Does anyone have an opinion or any advice on which border post travelling from Peru to Bolivia is most bike friendly - Copacabana or Desaguadero? And generally which approach to La Paz is better? Speed and efficiency is my main criteria at this particular point in time. I'm trying to get to La Paz to meet some friends so I don't really care which route is more scenic and that kind of stuff.
Thanks!
We used the Desaguadero border crossing in 2011. No problems at all. Ugly town. It is probably the quickest route to La Paz. Be aware that there is no accomodation till La Paz. To go down to the LP city centre we used the freeway ( actually bicycles are not permitted there). Back up we used the old road. It is easy to get lost if you go down on the old road.
I went the other crossing - ending up in Copacabana in Bolivia. Super chilled out fast easy border crossing.
I entered Peru at Desaguadero and exited through Copacabana. Copacabana was much more relaxed and Desaguadero crowded and ugly - although I was given special treatment at Desaguadero - moved to the front of the queue, processed quickly and sent on my way with a handshake!
Cheerfulpedaller - there was plenty of accommodation at Tiwanaku, about 25-30km towards La Paz, but it's off the highway.