Once in Bolivia, by land to the project
You can get here from the cities of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz (There are also buses direct from La Paz).
Villa Tunari is the closest town to the project.
From Cochabamba
Once you have reached Cochabamba you will have three travel options to get to Villa Tunari and the project:
Big Bus "Flota"- Departs from the main bus station "el terminal de bus." The cost is 25 Bolivianos which is approximately $3. The Flotas, while more comfortable, are not recommended. They are slow, rarely leave on time, and make several lengthy stops. The trip to Villa Tunari could take up to 10 hours.
Small Bus "Micro" (recommended) - The cost is 15 Bolivianos, approximately $2. The Micro is what we use with the company "7 de Junio" located on the corner of calles (streets) Oqendo and Republica. Micros leave at almost any time during the day up until 5 or 6pm and usually make the trip in about 4 to 5 hours. Departing times for small buses are 7am, 9am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 3pm until around 5 or 6pm.
Taxi "Taxi Express" (recommended) - Taxies are of course the quickest and most convenient way to travel. For a little more, at a price of between 20 and 30 Bolivianos, the ride is more comfortable and a little quicker. The taxi seats up to seven passengers with light luggage (depends on what your fellow travelers have). The taxi will travel at anytime when full, and can make the trip in less than three hours. We again recommend the company 7 de Junio on the corners of calles Oqendo and Republica. There are however other companies in the same area.
When purchasing your ticket, tell them you are traveling to the "Foundation Angeles de Esperanza" and that you wish to be dropped off at "El Castillo" in Villa Tunari. They should know where to drop you off. The Castillo, our dormitory, is a large yellow building located right in front of the UMOPAR checkpoint. It has a sign out front that says "Castillo para los Angeles." Come on in and someone should be there to greet you.
From Santa Cruz
The easiest option is to go from the main bus terminal (new) using the large flota services. The price of the ticket could be from 30-60bs. This price varies upon conditions of road and company. Although you will be getting off the bus in Villa Tunari, they will often charge you the full fair as if going to Cochabamba.
NB: Whether coming by bus from Cochabamba Santa Cruz or La Paz, it is important to explain before hand that you wish to be dropped off at "El Castillo" in Villa Tunari, as this is not an official stop. Be aware of roughly how long the journey will take, so as to be awake when you are getting close to Villa Tunari, otherwise it’s another stop over in a big city!
Feel free to call us to let us know of your arrival - Podge, Loretta or Jocelyn: 764-12864, 769-05716, 769-05636
Independent Catholic Lay Missionaries:Serving Bolivia's impovereshed people