The western segment of 2,274 kms is the longest and serves the Pacific ports of Arica and Antofagasta, Chile, as well as the lake port of Guaqui and the major cities in the Altiplano and valleys. It connects with the Argentinean rail system. The eastern segment of 1,377 kms links Santa Cruz with Brazil and Argentina. Grain export facilities on the Paraguay river near Brazil are being improved. Airline connections to other Latin American countries and to Miami are reasonable.
Utilities are adequate to good.
Electric power is reliable in the major cities. Water shortages may occur in the dry season in La Paz. There is public transportation, however, it is known to be substandard. The fare is the same no matter the distance traveled, but these buses are often crowded. Travelers should avoid what are called Transportacion Interurbana , which are merely pick-up trucks with people standing in the rear of the vehicle.