EXPLORING BOLIVIA

by Guest Contributor - JO KOPKE

Bolivia has risen to the top of my list of favorite countries...it's an amazing, yet often overlooked country. I flew into Santiago, Chile because you can't fly directly to Bolivia from the U.S. as the planes aren't equipped for the high altitude. After arriving in Santiago I took the public bus into downtown. The bus leaves from the left of the Arrivals hall at Santiago Airport - ask locals for directions. I had a room at Best Western, to sleep off the plane ride, it was right on the bus route and close to walkable sights downtown.

The following day I took a quick cheap flight to Calama, Chile. From the airport I had arranged for a shuttle up to San Pedro de Atacama. I had prebooked a simple hotel there. In San Pedro de Atacama, I attended an Easter service in Spanish and was warmly welcomed by everyone from 3 pews around, went on a star gazing tour, rented a mountain bike and pedaled out to the Atacama Salt Flats which have some some really salty lakes. Buy your entry ticket online (Do you mean line up your tour? I could not find a general ticketing site.), ahead of time for this one. You float like a cork.

Then I found a 3 day tour for the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. You can buy your Bolivian Visa at the border or get it ahead of time. You'll need proof of an exit plan for Bolivia... plane ticket or something. Bring photocopies of bank statements to prove you have money and don't plan on mooching off them. The Visa costs about $150 USD and you'll need cash. This is only expensive for Americans. 

The Uyuni Tour was FANTASTIC... make sure to get a tour where you'll see the sunrise on the salt flats! The whole 3 days was magical. If you're a flatlander, get some Diamox from your doctor before you leave home. You'll be at altitudes of 14,000 feet plus... don't skip this, there is no rescuing you!!!

When the Uyuni Tour was finished, I took an overnight tourist bus to La Paz. I booked a cheap capsule hostel close to the bus station. It was just $7 a night, and perfect for leaving my gear and exploring. I went on a mountain bike day ride on The Death Road. It was a blast... you're riding downhill for 37 miles along a cliff. Don't do it if you are afraid of heights! I took another day tour up a mountain, where we hiked. Another tour took me to see the Cholita Lady Wrestlers. All of these tours were booked through my hostel. 

From La Paz I took a bus out to Lake Titicaca and took a ferry over to the most northern port on Isla del Sol. I hiked around the northern part of the island then stayed overnight. The next morning I hiked to the southern end of the island and spent the night near the ferry dock. There were lots of hotels, all listed on booking.com, and the hikes are all on the alltrails.com app.

Then I took the ferry back to the mainland and a bus back to La Paz. I took a flight down to Lima, Peru where I explored for a few days before flying home.

The people I met on this adventure were lovely and kind. Some Spanish is necessary as few people speak English. I felt very safe. 3 weeks wasn't enough time...I'll be back!