Bolivia

Like Peru, Bolivia is rich in ancient cultures, music and folklore.  A landlocked country that covers mountains, deserts and Amazon Basin.  Its local people, mostly Aymara and Quecha Indians, are colourful and friendly, and many of them continue to follow ways of life little changed in hundreds of years.  Of particular note are the Uros Indians living ‘aboard’ their, seemingly unfeasible, floating reed islands on the glass smooth Lake Titicaca.

At El Alto, the Altiplano Plateau drops dramatically 400m into a rocky canyon and to the city of La Paz.  It is a fascinating city in the shadow of Mount Illimani, with cobbled streets and markets (including the Witches Market!) selling almost anything.  See the city, already the highest capital in the world, from a different perspective by taking the Teleferico, cable car, ride above its streets.

In the remote south-west corner of Bolivia are salt lakes and high altitude deserts.  The shallow Laguna Colorado, south of Salar de Uyuno, is described as the largest salt lake in the world attracting flocks of rare James flamingos, its red waters contrasting with a shoreline of brilliant white salt and gypsum deposits.  Beautiful to see at sunset as it reflects the pinks and purples of the setting sun.  The dark green waters of Laguna Verde, in the shadow of the Licancabur volcanos are yet another contrast in this most surreal landscape.  Anyone who visits Bolivia will be immersed in a vivid landscape that epitomises all that is indigenous Latin America.

Walking and trekking are activities that can be enjoyed by all abilities, from gentle meandering to hardcore trekking with so many different options and terrains affording you wonderful vistas while you walk.