A fine introduction to Bolivia was a 4 day excursion with Tupiza Tours from Tupiza to Uyuni via the Uyuni Salt Flats. Through the Quebrada de Palala our 4 x 4 ascended to the high plains where llama and the smaller, endangered vicuña graze.

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After the abandoned (ghost) mining town of San Antonio we visited hot springs, coloured lagoons with flamingos, geysers, multi coloured volcanoes both dormant and active, a necropolis in tiny San Juan containing remains of pre Inca people, strange lava formations as well as a ¨Dali¨ desert – all between 4000 and 5000 metres.

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We were in good hands with our driver/guide Victor, who was very informative and always cheerful. Magali, our cook kept us well fed, getting up in the early hours to prepare wonderful meals. Her dried llama tamales were delicious. Together with Mariana and Martin from Argentina we had a great experience.

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To be continued ….

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Climbing out of Tupiza

Climbing out of Tupiza

Jeff and twin

Jeff and twin

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Small adobe village along the way

Adobe church

Adobe church

Remains of one of the churches in San Antonio

Remains of one of the churches in San Antonio

Lagoon white from borax

Lagoon white from borax

Flamingos take off from Laguna Colorada

Flamingos take off from Laguna Colorada

Laguna Verde, green from arsenis and magnesium

Laguna Verde, green from arsenic and magnesium

One of the 5 species of flamingo

One of the 5 species of flamingo

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Vicuñas coming for a drink

Vicuñas coming for a drink

LLamas

LLamas

Llama are bigger and differently coloured than vicuñas

Llamas are bigger and differently coloured than vicuñas

Strange rock formations in the desert

Strange rock formations in the desert

The petrified tree rock

The petrified tree rock

Our guide Victor

Our guide Victor

Rhea

Rhea

One of the multi-coloured volcanos

One of the multi-coloured volcanos

Steaming geysers at 4800 meters

Steaming geysers at 4800 meters

Andino fox

Andino fox

Looks soft, but it is dried and used for firewood

Looks soft, but it is dried and used for firewood

Necropolis contains remains of pre Inca people

Coral necropolis contains remains of pre Inca people

Church at San Juan

Church at San Juan

Quinoa (Indian grain)

Quinua (Indian grain)

Magali prepares lunch at the back of the landcruiser

Magali prepares lunch at the back of the landcruiser with the help of Victor

Landcruiser speeding across the desert

Landcruiser speeding across the desert

Dalí desert

Dalí desert

Lunch is ready

Lunch is ready

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