Bolivia is a landlocked country, meaning it does not have traditional seaports. However, it does have several types of ports that serve different purposes related to transportation and trade. Here are the main types of ports in Bolivia:
- River Ports: Bolivia has ports along its rivers, primarily the Paraguay River and the Mamoré River, which serve as important inland waterways for transportation and trade. These river ports facilitate the movement of goods and passengers within the country and to neighboring countries. Some key river ports include:
- Port of Puerto Aguirre: Located on the Paraguay River near the city of Puerto Suárez, Puerto Aguirre is one of the largest river ports in Bolivia, handling various types of cargo and providing access to international trade routes.
- Port of Guayaramerín: Situated on the Mamoré River near the border with Brazil, Guayaramerín is another significant river port for cross-border trade and transportation.
- Dry Ports: Dry ports, also known as inland ports, are terminals equipped with facilities for handling and clearing goods for import and export. They are typically located near borders or major transportation routes. While Bolivia’s dry ports primarily focus on customs clearance and transshipment rather than maritime trade, they play a crucial role in facilitating international trade by providing access to neighboring countries’ seaports. The exact number of dry ports may vary based on infrastructure development and trade needs.
List of Largest Ports Near to Bolivia
| Port Name | Country | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilo | Peru | Container, Bulk Cargo | 60 |
| Matarani | Peru | Container, Bulk Cargo | 50 |
| Arica | Chile | Container, Bulk Cargo | 80 |
| Antofagasta | Chile | Container, Bulk Cargo | 70 |
| Mejillones | Chile | Bulk Cargo | 40 |
| San Antonio | Chile | Container | 100 |
| Valparaíso | Chile | Container | 120 |
| Callao | Peru | Container, Bulk Cargo | 150 |
| Guayaquil | Ecuador | Container, Bulk Cargo | 110 |
| Manta | Ecuador | Container, Bulk Cargo | 90 |
| Paita | Peru | Container, Bulk Cargo | 70 |
| Salaverry | Peru | Container, Bulk Cargo | 40 |
| Puerto Bolívar | Ecuador | Bulk Cargo | 60 |
| Puerto Angamos | Chile | Container, Bulk Cargo | 60 |
| Puerto Caldera | Costa Rica | Container, Bulk Cargo | 80 |
Major Ports Serving Bolivia
While Bolivia lacks direct access to the sea, it relies on neighboring countries such as Chile, Peru, and Brazil for its maritime trade through various ports. These ports serve as crucial gateways for Bolivia’s import and export activities, facilitating the country’s economic development and integration into the global economy.
1. Port of Arica, Chile
City Location: Arica, Latitude: -18.4783, Longitude: -70.3126
The Port of Arica is a crucial maritime gateway for Bolivia, situated on the northern coast of Chile. It serves as Bolivia’s primary access point to the Pacific Ocean, facilitating the country’s international trade. Arica handles a diverse range of cargo, including minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods destined for Bolivia. Due to its strategic location near the Chile-Bolivia border, the port provides efficient transport connections for Bolivian imports and exports. Arica is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 11 (Ruta Internacional 11), which provides a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 300 | Ruta 11 |
| Cochabamba | 520 | Ruta 11 |
| Oruro | 370 | Ruta 1, Ruta 4 |
| Sucre | 650 | Ruta 4, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 450 | Ruta 1 |
| Tarija | 840 | Ruta 4, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 970 | Ruta 1, Ruta 4 |
2. Port of Ilo, Peru
City Location: Ilo, Latitude: -17.6453, Longitude: -71.3417
The Port of Ilo, located on the southern coast of Peru, serves as another important maritime gateway for Bolivia. It provides access to the Pacific Ocean for Bolivian imports and exports, particularly minerals and agricultural products. Ilo’s modern facilities and efficient operations ensure smooth cargo handling, benefiting Bolivia’s trade activities. The port is connected to Bolivia via the Southern Interoceanic Highway (Carretera Interoceánica Sur), which offers a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 650 | Carretera 1S |
| Cochabamba | 730 | Carretera 1S |
| Oruro | 580 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Sucre | 800 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Potosi | 670 | Carretera 1S |
| Tarija | 1060 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 990 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
3. Port of Antofagasta, Chile
City Location: Antofagasta, Latitude: -23.6509, Longitude: -70.3975
The Port of Antofagasta, located on the northern coast of Chile, plays a significant role in Bolivia’s maritime trade. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. Antofagasta’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 760 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 880 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 730 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 950 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 820 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 1210 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 1140 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
4. Port of Matarani, Peru
City Location: Matarani, Latitude: -17.0093, Longitude: -72.0110
The Port of Matarani, situated on the southern coast of Peru, serves as a vital maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods destined for Bolivia. Matarani’s modern infrastructure and efficient operations ensure smooth cargo handling, benefiting Bolivia’s trade activities. The port is connected to Bolivia via the Southern Interoceanic Highway (Carretera Interoceánica Sur), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 620 | Carretera 1S |
| Cochabamba | 700 | Carretera 1S |
| Oruro | 550 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Sucre | 770 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Potosi | 640 | Carretera 1S |
| Tarija | 1030 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 960 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
5. Port of Valparaiso, Chile
City Location: Valparaiso, Latitude: -33.0458, Longitude: -71.6197
The Port of Valparaiso, located on the central coast of Chile, serves as a key maritime gateway for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. Valparaiso’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 3500 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 3520 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 3470 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 3690 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 3560 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 3990 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 3920 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
6. Port of Iquique, Chile
City Location: Iquique, Latitude: -20.2208, Longitude: -70.1431
The Port of Iquique, located on the northern coast of Chile, serves as an important maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. Iquique’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 16 (Ruta Internacional 16), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 1600 | Ruta 16 |
