The Altiplano of Bolivia

We are to spend the next 3 days in the Altiplano of Bolivia.  The Altiplano is a high-plateau area covering parts of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru.  We were picked up at the Chilean-Bolivian border by 3 Toyota Land Cruisers (TLC) from the Andes Salt Expeditions Tour Company.  These TLCs' are all four-wheel drives which are necessary for the terrain that we will be driving through the next 3 days.  Our drivers are all native Bolivians, led by the leader Wahberto.  He is the only one who speaks English and knows the area very well.  I was in his vehicle and really enjoyed his knowledge of the area and Bolivia itself.

These area is well-known for its dormant volcanos and lakes.  Most of the lakes are toxic because of chemicals from the volcanoes.  Some have flocks of flamingoes in them.  The combination of volcanos and lakes is breathtaking.  On our first day we visited Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, deserts of Sabador Dali (spelling?), hot springs where some in our group too a dip, geysers and finally, Laguna Colorada.  We were at elevations of mostly above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) so some in the group have symptoms of high-altitude sickness like headaches, nose-bleed, nausea, etc.  It was bad enough that some of them couldn't participate in any of the activities.  Where the geysers were, we were at 5,000 meters or about 16,000 feet elevation.  These landmarks are all in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.  That first night we stayed at a very basic hostel within the National Park.  We had to share rooms and toilets.  There are no showers at this hostel.  There were five of us in my room.  Many of us couldn't sleep because it was cold at night.

Laguna Blanca, with volcanos in the background

Geysers

Flamingos in the lagoon

Water in the lake is toxic

Hot Springs for swimming

Arbol de Piedra, the famous Stone Tree

The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

Coca leaves, a drink that will alleviate altitude sickness

Hostel at Laguna Colorada

On the second day we drove through the Salar de Uyuni and stop at the train cemetery.  Old trains are deposited here.  Some are over 100 years old.  From there we stopped at the Seven-color volcano and Laguna Honda, Smelly Lake, Canapa, and finally, Laguna Colorada.  That night we stayed at another hostel at San Juan.  This hostel has more than basic facilities.  Although we have to share rooms, this hostel has hot-water showers.

Hostel in San Juan

Flamingos in Laguna Colorada

Quinoa plants being cultivated

Baby Llamas

On the third day we finally come to the famous salt flats of Bolivia.  I will write more about that in the next post.