I’ve had bad luck getting to Bolivia especially when I planned the trips on my own. The first attempt was foiled by Latam who decided to cancel flights at the last minute. I was able to get a refund from them but not the hotels I booked nor from the domestic airline. The second trip was also cancelled due to Latam but as they are a Peruvian airline and not from Bolivia I decided to try a third time.

Rules change and now it was no longer possible to get a visa online and the closest consulate was closed or not answering their phones. I decided to engage a tour company to help me navigate the obstacles. They assured me I could get my visa on arrival as long as I had copies of all the necessary papers.

There were at least 15 people in my line awaiting their turn and every time the person in front was asked a question he couldn’t answer we all panicked. The agent wanted a current bank statement and the internet service wasn’t working. He finally left the line and it was my turn. Luckily by this time all the fellow travelers were eager to help and thankfully my google-fi worked and I was on my way.

I knew La Paz was the highest international airport in the World but I didn’t really prepare for what that meant. Years ago I had summitted Kilimanjaro, had trekked to Macchu Picchu, climbed Mt. Fuji, made it to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan and did a week in the shadow of Everest. Years ago I also was fitter and much younger!

With my visa in hand I quickly found my domestic flight to Uyuni realizing that since I had only 2 or 3 hours of sleep in the last 36 hours I couldn’t trust myself to sit comfortably somewhere to wait. It was better that I stay standing in front of the boarding gate. I arrived a few hours later to the famed salt flats and was met by my energetic young guide and driver who were anxious to show me a great time. It was difficult to not get caught up in their enthusiasm and I proceeded to pose for their trick photos.

My hotel that night was the Palacio de Sal, an experience that reminded me of ice caves or igloos.  I did wonder how they kept rain from dissolving these salt bricks…and consequently kept me awake since my ceiling appeared to be all salt!  It is truly beautiful and well managed. 

I understand that in the summer months (Bolivia’s summer is December-February) there are many young backpackers and crowds everywhere.  I was happy with my September dates!

Next blog will feature the highland lagoons and the many beautiful pink flamingos and my fearful night trying to sleep at 16,000 feet!