Ver página en: Español
When I crossed the border between Chile and Bolivia, it was like I had stepped back in time for a few decades. Ascending up to the altiplano (high plains), Bolivia felt different. Like that one afternoon I was walking on some random street in La Paz, and heard someone using a type writer. It had been ages since I’d heard that sound and couldn’t help cracking a smile.
This time I travelled along the western half of Bolivia, mostly on the altiplano. After seeing the famous Uyuni salt flats, I headed almost straight to Potosí, a mining town with an amazing story. But since it was high and cold there, I moved on quickly to Sucre; where I stayed for a few weeks.
Before getting to La Paz, I stopped in Cochabamba; which was actually quite nice with plenty of street art and market life. Finally, I arrived to La Paz and stayed for a while, doing a few day trips here and there. I ended my time in Bolivia at Copacabana and Lake Titicaca. The whole Bolivia was a bit of a surprise for me and I loved most of it. Here’s a round-up of my best Instagram shots from my days there. Enjoy!
Steep Street Art in Cochabamba
A few months ago, there was a big street art festival in Cochabamba. There are still many murals around town, with works made by some really great artists. This piece by Steep, an artist from Ecuador, is one of my favourites.
Mercado Central in Sucre
The markets in Bolivia were just unreal! So full of bright, beautiful colours; they are my favourites so far :) The central market in Sucre was particularly nice, it wasn’t as crowded as some others. It was pretty nice to come in the afternoons, just to walk around and drink fresh fruit juices.
View of Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, one of the biggest lakes in South America, is a special place. This land-locked mass of deep-blue waters has captured the imagination of people for thousands of years. I feel lucky to have seen the lake from a few different angles; this was one of them :)
Train At the Border
This abandoned train was one of the first things I saw when I entered Bolivia in Ollagüe. The place looked like it got stuck in time, perhaps sometime in the 50s; and the whole experience was a bit surreal.
Sunset at Moon Valley
The Moon Valley in La Paz is a place with a unique landscape, full of bizarre rock formations and cacti. It’s a nice place to get out of the hectic rhythm of the capital city and breathe some fresh air.
Market Day in Bolivia
Another market shot from a little town not too far from La Paz, on the way to Lake Titicaca. I could just walk for hours in these places or sit down and just observe for a while.
Start of the Death Road
The views at the beginning of the Death Road in Bolivia are nothing short of spectacular. At 4650 meters above sea level, you start the ride right next to these awesome snow-peaked mountains; and go all the way down to the humid tropical forest.
Dancing in Copacabana
One thing I loved about Bolivia, were the typical dances. The best shots I had were in the little town of Copacabana, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. On a Saturday morning in August, I went to check out the church and came upon a small parade visiting from La Paz. Such a perfect moment!
Laguna Hedionda
Despite its name, when I visited Laguna Hedionda (Stinky Lagoon) on the way to the Salar de Uyuni, it wasn’t really that smelly. Maybe it was too cold for that… But the flamingoes didn’t seem to mind at all!
Laguna Colorada
One of the most bizarre sights on my time in Bolivia was Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon). The reddish tone of its water is caused by some micro organisms and algae. It was also located at the highest point of the trip at 4278 meters above sea level.
Are you on Instagram? For the latest shots of my travels, check out my profile and follow along!
Gorgeous photos! I especially liked the one of Lake Titicaca. Hopefully I can go some day!