Your Guide to a Layover in Guayaramerín (GYA)

A long layover in Guayaramerín is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Capitán de Av. Emilio Beltrán Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 40 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.

What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal

Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at GYA:

First, verify that you can enter Bolivia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Mototaxi takes about 40 minutes into Guayaramerín, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — BOB is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BOB in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.

Getting from GYA to Guayaramerín

From GYA, the Taxi/Mototaxi gets you to Guayaramerín in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Mototaxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.

Money & Budget Tips

Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Guayaramerín, budget roughly $21 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.

The average cost of a meal here runs about $6 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.

Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.

What’s Worth Seeing in Guayaramerín

Two recommendations for your time in Guayaramerín:

Start with Mamoré Riverfront Promenade. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace. Then, if time allows, make your way to Plaza 2 de Febrero. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Guayaramerín.

If you’d rather stay inside GYA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:

  • GYA Airport Waiting Area
  • Local Air Traffic Observation

Best Bites Near GYA

For food in Guayaramerín, local travelers recommend Restaurante El Pescador. If you have time for a second stop, Comedor Tradicional Guayaramerín is another popular pick.

Back at GYA, GYA Airport Cafeteria is the go-to. Airport Snack & Refreshment Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.

What to Do With Your Bags

Dedicated luggage storage at GYA may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Guayaramerín’s center.

Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.

Staying Connected

Free WiFi is generally available at GYA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Guayaramerín itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Bolivia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.

Rest Areas & Lounges

Long overnight layover? Your options at GYA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Bolivia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.

Final Thoughts

A layover in Guayaramerín is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.

Safe travels, and enjoy Guayaramerín.

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Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.

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