How can i travel from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Cruz??!?!

Hi there!

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this one. I am a 21 year old american student studying abroad in Rio de Janeiro from Jul-dec. I wish to spend christmas and new years in Bolivia with Family and friends. Now i know I could easily buy a round trip ticket, but i've been thinking of taking a train or bus there.

I've researched the so called "death train" and know about that.

how can i get from Rio to Corumba? and which is my best option?

any advice and tips welcome!

Thanks,
Jacquelynn

If you don't want to fly to Corumba, it's basically the bus. I don't know if there are direct buses to Corumba, but at least there are direct buses from Rio to Campo Grande. From there numerous buses go to Corumba. Normally, it's easy enough to just show up at the bus terminal and be on your way within a few hours.
Count on a total of 3 days of travelling (don't know if the train runs every day though).
Cheers!
Michael.