Give your South American adventure a real sting with a visit
to one of the most fun loving countries on the continent. Hospitable, action
packed and CHEAP, live dynamite, unearthly scenery, World topping statistics
and a love for most things frowned upon by the Western World. BOOM – welcome to
Bolivia!
Here are four experiences that stand out as unique, chilling
and memorable not only from my time in Bolivia, nor just South America, but
from anywhere I’ve travelled before.
No1 – La Paz and its
Nightlife
The locals claim it’s the best, the travellers love it and
in this vibrant, party pumping City it’s easy to see why. Join the games in the
lively hostels before the draw of the City offers multiple clubs playing any
and all music you want – everyone is here to dance. The dorm beds are usually
pretty empty until around the 5am mark.
Best Bit – Not always advised but accept an invite to a
Bolivian after party and see how the residents of La Paz really let themselves
go.
No2 – Surviving Death
Road
Hordes of companies offer the opportunity to downhill
mountain bike ‘the World’s most dangerous road’. The more you pay, the better
the bike. Since being built in the 1930s it’s claimed 200-300 lives a year.
With vertical drops of 2500feet, the environment is as intimidating as it is
beautiful. Starting at 4,700 metres above sea level, you finish in sub-tropical
climates at a lowly 1000m. The narrow road, twisty hair pins and spine tingling
views are unlike most leisurely bike rides you’ll have taken before!
Best Bit - Strictly
speaking ‘El Camino de la Muerte’ is mainly traffic free now a days but, be
last to leave for La Paz at the end of the day, have a chat with your guide and
let your driver scare the pants off you with a drive back up Death Road in the
dark.
No3 – Play with
Dynamite
Discover the labyrinth of mines that once made Potosi the
World’s richest City. Being underground in a claustrophobic, dusty, hot space
has never been more fun. No longer the wealthiest but still the highest the
traditional way of mining silver - from a mountain experts said should have
collapsed 8 years ago - is still in full swing. Take in the tails of the mining
gods and devils whilst sharing 96% alcohol. Squeeze up rickety ladders and buy
silver straight from the hands of the miners.
Best Bit – Again, it isn’t strictly allowed but play your
cards right and you could have live dynamite in your mouth moments before your
guide buries it, completes 10 press ups on it, and lets it blow smithereens out
of the ground – unforgettable!
No4 – See a different
World
Wrap up warm and head south to 10,000sq kilometres of….salt –
it’s far more special than it sounds. The largest of their kind on earth, the
Salt Flats of Uyuni are breath taking. Get creative with your photography,
experience the sub-zero temperatures at night and sleep in a salt hotel, the 3
day tour takes in landscapes you could, without pictures, only create with an
over active imagination.
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