between Samaipata and Cochabamba to explore this beautiful region further. Here are some examples of places I would have loved to discover:
- Totora with its colourful colonial cobblestone streets
- Inkallaqta with its monumental Inca site
- Toro Toro National Park with its mystical caves and dinosaur footprints
Have you travelled this route yet? Let me know your experience in the comments.
Together, we explore more of this rugged and beautiful country. And maybe we can make traveling in Bolivia easier for some fellow travelers who are still planning their trip.
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