How and where to cross the border Bolivia - Chile
From Uyuni, we want to reach San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The exit from Bolivia will cost us more than expected...
After the wonder in the Salar de Uyuni, it is possible to head straight for the lunar landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama. Several buses leave from Uyuni in the direction of San Pedro or Calama (requiring a connection to San Pedro). Our Uyuni - Calama bus with Buses Atacama 2000 cost us 120 bolis per person.
“For the French, it's 15 bolivianos”
In the middle of the 12-hour journey, we leave Bolivia at the Ollague border post. No problem for our South American neighbors, the agents quietly validate their exit. But the tone changes as we pass.
Cap with the Bolivian crest screwed on the forehead, the "manager" of the office looks down on us. “For the French, it's 15 bolivianos.” After having kindly asked for official proof and then realized that we were in the middle of the desert, we let go of the backchich.
Valley of the Moon, San Pedro de Atacama
No fresh produce in Chile
We then change buses (we feel the passage to Chile, the bus has seat belts) then head towards the border post. Immigration stamps our passport without question. We will then wait an hour between the deterrence session of the Chilean customs, sniffer dog in support, and the analysis of the suitcases (do not take any fresh products) before resuming the road. With the (slightly) lighter purse.
