Brilliant Bolivia

It has a landscape harsher than Canada’s, geological wonders to rival New Zealand, and an altitude that will quite literally take your breath away. You may already have seen the ubiquitous optical illusion photos on the Uyuni salt flats, but there is so much more to Bolivia’s southwest. The surroundings seem to change with every ten minutes of overland jeep travel.

Heading from Tupiza north to Uyuni, which is one great route to avoid the crowds, a four day tour will begin by twisting around hairpin curves up and over a mountainous landscape that could have been transplanted straight from the moon. You’ll pass through a crumbling ghost town, stop by flamingo-filled lagoons that change colour depending on the pigment of their algae, and feel dwarfed by the expanse of the “Dali Desert”, named for its uncanny resemblance to many of Salvador’s paintings.

In just one small corner of this remarkable country, you’ll see geysers and a volcano, petrified lava rock formations and huge llama herds, and of course, the final crown on your tour, the famous salt flats. For a country that generally doesn’t make most people’s bucket lists, that’s not too shabby. If variety and adventure are your style, it may be time to rethink your next destination. Its neighbours take all the fame and glory, but Bolivia’s unreal landscapes are not to be missed.

Amy is busy ticking items off her bucket list. She’s happy to help you with yours (especially if South America is on your list!)