Has anyone taken the train fron Santa Cruz in Bolivia to Puerto Suarez and then over the border into Brazil?
Hi everyone! Yea, just wanted some info about the train from Santa Cruz to the Bolivia/Brazil border. I know it's really long and have heard it is known as the train of death! Anyone know why? It is a lot cheaper than a flight and i'm on a budget, also like train journeys but is this one worth it? is it comfortable enough to be bearable? good scenery? safe? anyway any info would be really appreciated, thanks!
Sprout x
Reply to this BOLIVIA TO BRAZIL BY TRAIN
Rail travel from Santa Cruz, Bolivia to the Brazilian border at Puerto Suárez-Corumbá, with possible connections for addlitional train travel to the interior of Brazil is one of the greatest train adventures left in South America. The "train of death" refers to the slow monotony of the trip, the common mechanical breakdowns and other delays, and the very hot, humid, and insect infested environement during the summer months (December through March). I suggest that instead of taking the train, you attempt to get a ticket on the ferrobus, a bus like railroad car somewhat like a trolly. The fare is very affordable, seats are comfortable, food is good, and the modern ferrobus moves at a rapid clip and makes only infrequent stops (compared to the train).
The problem is obtaining a ticket. Lining up at the train station in Santa Cruz is an iffy proposition. You might have better luck with a travel agency such as Brachas, Tropical Tours, or Magri Turismo. Not much is written in the major guides (e.g., Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, or Footprint) about rail service in Bolivia. Check out
Bolivia Today's online guide entitled
Instant Bolivia. At the end of the La Paz and Santa Cruz chapters, there are details on train travel.
Reply to this did the trip a few times in 1983 -- there was a train and a trolly lookalike - the train took 24 hours and the other 12 i think.
interesting but ONLY in retrospect...the trip is hell
look for the train graveyard in san jose [mid way from sc to peurto surez
PS is a shithole but corumba actually has good italian restaurants and looks like a 21st century town compared to the 1700's look to ps only a few miles away.
Be careful though
good luck and have a cafe at pascana beofre you leave
Reply to this hey liz, how did u find the overland traval to brazil, any problems? any advice for me and my girlfriend would be greatly appreciated.
thanx, john
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