Travel
I am confused! Recent postings on fodor travel indicate that a train from Uyani to Calama is ok but I think it only runs twice a week. Has anybody done this trip recently? We are planning to arrive in la Paz on nov 9 th, stay a few days and then travel to Oruro, uyani and then down through northern chile to Santiago for nov 24 th. Any advice would be great. Also advice on the best way to take or access money in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and chile. thanks1
Not sure about the trains from Bolivia to Chile but check also the bus connections. They are pretty good in that part of the world! But it's easier to check all the connections when you are in the country and can just walk to the bus agencies or train stations. Be prepared for delays and cancellations, you won't be able to follow a too tight schedule in Bolivia!The best way to access money is to bring a small amount of US dollars and a credit card (Visa/Mastercard) with you. You can easily withdraw money from ATMs with a credit card.
2
from your route it makes most sense to travel from Uyuni to Chile by using a tour. The 3 day tours from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama only cosdt a little more than the three day tour, you dont miss seeing anything of interest and it saves trying to work out how to travel by bus or train across. The train is very hit and miss - ive asked about this many times and they will often say it is not currently running, sometimes say it is but then it gets cancelled etc. Best to find out in Uyuni closer to the time, but as I said , tour is your better option for your route. There are buses also and again just ask in uyuni at the time. James Brunker had some up to date info a bit ago on this I seem to remember , maybe he can add some details if he sees this.
