How to get to Camiri

When planning a journey through South America, many tourists wonder how to get to Camiri — a vibrant city in the Santa Cruz department, often called the "oil capital" of Bolivia. Located in the picturesque foothills of the Andes, this settlement attracts travellers with its authentic atmosphere and serves as a convenient gateway to the Chaco region. If you have decided to travel to Camiri, various logistical options are available to you, including local flights, as well as journeys by bus or car along scenic roads.

Since Camiri itself does not receive regular commercial flights, travellers will need to choose one of the nearest major aviation hubs. The most convenient option for international travel is often Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which receives many flights from abroad. You can also consider domestic flights to the cities of Tarija or Sucre, which are located in neighbouring departments and can serve as alternative entry points.

The choice of arrival airport largely depends on your route and the availability of convenient connections. Viru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz is considered the main air gateway to the eastern part of the country, while other options are suitable for those who wish to combine the trip with sightseeing in neighbouring regions. Upon arrival in any of these cities, you will need to transfer to ground transport, as road connections to the destination are quite well established.

Direct rail connection to the city of Camiri is absent, as there is no operating passenger station directly in the settlement. Railways in Bolivia have their own specific characteristics and do not cover all regions of the country, so it is not possible to get here exclusively by train.

However, for travellers who wish to include a railway journey in their itinerary, there is a convenient alternative. The nearest operating station is located in the town of Boyuibe, situated approximately 60 kilometres from Camiri. This station lies on the line connecting the major city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra with the border city of Yacuiba.

Having travelled by train to Boyuibe, the remaining part of the journey can be easily covered by taxi or intercity bus. This option allows you to enjoy the charm of local trains and picturesque views from the window, and then quickly reach your destination by road.

Bus services connect this region with key cities of the country, making ground transport the most accessible and popular method of travel. The main flow of travellers arrives from Santa Cruz de la Sierra: covering 290 kilometres along the highway takes on average from 4 to 6 hours, offering passengers a comfortable journey across picturesque plains and foothills.

Lovers of mountain landscapes should consider the route from Sucre, which, although it lasts about 8–10 hours due to the complex terrain and a distance of around 350 kilometres, compensates for the travel time with magnificent panoramas of the Andes. Regular traffic is also established from the south: the journey from sunny Tarija lasts approximately 7–9 hours, allowing you to reach the destination passing many vibrant settlements of the Chaco region.

Travelling by car turns the road into a separate adventure, allowing you to appreciate the change in Bolivian landscapes from humid plains to rugged mountain ranges. The most comfortable and fastest route runs from the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra: you will have to cover about 290 kilometres along paved Highway No. 9, which usually takes 4–5 hours. If you do not have personal transport, collective taxis ("trufi") remain a popular option; they depart as they fill up and offer a faster alternative to buses at a reasonable price.

For those ready for longer journeys for the sake of scenic views, the road from Sucre will be an interesting challenge. The distance of 360 kilometres due to the complex mountainous terrain will require concentration from the driver and take about 8–10 hours, revealing breathtaking panoramas of the Andes in return. You can also arrive from the south, leaving from Tarija; this path, approximately 450 kilometres long, passes through the city of Villa Montes and lasts around 7–9 hours, immersing travellers in the atmosphere of the Chaco region.

Preparation for a trip to Camiri requires attention to detail, considering the hot climate and the specifics of the Chaco region. To ensure your journey is as comfortable and carefree as possible, we have compiled several useful recommendations to help you orient yourself better upon arrival.

1. Clothing and Essentials. Since the city is located in a hot climate zone, prefer loose-fitting clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high protection factor, as the sun here is very active throughout the year.
2. Transport. For moving around the city, it is most convenient and affordable to use moto-taxis — this is the most common mode of transport among locals. For short distances in the centre, walking is quite feasible, but for visits to the outskirts, it is better to arrange a regular taxi driver in advance.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Boliviano. Cards are rarely accepted in small shops, cafes, and markets, so always carry cash, preferably in small denominations for change. It is better to exchange money in major cities before arrival or use ATMs in the centre, but be prepared that they may temporarily be out of service.
4. Health and Safety. Drink exclusively bottled water and avoid drinks with ice at street kiosks. Given the proximity to nature, strictly use repellents, especially in the evening and when visiting the outskirts, to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Spanish; English is spoken by only a small part of the staff even in tourist places. We recommend learning a few basic phrases or downloading an offline translator on your smartphone; this will significantly simplify interaction with local residents.
6. Local Etiquette. Residents of the country, and especially small towns, value politeness. It is customary to greet people when entering a shop, getting into a taxi, or addressing a passerby. If you wish to photograph people in traditional attire, be sure to ask for permission — this is a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid. Do not plan long walking excursions during the midday hours (from 12:00 to 15:00), when the heat reaches its peak, to avoid heatstroke. Also, try not to display expensive gadgets and large sums of money in crowded places, observing basic safety precautions.
8. Additional Tip. While in Bolivia, and specifically in the Chaco region, be sure to try the local grilled meat dishes (churrasco). This is a hallmark of local gastronomy that will allow you to better understand the culture and tastes of the residents of this land.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in exploring the atmosphere of this distinctive city. May your acquaintance with the "oil capital" be easy and leave only bright and positive impressions.