January 5, 2019
New York NY
Rainy and Damp
After a fabulous time in Atacama, it was time for us to move to our next destination – the Bolivian Andes. It was quite an adventure getting there as the usual pass was closed due to snow so we had to go the "long way". It was a beautiful ride though through the Chilean side of the Andes into Bolivia. And quite a change. Once we got through (immigration – took about an hour), we got to the Bolivian side. And transferred to a new 4 wheel drive SUV with a Bolivian driver and guide. Both are fabulous but we quickly went from paved roads to off roading. For the next few days, we will not see a single paved road while driving through the Andes. Bolivia is beautiful but is landlocked so has many economic disadvantages. However, the discovery of natural gas has raised optimism within the country. Our guide speaks fluent English, French and Spanish and was educated in Switzerland. Both our guide and driver were terrific.
Our first day in the country was learning about the terrain and visiting the most famous lakes. I have to say it was a very special and unforgettable experience – mostly in a good way but also a bad way in that I had a bout of altitude sickness given we were hovering around 4800 meters the whole day and night. Sleeping at our hotel was tough in that I had major dehydration, nightmares, headaches and it was cold!!But I would do it again as it was really spectacular.
On our way to Bolivia. we took a photo with our Chiliean driver as arrived at the highest point of the pass. (Still in Chile)
Entering Bolivia. We will not see a paved road for the next 3 days
First impression of Bolivia – beautiful!
Everywhere you can find a moss like growth but it is as hard as a rock. Its a plant and grows on rocks in the Andes. Apparently its a cousin to the parsley.
Lakes of the Andes was our theme for our first day in Bolivia. Our first lake was the "no name" lake. It was beautiful so found it weird it had no name but them more lakes were to come
The second lake was one of the most majestic sceneries I've ever scene in my life. Its a Glacial Lake where many of the flamingos of the Andes hang out. I was mesmerized. The pictures do not do it justice.
After a nice picnic lunch, it was time for us to visit our next lake which was Laguna Verde. And it was green! But below is a photo of the "roads" we took to get to our location.
And there were more flamingos!
Our next stop was to the Laguna Colorado which is the red lake. But on the way we stopped by to enjoy rock sculptures created by nature
We posed next to it to show how tall it is
I have no idea how our driver figured out where we were going as there are no signs and no roads
And here is the Laguna Colorado
After our last lake it was time to go to our hotel at 4800 meters. I was feeling fine until it was time to go to bed…
Here we are at 4800 meters. We were all smiles and happy until the altitude hit us. Really looked forward the next day to go down in altitude. And our next stop – Uyuni! Another place from my bucket list