| Cochabamba | 1620 | Ruta 16 |
| Oruro | 1570 | Ruta 16, Ruta 4 |
| Sucre | 1790 | Ruta 16, Ruta 4 |
| Potosi | 1660 | Ruta 16 |
| Tarija | 2090 | Ruta 16, Ruta 4 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 2020 | Ruta 16, Ruta 4 |
7. Port of Mejillones, Chile
City Location: Mejillones, Latitude: -23.0974, Longitude: -70.4531
The Port of Mejillones, located on the northern coast of Chile, serves as a crucial maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. Mejillones’ strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 780 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 860 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 710 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 930 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 800 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 1190 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 1120 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
8. Port of Callao, Peru
City Location: Callao, Latitude: -12.0561, Longitude: -77.1182
The Port of Callao, located near Lima, Peru’s capital, serves as a significant maritime gateway for Bolivia. It handles a wide range of cargo, including minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods destined for Bolivia. Callao’s modern facilities and efficient operations ensure smooth cargo handling, benefiting Bolivia’s trade activities. The port is connected to Bolivia via the Southern Interoceanic Highway (Carretera Interoceánica Sur), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 2300 | Carretera 1S |
| Cochabamba | 2380 | Carretera 1S |
| Oruro | 2320 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Sucre | 2540 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Potosi | 2410 | Carretera 1S |
| Tarija | 2820 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 2750 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
9. Port of San Antonio, Chile
City Location: San Antonio, Latitude: -33.5927, Longitude: -71.6244
The Port of San Antonio, located on the central coast of Chile, serves as another important maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. San Antonio’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 3540 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 3560 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 3510 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 3730 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 3600 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 4030 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 3960 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
10. Port of Salaverry, Peru
City Location: Salaverry, Latitude: -8.2239, Longitude: -78.9794
The Port of Salaverry, located on the northern coast of Peru, serves as a maritime gateway for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods destined for Bolivia. Salaverry’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the Southern Interoceanic Highway (Carretera Interoceánica Sur), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 2900 | Carretera 1S |
| Cochabamba | 2980 | Carretera 1S |
| Oruro | 2920 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Sucre | 3140 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Potosi | 3010 | Carretera 1S |
| Tarija | 3420 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 3350 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
11. Port of Talara, Peru
City Location: Talara, Latitude: -4.5772, Longitude: -81.2747
The Port of Talara, located on the northern coast of Peru, serves as a maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods destined for Bolivia. Talara’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the Southern Interoceanic Highway (Carretera Interoceánica Sur), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 3220 | Carretera 1S |
| Cochabamba | 3300 | Carretera 1S |
| Oruro | 3240 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Sucre | 3460 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Potosi | 3330 | Carretera 1S |
| Tarija | 3740 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 3670 | Carretera 1S, Ruta 4 |
12. Port of Puerto Angamos, Chile
City Location: Puerto Angamos, Latitude: -23.6250, Longitude: -70.4028
The Port of Puerto Angamos, located on the northern coast of Chile, serves as a maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. Puerto Angamos’ strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 780 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 860 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 710 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 930 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 800 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 1190 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 1120 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
13. Port of Puerto Montt, Chile
City Location: Puerto Montt, Latitude: -41.4719, Longitude: -72.9397
The Port of Puerto Montt, located in southern Chile, serves as a maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. Puerto Montt’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 5000 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 5020 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 4970 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 5190 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 5060 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 5470 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 5400 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
14. Port of San Vicente, Chile
City Location: San Vicente, Latitude: -37.7800, Longitude: -73.3933
The Port of San Vicente, located in central Chile, serves as a maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. San Vicente’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 5000 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 5020 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 4970 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 5190 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 5060 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 5470 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 5400 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
15. Port of Coquimbo, Chile
City Location: Coquimbo, Latitude: -29.9533, Longitude: -71.3436
The Port of Coquimbo, located on the central coast of Chile, serves as a maritime link for Bolivia. It handles various types of cargo, including minerals, chemicals, and consumer goods destined for Bolivia. Coquimbo’s strategic location and efficient logistics contribute to the smooth flow of trade between Bolivia and international markets. The port is connected to Bolivia via the International Highway 5 (Ruta Internacional 5), providing a direct road link to major Bolivian cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bolivia | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 3500 | Ruta 5 |
| Cochabamba | 3520 | Ruta 5 |
| Oruro | 3470 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Sucre | 3690 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Potosi | 3560 | Ruta 5 |
| Tarija | 3990 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 3920 | Ruta 5, Ruta 1 |