Tough Trains S01E01 - Across Bolivia: The Pantanal to the Pacific Coast

Episode Overview

Since the 1860s, Bolivia has gradually lost its coastal territories, leaving it landlocked. In response, Chile and Brazil constructed railways to link Bolivia to their ports; however, these routes have suffered from neglect and lack of funding. The journey starts in Corumbá, Brazil, tracing the historic railway to the Chilean coast. Along the way, it's clear that Bolivia's rail networks are fragmented and underutilized, isolating various communities. In Potosí, the railway is crucial for mineral transport, while the path leads through the Uyuni Salt Flats to La Paz, where former railways have been replaced by a cable car system. Ultimately, the journey concludes at the Chilean coast, highlighting Bolivia's ongoing challenge to preserve vital rail connections.