What you didn't know about Bolivian buses

Fact: You don't need to book a seat to travel long distances by bus in Bolivia. In fact, many locals bring the whole family and sit in the aisle partaking in various activities which include card playing, chicken eating or sleeping while standing up and/or lying down.

Fact: Animals of all types are allowed to travel long distance on Bolivian buses, with or without a cage (and possibly with or without owner). There are usually no toilet stops on Bolivian buses.

Fact (according to my guide book): 95% of Bolivian roads are unpaved. Consequently, the majority of a long distance bus trip will more than likely occur off-road. Off-road driving can be hazardous when it's been raining. We experienced this first hand on our night bus trip from Uyuni to Tupiza. The trip supposedly takes six hours, however, at 1.30am we were unlucky enough to get bogged in an unpaved section of road resulting in our six hour trip lasting 14 hours. The up side was witnessing the local remedy for bogged buses: jacking the wheels and placing shrubs under them. Not surprisingly this method had its flaws and we waited until 6.30am for a tow truck.