Bolivia kicks butt!!

Man, what a day! This has been the most exhausting day to-date.

Alarm at 5AM, pick up at the hotel at 5:50. We had to go through an agency and book a tour into Bolivia, because the car rental company would not let us cross the border. Just as well. There is no way our car would have made it on the roads we traveled on. They are made strictly for 4-wheel drive with a high clearance. None of the roads are marked, some look like paths, yet these are the main roads in southern Bolivia. Our first day in-country consisted of 12 hours along the most forsaken, dusty roads imaginable.

Our abode in San Pedro de Atacama. We were able to leave our car and most of our belongings there.

Once we crossed the remote border post, we found ourselves in no-man’s land, no towns, no sign of life other than the occasional llama and flamingo. But what a spectacular place!!!

We stopped at several lagunas along the way. Simply spectacular. I wish I had a drone. Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, and Laguna Colorada, were simply amazing. The wide-open spaces bordered by amazing mountains were sights to behold.

Laguna Blanca

Laguna Verde

As I say, we drove for 12 hours, during which we did not encounter a single town, or even outpost. There are a total of 6 travelers in our group, everyone super nice and fun. There are two girls from Valencia, Spain, and a young couple from London, beside us. A good group.

The weather around these parts is insane. During this day we traveled only at an elevation of approximately 16,000 feet. The sun is scorching, but is it covered by a cloud, or if the wind blows, a winter jacket is a must. The altitude messes with your breathing and your stomach. It was exhausting for all of us.

Hot Springs lake

Geysers

Magnificent Laguna Colorada

Flamingos love the rich algae of this red lagoon

Once we reached our dorm (yes, we are roughing it, because that’s all there is), I collapsed on the bed and did not wake up until 12 hours later.

Yet, the natural wonders we saw made it all very much worth it. I know most of the pictures may seem boring, since they mostly depict local scenery, but the reality of the place cannot be told by a mere photograph, as the beauty is 360 degrees.

Our tour car overheated. Our guide told us that it happens every time, as the altitude, and the steep hills are very punishing for vehicles.

I tried to take a photo of the road, but we were bouncing so much that this was the best shot I could get.

This Andean high-elevation landscape is unique in the whole world. Nowhere else will you find such amazing, unique terrain. We hope you enjoy this selection.