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Ahead of the salt flats tour, we were told we would be freezing, we'd eat terrible food and we'd probably feel bad from either the former food or most likely altitude sickness. Doesn't sound like the perfect trip but with the scenery on offer and our friends Lauren and Anthony on board (here on holiday for 2 weeks) we knew we were in for a good time.
The night before the trip was a sober affair, the opposite to the night before. The reason being to help altitude sickness you don't eat red meat or drink (tough times). The key thing you can do is drink lots of water. We stocked up the night before with about 6 litres each and left them with the tourist agency Cordillera. Next day not on the bus... Great start.
After being on the bus an hour we hit the Bolivian border crossing. This is where we transferred to our er delux 4x4 (roof window smashed and radio broken) and met our driver. Rumours circulate that most are drunk Bolivians making the journey interesting. Ours from the outset looked like a safe adventure with the trusty Clemente on board. Clemente hobbled, had 9 fingers and I estimated was about late 40s. We all put guesses on his age, everyone else going for sixties (in my head it's a tough paper round in Bolivia) and I was wrong, he was 68.
The 4x4s take 6 people and we were lucky to have met on our travels two extra gringos to come on our trip. Firstly Yohanna, Swedish /American who has been travelling for 2 years. The second was Marius , perhaps the most German and un German person we have met. Proving the latter, Marius forgot his passport on the first day for us to go back and collect. The more German side was telling us plainly we were all being boring on the first night and so he was going to bed. Both all in all great company and sure to make an entertaining trip
The highlights of the first day involved going into a natural pool, Termas de Polques hot springs at 4400 meters, which had a backdrop of the mountains. A fair few obligatory selfies were taken here and it was a pretty incredible start. There were also the amazing lakes of Lago Verde and Lago Blanca, with the mountains reflecting on to the water making spectacular shots. We stopped off in the afternoon at the bubbling geysers, Solar de Manaña where you definitely do not want to fall. We finished off with a trip to see hundreds of pink flamingos at Lago Colorada.
First night everyone was early to bed, as early as 9 (ravers) mostly as people weren't feeling tip top in the altitude and because there was no booze (not advisable at 4000m). Being out in the sticks lights went out at 10 due to electricity shortage, unsurprisingly there was no WiFi and so bed seemed like the best option.
Day 2 we saw more lakes. After a while in all honesty even the most breathtaking lakes get a little samey (travel problems) so we were all happy to stop at huge rock formations at Árbol de Piedra. The day would often involve a game of Where's Anthony, who we'd usually look upwards and find him at the top of a rock.
After a day of sightseeing we pulled up at our accommodation for the night, a salt hotel. This is exactly what it says on the tin, salt everywhere. Great on walls, tables, less so good on the floor when you are getting out the shower and finding it in your bag a week later. We were served a three course dinner (the food was surprising good vs expectations) and the boys were late following a lock in in a glamorous convenience shop with a Bolivian lady owner and a few cans of beer. Lauren and I used the first opportunity at lower altitude to share a bottle of Chilian red, not quite ready to try the Bolivian offering.
The last day was the crowning glory finishing at the salt flats. For this reason, we were glad to start from San Pedro to Uyuni rather than the other way round. This route allows you to appreciate the best part on the last day. The photos say it all, showing the landscape in all its beauty. Bright blue skies and endless white salt plains, there is no where like it.
Ahead of the trip everyone had seen the typical tourist photos, holding people in your hands, stamping on them and most importantly being chased by a dinosaur. Reality, a lot harder than it looks to frame. The hour of photos was a little stressful. It was hot, people were on the floor, altering camera angles, moving people whilst watching the time count down. Big tip would be buy a big dinosaur, one the size of your head would be best. One major thing I learnt though was I can jump really high (should have been an athlete) and Rory can't. We are also not in sync as jumpers.. Rory and Anthony much better! We did end up getting photos to remember when a tour guide came to the rescue to show us how it's done.
Slight anti climax finish when they took us afterwards to a train grave yard or cemetery (still not quite sure what it was) . Lots of disused trains, graffiti, a swing. It's at this point you do wonder if they could take tourists anywhere. Overall however we had an amazing time, unforgettable scenery with your friends can't be beaten. That is unless you are going to the jungle which was our next stop!
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