Our Last days in Bolivia showed us how varied the terrain and climate were in the southern desert regions. From spectacular desert scenery, to a beautiful canyon, to interesting volcanic outcrops, to a fertile valley with hundreds of llamas - the last part of our trip did not disappoint. The one constant of all our days - the desert tracks.
A Green Valley
As we crested a hill, something different appeared - a valley with fertile soil. Water from one of the higher elevation mountains was supplying this valley with precious water. The native people were taking full advantage of it, hundreds of llamas and sheep were grazing everywhere. The animals had kind of taken over the valley. A couple of llama/sheep herders were watching over them.
Lunch With The Llamas
Cesar and Elmer set up our lunch table at the edge of the llamas grazing area. How cool - we were having lunch amongst hundreds of llamas. Most didn't even seem to notice us, but a few kept a watchful eye on what we were up to.
Arbol de Piedra - Stone Tree
This landmark is a popular stop for traveler's crossing the southern Bolivian desert. A great place to stretch your legs and climb around on isolated volcanic rock formations. The star attraction is a rock formation that resembles a tree - Arbol de Piedra.
Desert Canyons with the only plant that would grow in the high altitudes without irrigation - the Quinoa Plant.
As we traveled, the threat of storms was always present.
Sol de Mañana
Sol de Mañana, meaning Morning Sun in Spanish, is a geothermal field in south-western Bolivia. It extends over 10 km², between 4800m and 5000m in altitude. This area is characterized by intense volcanic activity and the sulphur springs field, not geysers as sometimes it can be read, is full of mud lakes and steam pools with boiling mud.
Last Night in Bolivia
Following tracks over huge sand dunes, we came upon our last night's hotel - Hotel Desierto Siloli . We were at our highest point of the trip - 5,000m (16,400ft). This very remote hotel is 100% powered by solar energy. The Siloli Desert is the highest desert in the world.
